Location: Amherst
Top Things to do in Amherst
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The 10 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Amherst, Massachusetts (MA)
Amherst (/ˈæmərst/ ( listen)) is a town in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States, in the Connecticut River valley. As of the 2010 census, the population was 37,819, making it the highest populated municipality in Hampshire County (although the county seat is Northampton). The town is home to Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, three of the Five Colleges. The name of the town is pronounced without the h ("AM-erst"), giving rise to the local saying, "only the 'h' is silent", in reference both to the pronunciation and to the town's politically active populace.
Restaurants in Amherst
1. Amherst College Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By 661maryannh
This museum was originally a "time-filler" between activities while we were visiting our son at UMass for the weekend. Once we arrived at the museum, we were pleasantly surprised at the variety of topics covered. Although many of the exhibits were display molds, a good number were genuine artifacts discovered through archaeological digs and findings. the museum is located in a great area - centrally located to anything we needed. Added bonus that the exhibit was free; we'll be back!
2. Yiddish Book Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 83 reviews
The Book Center’s 37,000-square-foot heymish-modern building in Amherst, MA, is a lebedike velt – a lively world – featuring an open Yiddish book repository, theatres, art galleries, museum exhibitions about Yiddish language and culture, and programs in literature, music, art, film, and theater
3. Emily Dickinson Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 285 reviews
Open for tours from March to mid-December, the birthplace of Emily Dickinson is registered as a National Historic Landmark.
Reviewed By NIcoleLarry - Greenwich, United States
Although the house museum is currently closed due to Covid, when things return to normal, this is an important stop for anyone planning to attend performances at Tanglewood, Jacobs Pillow or the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Conveniently close to these Berkshire cultural destinations, an afternoon spent at the home of America’s most famous woman poet, is a fabulous way to celebrate the talent of the woman who penned lines like “ There is no frigate like a book to take us lands away” and “I’m nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody too? Then there’s a pair of us - don’t tell”. If you have somehow missed the magic of her words or forgotten them, what an introduction. The docents are professional and full of Emily Dickinson trivia. You’ll love your afternoon acquainting or reacquainting yourself with this revolutionary poets life and work. Allow two hours. We stayed across the street at the charming and very affordable Amherst Inn, but if you’re looking for fancier accommodations, the Inn at Boltwood is a block away ( the former Lord Jeff).
4. Amherst Cinema Arts Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
Amherst Cinema is a non-profit, independent theater. Our mission is to inspire, inform and entertain through the universal language of cinema arts and to serve as a cultural and educational resource for all. The core of our programming at Amherst Cinema is first-run independent film and classic repertory. We show over 120 superb films each year - most are first-run gems not even considered by commercial cineplexes. Decisions about film selection are made by our programming experts who know film and who know our audiences, not - as with many multiplex theaters - by a central office in a distant location. HISTORY 1926: The Amherst Theater opened in a renovated livery building in downtown Amherst, MA. It screened many classic films and hosted occasional stage performances. 1955: the theater was sold to Samuel Goldstein and renamed Amherst Cinema. Through the 1990s, the building deteriorated due to a lack of basic maintenance. The theater closed in 1999. 2000: a group of local film buffs and arts lovers formed the nonprofit Amherst Cinema entity to save the historic structure from the auction block. With substantial help from hundreds of individuals, institutions and businesses, the group raised funds and developed plans for a cinema center. 2006: With help from hundreds of supporters, we raised nearly $3,000,000 for the Amherst Cinema's home. In May 2006, our nonprofit organization broke ground to build a new, state-of-the-art, three-screen cinema. The Amherst Cinema opened November 22, 2006. 2013: A new studio theater was opened adjacent to the main building.
Reviewed By 663lenb
A movie house with five screens, different size theaters, terrific choices each week among films, film-loving audiences.
5. Mead Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By Carmelo352 - Amherst, United States
I have visited the Mead Art Museum over three dozen times in the past 39 years and I have never been disappointed. The art collection is outstanding and ever changing. The museum is located on the Amherst College Campus and I have often combined my visits there with a relaxing walk on the campus. There are sweeping views of the Holyoke Range at the top of the hill near the museum.
6. The Hangar Pub and Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By mtelamrd
Now that the Hangar is associated with the Amherst Brewing Co., it's a one stop shop. Great local beer with their awesome wings. Plenty of TV to catch local (UMASS) sporting events as well as regional and national happenings. Friendly and efficient wait staff and a wonderful rotating draft beer selection. Must visit if in the Amherst area.
