Showing posts with label #othersideMA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #othersideMA. Show all posts

Friday, May 31, 2019

Travel to MGM Springfield - A New England Casino

Social Media Promotion: Sponsored  

MGM Resorts in Springfield MA


In mid-May we had the opportunity to spend a few days at one of New England's newest hotel and resort casinos, MGM Springfield, which opened in 2018 in Springfield Massachusetts. 

MGM Springfield is owned and operated by MGM Resorts International,  known for fabulous hotels and casinos, state-of-the-art meetings and conference spaces, incredible live and theatrical entertainment experiences, and an extensive array of restaurant, nightlife and retail offerings. 


MGM Springfield - Home Place Travels
Welcome to MGM Springfield

Getting there? Easy peasy! Just a little over an hour from our home in Connecticut and it's right off I-91. I do mean right off - like about a block from the exit! 

Parking? Also easy! A self parking garage enters right into and is just steps from the casino. Valet parking service (approximately $28) is also available.

We began our stay with a tour of the property, learning about MGM's commitment to remaining true to the spirit of the area and attention to details for the full consumer experience.  MGM is bringing the best of the best to Springfield with their partnership with the MassMutual Center with shows like CHER (that I was lucky enough to attend back in April) - and AEROSMITH coming in August 2019.  

In addition, there's always SOMETHING fun going on site in 'The Plaza' on MGM Springfield's grounds, as well as the the ROAR: Comedy Club also located in the plaza in the old Springfield Armory on weekends.  The Plaza is an incredible outdoor dining and entertainment district that highlights the outdoor beauty of the hotel and casino.

 "MGM International believes entertainment is a fundamental human need" explained marketing director, Saverio Mancini.

We couldn't agree more! And no one fills that need for entertainment better than MGM! 


The Springfield Armory
Now the ROAR Comedy Club
Located in MGM Springfield's Plaza are



MGM Springfield
Plaza Seating Area
MGM Springfield
Conference Center Veranda

It was easy to see that MGM was dedicated to being true to the area's historic location and place in the Springfield community. Building in the area certainly helped the city with their rebuilding efforts after a devastating tornado. (In June 2011 a category EF3 tornado with 160 mph winds ripped through Springfield destroying over 500 buildings in downtown Springfield and the surrounding area). 


MGM Springfield Hotel Exterior

The company built slowly and intentionally, integrating a historically accurate architectural aesthetic that blends seamlessly into the downtown landscape. 


MGM Springfield
Interactive History of Springfield MA

MGM Springfield remains true to the spirit of the city known as the "City of Firsts" with its nod to the number of items first invented in Springfield (the game of basketball, American dictionary, Indian Motorcycles, and so much more) -- all in the place that was once the epicenter for precision manufacturing - and the birthplace of Dr. Seuss!


ROAR Comedy Club
and Patio Seating Area
MGM Springfield

The attention to detail throughout the hotel and casino is incredible! Both are decorated in an early twentieth century decor with beautiful textiles and warm tones. 

The design team scoured the area and the nearby Brimfield Antique Flea Market for historically accurate pieces that represent and replicate the industrial revolution era that the area is known for.

MGM Springfield
Hotel Lobby



MGM Springfield
Antiques and Artifacts
Hotel Lobby


MGM Springfield
Hotel Lobby
Reading Nook

There's even a Starbucks in the Lobby!

We loved our hotel room! It was so tastefully decorated and had a great view of downtown Springfield!



It had a cozy little seating area that was the perfect space for our morning 'in room' breakfast! 





After breakfast - we hit the shops! There are some great little places in the surrounding block, like Kringle Emporium.




Kringle Emporium specializes in candles, but also offers coffee, baked goods, soups, sandwiches, paninis, and salads. 


Candles Galore at
Kringle Emporium


Kringle's Friendly Staff

In addition, they offer milkshakes and spiked milkshakes! This one is the S'more Something - a decadent concoction with flambeed marshmallows, chocolate goodness, vodka, and graham crackers.

Spiked Milkshakes
at Kringles Emporium

After all our indulging we headed over to the Indian Motorcycle store where we loved all the memorabilia items - and of course, the display Indian cycles!


Indian Motorcycle Memorabilia


Actual Indian Motorcycles on Display!

After our shopping excursion we decided to head on over to the Tap Sports Bar for lunch.



Tap features loads of TVs to show all the sports events with a great 'sports bar' menu, an extensive beer selection, and a creative cocktail menu. It was a beautiful spring day - so we decided to eat on the outdoor patio!


