My stay in Northampton last week provided me with a wonderful opportunity to spend some real time in an area that I’ve come to know over the years only superficially. I’ve attended shows there numerous times, in a few different venues, and have experienced some of what NoHo has to offer, but in no way did I consider myself truly familiar with this small Massachusetts city which sits about 90 minutes NE of Albany.
I’ve taken in music in at least four spots; The Calvin Theater (currently closed), Pearl Street (currently closed), The Ironhorse (recently relaunched) and Look Park (seasonal venue presently open) and eaten at a Mediterranean place on Main Street a couple of times. I have positive memories of each of those places, (it was Andrian Belew that I didn’t appreciate, not necessarily Pearl Street as a venue) and will forever remember watching the police “chase” of O.J. Simpson in his white SUV, on a television broadcasting onto the sidewalk from behind a plate of glass before attending a show.
My fondness for each of the spots that I’ve visited in the past remains, but last week I was all about new places. I did revisit The Tunnel Bar, a niche-y cocktail bar which I had frequented once before, pre-Covid, but every other item I mention was introductory to me.
In no particular order, allow me to present my top ten NoHo area favorites:
Homestead Restaurant. I first noticed this terrific restaurant on my way to the yoga study. The day was overcast and the restaurant was dark on this late afternoon. I peeked in the window and noted the L-shaped bar, open kitchen and warm, but minimal, decor. It looked like my kind of place.
A few hours later, post yoga and shower, I took a seat at the bar and settled in with a menu. Eventually, I selected an octopus small plate, followed by ricotta and corn stuffed tortelloni, house made.
Both dishes made me coo. See my notes below…
The octopus was briny, pickle-y and citrusy. Excellent. A touch bitter from the endive and a little charred from the grill. Dynamite. The pasta! Toothsome and filled with the softest of ricotta and fresh corn. Tomatoes. Shishitos.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but every dinner after this one, would be a step down. Except for my evening meal on Thursday, my last night in town. That’s because I went back to Homestead and appreciated the Caesar salad and bucatini I was served even more after having had a couple of dud dinners elsewhere. The pasta again was outstanding, perfectly cooked and served in a dense tomato sauce with pancetta and basil. I ate every strand.
It tasted like summer on a plate.
The Botanic Gardens at Smith College. Read more about my experience there in my previous post.
If you’re in need of an afternoon pick me up, I suggest you stop by The Coffee Chat for a well made Affogato. This combination of espresso and ice cream makes for the ideal treat and helped me muscle through until dinner time.
There were two mornings when I made my way to Tart for coffee and carbs and I was pleased both times. The counter service was really pleasant and the ham and cheese croissant was surprisingly delicious. I’m hesitant to order premade items and the selection of croissant sandwiches were prepared and kept hot in a warmer. I took a chance and it paid off. Zero complaints from me.
Ana Badeira Chocolates is so much more than a confectionary. In addition to ethically sourced chocolates and coffee, they offer gorgeous pastries. I sampled mini mango filled tarts, a cinnamon walnut roll and pain au chocolate and each was delicate and flaky with plenty of butter present. There’s seating indoors and out and, if you play, there’s a piano available.
The Tunnel Bar is pretty much what it sounds like – a subterranean cocktail bar with a unique vibe. I stopped for a late afternoon Hugo spritz and after striking up a conversation with a nice young man, hung out happily for an hour or so. My drink was well mixed and the folks that were there were friendly and chatty. There’s a different mood at night (from my previous visit 6 or 7 years ago) when it feels a bit more speakeasy, but I like both of those atmospheres so this place is always the right choice, to me, for a drink.
Shiva Shakti Power Yoga kept me on my mat (and my toes!) with their challenging 60 minute hot flow classes. I took three while I was in town and the structure of the classes was pretty similar with a light warm up, quickly paced flows and ab work at the end. The two different instructors I experienced gave good cues and the flows pushed me to my edge – and damn, did I get sweaty! Twice after class, I availed myself of the cold hose shower on the studio’s deck and it felt great. In addition to being an excellent work out, the $40 cost for a new student’s first month, made Shiva Shakti a serious bargain.
Visiting The Emily Dickinson Museum was truly a dream come true and I lived my time spent there. I shared my thoughts and impressions from my visit already but let me reiterate here that it’s a wonderful look into the life and family of one of this country’s most beloved poets.
By the middle of the week, the heat was bringing me down and I just needed to slip into the water somewhere. After a quick search, I discovered Ashfield Lake, a public beach about 25 minutes northwest of Northampton. Parking was readily available when I arrived midday and finding a spot on the sandy beach under the shade of a small oak tree, was easy. I spread out my blanket, marveling at the wonder of an oak tree on a beach, and quite happily lazed for 3 hours, interrupting my relaxation with a couple of slow crawl swims. It was delightful, with the added bonus of a bald eagle taking a lap through the blue sky above the lake. I would go back there anytime.
The final thing I wanted to mention was the inherent walkability of Northampton. I love a day when I don’t have to get into my car and, omitting the excursions to Amherst and Ashfield, there wasn’t a single time I needed to drive to access any of the places mentioned above. Bike lanes are also present if you’re a cyclist.
Just 90 minutes east of Albany, Northampton is a great destination for a fun weekend for folks who enjoy being active, eating well and soaking in the plentiful natural beauty and history of the area. Go!
DelSo 