Feel that chill in the air? It’s only a matter of weeks before we’re all hibernating on the couch, looking out the window at the deep freeze and wondering where all the long, fun days went.
Don’t spend the winter as a sad blanket case. There’s still time to bust out of your daily cycle and scoop up some of the area’s riches, whether it’s food, drink, friends, or just quality outdoor time. That’s why we’re running a big ol’ reminder this week of all that the Pioneer Valley has to offer.
Consider this your get-out-and-about guide to the places and businesses that make our hometowns special. From global cuisine to music to fashion to creative local retail, we have plenty of reasons to be proud.
So, here’s a spotlight on some of the winners of the Advocate’s Best Of Reader’s Poll 2015. Also included here is our full listing of the first, second, and third-place winners in 170 categories covering food, nightlife, entertainment, health, professional services, and more.
Get your tire pressure checked at Full Tilt Auto Body (Best Auto Service Shop), grab some music from Turn It Up! (Best Place for Used CDs), or tune your car radio in to Monte Belmonte on The River (Best Local Radio Personality). All together now: Road trip!
Looking for video of Micky Bedell’s road trip? Well … hit play.
FOOD
You could go around the world in 80 days… or just hop around the Valley’s international restaurants in a long weekend and save some time. For great German food, hit up Munich Haus in Chicopee (Best German Restaurant), or try some seasonal specials at Chez Albert in Amherst (Best French Restaurant). Amanouz Cafe and Banh Mi Saigon in Northampton claim this year’s Best Mediterranean Restaurant and Best Vietnamese Restaurant awards, respectively. This year’s Best Portuguese Restaurant is Primavera Cafe in Ludlow, and Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou in Springfield dishes out the area’s Best Southern/Cajun Food.
DRINK
What’s your tipple of choice? No need to narrow it down — there’s a great glass for everyone around here. Black Birch Winery in Southampton (Best Winery) makes for a great day trip, while Tunnel Bar in Northampton (Best Place for Martinis) is a classy setting for a night out. While in Northampton, craft beer nuts should stop by The Dirty Truth (Best Bar for Beer Selection on Tap) or Mama Iguana’s (Best Place for Margaritas).
NIGHTLIFE
You’re only as old as your bedtime. Grab some tickets to a concert by And The Kids (Best Local Band). Deepen your musical roots at Luthier’s Co-Op in Easthampton (Best Place for Open Mic), or belt out your favorites at the World War II Club in Northampton (Best Place for Karaoke). Feeling like staying out extra late? In Northampton, drop by Platform Sports Bar (Best New Bar) or, if you just gotta move, Diva’s Nightclub (Best Club for Dancing).
MAKE A DATE
For some good food and candlelight, Alina’s Ristorante in Hadley (Best Romantic Dining) is the place to book a table. Or if you’re eager to sop up the last weeks of warmth, load up on picnic supplies at Provisions or River Valley Co-Op in Northampton (Best Gourmet Food and Best Independent Market/Grocer) and lay out a blanket on the grass at Northampton’s Look Park (Best Family Friendly Park) or at a Tanglewood concert in Lenox and Stockbridge (Best Tourist Spot in the Berkshires). Take a slow walk through the Smith College Museum of Art (Best Art Museum) or see a show at New Century Theatre (Best Place to See Live Theater). Even a small gesture — like a bouquet from Forget Me Not Florists in Northampton (Best Florist) — goes a long way.
NERD OUT
We voice our passions, and the Valley listens. Shutterbugs can hit up Hunt’s Photo and Video in Holyoke (Best Camera Shop) for great photography gear. Marathon laptop monkeys might need an upgrade or a reboot at YES Computers in Northampton (Best Computer/Electronic Repair). Board game junkies, RPGers, and table-toppers will feel right at home at Greenfield Games (Best Local Gaming Store). And if you’re raising little nerds in your household, get them something mind-expanding from A2Z Science and Learning Store in Northampton (Best Local Children’s Toy Store).
