If you know me in real life, then it’s no surprise that I’m going to be visiting the Northampton/Amherst, Mass region every now and then for the next few years. Lucky for me, because it’s a cool area. I didn’t take as many photos as I should have during my last visit. For example, I wish I’d gotten a photo of the “Sushi Love Boat for Two” I shared with Jen at Osaka one night — total sushi overload. And I definitely should have snapped some photos at Atkins Farms in Amherst. Here’s a recap of some other highlights.
First, if you’re driving north on 91 to Northampton, whatever you do, please do not forget to stop by Donut Dip in West Springfield. If you’re into old-fashioned donuts, seriously, I can’t imagine a more perfect place. Yeah, I love the crazy donuts at places like Doughnut Plant in NYC and Voodoo in Portland, but I’d trade those in a minute for a perfect cruller from Donut Dip. No food photos because I ate everything too fast.
Speaking of old-fashioned doughnuts, The Donut Man in Hadley is absolutely worth a visit, assuming you’re driving of course.
Onto Northampton — now I can’t even mention this town without giving a shout-out to my new buddies at the coolest shop in town, Essentials. Colette and Sydne, it was great meeting you.
Lunchtime — all burger lovers have to eat here. Something tells me that Local is a mad-house at certain times of the day or week, but we missed the crowds by going a little late. These guys do burgers right. Honestly, I’d take this place over anything in NYC. No, really. But as good as the burgers were, the sweet potato fries and these onion rings were even better, not to mention huge.
Visiting Hungry Ghost Bread was almost an after-thought. And as you can see, it’s easy to miss. Phew, thank goodness I found it. They make just a few kinds of bread, and they had only two types of cookies for sale, but it’s all about quality over quantity.
Don’t misunderstand me — the breads and cookies were actually gigantic. I just mean that some bakeries do a few things really well, and they don’t have to flaunt it. One try and you’ll be hooked. You should have seen me driving home, grabbing handfuls of the challah. Now a trip to the Northampton/Amherst area won’t be complete without a visit here. Did I mention how big and awesome the chocolate chip cookies were?
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I'm Justin Schwartz, a cookbook guy and occasional food writer, and this blog is about what I'm up to these days. I'm the author of Veg Out Vegetarian Guide to New York City and The Marshmallow Fluff Cookbook. You can email me at justin at justinschwartz.com. I'm also on Instagram.
A lot of the books I write about are ones I've edited, so my opinions are very biased. And if I didn't work on the book, someone probably gave it to me for free. So keep that in mind before you take my word for it. Sometimes I just like to give a shout-out to my friends. And oh yeah, my opinions have nothing to do with my employer...
The Hungry Ghost bread is adorable! I love the vines that cover the building, how cool.
The donuts look so good right now, especially since my dog just ate my breakfast :O(I've never been to MASS. Looks like a fun place.
I spent four glorious years of college at UMASS and I absolutely miss that area so much, especially Atkins Farm and their delicious cider donuts! I'm looking forward to reading more of these Amherst/NoHo posts!
Hmmm – what fun food. You just made me hungry all over again and I just had lunch!
i used to party a lot up at zoomass. and went to boarding school in greenfield. i don't miss that area much lol. but that donut is worth a trip up there. i love those greasy sugary donut logs. good lord do i.
jennifurla: i know, right!girlieblog: i have to say, mass has a lot to offerbeantown: oh yeah? then you really understand. that whole region seems to take donuts really seriouslyeliana: yeah, me toodawn: ha, really? if you haven't been there in a while, you might want to take a trip back.
It's so funny how you mentioned Doughnut Plant. I was JUST there today! Donut Dip sounds awesome too..never been there but you are making me drool.
p. lee: any day that includes a visit to doughnut plant is a VERY good day
Love the look of that doughnut and challah! The Hungry Ghost Bread frontage is cool too!
I want to try me some of those sweet potato fries you mention and that rootbeer. I love trying local soda pops and brews. I love the look of the Hungry Ghost Bread shop too. I mostly like would have passed it if i were driving around there.
Oh, I love Northampton! What a great post — makes me homesick for Massachusetts.