Below are some MRC favorites! Our staff has put together a curated selection of top restaurants, breweries, activities, and accommodations that we think are perfect for a fun long weekend in Western Massachusetts. Everything is conveniently located 30 minutes or less from the center.
Everything You’ll Need for a Beautiful Weekend in Western Mass.
Local Gems for Food & Drink.
Blue Heron
11 minutes away. Blue Heron Restaurant in Montague/Sunderland, MA is a relaxed yet upscale New American restaurant celebrated for its globally inspired cuisine made from sustainably sourced local and regional ingredients, served in the historic Old Town Hall. It has earned significant recognition in the culinary world, including being named a James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurateur, highlighting its excellence and influence in the food scene.
Lady Killingrew
7 minutes away. The Lady Killigrew Cafe is a charming cafe and casual pub tucked into the historic Montague Bookmill in Montague, Massachusetts, where you can enjoy simple, delicious fare like hearty sandwiches, fresh salads, baked goods, and nitro cold brew alongside beer and wine. Situated next to a scenic waterfall, it’s a relaxed spot to grab a bite, sip a drink, or hang out with a book while taking in peaceful views of the Sawmill River.
Common Variety
5 minutes away. Common Variety in Montague is a fantastic spot because it blends high-quality coffee, craft beer, and locally sourced food in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, making it a go-to place for both work sessions and casual meetups. Plus, its commitment to supporting local farmers and artisans gives every visit a uniquely Montague feel.
Treehouse Brewing Company
18 minutes away. Tree House Brewing Company is a beloved craft brewery with multiple Massachusetts locations known for its standout New England-style beers and relaxed, energetic atmosphere that draws fans from across the region. In addition to world-class brews, many of its taprooms serve delicious, highly regarded pizza that pairs perfectly with a pint. The brewery also offers versatile event spaces that hosts lots of great musical acts, a perfect place to celebrate with great beer, food, and friends.
The Gill Tavern
22 minutes away. The Gill Tavern in Gill, MA is a cozy New American tavern celebrated for its farm‑to‑table approach and warm, inviting atmosphere that makes it perfect for a relaxed dinner with friends or family. With a menu that highlights seasonally sourced local ingredients in creative, well‑executed dishes and a thoughtful drink selection, it embodies the spirit of community gathering and good food. Diners often praise its friendly service and balanced flavors that showcase the best of Western Massachusetts ingredients.
The Archives Cocktail Bar
23 minutes away. The Archives in Amherst, MA is a stylish, speakeasy‑style cocktail bar tucked into the basement of 30 Boltwood Walk that’s become a beloved hidden gem for expertly crafted drinks and an intimate atmosphere. Known for its creative rotating cocktail menu, cozy lighting, and unique vibe that feels more curated than a typical college bar, it’s a favorite spot for date nights, small gatherings, or a relaxed evening of standout mixology.
Hope & Olive
19 minutes away. Hope & Olive in Greenfield, MA is a beloved, seasonally driven restaurant and bar known for its creative, locally sourced menu that changes regularly and offers everything from brunch to dinner with thoughtful, flavorful dishes. With a cozy atmosphere, handcrafted cocktails, and a welcoming vibe, it’s a favorite spot for casual meals, weekend brunches, or a relaxed night out with friends.
Activities for Everyone.
New England Peace Pagoda
6 minutes away. The New England Peace Pagoda in Leverett, MA (just a short drive from Montague and Amherst) is a striking white Buddhist stupa built in 1985 as the first Peace Pagoda in the Western Hemisphere, intended as a universal symbol of peace, unity, and hope. Surrounded by tranquil gardens, a reflecting pond, and paths ideal for quiet reflection or meditation, it invites visitors of all backgrounds to enjoy a peaceful outdoor setting and contemplate the shared aspiration for global harmony.
