Place to see local bands
Iron Horse Music Hall
20 Center St., Northampton
(413) 586-8686 www.iheg.com
Since 1979 the Iron Horse has hosted a wide variety of music and entertainment acts both local and far-flung, under the slogan, “Music alone shall live.” During the early years, classical jazz, and folk acts that performed here complemented the bohemian cafe ambiance, but the musical acts soon took a front seat as big names added the Horse to their tour schedules.
2nd: The Parlor Room at Signature Sounds
32 Masonic St., Northampton
www.parlorroommusic.com
3rd: Luthier’s Co-op
108 Cottage St., Easthampton
(413) 527-6627 www.luthiers-coop.com
New bar
The Green Room
28 Center St., Northampton
(413) 584-7336
The Green Room specializes in Prohibition-Era cocktails and unique beverages that incorporate an eclectic mix of liquors from all over the world, fresh juices, house-made syrups, and infusions. The speak-easy style establishment is easy to miss from the outside but, from Tiki Tuesdays to No-Menu Mondays, it’s hard to forget. “We don’t want to just give somebody a drink,” says bar manager Harry Harrison. “We want to give them a story and the experience.”
2nd: The Library
78 Cottage St., Easthampton
(413) 529-0660 www.amysplace.biz/library.html
3rd: ConVino Wine Bar
101 Amory St., Northampton
(413) 341-3977
Place for karaoke
World War II Club
50 Conz St., Northampton
(413) 586-3315 www.ww2club.com
As much now as ever, the veterans club — which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year — provides for the intermingling of patrons from all walks of life. “We’ve been able to maintain that mix over time,” says club manager Jen Rex. “Having veterans able to meet people from the community and sit at the bar, in the same scene together — DJ Chris Bigelow fosters that by letting everyone sing karaoke together.”
2nd: Amy’s Place
80-82 Cottage St., Easthampton
(413) 527-9333 www.amysplace.biz
3rd: Bishop’s Lounge
41 Strong Ave., Northampton
(413) 586-8900
Neighborhood bar
Amy’s Place
80-82 Cottage St., Easthampton
(413) 527-9333 www.amysplace.biz
Amy’s Place has been the place to grab a beer and some wings with friends for years. The cozy atmosphere and good grub make it a nice place for casual get-togethers and celebrations.
2nd: Packards Bar
14 Masonic St., Northampton
(413) 584-5957 www.packardsbar.com
3rd: The Brass Cat
65 Cottage St., Easthampton
(413) 527-4085
Brew pub
Northampton Brewery
11 Brewster Ct., Northampton
(413) 584-9903 www.northamptonbrewery.com
Just go to Northampton Brewery and then you’ll see why it’s been named the Best Brew Pub in the Valley time and time again. From the warm fire-lit bar with ample seating to the roof top deck high above downtown Northampton, the brewery provides an excellent scene in which to chill. The tasty pub fare and inventive brews are pretty great, too. Definitely check out the spring seasonals and get some nachos for the table.
2nd: The People’s Pint
24 Federal St., Greenfield
(413) 773-0333 www.thepeoplespint.com
3rd: High Horse Brewing
24 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
(413) 230-3034
Winery
Black Birch Winery
155 Glendale Rd., Southampton
(413) 527-0164 www.blackbirchvineyard.com
Ed Hamel, one of Black Birch’s four owners, says the winery’s record for playing to regional strengths is pivotal to their success. “We’re focusing on the regional climate for what we’re doing,” Hamel says.
2nd: Mineral Hills Winery
592 Sylvester Rd., Florence
(413) 586-2575 www.godardfarm.com
3rd: Amherst Farm Winery
529 Belchertown Rd. (Rte. 9), Amherst
(413) 253-1400 www.amherstfarmwinery.com
Bar for beer selection on tap
The Dirty Truth
29 Main St., Northampton
(413) 585-5999
With 40 beers on tap, the Dirty Truth is a must-visit for craft beer lovers of all stripes. Featuring big front windows, a long bar, and a series of large booths, the space is often packed for all hours of the evening, from after-work drinks among co-workers to date night brew samplings to late-hour explorations of little-known varieties from around the world, aided by the bar’s knowledgeable and seemingly tireless staff.
