Queer Travel Guide for Northampton, Massachusetts

Northampton, Massachusetts has been home to a thriving and welcoming queer community since the 1990s which is why it was named one of Vacationer’s 22 small LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the United States. The city is often referred to as ‘Paradise City’ or ‘NoHo’ but is most notably nicknamed ‘the lesbian capital of the US.’ And while it is true that there is a sizeable lesbian population in the city, there are also plenty of gay, trans and queer people living there. The city is home to the prestigious Smith College for women and so it is home to many artists, intellectuals, and activists who help make Northampton one of the most liberal cities in America.

The city earned its reputation as a lesbian capital thanks to an engagement announcement between two women that was published in the local Daily Hampshire Gazette in 1991. From there the LA Times ran a feature with the ladies and referred to Northampton as “a haven for women, especially lesbians.” After that piece ran, multiple publications around the US picked up the story and published similar articles culminating with a piece in The National Enquirer entitled “Strange Town Where Men Aren’t Wanted.” Ever since then Northampton has been jokingly referred to as ‘Lesbianville’ much to the amusement of locals and visitors alike.

Everyone is welcome in Northampton. It is filled with New England charm and culture, peppered by the fighting spirit of political activism. Since it is such a liberal stronghold, there are not many exclusively queer spaces in the city because frankly, it is not needed. Queer travelers can rest assured that they are free to let their guard down here and be their authentic selves. No code-switching is required!

Here is Vacationer’s Queer Guide to Northampton.

Where to Stay

For a bit of old-time elegance stay at The Hotel Northampton. Built in 1927, the property offers 106 beautifully furnished guestrooms and luxury suites, quality service, and gracious hospitality. There are two on-site restaurants, the Coolidge Park Café and Wiggins Tavern for convenient dining and a seasonal patio overlooking beautiful downtown Northampton. Many famous travelers have rested their heads here including David Bowie, Melissa Etheridge, and Jane Lynch.

The Ellery‘s prime location puts you on the edge of Smith College and within walking distance of vibrant downtown. Enjoy their recently renovated rooms and suites or relax in their inviting living room with a wood-burning fireplace and workspace. The Ellery strikes the perfect balance of feeling like an intimate B&B but it features the amenities you’d expect from a larger hotel.

For those looking for something more rural, there are the Greens Treat Suites. These accommodations, run by longtime couple John Sielski and Jim Dozmati, are convenient to all the culture that Northampton has to offer but keep you away from the noise and congestion of the city. Situated within the view that inspired Thomas Cole’s painting, “The Oxbow,” this hill-top setting affords its own spectacular views. It’s perfect for those seeking a romantic getaway with gorgeous vistas and atmosphere.

Starlight Llama Bed and Breakfast takes the rural vibe a step further operating on a solar-powered llama and hay farm. (You read that correctly.) Starlight has the distinction of being Massachusetts’s first solar-powered, off-the-grid bed and breakfast. All rooms feature comfortable rustic furnishings with pastoral views. Breakfast is made from ingredients harvested right off the farm. One unique feature of this B&B is that it houses a faithful reproduction of the cabin described in Henry David Thoreau’s book Walden which is available for guests to read or relax in.

Where To Eat

Northampton is home to an exciting array of restaurants offering international cuisine with local flavor. There are also lots of options for vegetarians and the health conscious here. The city fosters the idea of supporting local businesses and prides itself on sustainability, so most of the ingredients you consume are likely to have come from neighboring towns and villages. This is just a handful of amazing places to check out while visiting.

The little red dining car that Familiars Coffee & Tea calls home has quite a legacy in downtown Northampton. It has been serving food to locals under various names since 1932. Currently owned by partners Isaac Weiner and Danny McColgan since 2019, this queer-owned café now offers diners the finest choices in specialty coffee and teas, along with the very best in local comfort foods – served fresh daily.

If you are in the mood for something heartier then Jake’s is a safe bet. A NoHo institution, there’s nary a person who has visited Northampton without eating here. A perennial brunch spot, the menu is high-end breakfast specialties served all day with a few sandwich options. It is the best-rated restaurant in the city.

Paul and Elizabeth’s is a great place to go for a nice sit-down meal. Rooted in macrobiotic cooking and Japanese training, this family-run establishment has been in business since 1978. Specializing in fish and vegetarian options, the menu here specializes in dishes made from local and seasonal ingredients. The dining room boasts high ceilings, wall-length windows, and greenery throughout. The effect is a warm and inviting space, comfortable for large parties, and intimate gatherings all at once.

