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 Council, we stopped at the Esselon Cafe in Hadley MA.

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
Hadley MA

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.

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 with Caramel Drizzle

Bacon and Eggs
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

www.esselon.com 

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

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.

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!

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!

Osteria Vespa - House Made Fettuccine 

Photo Courtesy: ConnecticutLifestyles.com

Photo Courtesy: ConnecticutLifestyles.com

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

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.

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

The Other Side of MA - Cocktails & Charcuterie at 30Boltwood

Social Media Promotion: Sponsored

Cocktails and Charcuterie

at 

30Boltwood at the Lord Jeffery Inn

One of my favorite things to do when on vacation is to take a mid-afternoon break from touring the local attractions and give my tired feet a rest and chill over some light snacks and cocktails. It's a way to relax and not feel so stressed from trying to fit so many things in - in a short amount of time. In addition, it gives us the opportunity to discuss upcoming plans and meet ups with traveling companions. And this trip to Hampshire County MA was no exception!

Photo Courtesy Connecticut Lifestyles Magazine

Because the cowboy couldn't make this trip to Hampshire County MA, at the last minute, my friend Gayle stepped up to the plate making it a 'girls getaway' weekend. After a morning spent exploring the area, having lunch, and fitting in some museum time, we decided to take a break and catch up with friends Wendy and Greg from Connecticut Lifestyles Magazine, also visiting Amherst, at 30Boltwood Restaurant at the Lord Jeffery Inn.

The Lord Jeffery Inn

Wendy and Greg had stayed in the area before so they gave us a mini tour of the beautiful Lord Jeffery Inn. This historic inn has been operating in Western Massachusetts since 1926. Fondly referred to as “The Jeff” it is the perfect choice for travelers seeking the quintessential New England experience.

The Sitting Room at "The Jeff"

We meandered into the attached restaurant, 30Boltwood, to get caught up on our evening plans and enjoy a bite to eat.

30Boltwood is a full-service restaurant, that emphasizes farm-to-table cuisine prepared with natural, farm-fresh local ingredients. We settled in at a cozy corner table and perused their cocktail menu.

30Boltwood at the Lord Jeffery Inn

Their cocktail menu was dubbed the "Naughty List" and contained some creative cocktails! I ordered the Devil Buddha made with Buddhas Hand Peublo Viejo, Egyptian Licorice Tea, Blood Orange Lime, and Chili Infused Agave, pictured bottom left. We enjoyed all the cocktails!

Cocktails from 30Boltwood's Naughty List

We were also offered a charcuterie plate, one of my favorite things to pair with afternoon cocktails! I mean really, what's better than cocktails and charcuterie when day drinking!

Charcuterie from 30Boltwood

Cocktails and Charcuterie

Copper Vessels at 30Boltwood

Dining Room at 30Boltwood

30Boltwood at the Lord Jeffery Room

Be sure to visit the Lord Jeffery Inn, either for an overnight stay, or simply to enjoy the fine food and drink at 30Boltwood! Both places are high on our list for a return trip to both spend a night in the beautiful inn and sample some more delicious food from their extensive menu.

We know you'll like it too!

The Lord Jeffery Inn

30Boltwood Restaurant

30 Boltwood Avenue
Amherst, MA 01002

Hotel Inn: http://www.lordjefferyinn.com/    Phone: (800) 742-0358
Restaurant: http://30boltwood.com/              Phone: (413) 835-2011

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.


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

The Other Side of MA - at the Emily Dickinson Museum

Social Media Promotion

Portions of this trip were sponsored

The Emily Dickinson Museum

One of the first stops on our itinerary for the weekend to "the other side of MA" was a visit to the Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst MA. My English lit classes were a VERY long time ago - so before we left I did a bit of research to refresh my poetic memory. I quickly found that one of my mom's favorite quotes to her bookworm daughter (me!) was Emily Dickinson's “To travel far, there is no better ship than a book.” 

It was the perfect way to start this  "girl's getaway" travel weekend that my friend Gayle and I, both avid readers, had embarked on! 

The Emily Dickinson Museum
"The Homestead"

The Museum offers several different guided tours of the Dickinson houses as well as an audio tour of the outdoor grounds. We began our visit to the Emily Dickinson Museum at the Tour Center which is part of the original 'Homestead' where Dickinson lived. The tour center includes a free exhibit about the publication of Emily Dickinson's poetry which is also located in the Tour Center. The Tour Center is open to the public - but tours beyond the lobby charge a fee.

