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About
Amherst, Massachusetts
Stroll Main Street and the aptly-named Pleasant Street, the
pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare bordering rows of engaging
shops carrying the latest fashions, jewelry, footwear, and
accessories. Browse the galleries (downtown artwalk, first
Thursday of each month), bookstores, hunt antiques or find
that singular gift.
There are dozens of dining choices to pamper the palate, with
award-winning chefs serving up New England traditional and
creative American cuisine; Italian, East Asian, Chinese, and
Mexican restaurants add an international flavor, and you'll
enjoy a variety of pizza places, brew pubs, delis, and outdoor
cafes.
 History
and architecture buffs can wander into the past at the landmark
historic homes and buildings downtown, including the Dickinson
Homestead, where the poet Emily Dickinson lived and wrote
most of her poems and voluminous letters.
The Jones Library features the lives and works of such notable
figures as Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, and Robert Francis,
as well as offering exhibits that explore a wealth of historical
information about Amherst. The Amherst History Museum at the
Strong House (circa 1744) features period rooms, special exhibits,
and events for all ages.
Walk over to Amherst College, housing two world-class museums
with collections dating to the 1830's: the Mead Art Museum
with almost 14,000 works of art, a permanent collection that
includes examples of American, Asian, European, African, Latin
American, Russian, and Ancient art, as well as prints, drawings
photographs, silver, textiles, and furniture. The Amherst
College Museum of Natural History features 80,000 objects
of scientific and historical importance from around the world.
Wherever you go downtown, you'll find the friendliness and
sense of community that are part of Amherst's New England
heritage, and a busy year-round calendar of local events...Saturday
morning Farmer's Market, the Community Fair & Downtown
Shopping days, Taste of Amherst (yum!), summer entertainment
& movies on the town common, Fourth of July fireworks,
a jazz festival, arts & crafts fairs, and lots more.
So if you're looking for a great place to get away for a day,
a weekend, or longer, it's no contest. Amherst Downtown wins...
in a walk!
And while you're here, take advantage of all the area has
to offer...
Amherst is located in the heart of the 5-college area, with
a constant flow of educational and cultural events. The Fine
Arts Center and Mullins Center, just down the road at the
University of Massachusetts, offer dance, theater, and music
performances by internationally-renowned artists.
The area is blessed with a rich and varied natural beauty.
The spectacular Robert Frost Trail, winding from Holyoke Range
State Park to Mount Toby Forest, is great for both nature
lovers and mountain bikers in search of a challenge. Puffer's
Pond, a favorite "swimming hole" for local families,
offers serene bucolic splendor as well as trout and bass fishing.
Plan a visit to popular nearby sites like the National Yiddish
Book Center on the campus of Hampshire college, containing
the world's largest collection of Yiddish books, with an English
language bookstore and year-round program of events.
The Eric Carle Picture Book Museum, a 44,000 square foot contemporary
museum situated in an apple orchard, is located next to Hampshire
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