Easthampton is a city in Hampshire County, Massachusetts with a population of around 16,000. Nestled along the Connecticut River, Easthampton has a vibrant downtown filled with locally-owned shops, art galleries, and cultural attractions that showcase the city's creative spirit.
The downtown area is compact but bustling, with tree-lined streets and historic brick buildings now home to businesses ranging from farm-to-table restaurants to craft breweries. Start your visit on Cottage Street, where you'll find popular spots like The Hideaway cafe, known for its coffee and live music, and Progression Brewing, a craft brewery with a huge beer selection and outdoor beer garden. Art enthusiasts should stop by Easthampton City Arts, a nonprofit arts center hosting rotating exhibits, performances and events. Just down the road is Flywheel Arts Collective, an artist-run space located in a former factory with open studios, workshops and more.
Food is also a highlight of Easthampton, with many restaurants using ingredients from local farms and producers. Coco and the Cellar Bar is a cozy farm-to-table restaurant serving up innovative New American cuisine and craft cocktails, while Mesa Verde offers Southwestern fare and a tequila and mezcal bar. There are also food trucks, farm stands and a seasonal farmers market to sample the region's bounty.
Outdoor recreation can be found at Mount Tom State Reservation, a 5-mile hike to panoramic summit views of the Pioneer Valley. There are also scenic trails along the Manhan River and opportunities for boating or fishing on the Connecticut River. With its welcoming atmosphere and range of activities, Easthampton is the perfect base to explore all that western Massachusetts has to offer.
Dining
Coco and the Cellar Bar: Upscale farm-to-table restaurant serving locally sourced cuisine and craft cocktails in an intimate space with outdoor patio. They source ingredients from local farms and host live music events.
The Hideaway: Casual spot for coffee, breakfast sandwiches and homemade soups, breads and pastries. They have a dog-friendly patio and live music on weekends. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the laid-back vibe.
Progression Brewing: Popular brewpub featuring a wide range of craft beers and pub fare in an industrial space with outdoor beer garden. They have over a dozen beers on tap, including sours and barrel-aged stouts.
Culture
Easthampton City Arts: Nonprofit arts center hosting art exhibits, live music, dance and theater performances, films screenings and other events. They showcase work from regional artists and have family-friendly activities.
Flywheel Arts Collective: Artist-run space showcasing contemporary art in a former factory building. They offer open studios, performances, workshops and more. It's a hub for the local arts community.
Mt. Tom State Reservation: Over 5 miles of hiking trails to the summit of Mt. Tom with panoramic views of the Pioneer Valley. There are picnic areas, scenic viewpoints and seasonal events like wildflower walks. It's a beautiful natural area to explore.
Overall, Easthampton has a vibrant culture and food scene with opportunities to support local businesses. Whether enjoying a craft beer at the brewery, seeing art at a gallery or hiking to mountain vistas, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this charming small city.
Want to learn more? Contact Delap Real Estate to learn all that Easthampton has to offer!