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Things To Do in Amherst

Inn on Boltwood exterior view

A Local Guide to Amherst and Western Massachusetts

From its enviable location overlooking the Amherst Common, Inn on Boltwood is within easy walking distance of Amherst’s finest museums, restaurants, shops, and other points of interest.

A legend within the Five Colleges community and Pioneer Valley, Inn on Boltwood has delighted visitors to the colleges of Amherst, Smith, Mount Holyoke, Hampshire, and UMASS Amherst since 1926.

Parents, alumni, visiting professors, and dignitaries alike have made our Inn their home away from home when visiting the area. Other popular attractions include New England’s sensational fall foliage season where you can travel along scenic routes visiting the historic towns of Western Massachusetts and take in the majesty of New England in the fall.

Enjoy the rich history of the community by visiting any one of the multitudes of museums located within minutes of the Inn including the Emily Dickinson Museum, the Mead Art Museum, or the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. Amherst and the surrounding areas are also a haven for summer sports and youth camps and Inn on Boltwood is the perfect spot to accommodate parents and families alike.

The Drake

The Drake is an intimate live performance venue in downtown Amherst. They host all kinds of shows from global acts to local artists, bluegrass bands to stand-up comedians. The Drake is a short five-minute walk from Inn on Boltwood.

If you're attending a show at The Drake, come spend the night with us. Drake attendees can get a special discount!

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Our Guests Frequently Enjoy These Nearby Attractions

Eric Carle Museum O

Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book art is a great place for families and art lovers. Their focus is to preserve both picture books and picture-book illustrations and showcase them for those all to see.

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Emily Dickinson Museum

Emily Dickinson Museum

The Emily Dickinson Museum is located on Main Street in Downtown Amherst, MA; just a few minutes away from campus. The museum pays tribute to the poet Emily Dickinson and the other members of her family from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

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Museums 10

Museums 10

Museums10 is a collection of ten museums that are run by Five Colleges. In total there are 10 museums, 7 of which are campus based, while the other 3 are independent but campus-affiliated. Working with their local communities, Museums10 strives to showcase their collections to all visitors.

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Elements Hot Tub Spa

Elements Hot Tub Spa

Treat yourself to a relaxing time at the Elements Hot Tub Spa. They offer a multitude of spa treatments including hot stone massages, relaxing facials, and ways to enhance your spiritual wellness.

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Muddy Brook Farm

Muddy Brook Farm

Muddy Brook Farm is a family owned and operated farm, located 10 minutes away from the hotel and campus. They offer riding lessons for all ages and have horse shows through the year. You can also book one of their horse drawn carriages for weddings or other special events.

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Six Flags

Six Flags New England

Whether you are looking for passes for two, or a group excursion, Six Flags New England is the perfect destination; offering a multitude of rides, events, and live shows. Six Flags is located in only 45 minutes away from Inn on Boltwood, making it the perfect day trip.

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Basketball Hall Of Fame

Basketball Hall of Fame

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is located in Springfield, Massachusetts, which is where basketball was born and only 30 minutes from Inn on Boltwood. The museum is dedicated to honoring the best basketball players in history, with over 400 inductees and ample history about the game itself.

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Mount Holyoke Range

Mount Holyoke Range State Park

Mount Holyoke Range State Park is 3,000 acres filled with over 30 miles of trails. It also includes a mountain ridge line that spans 7 miles.

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Amherst Wildlife

Amherst College Wildlife Sanctuary

The Amherst College Wildlife Sanctuary is 500 acres of different terrain dedicated to recreation and research. They also offer interactive tours.

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National Register Historic Places

National Register of Historic Places & Districts

Looking to learn more about Amherst's history? Visit the national register to learn more about the historic places, properties, and districts.

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Aerial view of Amherst College

5 Colleges Consortium

The Five Colleges Consortium is made up of five colleges. These colleges are: Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, and University of Massachusetts (UMASS), Amherst.

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Northampton Massach

Historic Towns of Northampton

Visit the historic towns of Northampton, MA.

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Historic Deerfield

Historic Towns of Deerfield

Visit the historic towns of Deerfield, MA.

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Mullins Center

Mullins Memorial Center

The Mullins Memorial Center offers a multitude of different event from concerts to sporting events.

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Three County Fairground

Three County Fairgrounds

The Three County Fairgrounds has many events throughout the year.

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The Big E

Eastern States Exposition (The Big E)

The Big E offers tons of food, entertainment, and different attractions. Come visit the largest event on the East Coast.

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