COZY UP
This Valley road trip needs its quiet moments. Maybe it’s an overnight at the Brandt House in Greenfield (Best Bed and Breakfast). Maybe it’s a treatment at Brooks & Butterfield in Northampton (Best Day Spa), or maybe you prefer to get lost in the stacks at Broadside Books (Best Independent Bookstore) a few blocks away. Personally, we’re tempted to spend all day at the Dakin Humane Society in Springfield or Leverett (Best Local Nonprofit) cozying up with shelter pets. Just be sure that any adopted pets get a nice welcome-home bath — we recommend Fur’s A Flyin’ in Easthampton (Best Pet Groomer).
BLAZE A TRAIL
Maybe these ideas are too homey, and you’re itching to get outdoors. There’s an app for that, too — from hiking to snowshoeing to the new trails at Berkshire East in Charlemont (Best Local Ski Area). Before you brave the wild, though, stock up on gear from Valley Ski & Bike Werks in Hadley (Best Bicycle Shop), Competitive Edge in Easthampton (Best Ski/Snowboard Shop), or Gleason’s in Northampton (Best Outdoor Gear/Camping Store).
FIND THE NEW YOU
It’s never too late in the year to reinvent yourself a little. Pondering some bling from Haven Body Arts in Northampton (Best Body Piercing Shop) or some fresh ink from Off the Map in Easthampton (Best Tattoo Shop)? Eager to spice up your life with a treat from Oh My! or Gazebo in Northampton (Best Adult Novelty Store and Best Place to Buy Lingerie)? Thinking of splurging on a new ride from Harley Davidson of Southampton (Best Motorcycle Dealer)? Dreaming of your rock star destiny while perusing Downtown Sounds in Northampton (Best Musical Instrument Shop)? Looking to get in shape with a pass to Energia Fitness in Hadley (Best Group Fitness Training Center)? Go for it. The 2015 clock is ticking, and you’re only young once.•
GET OUT!
Local band
1. And the Kids
2. WinterPills
3. Primate Fiasco
Place to see local bands
1. Iron Horse Music Hall
2. The Parlor Room at Signature Sounds
3. Luthier’s Co-op
New bar
1. Platform Sports Bar
2. The Platinum Pony
3. One Bar & Grill
Club for dancing
1. Diva’s
2. The Parlor Room at Signature Sounds
3. Luthier’s Co-op
Place for karaoke
1. World War II Club
2. Mingles
3. The Platinum Pony
Place for open mic
1. Luthier’s Co-Op
2. Bishop’s Lounge
3. Sam’s Pizzeria and Café
Neighborhood bar
1. Packards Bar
2. Amy’s Place
3. The Brass Cat
Brew pub
1. Northampton Brewery
2. The People’s Pint
3. Amherst Brewing Company
Winery
1. Black Birch Winery
2. Mineral Hills Winery
3. Amherst Farm Winery
Bar for beer selection on tap
1. The Dirty Truth
2. McLadden’s Irish Publick House
3. The Moan & Dove
Place for margaritas
1. Mama Iguana’s
2. Mission Cantina
3. Mi Tierra
Place for martinis
1. The Tunnel Bar
2. Alina’s Ristorante
3. Coco & The Cellar Bar
Art museum
1. Smith College Museum of Art
2. Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
3. Springfield Museums
Place to see live theater
1. New Century Theatre
2. Academy Of Music
3. Majestic Theater
Charity event
1. Hot Chocolate Run for Safe Passage
2. Katelynn’s Ride
3. Valley Gives
Local festival
1. Green River Festival
2. North Quabbin Garlic & Arts Festival
3. The Big E: Eastern States Exposition
RESTAURANTS
Restaurant
1. Alina’s Ristorante
2. Blue Heron Restaurant & Catering
