We asked resident and commuter undergraduate and graduate students to recommend their go-to places and why they should be on your list too. The top ten varies from rock climbing workout centers to live shows, trampoline parks, and yes, event quiet tea time hubs any college student would appreciate. Here they are –in no particular order:
Northampton, MA
“The Green Bean in Northampton has amazing staff, it's cozy, and the food is of incredible quality and taste.”
– Madi Nassiff ’17 – Forensic Science and Legal Studies
“There’s a place I love called Pita Pockets that has super great food and is near a bunch of neat stores!”
– Abby Jo Krobot ’16 – Interdisciplinary Studies
“Dobra Tea is a great sit-down place for tea.”
– Allyson Lane ‘15 – Criminal Justice
Holiday Inn – Enfield, CT
“I love having the ability to go swimming year-round because any student with their student ID can go to use the pools at the Holiday Inn in Enfield. They have an indoor pool, perfect for winter, and a large outdoor pool, which is great in late spring when the weather heats up. It is a great place to just hang out in the pool with some friends and the shuttle will take you there upon request!”
- Ace Marinelli ’17 – Forensic Psychology
Barnes and Noble – Holyoke, MA and Enfield, CT
“Barnes and Noble is a gorgeous environment and the atmosphere is so relaxing. I love going there to drink a coffee and color in their café after walking the shelves, enjoying the smell and feel of brand new paperbacks.”
– Katie Bernier ’17 – Child Psychology
Panera Bread - East Longmeadow, MA and Enfield, CT
“I love going to Panera Bread and just sitting back and doing some homework! It's a great escape and definitely eases my stress.”
– Natasha Oliveira ’18 – Pre-Occupational Therapy Studies
Shaker Bowl – East Longmeadow, MA
“Shaker Bowl is a great place to hang out with a group of friends.”
– Kayla Chuba ’16 – Early Childhood Education
Local Shows/Concerts
“I really like going to local plays at Exit 7 Theater in Ludlow, MA, The Majestic Theater in West Springfield, MA, Hartford Stage, Hartford, CT, or seeing concerts at the XL Center in Hartford.”
– Ace Marinelli ’17 – Forensic Psychology
Iron Duke – Ludlow, MA
“The Iron Duke is my getaway. It's such a relaxed place, the staff there couldn't be friendlier, more welcoming, and all around amazing–and that's not even including their awesome beer! But it's a place where you can call up your friends and have a great conversation or just be in good company. In the afternoon sometimes I've seen people bring work or homework to do. It's a fantastic place and anyone who's of drinking age should definitely check it out.”
– Jill Gallagher ’16 – Neuroscience
Moe’s Southwest Grill – Enfield, CT and South Windsor, CT
“I like to go to Moe’s! It’s such a friendly place. The staff greets you with: 'WELCOME TO MOE’S!' when you walk in. