Check out this step-by-step guide for your visit to the quaint town of Northampton- also known as “Noho”- that Smithies call home. Whether you are a prospective student or not, you are bound to love something about NoHo. We have included not-to-miss accommodations, restaurants and things to do.
Day 1
Whether you’re flying into Hartford or driving into Northampton, check into either The Hotel Northampton or The Ellery, both favorites amongst Smithie’s families. Both are short walking distances to campus. The Hotel Northampton is in the downtown area, while The Ellery is less than a 10 minute walk away.
Stretch your legs after traveling and take a stroll into town. Have dinner at Bombay Royale for some savory Indian cuisine. For an after-dinner tea and dessert, lounge in the cozy cafe Dobrá Tea. Rather grab a drink? Check out Northampton Brewery, right around the corner from Bombay Royale. Sip a beer on their rooftop garden and dream about your next day of fun.
Day 2
Start your day off right with some breakfast at Woodstar Cafe, a favorite spot for students and locals alike. From here, take a five minute walk over to Smith College Museum of Art. This is not your basic college gallery- Smith’s collection is robust and ranked one of the top college art museums in the country. The museum regularly has lectures open to the public, and events geared towards families. Expect a typical visit at the museum to last one to two hours.
After, take a stroll through Smith’s campus. Grab a cup of coffee at the cafe in the Campus Center, which will help give you even more chances to see life at Smith College. Swing through the The Botanic Garden of Smith College to see plants from near and exotic places. Be sure to take in the view of Paradise Pond! (We promise it lives up to the name!)
Left: Baked goods, coffee and a fresh smoothie at Haymarket Cafe (Credit: Facebook @haymarketcafe). Center: Dinner at Paul and Elizabther’s (Credit: Facebook page Paul and Elizabeth’s Restaurant). Right: A sweet treat at Bela Vegetarian (Credit: Facebook @BELAVEGETARIAN).
Head into town to have a brunchy-lunch at Haymarket Cafe. This restaurant gives back to the community by giving free meals to those who might not be able to afford one. Save room for one of their mouthwatering desserts!
In the afternoon, get some fresh air along the Northampton Rail Trail. You can walk along trails or rent bikes through ValleyBike Share. Find yourself sheltered by trees or traveling across a wooden bridge over the Connecticut River for a scenic overlook.
In the evening, explore the bustling Thornes Market. It is full of small and quirky stores, a cafe, a fabulous chocolate stand, and an elixir booth. For dinner, try Paul and Elizabeth’s, which is located inside of Thrones. For a smaller, more intimate dinner, take a quick walk over to Bela Vegetarian. Don’t let the name fool you- vegans and carnivores alike have fallen in love with this spot.
For something to do after dinner, explore R. Michelson Galleries. The gallery showcases illustrations from children’s books to fine arts sculptures. Or maybe see a live show at the Iron Horse Music Hall or Academy of Music, which always seem to have performers you can’t find just anywhere else.
Day 3
Take home a relaxing memory and watch the sunrise in the Connecticut River Greenway State Park. The peace of the river will surely end your trip on a high note. Before hitting the road out of town, swing by The Roost for a cup of coffee and snack.
We hope you enjoyed your whirlwind trip to Northampton! We know college tours can be overwhelming, which is why these picks will surely help you get a sense of the community you may join.