3. Paul and Elizabeth’s
New restaurant
1. Galaxy
2. Center Square Grill
3. The Alvah Stone
Creative American fare
1. The Sierra Grille
2. Hope & Olive
3. Coco & the Cellar Bar
Chinese restaurant
1. Ginger Garden
2. Great Wall
3. Amherst Chinese Food
French restaurant
1. Chez Albert
2. Bistro Les Gras
3. Gypsy Apple Bistro
German restaurant
1. Munich Haus German Restaurant
2. Student Prince/The Fort
3. Hofbrahaus
Greek restaurant
1. Filos Greek Taverna
2. El Greco
3. Parthenon Restaurant
Indian restaurant
1. India House
2. Pintu’s Indian Palace
3. The Clay Oven
Italian restaurant
1. Alina’s Ristorante
2. Spoleto
3. Mulino’s Italian Restaurant
Japanese restaurant
1. Osaka
2. Zen
3. Goten of Japan
Mediterranean restaurant
1. Amanouz Cafe
2. Mosaic Café
3. Alina’s Ristorante
Mexican restaurant
1. Mission Cantina
2. La Veracruzana Mexican Restaurant
3. Mi Tierra Mexican Restaurant
Portuguese restaurant
1. Primavera Café Restaurant
2. Tony & Penny’s Restaurant
3. Cavalier Restaurant
Thai restaurant
1. Thai Garden
2. Siam Square
3. Thai Blue Ginger
Vietnamese restaurant
1. Banh Mi Saigon
2. Miss Saigon
3. Pho Saigon
Steak house
1. Caminito Argentinean Steakhouse
2. Eastside Grill
3. Opa Opa Steakhouse & Brewery
Diner
1. The Bluebonnet Diner
2. Miss Florence Diner
3. Route 9 Diner
Restaurant for desserts
1. Alina’s Ristorante
2. La Fiorentina Pastry Shop
3. Judie’s Restaurant
Restaurant for seafood
1. Paul and Elizabeth’s
2. Eastside Grill
3. Zoe’s Fish House
Breakfast
1. Sylvester’s
2. Jake’s
3. The Green Bean
Lunch
1. Paul and Elizabeth’s
2. Esselon Café
3. Riff’s Joint
Sunday brunch
1. Sylvester’s
2. Jake’s
3. Esselon Café
Late-night dining
1. Local
2. Route 9 Diner
3. The Sierra Grille
Service/wait staff
1. Alina’s Ristorante
2. Blue Heron Restaurant & Catering
3. Jake’s
Wine list
1. Alina’s Ristorante
2. The Sierra Grille
3. Chandler’s Restaurant at Yankee Candle Flagship
Place for romantic dining
1. Alina’s Ristorante
2. Blue Heron Restaurant & Catering
3. Coco & The Cellar Bar
Outdoor dining
1. Northampton Brewery
2. Esselon Café
3. The Alvah Stone
FOOD & DRINK
Ribs/barbecue
1. Bub’s BBQ
2. Wildwood Barbeque
3. Theodores’ Blues, Booze and BBQ
Southern/cajun food
1. Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou
2. Eastside Grill
3. Wildwood Barbeque
Place for appetizers/tapas
1. Ibiza Tapas Wine Bar
2. Galaxy
3. Alina’s Ristorante
Grinders/sandwiches
1. State Street Fruit Store, Deli, Wines & Spirits
2. The Black Sheep Deli
3. Riff’s Joint
Hamburgers
1. Local
2. Riff’s Joint
3. Black Cow Burger Bar
Hot Dogs
1. Nick’s Nest
2. Tom’s Famous Long Hot Dog & Grill
3. White Hut
Pizza
1. Antonio’s Pizza
2. Hillside Pizza
3. Joe’s Pizza
French fries
1. Local
2. The Sierra Grille
3. Riff’s Joint
Salads
1. Paul and Elizabeth’s
2. Judie’s Restaurant
3. Alina’s Ristorante
Place for soup
1. Smithsonian Café and Chowder House
2. Paul and Elizabeth’s
3. River Valley Co-op
Sushi
1. Osaka
2. Moshi Moshi
3. Zen
Vegetarian
1. Paul and Elizabeth’s
2. Bela Restaurant
3. Haymarket
Wings
1. The Hangar/Wings over Amherst
2. Kali B’s Wings & Things
3. Wings over Springfield
Deli
1. State Street Fruit Store, Deli, Wines & Spirits
2. Serio’s Market
3. River Valley Co-op
Bakery
1. Small Oven Bakery
2. Hungry Ghost Bread
3. 2nd Street Baking Co.
