On Saturday morning, we'll wake up and grab a bite to eat (remember, continental breakfast) from the Inn. Then it's on the bicycles to take the Rail Trail to downtown Northampton. We're headed to check out the Saturday morning Farmer's Market, so get off at the Main Street access point (you can see a map of the trail and its access points here). Note: Be sure to ask the innkeepers for a bicycle helmet - or bring your own - and bicycle lock.
Once you've had a treat at the market (I would seek out some apple cider, if it were me!), continue further west down Main Street and seek out Baker Normand. Ooo and ahh over the yummy smells and wonderful breads and have a treat if you're not already full. From here, with a chocolate croissant in your hand or not, explore the downtown area. This is your time to seek out the vibe of the town you're visiting, so don't skip it!
Step into Thornes Marketplace or a local shop. Be sure to note the location of Northampton Brewery (you know we'll be there later!). Head over to Smith College and explore the grounds or stop by the botanical gardens and pick up a visitor's guide of the gardens. Stop in at Forbes Library so that you can claim to have been to Calvin Coolidge's presidential library. Be sure to let your feet guide you. Have a destination in mind, but don't worry if you get off track - that is the best way to get acquainted and fall in love.
Once you start feeling the first pangs of hunger, find your way to The Green Bean. Have a sandwich and head back to the Inn to drop off your bicycles and pick up the car. The afternoon calls for a little nature at the Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for children, which I think accurately reflects the level of difficulty of trails. Have a hike, layer down if necessary, and be on the look out for wildlife!
After you've had your exercise, hop back in the car, drive north through Northampton and cross the river to make your way to the Eric Carle Museum. It's open until 5PM on Saturdays, so be sure to time it so you have an hour to an hour and a half to browse (unless you feel you'll need more time, of course). After watching the Very Hungry Caterpillar devour all that food (providing, of course, he is on exhibit), you'll be very hungry yourself. Stop off at the Inn to freshen up or head straight to Bistro Les Gras. Don't bother about the rich food - you've already booked your calories hiking! Also, plan to leave your car where you park it - forget about dragging it along all night.
If you've timed everything right, head out to a show. I suggest the Academy of Music (solely because it showed Into the Woods), but really whatever is playing whatever looks best to you is where you should go. After the show, slide on over to Northampton Brewery - open until 11 on Saturdays - and try some of their brews.
Assuming you have the energy and you did your homework earlier in the day, find the place to be after 11PM. Perhaps in Hamp it's bed, but if it's a bar or cafe, you'd better make sure you're there!
Thanks for reading!
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