The Pioneer Valley

The Pioneer Valley is a collection of towns and small cities interspersed with farmland and wilderness in the beautiful Connecticut River Valley. Some of the best things about the Pioneer Valley are:

• “The nature! Lots of opportunities to be in nature”
• “The bike path”
• “Outdoor activities”
• “Nice mix of beautiful rural setting and vibrant cultural community.”
• “A nice blend of things to do: natural areas/outdoor activities, bars/restaurants, coffeeshops, breweries, live music, farm CSAs, etc.”
• “Great food: farmer's markets, restaurants, farm stands, local organic vegetables, meats, and cheeses. Great hikes/outdoor activities: many wonderful trails easily accessible and some a short drive away. Swim, canoe, rock climb, bike, etc. Museums: Smith's, MassMoCA, Melville others. Safety - I often don't lock my car in Northampton (don't steal my iPod after reading this, thanks). Short drives to big cities: NYC, Boston, New Haven has some cool things (art museum, food, Ikea). Good, make that great, coffee.”
• “Spring: Maple syrup milkshakes at a sugar shack. Summer: Tubing on the Deerfield River. Fall: Hiking in the fall colors, delicious apples. Winter: Cross-country skiing in Vermont (it's not far away).”
• “The diversity of available activities. My apartment is less than a ten minute drive from campus and there are hiking trails out my back door, local coffee shops down the street, and lots of great restaurants nearby.”