Sweet shop/ confectioner
1. Sweeties
2. Pop’s Biscotti & Chocolates
3. Heavenly Chocolate
Ice cream
1. Herrell’s Ice Cream
2. Mt. Tom’s Ice Cream
3. Flayvors of Cook Farm
Gourmet food store
1. Provisions
2. River Valley Co-op
3. Whole Foods Market
Independent market/grocer
1. River Valley Co-op
2. Serio’s Market
3. State Street Fruit Store, Deli, Wines & Spirits
Local farm stand
1. Atlas Farm
2. Golonka Farm
3. Red Fire Farm
Local CSA
1. Mountain View Farm
2. Red Fire Farm
3. Crimson & Clover Farm
Independent coffee house/cafe
1. Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters
2. Esselon Café
3. Woodstar Cafe
Local coffee roaster
1. Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters
2. Esselon Café
3. Pierce Brothers Coffee
Farmers market
1. Northampton Tuesday Market
2. Greenfield Farmers Market
3. Amherst Farmers Market
Liquor store
1. Liquors 44
2. Table & Vine
3. Ryan & Casey Liquors
Store for wine selection
1. Table & Vine
2. Provisions
3. State Street Fruit Store, Deli, Wines & Spirits
Store for beer selection
1. Ryan & Casey Liquors
2. Table & Vine
3. TruBeer
Locally crafted beer
1. Berkshire Brewing Company
2. Lefty’s Brewing Company
3. Abandoned Building Brewery
Domestic beer
1. Sam Adams
2. Yuengling
3. Miller Lite
Imported beer
1. Guinness
2. Heineken
3. Corona
WHEELS
New car dealer
1. TommyCar Auto Group: Country Hyundai, Country Nissan and Northampton Volkswagen
2. Lia Auto Group
3. Steve Lewis Subaru
Used car dealer
1. Nicky D’s
2. Pleasant Journey
3. Country Hyundai
Motorcycle dealer
1. Harley Davidson of Southampton
2. Valley Motorsports
3. Ray’s Cycle Center
Auto glass replacement
1. JN Phillips
2. A&R Auto Glass
3. Safelite Auto Glass
Auto service shop
1. Full Tilt Auto Body
2. E.S.P. Auto Inc.
3. Abba Motors
Place for body work/auto painting
1. Full Tilt Auto Body
2. ACME Automotive
3. Cahillane Auto Body
Place to buy tires
1. Town Fair Tire
2. Duffy Tire Service
3. Pete’s Tire Barn
Auto detailing
1. Full Tilt Auto Body
2. Josh’s Auto Detailing
3. Elron’s Auto Detailing
FAMILY-FRIENDLY
Family-friendly park
1. Look Park
2. Forest Park
3. Stanley Park
Tourist spot in the Valley
1. Yankee Candle Flagship
2. Mt. Sugarloaf State Reservation
3. Mt. Tom State Reservation
Tourist spot in the Berkshires
1. Tanglewood
2. MassMoca
3. Mt. Greylock State Reservation
Tourist spot in southern Vermont
1. Downtown Brattleboro
2. Mt. Snow
3. Grafton Village Cheese
Sugarhouse
1. North Hadley Sugar Shack
2. Gould’s Maple Sugarhouse
3. Davenport Maple Farm Restaurant
Local children’s toy store
1. A2Z Science and Learning Store
2. The Toy Box
3. Kiddly Winks
Local children’s clothing store
1. Monkey Business
2. Hens & Chicks
3. A Child’s Gargen
MATERIAL WORLD
Antique shop
1. The Trading Post
2. Whitney Hill Antiques & Auctions
3. Main St. Antiques of Belchertown
Independent bookstore
1. Broadside Books
2. Odyssey Bookshop
3. Raven Used Books
Camera shop
1. Hunt’s Photo & Video
2. Iris Photo
3. Piepul’s Camera Center
Carpet & flooring store
1. Summerlin Floors
2. National Floors
3. Baystate Rug & Flooring
Local gaming store
1. Greenfield Games
2. Modern Myths
3. Worlds Apart Games
Local computer store
1. Yes Computers
2. Left Click Computers
3. Post Computer Systems
Local furniture store
1. Fly By Night
2. Andy’s & the Oak Shoppe
3. KW Home
Local mattress store
1. Yankee Mattress Factory
2. Fly By Night