For something more casual, check out The Northampton Brewery.  Here you will find fine ales and lagers, served with elevated bar food by the friendliest staff around. They are conveniently located in downtown Northampton on Brewster Court, smack dab in the middle of all the public parking. Their beer is made by two green-thumbed brewers using solar energy. Their spent grain is used as feed on a local farm from which they buy ingredients for their menu.

To satisfy your sweet tooth head on over to Firetype Chocolate (formerly Heavenly Chocolate). These folks are dedicated to making signature truffles and caramels, by hand, in-house. They take a playful approach to chocolate making, creating distinct flavors with colorful designs to showcase the possibilities of chocolate. Be sure to grab the raspberry lemon and whipped cream truffles.

Things to Do

When visiting Northampton, one will inevitably end up at Smith College. Established in 1871, Smith is one of the famed “Seven Sisters,” a group of Northeastern liberal arts colleges that historically served women students as opposed to the traditionally male-dominated Ivy League schools. Today it remains a functional university but also is home to the Botanic Garden of Smith College and the Smith College Museum of Art.

The Botanic Garden is home to over 6000 kinds of plants including all that are native to the region and thousands from around the world. The Lyman Conservatory is over 12,000 square feet and features specialty greenhouses such as the Palm House, the Succulent House, and the Camellia Corridor. The Museum of Art features extraordinary works from the likes of Picasso and Degas.

After taking in all that natural and artistic beauty, take in a show at the Academy of Music. Referred to as the cultural heart of Northampton, the Academy is the city’s venue for live theater, as well as a place for dance, film, music, and arts education. It is home to resident companies and partners such as the Pioneer Valley Ballet, PanOpera, Valley Light Opera, Signature Sounds, and WGBY. In addition to that, The Academy houses an impressive slate of national and international artists each year and stands proudly as one of the most iconic buildings in downtown Northampton.

For the best shopping opportunities, you need to hit up Thornes Marketplace.  It is guaranteed to surprise and delight you with unique offerings, delicious bites, and exquisite architecture. Located on the vibrant, lively main street of downtown Northampton, this historic commercial building is home to an array of independent, locally-owned retailers and restaurants—some of which have thrived in Thornes for 40-plus years. Visitors are often enthralled by the bazaar-type vibe, gleaming floors, and constantly evolving window displays. It is a must-see!

For the more outdoorsy traveler, Northampton also has a number of bike trails traversing through it. Two of the most popular trails are the Norwottuck Rail Trail, linking  Northampton with neighboring Hadley, Amherst, and Belchertown; and the Manhan Rail Trail which runs through Northampton and Easthampton. Both trails are ideal for walking or bike tours, connecting local areas of interest, depending on how much time you have to spend.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Northampton has more of a chill vibe with a decided focus on cocktail bars as opposed to mega-clubs. If that is more your preference, then nearby Amherst might be of interest. However, the roundup below includes some of our favorite hotspots in Lesbianville.

The Majestic Saloon is Northampton’s only unequivocally queer bar. Featuring weekly karaoke, dirty bingo and drag shows the atmosphere is campy, fun, and dare we say, majestic?! There’s a good time to be had here and with signature cocktails such as The Cher, The Madonna, The Beyoncé, and The Judy Garland. How can you resist?!

Located at Northampton’s historic Union Station, The Tunnel Bar is a nationally recognized cocktail lounge, known for its unique decor, an extensive selection of award-winning martinis, and fine libations. It’s a great place to grab a cocktail to start off the night.

The Green Room is another great option for those seeking to have a superbly mixed drink from knowledgeable bartenders that are more like mixologists. This place specializes in modern and Prohibition-era craft cocktails in addition to craft beers and specialty wine.  

Those looking to grab a drink in a more casual setting should hit up Ye Ol’ Watering Hole downtown, which features Northampton’s one and only beer can museum. With over 4000 beer cans on display, this beloved dive bar is a no-frills establishment where everyone comes to mingle and relax.

If you’re looking to dance on a Friday or Saturday night you should head over to Bishop’s Lounge. There is live entertainment here six nights a week including live musical acts, DJs, comedy sets, karaoke, and drag! Every couple of months the club will host the gay party King, but LGBTQ patrons can be found here any given night of the week.

For more information on Northampton and upcoming events check out northampton.live.