7. Elements Hot Tub Spa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
A local, award-winning day spa located in the bustling town of Amherst, MA. Private hot tub rooms, therapeutic massage & spa treatment services!
Reviewed By tlpc54 - Marblehead, United States
Don’t hesitate just book! I went last night with my boyfriend. We booked the Pueblo sunset package which was 30 min private hot tub and steam room followed by a 90 min hot stone massage. It was absolute perfection! We were asked to arrive 15 min early to fill out paperwork. The waiting room was small, warm and cozy. There was a fire place, tea and water (Do your self a favor and grab a bottle of water to bring in the hot tub/steam room with you). We were asked which aromatherapy we would like in the steam room; which was set up while we filled out our paperwork. We were led to our room which was actually surprisingly large. Inside there was a large hot tub and a two person steam room/shower. There were mesh bags hanging (with a bathrobe and flip flops for each of us), towels and hooks/bench for your things and shampoo/conditioner in the steam room/shower. They explained that we had 30 min and they would flash the lights when we had 5 min left. The room was warm and lit with small candles, the lights were dim and calming music was playing. You could move freely from the hot tub to the sauna. 30 min was the perfect amount of time. When our time was up we dressed in the provided robes/flip flops, put our clothes in the mesh back and were led to the massage room. The therapists reviewed our intake paperwork, asked a few basic questions and left the room for us to get comfortable and de-robe. Patricia was my therapist and was truly amazing. She made me feel very comfortable from the moment I walked in. I would honestly make the 2 hour drive back for a massage from her ANYTIME! My boyfriend equally loved his therapist but I unfortunately didn’t catch her name. Overall it was very clean and welcoming. I left feeling like a goddess. I without a doubt will be back. This was a perfect couples get away weekend. *No need to bring anything with you except a bathing suit if you choose (no one enters the hot tub/sauna room). There is extra parking in the back if you cant find parallel parking on the street.
8. Amherst Public Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By jaycube075 - Amherst, United States
At the intersection of Amity and Pleasant Streets, just off the town common, you'll find the 100 year old Jones Library, the Crown Jewel of the Town of Amherst, Mass. Public Library System. Dignified, but relaxed. Stately, but not stuffy. With a collection of books, visuals, art, and audio, this town library rivals the massive collections at the neighboring colleges. Librarians are knowledgeable about the Jones' collection, and, if the item you're seeking isn't on premises, they know how to retrieve it from one of their two satellite libraries or from other resources in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts. But, the Jones is more than merely a place where books live. It is a community center for the town, the home to several "glad to have you as a member" book clubs, and a beautifully designed, easily accessible location where visitors of every age will find what they didn't know they needed. Or wanted. Whenever I'm in Amherst, I try to make sure that my busy schedule leaves an hour or so open to drop by the Jones Library. I'm always delighted with the visit, and maybe I've become just a little wiser,
9. Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 253 reviews
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, a stunning, 40,000 square-foot facility in the heart of the Five College area of Western MA is loved by families, art aficionados and book lovers alike. The Museum houses three Galleries with rotating exhibitions of picture book art from around the world, and a permanent collection which includes works by artists such as Maurice Sendak, Leo Lionni, and Rosemary Wells. A hands-on Art Studio allows visitors to create their own masterpiece any time the Museum is open. The Auditorium hosts regular live performances, daily films, and frequent lectures and guest appearances by renowned authors and illustrators. The comfortable Reading Library is the perfect spot to settle in with a book and a friend, or take in Storytime. The Museum Shop, called by Parent's Choice "the very best bookstore for picture books in the entire world," is stocked with unique gifts and a beautiful array of picture books.
Reviewed By MyKidzBookshelf
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is a fantastic destination for fans of all ages that enjoy illustration! This wonderful museum features not only gorgeously curated exhibits, but also an art room for kids to create, an auditorium for programs, speakers and performances, a library, oversized photo-op props and a gift shop! We’ve visited this museum four times in the past four years and will absolutely be returning! The exhibits are definitely not just for kids—the art is fantastic—and there are always plenty of hands-on parts to the exhibits to round out the experience for the younger set! In the nicer weather, venture out to enjoy the outdoor gardens that were designed and dedicated to Eric Carle’s wife and co-founder, Barbara, or Bobbie as she was affectionately known. For fans of illustration, this is the museum to visit. Located near Amherst, MA, - it is about 20 minutes off of the highway and is a must-see destination for those who love art, illustration and a good museum!
