The City Side
Easthampton
Easthampton is not up-and-coming ; it ’ s arrived , and we can ’ t get enough of this artsy , hip , surprising city . Blink and you ’ ll miss another new business hanging a shingle — a local butcher , a gourmet popsicle shop , a tattoo parlor , and even a table tennis club . Easthampton residents are daring and inventive , which is showcased in our street murals and sculptures . We even commissioned artists to make our bike racks look cool .
Artists and creative types are flocking to the city , churning out art and pottery from factory buildings once famed for textiles , buttons , and rubber . Though to be fair , the artists have always been here , especially at One Cottage Street , the gateway to Easthampton ’ s cultural district . We love our new hot spots , but we ’ re still crazy for our tried-and-true pizza joints and Italian eateries . Here ’ s a tidbit for your next trivia night : Easthampton was named the city with the best tasting water in the nation . Thanks to this clean , crisp H2O , we ’ ve got a thriving micro-brewing scene , with three craft breweries serving up distinctive lagers , ales , and ginger beers .
Rising above the city , Mount Tom beckons , reminding you to get out and enjoy Easthampton ’ s open spaces and hiking trails . The Nashawannuck Pond boardwalk is the ideal place to catch the sunset , fish from the dock , jump in a paddleboat , or watch a stranger hula hoop . Get your greens at the summer farmer ’ s market and take the kids to the area ’ s most epic playground in Nonotuck Park . The bike trail cuts right through the center of town , making it easy to come and go — though many people get here and stay .
14 the other side of massachusetts