There are so many places to love in the Valley. We are highlighting just a few of these beloved businesses.
Easthampton Clay, 116 Pleasant St Suite 241, Easthampton I EasthamptonClay.com
“If you ask any of our students or members, they'll likely tell you that pottery is not only a hobby but a respite. At Easthampton Clay, we offer not only a place to learn and practice new skills that aid in mindfulness, growth, creativity and play, but we also make it our mission to provide a safe and inclusive community,” explains Hadley Byrne, general manager of Easthampton Clay. “We run the largest pottery studio in our area, catering to nearly 100+ members and hundreds of students each term. People seem to feel a sense of pride and ownership over their participation in our studio, and I think that sets us apart.”
Easthampton Clay offers a wide range of classes and workshops, as well as private parties and studio memberships.
“We absolutely love the valley and feel grateful to be part of such a creative and forward-thinking community,” said Byrne.
Glendale Ridge Vineyard, 155 Glendale Rd, Southampton I GlendaleRidgeVineyard.com
“We are very proud of the quality and variety of wines we have in our portfolio. Our stunning setting and our outstanding staff make each visit a true vineyard experience,” explained Mary Hamel, owner of the vineyard. “We want all guests to leave with a new bit of knowledge, whether it be what style of wine they enjoy, whether they prefer a young wine to an aged wine, or what growing practices work in the northeast.”
After closing on Dec. 31, the vineyard will reopen around Valentine’s Day. For 2024, Hamel expects to host barrel tastings, a Vintner’s Tasting Series with winemaker, Tim Beaudry, charcuterie classes with Fed by Foley, 2 makers markets, and musicians throughout the summer.
The vineyard hosts private events both indoors and outdoors and tours into the wine-making space and barrel room. A new pavilion is scheduled to open in mid-May.
Crooked Stick Pops, various locations throughout the Valley I CrookedStickPops.com
Julie Tuman, owner and popmaster at Crooked Stick Pops, loves that her ice pops give people a moment to slow down, a “literal chill moment.”
“There's something wonderfully nostalgic about an ice pop, and to get one that hits those notes and is also made from real, local food, that's a win,” said Tuman. “Folks can always find an assortment of pops at High Five Books and Art Always in Florence and Atlas Farm Store in South Deerfield - and nothing feels better on a dry scratchy throat while giving you a blast of summer than an ice pop.”
Tuman credits her customers and the vibe of the business with making it a success.
“I think our customers like that we are an upbeat, positive business. We do all that we can to support and give back to the community that supports us,” said Tuman. “We are lucky to be based in an area so supportive of local businesses. Folks in the valley prioritize supporting local, and since we are a local business supporting local agriculture, we're a two-for-one.”
Botanic Garden of Smith College, 16 College Ln, Northampton I Garden.Smith.edu
The garden includes the campus arboretum, a variety of named outdoor gardens and the 12,000-square-foot Lyman Plant House.
“During the winter months, visitors love to explore the conservatory collections and enjoy the warmth of the houses–especially Palm House, which houses a collection of plants from tropical regions of the world,” explained Julie Thomson, communications manager for the Botanic Garden of Smith College. “During the spring, visitors are attracted to the blooms in our outdoor gardens, such as the stunning display of daffodils at Wilson Bulb Bank, or the show of tulips at Capen Garden and Happy Chace ’28 Garden.”
The Spring Bulb Show is an annual highlight. Last year, 18,000 visitors attended the two-week show! The 2024 year show runs from Saturday, March 2 through Sunday, March 17, showcasing thousands of flowering bulbs as well as a new student-commissioned, art installation.
We are lucky to be based in an area so supportive of local businesses.
