With the taste of summer we’ve received from Mother Nature this spring, it seems like we’re going to be able to actually enjoy our spring break in New England just like they do in Florida; hot, sweaty, and in the sun. But there’s only so long we can go lay out in the sun without losing our minds.
Luckily, The Cub is glad to help with some of the best places to venture to this spring. Instead of keeping yourselves cooped up in your house huddled around the TV or on your deck praying for a tan under the sun, keep things interesting and find an adventure at one of these promising places.
- Northampton MA:
Northampton is the perfect place for a beautiful day. Whether you’re in the mood to get lunch, shop, or walk around in a small downtown, there’s plenty to do on just one street.
Suggestions:
For shopping: Faces. This store is the cool version of target (think a mellowed out version of Alice in Wonderland meets Martha Stewart), and maybe a bit smaller. Faces has shoes, shirts, books, cooking materials, and enough posters to cover an arena. Faces won’t let you down, you’re bound to find something you’re in love with and have a good time doing it.
For the food: Fitzwilly’s is probably the most well known restaurant in Noho. Fitzwilly’s has all types of dishes such as the Bacon Burger or the Wicked Alfredo. So, if you’re with someone who’s picky, he or she will be satisfied.
For the coffee: Woodstar is the clean and so-much-better twin of Starbucks. I’ve always been someone who supports local shops rather than chains and Noho is the home of the best local shops around. In the mood for a coffee or treat? Woodstar’s your place
- Amherst, MA:
Amherst is the smaller rendition of Northampton and is crawling with college students due to the location of three close campuses. Amherst is also a perfect place to be on a beautiful day because of all of the shops and restaurants. Amherst also has the chillest park right in the middle of the town. Take a break from the walking, grab a bite to eat, and relax in the park for the rest of the day.
For the books: Amherst Books is never a let down. Although this local shop is small (not your average Barnes and Noble), Amherst Books offers all types of genres and satisfies all tastes.
For the food: Judy’s and the famous popovers. Popovers are the most addicting and delicious breads the complete every meal. In the mood for a good homemade tasting meal? Judy’s is your gal.
For the Coffee: Amherst Coffee is the epitome of a small town café. Always flooding with students typing away or old time friends chatting, Amherst Coffee is the perfect place to stop for a drink.
- Chicopee MA:
We all know there’s going to be that one rainy day when it’s impossible to do something outside. Memorial drive comes in handy when you’re just looking for someplace to go to get out of the house.
For the food: Panera Bread is luckily right down the street from Ludlow and the perfect place for soup, your laptop, and a friend. I could personally spend hours in Panera Bread. And if you’re not a soup and sandwiches kind of person, scoop up your laptop and head across the street to Starbucks.
- Lee MA:
The famous Lee Outlets are a perfect place to just blow a whole day. Some of the best shops (American Eagle, Polo, Lacoste, Banana Republic) are at the Lee Outlets and it’s only 45 minutes away.
For the food: The food court even has a convenient store in case you’re in a dire emergency. From coffee, to sandwiches, to pizza, to Chinese, the Lee Outlets food court has your stomache hostage as a best friend during the entire shopping trip.