Antonio’s (Amherst)

Antonio’s Pizza is a huge hot spot for college students and families alike. Located in Amherst Center, the legendary pizzeria has one of the widest selections of pizza customers have ever seen. From pesto tortellini to taco pizza, Antonio’s has some of the most unique slices that are always nothing short of delicious. Their best feature, however, may be that slices of their cheese pizza is only $1.00 from midnight to 2 am on Friday nights, sending hungry college students flocking to their door weekly.

Glazed (Amherst)

Much like Antonio’s, Glazed Donut shop has some of the most ingenious donut creations imaginable. Some of the most extravagant on the menu include the Elvis, which consists of peanut butter, chocolate, and banana; the Maple Bacon Bar, perfect for breakfast; and the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough which has a big slab of just that spread over the top of a delicious, cakey donut. Glazed is a perfect treat for anytime of day, but especially in the morning when you can get a bacon egg and cheese to order on one of their decadent donuts.

Bart’s (Amherst)

Bart’s ice cream parlor is a great place to go with family or friends for a some delectable homemade ice cream. The fun atmosphere and long counter for seating are perfect for a fun group outing, not to mention incredible ice cream, shakes, and sundaes for very affordable prices.

Viva Fresh Pasta (Northampton)

This little hole-in-the-wall Italian restaurant is a wonderful find. Viva makes their own fresh, homemade pasta and sauces, both of which are out of this world. Their food is exquisite and the ambiance is perfect for a romantic evening out. Or, if you’d prefer to stay in but still want some of their heavenly pasta and sauce for dinner, they sell both out of the restaurant.

LimeRed (Amherst & Northampton)

This cozy teahouse got its start in Amherst Center, and business took off so well they achieved a second location in neighboring Northampton - and rightly so. LimeRed serves a variety of authentic bubble tea. If you don’t know what bubble tea is, or have never tried it, LimeRed could become your new addiction. The bubble tea, the atmosphere, the service; it’s all divine.

Atkins Farm (Amherst)

Come fall, Atkins Farm is inevitably packed full of people from all over the area, all come to enjoy the seasonal experience Atkins provides. Whether you’re there for apple picking, pumpkin picking, fresh produce, or some homemade goodies, Atkins has everything imaginable, and all of it is the best quality. It’s a beautiful part of Amherst that should not be missed.

Emily Dickinson Museum (Amherst)

If you ever learned about Emily Dickinson and her poetry in school, you probably remember how she spent a considerable portion of her life in her house. Dickinson was one of the best poets to ever live, a master of the written word whose poems live on well over a century later. She just so happened to live right here in Amherst, where her house is now a museum. For any lover of literature, a visit to this house is a surreal experience where you can see her famous white dress, some of her original manuscripts, and where she wrote her poems. In addition, you can stop by the cemetery on Triangle Street where she is buried not far from her home. For a look into the life of one of the great poets, there is no closer option than the Emily Dickinson Museum.

Amherst Books (Amherst)

Whether you just want to pick up a novel or you need a textbook for a class, Amherst Books has you covered. With multiple floors of books, their selection ranges from rare books, to Emily Dickinson, to John Steinbeck. They feature local artists, new titles, and bargain books. They even have events like book launch parties and book readings, so stop by if you are a local bibliophile!

Mystery Train Records (Amherst)

While most music is bought and listened to in a digital format these days, Mystery Train Records sticks to the past. In a little house off of North Pleasant Street near the center of Amherst, this record shop has rows and rows of vinyl records and CDs. Experience a blast to the past while you flip through stacks of used records and CDs. The store has two floors, as well as DVDs, some books, and even a turntable and CD player to try out albums before you buy them. There is no better record store within walking distance of campus.

Mimmo’s Pizza (Northampton)

There is a reason why Mimmo’s Pizza’s website is called “bigpizzaslices.com.” This is a little shop with big slices. For only a few bucks, Mimmo’s will offer you a pizza slice that is twice as large as a normal pizza slice. Not only are these slices huge, they are thin, saucy, and delicious. Mimmo’s may be able to give Antonio’s a run for their money, so be sure to stop by this little shop in Northampton.

Pinocchio’s Pizza (Northampton)

Pinocchio's is another pizza shop in Northampton. Right on the main street in NoHo, Pinocchio’s has low-cost, delicious pizzas and calzones. Complete with the homey atmosphere you would expect from a local pizza parlor and a variety of pizza choices, Pinocchio’s is a great place to stop in for a bite to eat.

Sylvester’s Restaurant (Northampton)

Need for a place for brunch? Sylvester’s Restaurant is a breakfast spot in downtown Northampton that will be up to the test. In addition to comfortable seating and a warm atmosphere, Sylvester’s also offers many gluten-free food options. It was Voted Best of the Valley for 2015 by readers of the Valley Advocate, and it received a certificate of excellence from TripAdvisor. Stop by for some good comfort food!