Best of Amherst, MA
Home to the Five Colleges
About Amherst
Located in the Connecticut River valley, Amherst is the most populated municipality in Hampshire County with a council-manager form of government. It is one of several Massachusetts communities that function as cities but retain "The Town of" in their official names. The area is home to three of the Five Colleges: Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
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Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is a museum devoted to the art of picture books and especially children’s books, founded in 2002 by Eric and Barbara Carle.
It is a member of Museums10.
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Best Hotels in Amherst
13 places · Where to stay, from budget-friendly to boutique.
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TownePlace Suites
TownePlace Suites is a hotel located in the Hadley Center Historic District.
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Black Walnut Inn
The Black Walnut Inn is a hotel located in the North Amherst neighborhood.
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Homewood Suites by Hilton Hadley Amherst
Homewood Suites by Hilton Hadley Amherst is located in the Hadley Center Historic District.
Best Restaurants in Amherst
51 places · Where to eat, from neighborhood staples to standout kitchens.
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Amherst House of Pizza
Amherst House of Pizza is a pizza restaurant located in the North Amherst neighborhood.
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Amherst Oyster Bar
Amherst Oyster Bar serves seafood in the Amherst Center neighborhood. The menu offers a variety of fresh dishes for diners to enjoy.
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Berkshire Dining Commons
Berkshire Dining Commons is a restaurant located in Amherst Center.
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Bistro 63 at the Monkey Bar and Grill
Bistro 63 at the Monkey Bar and Grill is an American restaurant located in Amherst Center.
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El Comalito
El Comalito is a Mexican and Salvadoran restaurant located in the Pomeroy Village neighborhood.
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Fresh Side
Fresh Side offers Chinese cuisine in the Amherst Center neighborhood.
Best Cafés & Coffee in Amherst
34 places · Coffee shops, roasters and casual spots to linger.
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Amherst Coffee + Bar
Amherst Coffee + Bar serves a variety of coffee drinks in the Amherst Center neighborhood.
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Courtside Café
Courtside Café serves smoothies, snacks, and drinks in the Amherst Center neighborhood.
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Cushman Market & Cafe
Cushman Market & Cafe is a café in Factory Hollow that offers coffee shop and sandwich options for breakfast.
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Kwench Juice Cafe
Kwench Juice Cafe serves a variety of fresh juices in the Amherst Center area. The café offers a relaxed setting for customers to enjoy healthy drinks.
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Life and Earth Cafe
Life and Earth Cafe is a coffee shop located in Amherst Center. It offers a relaxed environment for enjoying various coffee drinks.
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Peet's Coffee
Peet's Coffee is a coffee shop located in Amherst Center, offering a range of brewed coffees and espresso drinks.
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People's Market
People's Market is a café located in the Amherst Center neighborhood, offering a coffee shop experience.
Best Bars & Nightlife in Amherst
8 places · Cocktail bars, pubs and where the night goes.
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The Moan and Dove
The Moan and Dove is a bar located in the Pomeroy Village neighborhood.
Best Things to Do in Amherst
14 places · Museums, landmarks and the experiences worth your time.
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Amherst History Museum
The Amherst History Museum is housed in the historic Strong House at 67 Amity Street, a rare mid‑18th century Connecticut River Valley building now part of the Amherst Historical Society.
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Emily Dickinson Museum
The Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst Center preserves two historic houses: the Dickinson Homestead and the Evergreens. Visitors can explore these sites through guided tours.
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Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is a museum devoted to the art of picture books and especially children’s books, founded in 2002 by Eric and Barbara Carle.
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Beneski Museum of Natural History
The Beneski Museum of Natural History is situated on the Amherst College campus in Amherst Center and displays fossils and minerals gathered locally and worldwide, many collected by students and professors.
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University Museum of Contemporary Art
The University Museum of Contemporary Art is an attraction in the Amherst Center neighborhood.
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Mill District Local Art Gallery
The Mill District Local Art Gallery is an attraction located in the Mill District.
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Bob Stiles House Museum
The Bob Stiles House Museum is located in the neighborhood of Atkins Corner.
Best Shops in Amherst
15 places · Independent boutiques, bookstores and places to browse.
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Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble is a retail store located in the Pomeroy Village neighborhood. It offers a range of books and related merchandise.
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Grey Matter Books
Grey Matter Books is a shop located in the Hadley Center Historic District.
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The Carle Bookshop
The Carle Bookshop is located in the Atkins Corner neighborhood, offering a selection of books for local readers.
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Emily Dickinson Museum Gift Shop
The Emily Dickinson Museum Gift Shop is located in the Amherst Center neighborhood.
Best Parks & Outdoors in Amherst
37 places · Green space, gardens and room to breathe.
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UMass Amherst Sunwheel
UMass Amherst Sunwheel is a campus park located on the UMass Amherst grounds.
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Franklin Permaculture Garden
Franklin Permaculture Garden is a park located at 260 Stockbridge Road.
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Athletic Fields North
Athletic Fields North offers a range of sports facilities for visitors.
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Class of 1954 Garden
Class of 1954 Garden is a public park that offers green space for visitors.
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Community Garden
Community Garden serves as a local park where residents gather to grow plants together.
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Engineering Quad
Engineering Quad is a park located on the university campus. It provides open green space for students and faculty.
Nearby cities to explore
More guides within driving distance of Amherst.
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