Emma & Daniel
Things To Do
Ashley Reservoir
Beautiful scenic walk with many options for distance. The main entrance is located at the Elks Lodge, which has ample parking in a paved lot. The small loop is about 1.25 miles, while the big loop is about 3.5 miles. This reservoir has two porta-potties, many benches, and lots of geese! There are many options for shortening or lengthening your walk - all of the loops are connected and there are multiple entrances. This is a great option for those traveling with kids who want to get out for a walk, or for your morning run!
Whiting Reservoir
Two entrance options: one off of Easthampton Rd., and one off of Northampton St. (route 5). The Easthampton Rd. Entrance has a designated parking area across the street from the gate, while the Northampton St. entrance is street parking on Mountain Park Rd.. Plan on a 3.5 to 4 mile hike (depending on the entrance, Easthampton Rd. adds a little extra distance). This route is a single loop around the reservoir with beautiful views of the water and Mt. Tom.
Mt. Tom State Reservation
Many difference trail options in the park! The NET (New England Trail, one of the National Scenic Trails) runs straight through the park, and the hike to the peak is one of our favorites. This hike is about 4 miles round trip, and we affectionately call it “uphill both ways”. There are also shorter, family friendly hikes - such as the half mile to Goat Peak, or the one mile loop around Bray Lake. There is also a playground designed for climbing and imagination, and plenty of areas to picnic.
Bare Mountain
This hike is about one mile round trip, but is definitely uphill on the way to the top, with a couple sections of (safe and easy) scrambling. This one is a long time tradition for us; we hike it every Labor Day weekend to take in one of the last sunrises before the business of the new school year really sets in. The view at the top includes a clear picture of the Pioneer Valley north, with UMass (Emma’s undergrad alma mater and current masters program) in the distance! Parking is located at the Notch Visitors Center in South Hadley.
Mount Norwottuck
Like Bare Mountain, the hike starts at the Notch. This one heads in the opposite direction, however, and is a little longer - 3 miles round trip, out and back. Like Mount Tom and Bare Mountain, you'll be hiking on the New England Trail - one of the national scenic trails - and seeing some steeper sections. You can also turn this into a loop hike with the Robert Frost Trail, and catch the Horse Caves and Rattlesnake Knob if you're willing to go a little further distance.
Tekoa Mountain
The trailhead is at the end Reservoir Rd in Westfield MA. This hike is 3 miles out and back, but has the best scrambling of all the hikes we've shared here. It's also away from the NET and therefore has a little less traffic. Much of the greenery on this hike is lower shrubbery too, so you great views all along the way.
Norwottuck Rail Trail
The rail trail runs through some of our favorite towns in Western, MA, including Amherst - which is where we lived before buying our home in Holyoke! We did a lot of daily runs, including Emma’s training for her first half marathon, on this trial when we were living in Amherst. The main access point for the rail trail is located just off of Exit 21 in Northampton. There is a designated parking lot with bathrooms. The route is completely paved, and mile markers and distances are clearly marked along the trail.
Pulse Cafe
Fully plant based restaurant with many options for making dishes gluten free. Pulse is one of our favorites! Some highlights on the menu are the vida bowl (Emma’s favorite), southern comfort bowl, Tex Mex burger (Dan’s favorite), roasted sweet potatoes (also Emma’s favorite), garlic knots, and ANYTHING in the bakery case.
Nourish Wellness Cafe
Best acai bowl in the Pioneer Valley. The mostly plant based menu is a fresh and light option for breakfast or lunch. The food here is extremely fresh, and mostly local. Any bowl, salad, or smoothie that we’ve tried has been delicious! They are also very accommodating of those looking for gluten free options.
Haymarket Cafe
Another great breakfast or lunch option. Haymarket has options for vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters. All ingredients for each dish are listed on the menu, and the staff is knowledgable about different dietary needs. We have never ordered anything from here that we haven’t enjoyed! The bakery case has a wide variety of sweet treats, and the smoothies are delicious. Some favorites of ours on the menu include: tofu vegan scramble, baked portobello sandwich, roasted cauliflower and tofu salad, and pasta caperi.
Tandem Bagel Company
Delicious and locally made bagels! Tandem boasts a wide variety of bagel and cream cheese flavors. Many of the bagels are vegan, and they do have a gluten free bagel option. They also have vegan cream cheese and vegan cheddar for breakfast sandwiches. Be sure to specify dietary restrictions and ask questions - the bagels are not clearly marked vegan, but the staff is usually knowledgable on options. Our favorites include the blueberry bagel with vegan cream cheese, and the spicy egg sandwich with a sub of avocado instead of bacon.
Pita Pockets
One of our absolute favorite places to eat! Pita Pockets doesn’t take phone orders, but the owner is incredibly kind and the customer service is always wonderful, so it would be worth the trip! The restaurant is counter style / add your toppings to your base off of the menu. Our favorites include the Bhabha ghanoush, ultimate vegan salad, and falafel pocket.
Osaka
A great option for sushi or Japanese style main dishes. The staff is knowledgable about and willing to accommodate dietary restrictions. If you are vegan/dairy free, be sure to specify no butter in any stir fry, noodle, or hibachi dishes. We love all of the sushi rolls we order here, and the seaweed salad is also delicious!
Northampton
Downtown Northampton is an awesome place to wander! There are countless small businesses, coffee shops, local breweries, and outdoor spaces to enjoy.
Holyoke Mall
Your typical mall. Old Navy, Gap, Macys, and Target (obviously a favorite). Perfect for if you forgot something (we have many times) or if the outdoors just aren’t your thing.
Children's Museum at Holyoke
Another great option for kiddos! The indoor climbing scape, imaginative play, and bubble section are favorites.
Holyoke Merry-Go-Round
The Merry Go Round at Heritage State Park is a downtown staple and great option for those with kids! Emma has many childhood memories of birthday parties, concerts, and other events taking place here.
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
A low-key option for the kiddos (and adults) who love the classics like A Very Hungry Caterpillar and Brown Bear, Brown Bear. They occasionally have interactive crafts in addition to the exhibits!
Playgrounds
Holyoke has lots of great playgrounds: Community Field, E.N. White Elementary School, Kennedy Park, and Rohan Park are all great options.