Northampton Thrives as a Cultural Attraction and Tourist Destination

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Enjoy Northampton's history. And know that SERVPRO, like our town, has stood the test of time. Call us for your storm damage remediation.

Enjoy Modern Arts, Historical Venues, and Outdoor Activities in Northampton

The city of Northampton is the county seat of Hampshire County. Initially, the first explorers came to the area in the spring of 1654, and John A. King, one of the initial colonists, gave Northampton its name, naming it after his birthplace in England. The area survived various conflicts, a revolution, and religious revivals from the 1650s until the 1770s. Members of the community were present in Philadelphia for the constitutional convention in 1787.

Northampton has always been a progressive community. In the 1800s, Clark Schools for Hearing and Speech and Smith College for women were established. Barbara Bush, Nancy Reagan, Gloria Steinem, and Julia Child are among notable women who attended Smith College in more recent years. Many Irish, Polish and French Canadians settled in the area.

The city declined during the 20th century due to declines brought on by the rust belt phenomenon. However, Northampton has revived, becoming an active cultural center, which is also popular with tourists. There are many eclectic restaurants, a thriving music scene, and an active filmmaking community. Several major films have been produced in the area, such as Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf, The Edge of Darkness, and several others.

Community Support Organizations

The Northampton Chamber of Commerce is very active within the city and the region, providing support to residents and many non-profit groups in the area. There are over 80 groups listed on the chamber's website, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire, the Salvation Army, and the Northampton Saturday Farmer's Market, to name a few. The Northampton Lions Club, the Rotary Club of Northampton are also active in the area, providing support to residents and business people in the city.

Main Attractions and Things to do in Northampton

There are many activities for both visitors and residents to enjoy while experiencing Northampton.

• Smith College Botanic Gardens
• Norwottuck Rail Trail
• Thornes Marketplace,
• Smith College Museum of Art
• Historic Northampton
• Academy of Music Theatre
• Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum
• Michaelson Galleries

Visitors to Northampton can enjoy outdoor activities, cultural interest in art and music as well as botany. History buffs may be interested in experiencing what life was like for settlers and residents of Northampton in the early years. Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President, also has his library in Northampton.

Smith College Founded in 1871

Among the best women's colleges in the United States, Smith College enrolls students from 48 states and over 68 countries. Alumnae represent 55,000 students from all 50 states and more than 120 countries. While it only admits women at the undergraduate levels, men are welcomed as graduate students. Smith College offers a rich curriculum, one of the highlights is the Botanic Garden. Self-guided and group tours are available. There are multiple gardens and collections of plants. Visitors often book various times to view this massive collection of plants and flowers.

The Smith College of Art contains over 27,000 objects covering art and culture from various periods and geographies. Over 35,000 visitors enjoy visiting the college every year. The college began collecting art in 1879, which continues to this day.

Norwottuck Rail Trail

The trail is 10 miles or 16.1 kilometers long. The rail-trail is very popular with all types of users, including walking, hiking, running, and road biking. Enjoy views of the Connecticut River while traversing this paved asphalt surface. Grades are gentle, under 5%, and suitable for wheelchair access and strollers. Since the trail is so popular, cyclists and joggers are asked to be respectful of all users.

Presidential Library and Museum – Calvin Coolidge

Calvin Coolidge was the 30th president, serving from 1923 to 1929. The library began when Coolidge began donating items to the Forbes Library. He practiced law and served as mayor before becoming state governor in 1916. He acted as Vice President from 1921-1923 and was elected in 1924 in his own right after assuming his predecessor's presidency. The library holds many of his memoirs and collections from his time in government and as President of the United States.

Northampton Farmers Markets

There are several farmer's markets operating in the area. During the spring, summer, and fall seasons, three farmer's markets are held every week and are very popular with residents. The Tuesday market is held from May to November at the Pedestrian Plaza. The Wednesday market runs from April – October and is held at the Florence Civic Center, behind the Lilly Library. The Saturday market operates from April until November on Gothic Street in downtown Northampton.

The Northampton Winter Farmers market operates all winter, offering fresh produce, specialty products, and locally prepared food. There is usually live entertainment. This market is closed temporarily due to health concerns and guidelines from local health groups.

Minimize Down Time from Flood Damage in Your Commercial Property

Commercial business owners in Northampton dealing with flooding damage always want to minimize their business spending on cleaning up the floodwaters, damage restoration, and repairs. SERVPRO offers services that focus on returning the business to full operations as soon as possible. We offer:

• 24/7 response time
• Highly trained technicians
• State of the art equipment
• Supervision of all repairs and reconstruction (General Contractor Lic: MA CS-107843)

We coordinate any repair and construction services needed, remove the water and debris after a flood, dry your building and contents, and return humidity to normal levels. Our team can begin repairs immediately, reducing the time your business takes to return to full operation.

We make sure subcontractors are scheduled as needed. Every step is coordinated with you to ensure that your commercial managers can plan to reopen in an optimum manner to minimize expenses and maximize revenue flows.

SERVPRO of Hampshire County provides flood damage services to Northampton commercial business customers and the surrounding area. Call (413) 324-1300. We respond 24/7 to help with all your flood damage restoration needs.