The City Side
Amherst
The town — the most populous in Hampshire County — is a vibrant , intellectual hub with three prestigious colleges :
Amherst College , Hampshire College , and UMass Amherst . Bask in the academic tradition as you stroll through the grand campuses and recite poetry ( try local heroine Emily Dickinson ) under a towering sycamore tree . Indulge in the perks of a college town — late night ramen , pizza , oysters , pints of beer , and music .
Amherst ’ s youthful , lively downtown boasts an independent movie theater , new performing arts space The Drake , diverse restaurants , and a handful of coffee shops , museums , art galleries , and bookstores set against the backdrop of historical architecture and blooming flower gardens . Yes , it looks like a movie set for a quintessential New England town — only Amherst is the real deal ( though you might see the odd film crew ).
If you want to get off the beaten path , discover the Mill District Shops in North Amherst — dining , clothing , hair , wine , hardware , general store , local arts gallery and more . And there ' s always something happening . From outdoor movie nights to local markets , gallery openings to wine tastings , the Mill District does not disappoint .
Amherst is also quickly becoming an agricultural hub , where Amherst College ’ s Book & Plow farm is aptly named . Farmers ’ markets are brimming with the local bounty all year round , including the summer market held on the Amherst Common , and the winter market hosted in the Hampshire Mall . If eating kohlrabi doesn ’ t sound adventurous enough , Amherst offers outdoor recreation that will spike your adrenaline — from swimming to hiking to cycling . visithampshirecounty . com 13