Cocktails at Tap Sports Bar
MGM Springfield



Lunch at Tap Sports Bar
MGM Springfield


Want more options? Head over to the South End Market Place for a plethora of flavors Diner Favorites to Noodles to Lobster to Wine & Cheese --- and so much more! And it's open 24 hours!








If you're visiting on a Friday - make sure you stop into the plaza to enjoy "Food Truck Friday" where a variety of food trucks gather for some food and music and fun!




Food Truck Fridays
MGM Springfield Plaza

After lunch while the cowboy visited 'the slots' we headed over to the Salon for a well deserved pedicure! Not only does the hotel feature a full spa -- but they also feature a full service salon, with some great specials that sometimes come with a champagne perk!


MGM Springfield
Salon


Enjoy a bit of bubbly
with select services
MGM Springfield Salon


MGM Springfield Salon
Enjoying a Pedicure

After an afternoon shopping, relaxing, getting spoiled in the salon, and visiting the casino's gaming area, we headed out to dinner at Cal Mare.


The Cal Mare Restaurant

Cal Mare's chef, Michael Mina, fuses the authentic Italian coastal cuisine from the Amalfi Coast that he is know for, with New England's signature style. The marriage is a win-win!

Cocktails at the Cal Mare Restaurant
MGM Springfield

Cal Mare at MGM Springfield
Gnocchi




MGM Springfield
Cal Mare Restaurant
Lasagna

We ate soooo much that we needed to walk off our dinner, so we did some more strolling through the area and visited the gaming area. We ended our night over cocktails at MGM Springfield's Commonwealth Club where as the night goes on the music and fun gets pumped up!


MGM Springfield
Commonwealth Club


Commonwealth Club
Espresso Martini Nightcap

There's also a fun little hotel cocktail bar where drinks are found in a storybook menu and based on fairy tale names. 


Bibidi Bobbidity Booze Cocktail
MGM Springfield Hotel Lobby

Cocktails at the Hotel Lobby Bar
MGM Springfield

We loved our little getaway to MGM Springfield! We know you will too! We can't wait to visit again to enjoy more of all there is to do! 

Next time we're planning on indulging in their new BRUNCH BUFFET (!!), taking in a movie in their on premise Regal Theater, having fun with a little competitive bowling at the Tap Sports Bar, and taking in a show at the comedy club!

Hope we see you there!


MGM Grand

One MGM Way
Springfield, CT
https://mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com/en.html

413.273.5000

Disclaimer: We were invited to MGM Springfield by members of the company's management and marketing team and portions of this post are sponsored. However, all views and opinions are our own.

©  Home Place 2019

Sunday, April 23, 2017

The Other Side of MA - Brunch at the Esselon Cafe

Social Media Promotion: Sponsored

Sunday Brunch at the Esselon Cafe in Hadley, MA


On the final morning of our trip to Massachusetts, as we made our way to the Annual Spring Bulb Show with the Hampshire County Regional Tourism Councilwe stopped at the Esselon Cafe in Hadley MA.

Esselon Cafe
The Esselon Cafe
in Hadley Massachusetts

An independently owned and operated coffee shop and retail operation, Esselon Cafe opened in June of 2006. Since its inception, it has grown from a popular local cafe and coffee shop, to an award winning restaurant -- and a retail and wholesale provider of fresh-roasted artisan coffees, fine teas, and coffee equipment and accessories.

The place was super busy! It's a self-order at the counter place, with plenty of daily specials each day - and a quite extensive menu for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner! With both indoor and outdoor seating - I can't wait to return to enjoy the beautiful outside space!

Inside it's rustically charming - with antique fixtures and an authentic tin ceiling.

Esselon Cafe Interior
Esselon Cafe
Hadley MA


Esselon Cafe
Beautiful Chandelier and Antique Mirror
Esselon Cafe - Hadley MA

In the true spirit of a farm-to-table type experience, they use lots of local items, produce, and proteins from area farms.

North Hadley Sugar Shack Maple Syrup
Locally Sourced North Hadley Sugar Shack Maple Syrup
is served at the Esselon Cafe




Service was fast and friendly, and soon after we ordered our beverages they were served. What a difference freshly roasted coffee makes! And their cappuccino and hot cocoa "art" was spot on!



We ordered a wide array of their specials from pancakes to eggs to french toast -- and everything - and I mean EVERY THING was absolutely delicious.