About Emily Dickinson
From the Emily Dickinson Museum

Tours are scheduled regularly throughout the day.  Fees (see https://emilydickinsonmuseum.org/tours) and tickets are sold in the tour center's lobby on a first-come, first-served basis.  Tour size may be limited and visitors cannot reserve tickets in advance of the day of the visit unless a group tour has been pre-arranged.  The Museum is happy to arrange tours for groups (parties of six or more people). Reservations for group tours must be made at least two weeks in advance and are subject to availability.

For additional information about Group Tours, please visit https://emilydickinsonmuseum.org/group_tours

Emily Dickinson Museum

Unfortunately we weren't allowed to photograph anything beyond the museum's center but the tour we chose was titled "This Was a Poet" (from Dickinson's poem) and included the following:

• a 45-minute guided tour of the Homestead (Emily Dickinson's house)
• history of the home and Emily Dickinson by discussing her family, her education, and her poetry.
• the parlors, library, and Dickinson's bedroom
• an informal participatory reading of a few Dickinson poems

The museum notes that this tour is especially suitable for visitors who are new to Emily Dickinson, including families with small children.

Emily Dickinson Donor Statue
"I'm nobody, who are you?"
The line is from a short lyric poem
by Emily Dickinson first published in 1891

We especially found interesting the fact that the home was sold to a local Amherst family where it remained a private residence until Amherst College, recognizing Dickinson's growing literary prominence, purchased it for private tours, and a faculty residence. In 2003 the museum was created and it is currently in the process of renovating as well as refurbishing the home with artifacts consistent with the times. While none of the clothing or furniture in the rooms are Dickinson's they are true to the style of era.

I loved this beautiful Radiator
found in the Museum's Center

There is still much work to be done to bring the homestead to true museum quality stature - so the museum holds many fundraising events to help with costs. For information see https://emilydickinsonmuseum.org/events

For those visiting from Connecticut, the museum is about a 1.5 hour drive from my native New Haven CT and about an hour from Hartford CT. The museum is great place to visit for Dickinson fans when touring local colleges, other museums, and area attractions.

The area is a great destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway!  For more area attractions visit http://visithampshirecounty.com/

Emily Dickinson Museum

280 Main Street
Amherst, MA 01002
413-542-2154
https://emilydickinsonmuseum.org/

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.

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

The Other Side of MA - At Johnny's Tavern in Amherst MA

Social Media Promotion:

Portions of this trip were sponsored

Johnny's Tavern in Amherst MA 

As part of our girl's weekend road trip to "The Other Side of MA" Gayle and I found a great little food and shopping district about a half mile from the museum that we were slated to visit. This central district offered  SO MANY great dining choices - but we decided to go with the first one we spotted - and were so happy with our choice - Johnny's Tavern in Amherst MA.

Johnny's Tavern in Amherst Massachusetts

Johnny's Tavern, your typical local pub with an upscale feel, is located in the town of Amherst, Massachusetts. Their menu is INCREDIBLE! The management team is proud of their extensive item selections which feature organic produce, sustainable seafood, hormone-free meat and poultry where ever possible. Known for their excellent customer service, delicious food, professionalism and hospitality, this tavern is a great place to dine with friends, or have a casual date night.

I was a bit parched and hankering for a citrus-y cocktail and spotted a fun "Beyoncé Lemonade" on their cocktail menu! The perfect thirst quencher - and garnished with a thick slice of cucumber - it was a great start to our lunch.

Because we knew we were going to have a huge dinner that evening, we decided to go on the lighter side for lunch. Gayle ordered one of their flatbread choices, the Chicken Pesto Flatbread Pizza and I went with their Salmon Salad.

Chicken Pesto Flatbread Pizza
house made basil pesto, grilled chicken, goat cheese, tomatoes 

Salmon Salad

grilled, 5 oz, greens, roasted red pepper, olive, 

cucumber, feta, lemon pepper vinaigrette 

Lunch at Johnny's Tavern in Amherst MA

For those visiting from Connecticut, this restaurant is about a 1.5 hour drive from my native New Haven CT and about an hour from Hartford CT. It's a great place to have brunch, lunch, or dinner when touring local colleges, museums, and area attractions. Immediately following our lunch we visited the nearby Emily Dickinson Museum.

The area is a great destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway!  For more area attractions visit http://visithampshirecounty.com/

Johnny's Tavern

30 Boltwood Walk

Amherst, MA 01002

Phone: 413-230-3818

http://www.johnnystavernamherst.com/index.html

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.

Disclaimer: This visit was part of a trip sponsored in part by Visit Western Massachusetts, however all opinions are my own. 

© Home Place 2017