Northampton, Massachusetts | Best Winter Town in Every New England State
Photo Credit : Mark Fleming
In the middle of winter, you don’t have to look far to find some much welcome warmth in Northampton, Massachusetts. At East Heaven Hot Tubs, eight bubbling cauldrons offer a steamy respite; in the heart of the Smith College campus is a Victorian conservatory filled with tropical plants of every stripe.
The view from Smith College of downtown Northampton, Massachusetts. Photo Credit : Mark Fleming
Even just walking around this vibrant Western Massachusetts town — home to Smith College, a member of the famed Five College Consortium — you’ll find plenty of enticements to come in from the cold. Hungry Ghost Bread turns out some of the best baked goods around, while casual-dining hot spot the Roost serves everything from breakfast sandwiches to milkshakes to wine and beer. And you can spend hours in the cozy confines of Raven Used Books, a subterranean haven for local academics and bibliophiles.
And should you be tempted to linger overnight (or longer), right in the center of town you’ll find the elegant Hotel Northampton. A member of Historic Hotels of America, it not only offers comfy digs but also, at its on-site Wiggins Tavern, the chance to dig into an incomparably warming Indian pudding.
The following are some of our favorite images by Yankee senior photographer Mark Fleming for the “Could You Live Here?” feature on Northampton, Massachusetts, that appears in the January/February 2018 issue of Yankee.
WINTER IN NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS
Gateway sign designed by Florence, Massachusetts artist Sam Ostrow of Salmon Studios. Photo Credit : Mark FlemingExterior of the Botanic Garden at Smith College, built in 1895. Photo Credit : Mark FlemingVintage glass “greenhouses” known as Wardian Cases were used in the 19th century to safely transport foreign plants collected on expeditions for further study. The cases in the Fern House today showcase some of the more unusual ferns in the college’s collection. Photo Credit : Mark FlemingFormer Conservatory Manager Rob Nicholson working with bulbs for the annual spring flower show that takes place at the Botanic Garden at Smith College in late March. Photo Credit : Mark FlemingIn the early 20th century, the Academy of Music hosted the likes of illusionist Harry Houdini and film star Mae West and today continues to thrive as an important arts venue in town including hosting First Night Northampton. Photo Credit : Mark FlemingState Street Fruit Store, a downtown institution since the 1930s. Photo Credit : Mark FlemingThe iconic Hampshire County Courthouse built in 1884 of granite and smooth brownstone. Photo Credit : Mark FlemingThe soldiers and sailors monuments flank the front steps of Memorial Hall on Main Street. Photo Credit : Mark FlemingThe front facade of the Unitarian Society of Northampton and Florence speaks to its inclusive congregation. Photo Credit : Mark Fleming
Have you ever visited Northampton, Massachusetts, in winter?
Heather Marcus is the senior photo editor for Yankee Magazine. She works closely with the art director and a large group of contributing photographers to tell our stories about people and place in a compelling way. Living and growing up in New England, she continues to be inspired by the communities, the landscape, and the wonderful visual opportunities the region affords.
