Megan & Kevin
Things To Do
Familiars Coffee & Tea
Great cafe right down the street from Hotel Northampton set in a cool updated classic "lunch car" with coffee, teas, and tasty food options. Some outdoor seating available as well. Kevin first stumbled upon this spot on a work trip and knew Megan would love it - sure enough, when we came for our first in-person trip to Hotel Northampton, Megan agreed that this is a must try for anyone who appreciated a good cafe.
The Hotel Northampton - Wiggins Tavern
Looking for brunch Sunday after all of the wedding festivities? Look no further than the Hotel Northampton's brunch buffet at the Wiggins Tavern. Brunch is available 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM, but does require a reservation in advance. Adults $34.95, Kids (5-12) $19.95, Under 4 eat free. Brunch Menu: - omlette station - fresh pastries & breads - house made quiche - waffles -french toast - yogurt bar - scrambled eggs - bacon & sausage - eggs benedict - fresh salad - smoked salmon w/ accompaniments - carving station - rotating lunch selection - juice & coffee included
Esselon Café
Artisanal coffee roaster and café in Hadley, MA. About 10 minutes away from the hotel by car, we had a great lunch here while killing time before picking our cake right down the street earlier this summer.
Fitzwilly's Restaurant
Fun and lively casual restaurant with 2 floors for standard American cuisine, great spot for lunch or dinner - best of all it's just around the corner from the Hotel Northampton.
Toasted Owl Tavern
Cozy but open bar attached to Fitzwilly's with classic bar food and good drinks. Good spot to get a quick and easy bite. Open late and a 3 min walk from the reception venue for those that want to keep the party going after the reception ends.
The Tunnel Bar
Located within Northampton's historic Union Station, The Tunnel Bar is a nationally acclaimed cocktail lounge known for its unique environment and renown selection of award-winning martinis and libations. Megan & Kevin will absolutely be trying to stop in for a drink when they get into town for the weekend and would recommend any cocktail-enjoyers who appreciate a cool ambiance try to find time to do the same.
Progression Brewing Company
Beer (and seltzer) lovers will enjoy checking out this cool local brewery's taproom just a few blocks away from the reception venue. With live music, tons of board game options, plenty of space, and a slew of delicious beers on tap you really can't go wrong spending an hour or two here.
Herrell's Ice Cream & Bakery
A Northampton staple since the 70s, this cool (and more importantly, delicious!) ice cream spot is a great option for desert or an anytime treat with handcrafted flavors, plus homemade hot fudge & other toppings.
Jake's
Popular breakfast/brunch/lunch spot right across the street from Hotel Northampton. We haven't personally tried this one but, might have to try it during the big weekend after having seen it profiled on a local food show in the Boston area called The Phantom Gourmet; one of a few shows we like to watch occasionally watch weekend mornings after making a nice brunch at home together.
Yankee Candle Village
Founded locally, check out the South Deerfield Village Yankee Candle Store for family fun with candle activities and a unique experience with the famous candle maker's scented products in person!
Mount Tom State Reservation
Hike the tallest mountain in central mountain in Central MA. At 1,202 ft elevation, this state park has a couple different trail options, from easier to more difficult, that lead to the best views of The Pioneer Valley & Connecticut River. Something to note is the park foes charge for parking - $5 for MA residents & $20 for non-MA residents but we're not sure how enforced this fee is.
Northampton Country Club
Despite the name, this local course is open to the public and features a well maintained course and indoor simulators at affordable prices for those who want to get a few swings in during their downtime. They also have a pool you can use for a fee as well as a bar & restaurant.
Ledges Golf Club
Nice golf course with better views than Northampton Country Club and the trade off of slightly higher rates in return.
Western Mass Family Golf Center
Closer to Downtown Northampton and even more casual than the 2 suggested courses, check out this fun spot just down the road for a driving range, mini golf, and batting cages. Basically across the street from Esselon Cafe if you want to combine 2 spots in one shot.
The New England Peace Pagoda
Tap into your zen and clear your mind at this awesome spot that's a bit tucked away but well worth the trip (and free!). It was the first Nipponzan-Myōhōji peace pagoda to be built in the United States for those history fans but it's also a relaxing a beautiful, unique, and unexpected sight to behold in this part of the state. As cool as the peace pagoda is, the massive Japanese style zen garden out back is Kevin's favorite part of visiting this tranquil space.
Atkins Farms
Popular local farm with big country store/ farm stand carrying all the classic specialties from beer to cheese to ice cream. But, most importantly this time of year - Apple. Cider. Donuts. Need we say more?
Northampton Brewery
Cozy but not too small brewery on the edge of NoHo's extremely walkable downtown with a delicious variety of beer styles, including seasonal options, and very solid pub food. If beer's not your thing, this brewery also has a full bar for those who prefer cocktails or wine.
Amherst Brewing Co./Hangar Pub and Grille
Beer. Wings. Sports. (And Arcade Games). Buffalo Wild Wings wishes it was ABC/Hangar Pub. About 15-20 min just down Rt. 9 from Downtown Northampton, and right outside of Kevin's alma mater of UMass, the Hanger Pub combined with local Amherst brewing Company to bring the best of both worlds to students and locals alike. If you're looking for a fun atmosphere with very solid bar/American food, then this is a spot you don't wanna miss!
Emily Dickenson Museum
Check out the Dickenson Homestead - birthplace & home of the famous American poet for the first 30 years of her life. Now a museum and in the charming downtown area of Amherst (frequently voted best college town in America, occasionally alternating with Madison, WI) this is a great stop for both history & literature fans and is in close walking distance to a slew of fantastic local restaurants.
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
Founded by the man himself, throw it back to your/your children's childhood with this fun and modern museum featuring the best of Eric Carle's artwork from his world renowned picture books.