In and Around Town
To the north of campus and only a short walk away is the town of Amherst, home to 35,000 residents and over 30,000 college students during the academic year.
Across the street from the Amherst Town Common is 79 S. Pleasant Street, home to the Office of Human Resouces, the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, the Office of Communications, and the Five College Consortium's Center for World Languages.
While you might miss it on the street side, head down the alleyway to enter Laughing Dog Bicycles, an Amherst staple servicing, selling and renting bikes since 1984. (Okay, the name has changed over the years, and the location too, but the story of Max -- the laughing dog -- lives on for eternity.)
Check out the street art while you're here, just beyond the bicycles. You're also about to discover the best-kept secret shortcut in Amherst. Head down the narrow alley to the left of the street art-covered building, and you'll find a Amherst Cinema, Osteria Vespa (Italian and Mediterranean cuisine), GoBerry ’n Cream (Fro-Yo), Amherst Coffee, and more.
Although its history dates back to 1926, the Amherst Cinema as we know it today has been operating as an independent, nonprofit arts and education center since 2006.
Amherst Coffee has been serving specialty coffee drinks since 2005. This popular meeting and study spot transitions from a cafe into a craft cocktail bar between 4 and 5 pm.
Amherst Books is a locally owned, independent bookstore that sells new and used books and hosts book signings and readings by local authors.
If you're not a pizza lover, you will be once you discover the extra-large, gourmet slices at Antonio's Pizza (a slice of avocado quesadilla, anyone?). Having trouble choosing? Then wander next door to the always-delicious Taste of Thai Cuisine for some Pad Thai, or Arigato for an Amherst Sushi Roll.
The Drake, a performing arts venue in the heart of downtown Amherst, reopened in the spring of 2022, 35 years after the original hotel and bar closed. Eager to contribute to the success of the Drake, Amherst College donated funds and a Steinway piano, and both students and faculty from the Department of Music have performed there since the reopening.
Since opening in 1995, the mission of Bueno Y Sano has been “to make people happy.” Head on over today for a Salvadorian burrito (or taco or quesadilla), and start getting happy! Not convinced? Check out what Michelin star chef Marc Forgione has to say on the Food Network's series “The Best Thing I Ever Ate”.
Also within walking distance of campus is the Emily Dickinson Museum featuring two historic buildings, The Homestead, which is the birthplace and home of the poet Emily Dickinson, The Evergreens, the house next door where her brother Austin, his wife Susan, and their three children lived, and the beautifully restored landscape.
The University of Massachusetts, Amherst, is literally right down the road by either a short walk or a free bus ride. Students at member schools in the Five College Consortium (all within a 10-mile radius) can take classes at any of the institutions, participate in clubs and extracurriculars, and more.
From Amherst College, head about 4 miles south, and you'll arrive at Hampshire College, an innovative, boundary-breaking liberal arts college, empowering students to tackle complex world problems since 1970. Hampshire College is a member of the Five College Consortium.
Located in Northampton, Smith College has been a leader in higher education since its founding in 1871, guiding generations of creative and determined students. Smith College is a member of the Five College Consortium.
Founded in 1837, Mt. Holyoke College is a private liberal arts women's college located in South Hadley, MA, only 10 miles south of Amherst College. One of the many connections between the two schools is the fact that Emily Dickinson (whose grandfather, Samuel Fowler Dickinson, helped found Amherst College), attended Mt. Holyoke from 1847 to 1848. Mt. Holyoke College is a member of the Five College Consortium.
The town of Amherst is surrounded by small New England communities, each with distinct personalities and opportunities. One of those towns is Northampton. In addition to being home to Smith College, Northampton offers shops, restaurants, musical venues, and festivals.
Had enough of town life? You don't have to travel far to get close to nature. With approximately 500 acres of land comprising the Amherst College Wildlife Sanctuary, the trail is available for both recreation and research.
This striking view shows a bend in the Connecticut River and the Holyoke Range taken from the summit of Mount Sugarloaf. Local hiking options are abundant, and it's arguable which offers the best view. Here's a list of 10 local trails to get you started.