3. Sleepy’s
Home décor store
1. Fly By Night
2. KW Home
3. Kestrel
Florist
1. Forget Me Not Florist
2. Nuttelman’s Florist
3. Florence Village Flower & Gift Shop
Garden center/ nursery
1. Hadley Garden Center
2. Andrew’s Greenhouse
3. Sixteen Acres Garden Center
Place for gift baskets
1. Atkins Farms Country Market
2. State Street Fruit Store, Deli, Wines & Spirits
3. Pop’s Biscotti & Chocolates
Place for fair trade products
1. Ten Thousand Villages
2. River Valley Co-op
3. Whole Foods Market
Consignment shop
1. New 2 You Family Boutique
2. Urban Exchange
3. Cinderelli’s Consignment Boutique
Musical instrument shop
1. Downtown Sounds
2. Luthier’s Co-op
3. Gerry’s Music Shop
Pet supply store
1. Dave’s Soda & Pet City
2. A.W. Brown’s
3. Petco
Picture framing
1. Big Red Frame
2. Hope & Feathers Framing & Gallery
3. Hadley Picture Framing
Place for used CDs/ records/DVDs
1. Turn It Up!
2. Platterpus Records
3. Mystery Train Records
Adult novel ty store
1. Oh My!
2. Adam & Eve
3. Amazing.net
WELL WORN
Local jewelry store
1. Silverscape
2. Hannoush Jewelers
3. Don Muller Gallery
Local store for women’s fashions
1. Ode
2. Zanna
3. 25 Central
Local store for men’s fashions
1. Jackson & Connor
2. J. Rich
3. Williamson’s Clothier
Used clothing store
1. Cancer Connection’s Thrift Shop
2. Salvation Army
3. Goodwill
Place to buy lingerie
1. Gazebo
2. Adam & Eve
3. Victoria’s Secret
Bridal boutique
1. The Bridal Barn & Tux Shoppe
2. Pearl Bridal Boutique
3. Bridal Heirlooms
Tuxedo shop
1. Men’s Wearhouse
2. The Bridal Barn & Tux Shop
3. Formal Affair
Hair salon
1. The Lift
2. Salon 241
3. Salon Herdis
Nail salon
1. Peter’s Nails
2. Salon Herdis
3. Kristy’s Nails
Tanning salon
1. Tropical Tan Tanning Salon
2. Tan Quick
3. Golden Booty Tanning Resort
Tattoo shop
1. Off The Map Tattoo
2. Lucky’s Tattoo & Piercing
3. Haven Body Art
Body piercing shop
1. Haven Body Art
2. Lucky’s Tattoo & Piercing
3. Bang Bang Body Arts
GET PHYSICAL
Bicycle shop
1. Valley Ski & Bike Werks
2. Northampton Bicycle
3. Full Circle Bike Shop
Ski/Snowboard shop
1. Competive Edge
2. Valley Ski & Bike Werks
3. Theory Skateshop
Local ski area
1. Berkshire East
2. Blanford
3. Butternut
Golf course
1. The Ranch Golf Club
2. Cherry Hill Golf Course
3. Pine Grove
Health & fitness center
1. Energia Fitness
2. Northampton Athletic Club
3. Hampshire Regional YMCA
Personal trainer
1. Justin Killeen/Energia Fitness
2. Jon Manley/Team Link Northampton
3. Keegan Yentsch/Northampton Reality Martial Arts
Outdoor gear/ camping store
1. Gleason’s
2. Sam’s Outdoor
3. EMS/Eastern Mountain Sports
Place for Pilates
1. The Pilates Studio
2. Debja Steinberger’s Movement Innovations
3. Renew Pilates
Place for yoga
1. Bikram Yoga Northampton
2. Yoga Center Amherst
3. Vega Yoga
Group fitness training center
1. Energia Fitness
2. Teamlink
3. FitWomen
Road race
1. Hot Chocolate Run for Safe Passage
2. Holyoke St. Patricks Road Race
3. Mother’s Day Half Marathon
TO YOUR HEALTH
Hospital
1. Cooley Dickinson Hospital
2. Baystate Medical Center
3. Mercy Medical Center
Urgent care facility
1. Baystate Urgent Care
2. OnCall Emergency Medicine
3. Doctors Express Urgent Care
Birthing center
1. Baystate Medical Center
2. Cooley Dickinson Hospital
3. Holyoke Medical Center
Place for therapeutic massage
1. The Healing Zone
2. Paradise Spa/East Heaven Hot Tubs
3. Elements Therapeutic Massage
