I traveled up to Northampton from Connecticut for my birthday and it was the perfect daytrip. There were lots of cute shops for every price range. You'll also find lots of great cafes and restaurants in the downtown area. You can't go wrong by visiting the town for either a daytrip or for a couple days.
had not walked through town since i lived there twenty seven years ago. wow, they have really spruced things up, better than i remembered. it is a great place to go for a stroll and around. lots of shops and restaurants. we did go to the iron horse for a show a while back but we did not have time to browse around. wish we had more time this visit but we had to get back to the big e for a show. it is fairly close to springfield if you are in the area for the fair and are looking for something else to do.we will go back.may you have tight lines wherever you may travel.
There are lots of great shops and restaurants. There is a very unique atmosphere and interesting people.
They are trying to make this college town into "paradise city "The rehabbed old buildings are amazing Exceptional among them Is Silversmith Designs . But a lot of Street people begging or promoting causes. Nice hand made items at Thornes . All on Main Street
I don't particularly think of Northampton as "historic" because it is always lively, always changing and evolving in a very pleasing and unpretentious way despite its obvious prosperity. The downtown business district is completely walkable. Main Street is flat and lined with tempting shops and restaurants. The side streets offer some real treasures as well but may be too hilly for older folks to explore.Northampton is a unique town where the pedestrians rule, so drivers honor the marked crosswalks more than in other places I have been. There is a large city parking garage and municipal open lots behind Thorns Marketplace; otherwise parking can be extremely challenging and the meter maids are...um...dedicated to their jobs. Don't say I didn't warn you!Why DON'T we live in NoHo? Pricy housing!
Main street of Northampton has old stone buildings and churches, one story stores with varied things to sell from hippy gear, discounted goods, fancy dresses, etc. Thornes is interesting. Also has full complex of restaurants and murals on side street depicting history of Northampton.
There are wonderful choices for eating and trendy shopping. The town has quite a few homeless or those who may have homes but are panhandling-just be aware-its a shame since that puts a bit of a damper on this town for tourists.
If you want to learn about the social history of Northampton, this is the place. Some famous people, some you never heard of, but all integrated into the real history of the city, from the time of the earliest English settlements until just yesterday.
The combination of Smith College, great restaurants, and it's quirky vibe make Northampton a town to visit. You can comfortably walk around town and take in the art stores and old architecture. If people watching is your thing, you'll enjoy sitting in one of the sidewalk restaurants and taking in the local scene. If you feel like a bike ride, there is the newly restored Northampton Bikeway. (I cannot remember the formal name of the bike path, but it is long, newly restored, and has many access points.) Winter or summer, there's plenty to do in Northampton and the surrounding communities.
Whether you are in the mood for Italian, a good steak, or just want to hang out and have a drink there is something for everyone in Northampton. After a good meal walk off some of the calories by visiting the wide array of boutique shops.