When I first got Tinder (sorry mom), I wondered where the heck I could possibly go in western Massachusetts on a date. Luckily, over the course of my undergraduate career, I’ve been able to find lovely little locations to meet up with potential flames. If you’re a student in the Amherst area and need the perfect date spot, I’ve got you covered!
Cushman Market & Cafe
Located near Puffers Pond is a quaint little cafe called Cushman, perfect for a first (or second or fortieth) date. With a delicious selection of coffees, pastries, and sandwiches, this is definitely a great place to grab breakfast with your date. Be warned, though: it can get quite busy, and it’s better safe than sorry to order ahead through their website. Outside of the cafe on the left is a beautiful garden where you can sit and sip your drinks, perfect for a sunny day. In the waning warm weather months, you can always retreat inside to their adorable cafe and make small talk about the display of quirky salt and pepper shakers. This place is perfect for a breakfast meet-up!
The Eric Carle museum
If you are looking for a museum to take your boo to, but also secretly don’t want to be trapped looking at art for hours, I have the place for you. Situated on the Hampshire College campus is the Eric Carle Museum, a charming gallery for the famous children’s book writer (remember The Hungry Caterpillar?). Before hitting the museum, buy your tickets online since time slots can fill up quickly. When asked whether you would like to reserve a spot in the art room, say YES. I still have my masterpiece in my room from when I went with my boyfriend (hey Jackson :))! There are only three rooms so make sure to soak up all the whimsical art on display while casually bringing up stories of your childhood. Make sure to carve out some time before or after to walk through the garden, play on the wooden xylophone sculptures, and explore the Hampshire campus. This is has been one of my favorite spots, so definitely try this one out!
The quabbin RESERVOIR
Okay, hear me out, a reservoir serves as an amazing date spot! If you have never been before, I would 100% recommend checking out this beautiful bit of nature located a town over from Amherst. There are several hiking/walking trails that offer sweeping views of the reservoir and the surrounding area. When I go, I put in Windsor Dam Road as my destination, which leads to the state police station in Belchertown. From there you can park and take a walk across the dam, then take a right onto the road that takes you down below to a brook. Definitely pick up some coffee and bring a lunch so you can eat at the picnic tables by the water. Keep in mind that this is probably more of a fourth or later date since there are paths that can lead into isolated areas. When you know that you can trust your date, this is a magical and beautiful spot!
As I write, I reflect on the fact that it is the company that I have kept at these date spots that makes them so wonderful. Even if you aren’t going on a date, all of these places are perfect for spending time with your friends and family when they come to visit. I hope this provided some inspo!
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