Attractions

There are many exciting attractions to visit in this vibrant area of Western Mass.

The Academy of Music- Built in 1890, it is the only municipally owned theatre in the nation, and one of the six oldest. Performances are still held.

Amherst Cinema Arts Center- A local theater showing mostly art and independent films.

The Annual Three County Fair- The "longest consecutive running agricultural fair in the country, established and incorporated in 1818.

Conservation Areas- Fitzgerald Lake, Rainbow Beach, Roberts Hill, Mineral Hills, and Saw Mill Hills conservation areas provide protected open space that total 15 percent of the city.

Dickinson Homestead- The birthplace and lifelong residence of poet Emily Dickinson, now a museum.

Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art- Founded in part by the author and illustrator of more than 70 books including the 1969 classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar, this is the first full-scale museum in this country devoted to national and international picture book art.

Forbes Library- Also the city's public library, this was built in 1894 and houses the unofficial Calvin Coolidge presidential library.

Look Memorial Park- A 150+ acre recreational park featuring gardens, sports fields, playgrounds, a petting zoo, miniature golf as well as bumper and padel boats.

Main Street, Northampton- A bustling downtown center for eclectic shops, restaurants and entertainment.

Paradise City Arts Festival- A bi-annual national juried event held at the Three County Fairgrounds and ranked the number two arts fair in America.

Rail Trails- The 10-mile Norwottuck Rail Trail, the 2.5 mile Northampton Bike Path and the .5 mile Manhan Rail Trail Spur.

Thornes Marketplace- A downtown Northampton establishment of shops, restaurants, an art gallery and performance space.