historic northampton

tiplessbobc

had not walked through town since i lived there twenty seven years ago. wow, they have really spruced things up, better than i remembered. it is a great place to go for a stroll and around. lots of shops and restaurants. we did go to the iron horse for a show a while back but we did not have time to browse around. wish we had more time this visit but we had to get back to the big e for a show. it is fairly close to springfield if you are in the area for the fair and are looking for something else to do.we will go back.may you have tight lines wherever you may travel.

hkroaming

Whether you are in the mood for Italian, a good steak, or just want to hang out and have a drink there is something for everyone in Northampton. After a good meal walk off some of the calories by visiting the wide array of boutique shops.

drummersu

I actually visited Historic Northampton for a Smith College class in the fall of 2011, and was impressed with all that was there, and the knowledge of the woman who answered our questions.

localtravlerNewYork

There are lots of great shops and restaurants. There is a very unique atmosphere and interesting people.

cvhall92

I traveled up to Northampton from Connecticut for my birthday and it was the perfect daytrip. There were lots of cute shops for every price range. You'll also find lots of great cafes and restaurants in the downtown area. You can't go wrong by visiting the town for either a daytrip or for a couple days.

kids3dog

There are wonderful choices for eating and trendy shopping. The town has quite a few homeless or those who may have homes but are panhandling-just be aware-its a shame since that puts a bit of a damper on this town for tourists.

CSSnowshoer

Very interesting to find a real downtown, a sadly dying thing. I really liked all the stores- books, shoes, crafts, including the old Dept Store converted into a little mall. Easy to park and walk the entire area. And food and coffee everywhere. You sure will not starve in this town. I especially liked the Pinch Gallery and the Artisan Gallery. Good pottery. Only had a couple hours...need to come back and do more than just fly through.

jnorton720

Main street of Northampton has old stone buildings and churches, one story stores with varied things to sell from hippy gear, discounted goods, fancy dresses, etc. Thornes is interesting. Also has full complex of restaurants and murals on side street depicting history of Northampton.

emilyc650

Northampton is a cute quirky town in western MA. The city center is chock full of shops and restaurants, and lots of pedestrian traffic, many of whom are college kids from the nearby schools, including Smith College which is just behind the downtown area. There are also a few attractions here as well such as an art museum, botanic garden and presidential library (ok, it was the guy whose policies created the Great Depression, but that is beside the point) Though usually I go there after I do some hiking in the area. I usually show up at least once a year, though this year I showed up several timesThere is a long term public parking lot in the back as well as a garage. There is also short term street parking.Noho is easy to go to, take Exit 19 on 91, take Route 9 West about a mile

arimbaud

If you want to learn about the social history of Northampton, this is the place. Some famous people, some you never heard of, but all integrated into the real history of the city, from the time of the earliest English settlements until just yesterday.

ReddyBro

They are trying to make this college town into "paradise city "The rehabbed old buildings are amazing Exceptional among them Is Silversmith Designs . But a lot of Street people begging or promoting causes. Nice hand made items at Thornes . All on Main Street

RonL40

Nice atmosphere in a college town. Lots of good food choices -- cafes, restaurants, bakeries. Nice book stores. Fun bars (especially enjoyed the Tunnel). Not many places where you can get great tapas, sushi, and pastries all in a town where it's easy to walk & see the entire scene. Great place to have a couple days fun.

scrapple1

I don't particularly think of Northampton as "historic" because it is always lively, always changing and evolving in a very pleasing and unpretentious way despite its obvious prosperity. The downtown business district is completely walkable. Main Street is flat and lined with tempting shops and restaurants. The side streets offer some real treasures as well but may be too hilly for older folks to explore.Northampton is a unique town where the pedestrians rule, so drivers honor the marked crosswalks more than in other places I have been. There is a large city parking garage and municipal open lots behind Thorns Marketplace; otherwise parking can be extremely challenging and the meter maids are...um...dedicated to their jobs. Don't say I didn't warn you!Why DON'T we live in NoHo? Pricy housing!

KittyKatzNJ

The combination of Smith College, great restaurants, and it's quirky vibe make Northampton a town to visit. You can comfortably walk around town and take in the art stores and old architecture. If people watching is your thing, you'll enjoy sitting in one of the sidewalk restaurants and taking in the local scene. If you feel like a bike ride, there is the newly restored Northampton Bikeway. (I cannot remember the formal name of the bike path, but it is long, newly restored, and has many access points.) Winter or summer, there's plenty to do in Northampton and the surrounding communities.

BrendaG408

It is always a fun time visiting Northampton. I love the mixture of architecture styles of the older homes. The downtown is nice, as well as manageable, with lots of nice shops, and eateries. It is so refreshing that there are no chain stores in Northampton! Thank you to whoever is responsible for that! Northampton is a town which encourages artists, intellectuals, individuals, and embraces all! I love that whenever someone is in the crosswalk, or just trying to cross the street, the traffic stops! The way it should be!