They don't call this leafy college town Lesbianville, U.S.A. for nothing!
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First the National Enquirer dubbed Northampton, Massachusetts "Lesbianville, USA." Then, in June 1993, Newsweek piggybacked on the reference and the college town on the Connecticut River became synonymous with women who love women. In fact, the community extends its hospitality to all kinds...
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First the National Enquirer dubbed Northampton, Massachusetts "Lesbianville, USA." Then, in June 1993, Newsweek piggybacked on the reference and the college town on the Connecticut River became synonymous with women who love women. In fact, the community extends its hospitality to all kinds of queers. Lesbians, gays, bisexuals and trans folks are so well integrated that to ask for a gay-friendly business is essentially to be handed a yellow pages. The four-term mayor is an out lesbian and the city council president is a gay man. One local couple were plaintiffs in the landmark lawsuit that made gay marriage legal in the state. (More could have joined, but savvy lawyers decided the seven plaintiff couples should represent geographic diversity.)
Pride festivities come early to Northampton--generally the first weekend in May--and they're a great family-centered celebration, perfect for kicking off both summer and Pride season. In 2006, a special supplement to the local paper commemorated the 25th anniversary of Northampton Pride.
Whether your idea of vacation is a day hike with gorgeous views followed by supper at a locally-owned bistro or you prefer to sleep late, window shop in the afternoon and hit clubs and concerts at night, Northampton is an excellent vacation choice.
Be sure to stop in at Pride and Joy, the LGBT gift shop and information center on Crafts Ave. And visit the Haymarket Café on Main Street for a Spanking (it's a smoothie, but they love it when people step up to the counter and say, "May I have a Spanking, please?").
--Amy Mayer
 
Get some insider tips on the gay goings-on in Northampton.
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See more of Northampton through the gay lens and find out what to do and what to see.
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Ready to roll? Our tips and recommendations of where to stay, what to do and where to chow down will make your trip to Northampton all the better. Click it!
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Travel Tips: Northampton
Handy insider stuff you need to know before you go!
Travel Tip #1: When to Go
You'll want to avoid the area during the last half of May, when all five of the area colleges have graduation. But the first weekend in May is a great time to catch the spirit of Northampton Pride. Or, make your trip a fall...
Hotels: Northampton
Northampton's proximity to five colleges Smith means the last two weekends in May are essentially reserved for graduation guests. Rates are fixed then, but otherwise accommodation prices vary seasonally.
Autumn Inn, 259 Elm Street, Northampton, MA, 01060 | P: 413-584-7660
Near Smith College and a short walk from downtown, the Autumn Inn has single rooms and three suites. The outdoor pool is especially refreshing during summer's hot humid days. Rates: $110 and up. Suites including living room and...
Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, 1 Atwood Dr., Northampton, MA, 01060 | P: 413-586-1211
Montana's Steakhouse inside the Clarion is pricey but well-respected. The hotel also has a summer sandwich café and both indoor and outdoor pools. Balcony rooms overlook the indoor pool and all rooms have queen-size beds. Suites...
Restaurants: Northampton
Keeping the national chains mostly at bay, Northampton prides itself on locally-owned restaurants, from ice cream and coffee shops to burrito joints to upscale dining.
Bueno y Sano, 134 Main Street, Northampton, MA, 01060 | P: 413-586-7311
Burritos, quesadillas, tacos and other Mexican-inspired favorites for lunch or dinner. Especially tasty is the Grilled Shrimp Burrito but vegetarian options abound. Cheap, fast, good food.
Green Street Café, 62 Green Street, Northampton, MA, 01060 | P: 413-586-5650
On the edge of the Smith College campus, Green Street Café is a few blocks from the heart of downtown. The gay-owned restaurant offers a pricey French-inspired menu served in a quaint, intimate setting. Great for a romantic...
Nightlife: Northampton
When gay visitors complain that they can't find the "community" in Northampton, locals point out that LGBT residents are so well integrated that every club and every bar is welcoming. That said, a few particularly popular places for dancing or drinks include:
Diva's, 492 Pleasant Street, Northampton, MA, 01060 | P: 413-586-8161
This lesbian-owned club features dancing and live music. Special events include "Stiletto Fridays" parties for women only. Regular mini-competitions for Drag King and Queen happen on the second and last Wednesday of the month.
Roof-Top Beer Garden of the Northampton Brewery, 11 Brewster Court, Northampton, MA, 01060 | P: 413-584-9903
The Northampton Brewery calls itself the oldest operating brewpub in New England. Excellent beer and an ample menu shine especially in the summer when you can enjoy them in the bustling Roof-Top Beer Garden, an evening hang-out...
Activities: Northampton
Hot happenings. Outdoorsy options. Mandatory must-sees. Our picks of what you gotta do in Northampton.
Smith College Museum of Art and Botanic Gardens, Northampton, MA
You're cheating yourself if you spend a vacation in Northampton without visiting Smith. A beautiful campus studded with the small houses in which students live, Smith also boasts a world-class art museum. Be sure to check out the...
Look Park, Northampton, Northampton, MA
Look Park, on Route 9 in the Florence section of Northampton, has everything from Melissa Etheridge and Ani DiFranco concerts on the outdoor stage at The Pines to picnic sites and playgrounds for families. A great place to relax...
