Self-care is simply giving the same kindness to ourselves that we would give to others.
The beginning of every new year is a time to start fresh. It is not only a time to set goals but it is also a time to recharge. This is why my mom and I decided to start off the year with a wellness retreat to Massachusetts’ own Hampshire County. Located roughly 2.5 hours from the city of Boston, Hampshire County is the perfect place to get away for a little self care. The towns of Northampton, Easthampton, and Amherst all play host to a variety of wellness spas, hiking trails, and healthy restaurants. It is the perfect place to escape for a little selfcare.
Below I have rounded up some of my favorite places to eat, stay, and relax next time you are in need of a wellness getaway.
Where to Stay
During our time in Northampton, we stayed at the beautiful Hotel Northampton which I highly recommend! The hotel is located in the middle of the downtown area and is within walking distance to many shops and restaurants. Hotel Northampton includes many spacious guest rooms, offers two restaurants, and includes complimentary parking.
Where to Eat
Breakfast: If you choose to stay at Hotel Northampton, I highly recommend their breakfast buffet at Wiggins Tavern. They offer a wide selection of fruits, eggs, and pastries to fuel you throughout the day.
Lunch: One of Northhampton’s best kept secret is Jake’s Restaurant. Located across the street from Hotel Northampton, Jakes’s Restaurant serves breakfast all day long and often has a line out the door. And while they offer many healthy options such as quinoa bowls and egg dishes, they also serve delicious buttermilk pancakes, French toast, and many lunch options.
Another great option for lunch in Northampton is Nourish, offering real, organic, plant based food options. They offer many gluten free, dairy free, and vegan option to get your green juice and Acai bowl fix. Check out the list of the other items on their menu here.
Dinner: If you are looking for a healthy, vegetarian meal look no further than Paul and Elizabeth’s in Thorne Marketplace. Paul and Elizabeth’s is a family-run, natural food restaurant that puts their customers first. They make sure that their ingredients are fresh and sourced locally. You can check out their dinner menu here.
If you are not a vegetarian, there are still many great dinner options in Northampton, including Caminito Steakhouse. Caminito Steakhouse is a charming restaurant located near Thorne’s Marketplace. It was definitely one of my favorite meals of the trip! And while there are a lot of meat options (and of course a delicious steak!) they also cater to vegetarians with a variety of salads, pastas, and vegetable skewers. And for dessert, I highly recommend splurging and trying the chocolate mousse.
Nightlife: After dinner, unwind with a cocktail at The Tunnel Bar. The Tunnel Bar was built in the late 1800s as a passage for travelers to board their trains. Now, it serves as an elegant lounge and is known for serving oversized martinis. Check out their drink menu here.
What to Do
Hike in the Mountains– One of the great things about Northampton is how many hiking trails are nearby. If you are looking to get outdoors, I highly recommend checking out Skinner State Park for some of the best views of Hampshire County.
Visit the Lyman Botanical Garden at Smith College– The conservatory houses over 3,000 different species of plants from all over the world. And it is, of course, a beautiful place to explore.
Tour the Local Coffee Spots with Off the Beaten Path Coffee and Tea Tour– On an Off The Beaten Path Tour, a friendly, local guide will take you on a tour to sample some of the city’s most delicious coffee shop beverages and tea and coffee infused treats. Learn about the rich history of the area and learn about what is going on today.
On our particular tour, we stopped by Northampton Coffee where we tried their cold brewed hibiscus tea and Familiars where we added lemon to our blue pea flower tea to turn it purple. We ate cookies at The Roost, sampled truffles at Dobra, and ended our tour at Shelborne Falls Coffee Roaster. If you are looking for a knowledgeable guide to learn more about the area, I highly recommend signing up for one of these tours. Similar tours are also offered in Cambridge, Somerville, Jamaica Plain, and Lowell Mill.
Go Shopping- From bookshops to clothing boutiques to organic skincare stores, Hampshire County has a wide variety of shops to check out.
Wellness Shops and Spas
Infrared Sauna and Facial at THELō Wellness– The start of a new year is a perfect time to detox! Start off your wellness weekend by sweating out your toxins at THELō’s infrared sauna. You will have a whole room to yourself with access to Netflix movies to help you to pass the time. Afterwards, I highly recommend their Gua Sha facial to help remove inflammation, promote collagen, and erase wrinkles. Read more about the benefits on their website here.
Treat Yourself to a Non-Toxic Manicure at JoiaBeauty – At JoiaBeauty they believe that what you put on your body matters. Because of this, they only sell the best in organic and botanical skincare. So stop by and shop their numerous products as you treat yourself to a toxin-free manicure.
Unwind in a Hot Tub– The perfect way to end the weekend is by relaxing in a jacuzzi at Elements Hot Tub Spa in Amherst. At Elements Spa, you can reserve your own private room with an option to include a sauna, an aromatherapy steam room, or even to be outside. Check out a list of the available options here.
If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out my Wellness Travel section, currently featuring wellness itineraries for London and New York.
