Getting away from home, even for just one night, is such a refreshing, perspective-changing experience, and I always look forward to the opportunity to take a short trip, especially since so much of our travel is long-haul. A few weeks ago, I left my little family behind, and I took the Peter Pan bus from Boston to Northampton for an overnight stay at Hotel Northampton and to spend some time in Hampshire County in Western Massachusetts.
Disclaimer: Both are long term clients, and my stay at the Hotel was kindly hosted.
I love staying at Hotel Northampton for its beautiful interiors (including newly renovated rooms), historic Wiggins Tavern, the beautiful, light-filled atrium, and great food. Free breakfast is always a plus!
Every detail of the Hotel is beautiful, and every stay feels like a special experience. You should see it at the holiday season!
Wiggins is one of my favorite spots in Northampton. It’s super cozy and offers great food and cocktails. You have to have the lobster bisque!
While I was in town for an Indigo Girls concert at Smith College, I had some time to do some wandering, which included a stop at Provisions, a beautiful wine, cheese, and so-much-more store in Northampton. I’d love to visit when the weather is nicer to grab picnic items from Provisions and to enjoy the beautiful nature found in Hampshire County.
Northampton is a lovely, eclectic town with great shopping and food and a fun and whimsical spirit. It’s also an ideal wellness getaway, surrounded by hiking and biking trails, and offering an abundance of relaxation activities, including soaking in a hot tub at East Heaven. We opted for an outdoor hot tub, and the contrast between the cold air and the steaming tub was blissful.
Also blissful was my first visit to the new Black Birch Vineyards location. I loved their old spot and really enjoy their wine, so it was fun to see their new home and to relax with some wine and a winery cat!
I love winery animals!
Traminette and Cab Franc are two Black Birch favorites. Hampshire County is full of great wineries and breweries and is worth a visit just to try the local tipples alone!
To sip on wines from further afield, ConVino is the perfect spot! This dark and cozy wine bar has a great wine list, and while we didn’t eat, I have heard their food is fantastic and definitely want to return.
I also want to return to Hungry Ghost Bread, the warmest most bakery-smelling bakery I have ever been to! The smell of fresh bread drifting out the windows is intoxicating, and once they open, the goods start moving fast!
Luckily I made us get there early (to wait outside in the cold) and we got what we wanted for breakfast. Next time I need to take a few loaves home.
Finally, and saving the best for last, I got to visit my beloved Bueno y Sano twice in 24 hours. I devoured hot sauce and black bean tacos like it was my job, and it was the best. I could eat Bueno every day and would if it was closer!
There’s so much more to do, eat, drink, and see in Hampshire County, and since it’s just two hours from Boston, it makes for a fantastic place to get away for an overnight or even long weekend. I can’t wait to go back!
