Amherst and the surrounding area are rich in natural beauty and cultural attractions. Charming downtown Amherst offers many wonderful cafes and restaurants, excellent independent bookstores, and a great independent cinema. Nearby Northampton is also a popular spot for dining, shopping, browsing local art galleries, or catching a show at one of its many music venues. With Wednesday afternoons off for personal writing time or adventuring, the Connecticut River Valley has plenty of magical places to visit.
A number of area museums and literary destinations include:
- W.E.B. Du Bois Center
- Emily Dickinson Homestead
- National Yiddish Book Center
- David Ruggles Center
- The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
- Beneski Museum of Natural History
- Nueva Esperanza
- Smith College Museum of Art
- More information on… area attractions, area restaurants, and area places of worship
New England weather is beautiful and unpredictable. June can range from quite warm (80s to 90s) to chilly (50s), and can be rainy, so we suggest keeping an eye on the area’s forecast as June approaches. There are many local retailers accessible by car or bus if you need anything during your stay here.