2nd: McLadden’s
27 Pleasant St., Northampton
(413) 341-3680 www.mcladdens.com
3rd: The Moan & Dove
460 West St., Amherst
(413) 256-1710 www.moananddove.com
Place for margaritas
Mama Iguana’s
274 Main St., Northampton
(413) 586-0400 www.spoletorestaurants.com
This fun-loving Latin-inspired cantina hit the margarita angle hard when it opened in 2007, offering hundreds of variations on this famous cocktail. Mama Iguana’s claims to have the “largest selection of tequilas and mescals in New England,” and their carefree ambiance and colorful decor makes it easy for groups large and small to have a good time working through the list of choices on this front.
2nd: Mission Cantina
485 West St., Amherst
(413) 230-3580 www.missionamherst.com
3rd: Mi Tierra Mexican Restaurant
48 Russell St., Hadley
(413) 587-9820 www.mitierrahadley.com
Place for martinis
The Tunnel Bar
125A Pleasant St., Northampton
(413) 586-5366 www.thetunnelbar.com
Some things never change, like how intensely excellent the martinis at Tunnel Bar are. While some things finally change, like the old leather chairs at the Tunnel Bar. The bar recently underwent a small renovation, which sought to improve the establishment’s furnishings and bathrooms. So, it’s a nicer ambiance with the same fine drinks. Bartenders Zak Pighetti and Kat Kelly say some of their most popular drinks right now are a fresh cucumber, basil, vodka bevi and the classic Manhattan. “Everyone loves whiskey now,” Pighetti said.
2nd: Alina’s Ristorante
96 Russell St. (Rte. 9), Hadley
(413) 584-8000 www.myalinas.com
3rd: The Green Room
28 Center St., Northampton
(413) 584-7336
Art museum
Smith College Museum of Art
Elm Street at Bedford Terrace, Northampton
(413) 585-2760 www.smith.edu/artmuseum
Four floors of galleries exhibiting everything from paintings and sculpture to print, video and multimedia installations and covering many styles — pointillist masters and outsider artists can be on view in the same day. Plus the museum hosts special events for families and second Fridays, in which people get a hands-on, guided tour of an exhibit.
2nd: Springfield Museums
21 Edwards St., Springfield
(800) 625-7738 www.springfieldmuseums.org
3rd: Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
125 West Bay Rd., Amherst
(413) 658-1100 www.carlemuseum.org
Place to see live theater
Academy of Music Theatre
274 Main St., Northampton
(413) 584-9032 www.aomtheatre.com
In operation since 1891, the gorgeous Academy of Music is a special place to catch a show. Known for its diverse programming, which includes dance, theater, music, and independent films, executive director Debra J’Anthony said the theater is always looking to bring new voices to the stage. “We are very proud of the work that we have done presenting women writers, staging work written and/or directed by women,” J’Anthony said. Look out next season for a new work by lesbian playwright Carol Carpenter.
2nd: Majestic Theater
131 Elm St., West Springfield
(413) 747-7797 www.majestictheater.com
3rd: New Century Theatre
122 Green St., Northampton
(413) 585-3220 www.newcenturytheatre.org
Charity event
Hot Chocolate Run for Safe Passage
www.hotchocolaterun.com
Now in its 11th year, Northampton’s annual Hot Chocolate Run raises money for Safe Passage and its programming to support victims of domestic violence. Greta Hagen, assistant director of development, reports that this past December’s event brought in a record-breaking 6,000 runners and walkers. “It was an amazing turnout, and we raised $485,000,” she says. “We have a great relationship with the town, but it’s all about people reaching out to their neighbors, colleagues, and friends.” Since 2014, Safe Passage has doubled the size of its children’s programs, and the group has plans to expand the prevention program this year to support the economic healing of survivors of financial abuse.
2nd: Monte’s March to Benefit the Foodbank of Western Mass
www.foodbankwma.org/events/montes-march
3rd: The Relay For Life
www.relayforlife.org
Local festival
Green River Festival
Greenfield Community College, Greenfield
www.greenriverfestival.com
The Green River Festival has reinvented itself many times over in its 30-year history and music lovers form all over New England and beyond have made it a tradition to come out in July to share in the fun. This weekend-long shindig, held outdoors on the grounds of Greenfield Community College, offers a wide variety of attractions to go along with the diverse musical acts, from family-friendly activities to local food stands, artisan crafts, and balloon rides.
2nd: North Quabbin Garlic & Arts Festival
Foster’s Farm, 60 Chestnut Hill Rd., Orange
www.garlicandarts.com
3rd: The Big E: Eastern States Exposition
1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield
(413) 737-2443 www.thebige.com