Cosmetic surgeon
1. Dr. Glen S. Brooks
2. Dr. William Truswell
3. Dr. Roger Allcroft
Dentist
1. Dr. Sue Keller/Strong & Healthy Smiles
2. Dr. Corina Wohl/Wohl Family Dentistry
3. Dr. Fred Perry/Amherst Dental Group
Orthodontic practice
1. Rigali & Walder Orthodontics
2. Dr. R. Scott Smith
3. Demaio Orthodontics
Eye doctor
1. Dr. Nancy Balin
2. Dr. Maribeth Erb
3. Dr. Bruce Bleiman
Alternative medicine
1. Clinic Alternative Medicine
2. Northampton Wellness Associates
3. Charles Brummer, MD
Health food store
1. River Valley Co-op
2. Cornucopia
3. Whole Foods Market
Day spa
1. Brooks & Butterfield
2. Spa on the Green
3. Ochoa Salon & Spa
AT YOUR SERVICE
Veterinarian
1. Valley Veterinary Hospital
2. Northampton Veterinary Clinic
3. The Cat Hospital
Pet Groomer
1. Furs’-A-Flyin’ Pet Grooming
2. The Good Dog Spot
3. Valley Inn For Pets
Pet day care/boarding
1. Valley Inn For Pets
2. The Good Dog Spot
3. Sarah’s Pet Services
Place for dog training
1. Animal Alliances
2. It’s PAWSible! Dog Training Center & Day Camp
3. Dakin Humane Society
Hotel/inn
1. Hotel Northampton
2. The Lord Jeffery Inn
3. D. Hotel
Bed & Breakfast
1. The Brandt House
2. Black Walnut Inn
3. The Old Mill Inn
Two-year college
1. Holyoke Community College
2. Greenfield Community College
3. Springfield Technical Community College
Local bank
1. Florence Bank
2. Easthampton Savings Bank
3. Greenfield Savings Bank
Credit union
1. UmassFive College Federal Credit Union
2. Freedom Credit Union
3. Polish National Credit Union
Financial planning service
1. Wealth New England
2. Infinex at Greenfield Savings Bank
3. PeoplesFinancial and Insurance Services
Local insurance agency
1. Finck & Perras Insurance Agency
2. Webber & Grinnell Insurance
3. Whalen Insurance Agency
Local tax service
1. Liberty Tax Service
2. Rick Kristek Income Tax Service
3. Daniel W. Polacheck, P.C.
Interior Designer
1. Sarah Nolan/Kuhn Riddle Architects
2. Amy Woolf Color Consulting
3. Keith Woodruff/KW Home
Law firm
1. Bacon Wilson
2. Carey & Carey
3. Buckley Richardson
Real estate agency
1. Canon Real Estate
2. Taylor Real Estate
3. Goggins Real Eastate
Caterer
1. Seth Mias
2. Hamel’s Catering
3. Blue Heron Restaurant & Catering
Wedding/event photographer
1. Dani Fine Photography
2. Sandra Costello
3. Jessica Marie
Banquet facility/ reception hall
1. The Log Cabin
2. Garden House at Look Park
3. Hotel Northampton
DJ (Disc Jockey)
1. Bobby C.
2. Cloud 9 Productions
3. Dana Collins
Equipment/party rentals
1. Northampton Rental
2. Michael’s Party Rental
3. Party Patrol Rentals
Landscaper
1. Snow & Sons Landscaping
2. Treefrog Landscapes, Inc.
3. North Country Landscapes
Solar Installation
1. Northeast Solar
2. PV Squared: Pioneer Valley PhotoVoltaics Cooperative
3. Solar Store of Greenfield
Computer/electronic repair
1. Yes Computers
2. left-click
3. Green Earth Computers
Local green business
1. River Valley Co-op
2. PeoplesBank
3. The Pedal People
Local nonprofit
1. Dakin Humane Society
2. Cancer Connection
3. Food Bank of Western Massachusetts
INFORMATION AGE
Local blog
1. Hilltown Families
2. Dave Hayes the Weather Nut
3. Larry Kelley’s Only in the Republic of Amherst
Local radio personality
1. Monte Belmonte
2. Bax & O’Brien
3. Joan Holiday
Local TV personality
1. Dave Madsen
2. Barry Krieger
3. Brittany Decker
Local meteorologist
1. Dave Hayes the Weather Nut
2. Brian Lapis
3. Nick Bannin
