Places to eat, things to drink.
Northampton
Are you down to smash the patriarchy? This lesbian owned iconic vegetarian restaurant will give your fists the vitamins they need to do just that. This is just one of over 50 restaurants Shaun has worked at in his life and the only one he left without wanting to burn it down.
Greenfield
Come here for wood fired pizza that will leave your pallet covered in ashes.
Greenfield
Feeling groggy? Possibly a little hungover? This place will provide you with the fuel you need to keep up with our expectations of you on the dance floor.
Greenfield
If you like single divorced dads from the Hilltowns the way Cara does this place is for you. Beer, burgers, baby daddys.
Need to pick up a few groceries. This local collectively owned store is a great place to shoplift. If you’re not the shoplifting type but your partner is, stay innocent and none the wiser next door at Whitney Hill Antiques.
Shelburne Falls
Don’t let the politically incorrect name of this restaurant fool you. Better make a reservation for this romantic and delicious spot. Shaun took Molly here once for her birthday and they left holding hands and talking about getting engaged some day.
Juice Box
8 Bridge St, Shelburne Falls
Mommy need a juice break? Gorgeous views of the Bridge of Flowers, natural wines, bougie snacks, and the perfect place to get away from your family. Owned by 3 of WMass’ most notable granola moms.
Charlemont
We also thought there's no way this quaint little cafe could serve up legit gumbo if they charge $15 for an omelette. But I digress, the Gumbo is the real deal. Also pick up some gourmet snacks to tuck away in your tent for the morning. You know Geert is the one cooking breakfast right?
Adventure
Possibly the most beautiful waterfall in New England. Located in Savoy State Forest, which is filled with old growth forest. Getting there can be tricky. There is a parking lot at the top of the falls with a short hike down to the bottom. However, to get to the parking lot you need to have a truck or 4 wheel drive vehicle with a high ground clearance, because the road is not maintained and you will not be able to navigate it otherwise. Another option is to park at the end of the road to the falls and hike in (I can't remember how long of a hike this is, I want to say like 3 miles).
Lanesborough
There's tons of awesome hiking in WMass! Greylock is the highest Peak in Massachusetts and is a beautiful hour drive from Heath. You can also drive up the mountain if you have no shame.
Swimming Holes
(shhhhh! Don’t tell anyone!)
Tons of places to jump in along the Deerfield River.
Conway Station swimming hole -Ask Lee for directions.
The Bend - Ask Shaun for directions
Chapel Falls - Ask Sam for directions
Tubing down the Deerfield River
You wanna do this when it's hot and the river is high. Check out the times the damn releases for optimal rapids and river depth. Make sure you've got your sunscreen and a drybag if you are the prepared type. We recommend bringing a piece of rope if you want to tie tubes together with your pals. We also recommend bringing the bladder of a Bota Box. Don't have to worry about trash and the bladder stays cold in the river.
Charlemont
Best to go with a group. It's a blast for all ages.
History
Great Barrington
A self guided walking tour of the childhood home of arguably the most important intellectual in American history.
Sojourner Truth lived in Florence, MA for fourteen years where she lived while organizing as a most prominent abolitionist and advocate for African American women. The memorial consists mainly of a statue in a beautiful little park. There is also a mile and half long African American heritage trail that includes an audio guide.
Quick notes
Shay's Rebellion took place in WMass, which is the reason you won't go to jail if you can't pay your phone bill. Malcolm X built Mosque 13 in Springfield, MA. John Brown also lived in Springfield for a short time period. WMass history of resistance runs deep, these are just a few highlights.
Museums
Another point of WMass pride, Springfield is the hometown of Dr. Seuss. The museum is awesome and we promise you'll enjoy it regardless of age.
Springfield is the home of basketball. Holyoke is also the home of Volleyball, but lets be honest, who wants to go to a volley ball museum.
So much fun!!!!!!
Such a dope museum. You know I've now typed museum five times and each time I had to use spell check. Anyways, best to stop at one of the 5,000 dispensaries in WMass on your way to this place. If you go make sure to sign up for the James Turell and Laurie Anderson exhibits. They are included in the price of your ticket, but you have to sign up for a scheduled time to see/experience it. If you're looking for lunch in North Adams and you like greasy hamburgs and hot dogs Jacks Hot Dog Stand rules.
Entertainment
One of the oldest bowling alleys in the country. It's candle pin, so prepare to be even more frustrated if you get competitive the way Molly does. There's an awesome dive bar and it's a stone throw away from the magnificent glacial potholes Shelburne is famous for.
Excellent art and eclectic music scene.
Doubt you're trying to go to a concert on your visit, nevertheless this is the venue in Greenfield. Shaun bartended here opening night and got to serve Less Scratch Perry.
Friday night before the wedding Boston Symphony Orchestra will be performing. Pack a picnic, buy a lawn seat, and enjoy this magical music venue in the Berkshires.
Save your energy for the wedding reception, but if you're looking for an unforgettable night out, look no further, this place has everything.
Best Places to pick up vinyl
Shopping
Shelburne Falls has tons of cute little stores and boutiques. Lots of local arts and crafts, breweries, cafes and restaurants. It's a lovely little town to walk around in. The highlights of the town are definitely the glacial potholes and the Bridge of Flowers. You can no longer climb and jump off the potholes because authority is lame, but it's still a powerful site to see.
Northampton isn't as cool as it used to be, I mean Hugos is no more. Nevertheless Northampton remains a stronghold for the LGBTQ community and is a lovely town to walk around in and enjoy. There are lots of boutique clothing stores, restaurants, cafes, bars, arts venues, and local crafts. Home to Smith College, one of Northampton's best kept secrets is the Botanical Gardens. All of Smith's gardens are beautiful little treasures. Child's Park is another wonderful place to stroll among summer flowers. All of these floral havens are where Molly and Shaun spent the early dates of their courtship holding hands, talking for hours trying to make sense of an absurdly corrupt world, but mostly making each other laugh.
Western Mass is awesome! If you are here to visit we are so happy to have you. If you are returning back to WMass, why did you ever leave? Either way enjoy your stay and please ask us if you have any questions.