The New England Peace Pagoda | Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Order
The Historic Book Mill
7 minutes away. The Montague Bookmill is a beloved historic used bookstore housed in an 1830s gristmill on the banks of the Sawmill River in Montague, Massachusetts, with the charming motto “books you don’t need in a place you can’t find.” In addition to its vast collection of books and cozy reading nooks, the complex features a café, art gallery, music shop, and outdoor seating overlooking the water, making it a scenic destination for browsing, relaxing, and enjoying the riverside setting.
Puffer’s Pond
15 minutes away. Puffer’s Pond in Amherst, MA is a beloved natural landmark and one of the largest open water bodies in the area, cherished for decades as a scenic spot for fishing, canoeing, nature walks, picnicking, and swimming when conditions allow. Surrounded by trails and green conservation land along the Mill River corridor, it offers a peaceful outdoor escape just a few miles from downtown Amherst, complete with a sandy beach and picturesque waterfall where Cushman Brook flows into the pond.
Downtown Amherst
22 minutes away. Downtown Amherst, MA is a vibrant hub of culture, dining, and shopping, blending small-town charm with a lively college-town energy thanks to nearby UMass Amherst and Amherst College. Visitors can explore eclectic boutiques, locally owned cafés, diverse restaurants, and art galleries, all within walking distance, while enjoying frequent community events, farmers’ markets, and street performances that give the downtown its welcoming, energetic vibe.
Downtown Northampton
30 minutes away. Downtown Northampton, MA is a bustling, artsy center known for its eclectic mix of independent shops, diverse restaurants, coffeehouses, and lively nightlife. With a rich cultural scene that includes galleries, theaters, music venues, and frequent street festivals, it’s a vibrant destination that blends small‑town charm with a progressive, creative energy beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Lake Wyola
13 minutes away. Lake Wyola in Shutesbury, MA is a scenic freshwater lake popular for swimming, boating, fishing, and picnicking during the warmer months. Surrounded by forested shores and dotted with charming summer cottages, it offers a peaceful, family‑friendly retreat just a short drive from Amherst and Montague, perfect for enjoying nature, water activities, and lakeside relaxation.
Element’s Hot Tub & Spa
22 minutes away. Elements Hot Tub & Spa in Amherst, MA is a relaxing wellness destination offering private hot tub experiences, hydrotherapy, and spa treatments in a serene, clean, and welcoming environment. Perfect for unwinding solo, with friends, or for a romantic escape, it provides a unique way to de-stress and enjoy restorative soaking in a private, peaceful setting.
Elements Hot Tub Spa | Hot Tub, Massage & Spa in Amherst, MA
Mike’ Maze (Seasonal)
14 minutes away. Mike’s Maze in Sunderland, MA is an award‑winning seasonal fall attraction set on Warner Farm where visitors can explore an 8‑acre corn maze with a new artistic theme each year, packed with trivia, puzzles, and interactive game stations throughout the paths. Beyond the maze, the experience includes a giant playground, petting zoo, camera obscura, and games like potato cannons and pedal carts, plus tasty farm‑style food at the Corn Cafe — making it a fun outdoor outing for families and groups each autumn.
Pig Pen Ledges
Pig Pen Ledges is a scenic highlight along the Robert Frost Trail in the Montague Wildlife Management Area near Montague, Massachusetts. The hike winds through wooded terrain with some stream crossings and moderate climbs, culminating at rugged rock outcroppings where you can scramble up and explore the dramatic ledges and enjoy a quiet natural spot before turning back.
Robert Frost Trail To Pigpen Ledges, Massachusetts - 133 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
Rattlesnake Gutter
Rattlesnake Gutter in Leverett, Massachusetts is a striking glacial ravine and lightly‑trafficked hiking area known for its long, boulder‑strewn chasm and scenic, easy trails winding along an old gravel road through wooded terrain. The trail offers peaceful walks and opportunities to explore unique rock formations and streamside scenery, with options to extend your route on connecting paths through conserved land.
Rattlesnake Gutter Conservation Area and Trails - Rattlesnake Gutter Trust
Ask us about our on-site accommodations! If you need to host more than 32 guests, we recommend these trusted local B&Bs.
The Black Walnut Inn
18 minutes away.