Butternut Squash Hash Brown Eggs Benedict
With Fresh Fruit
Pancakes
Served with North Hadley Maple Syrup

Cinnamon French Toast at Esselon Cafe
Cinnamon French Toast with Caramel Drizzle

Esselon Cafe Bacon and Eggs
Bacon and Eggs
At the Esselon Cafe

Brunch at the Esselon Cafe
Brunch at the Esselon Cafe

Be sure to stop and visit this local restaurant when traveling through western Massachusett - or make a special trip just to try their delicious offerings. The food is wonderful, service is fast and friendly, and a visit to local farms or area attractions will make it well worth the trip.

If you're traveling from my native Connecticut, Hadley Massachusetts is about an hour from Hartford and 1.5 hours from New Haven.


Esselon Cafe

99 Russell Street
Hadley, MA 01035
413.585.1515


About Hadley MA

Hadley is a town in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 5,250. It is known as a major shopping destination for the surrounding communities. Hadley was settled in 1659 and continues to showcase some of the most beautiful farmland and scenic views in the county.

For more area restaurants visit: http://visithampshirecounty.com/eat/

Disclaimer: This visit was part of a trip sponsored in part by the Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council, however all opinions are my own.


© Home Place 2017

Friday, April 14, 2017

The Other Side of MA - Dining at Osteria Vespa

Social Media Promotion: Sponsored

Dinner at Osteria Vespa in Amherst MA


On our trip to Western MA to visit the Annual Spring Bulb Show with Western MA Tourism on behalf of the Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council we found this great restaurant, Osteria Vespa, on our itinerary! This gem of a restaurant is tucked in the Amity Street Shopping Center district in downtown Amherst.

Osteria Vespa in Amherst MA



I must admit, it's not the easiest place to find, tucked in one of the side aisles of the center, however I'm so glad we DID find it. Step inside and you are transported away to a cute little bistro in a dreamy Tuscan village.

Photo Source: Osteria Vespa - Location

Osteria Vespa is the merging of two great restaurant legends: Jonathan Welch, Vespa's owner, is a retauranteer with over 25 years of experience, as well as experience in local farming; and Thomas Schnapp, Vespa’s Executive Chef, who has been in the restaurant business for over 35 years.

The two formed Osteria Vespa, whose menu is inspired by the history and culture of northern Italy, primarily Tuscany, and the Mediterranean.  They know what's important, their pasta is made daily, all sauces are made from scratch with the highest quality ingredients. Most of the meats served at Vespa are sourced locally in New England. In the style of a true restaurant that takes pride in their proteins, the butchering of large cuts of meat, including veal, pork and lamb, are done in their very own kitchen.  Even their seafood and shellfish are sourced from the Atlantic.  The classic Italian cheeses for cooking and cheese plates as well as artisanal Italian style cheeses from Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire cheese makers.  Some of Vespa’s salami are made in their own kitchen, including pates, terrines, sausages and cured meats.  Mustard, pickles and relishes are also made in the restaurant’s kitchen. Their attention to detail shows.

I started with an amazing lemony light cocktail, the perfect precursor to the fabulous meal to come!

Cocktails at Osteria Vespa in Amherst MA


We knew we had to order some of that made on premise pasta and sample some of their home-style bisque. Needless to say - everything was delicious!

house-made fettuccine at Osteria Vespa in Amherst MA
Osteria Vespa - House Made Fettuccine 


Bisque at Osteria Vespa in Amherst MA
Photo Courtesy: ConnecticutLifestyles.com



Dinner at Osteria Vespa in Amherst MA
Photo Courtesy: ConnecticutLifestyles.com


After all that food we needed to sip on coffee prepared by a miniature French Press!


French Press at Osteria Vespa in Amherst MA


There was no way we could fit in any of the dessert - but here's a sample of what was available the night we visited.

Dessert Menu at Osteria Vespa in Amherst MA


I don't know about you - but that Salted Butter Caramel Chocolate Mousse is calling my name. Guess it's time for another trip to Western MA! 

Here's something you really need to know! On Monday and Tuesdays Vespa offers a 3 for $30 special where guests can select three-courses from a sample menu. What a great way to try a wide variety of items!

Be sure you visit them when traveling in or through Amherst!


Osteria Vespa

28 Amity Street | Unit 1G
Amherst, MA 01002
(413) 230-3194
http://osteriavespa.com/

About Amherst MA


Amherst is a town in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, in the Connecticut River valley. With a population of 37,819 (2010 census), it is the largest community in Hampshire County. The town is home to Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

For more area restaurants visit: http://visithampshirecounty.com/eat/

Disclaimer: This visit was part of a trip sponsored in part by the Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council, however all opinions are my own.


© Home Place 2017

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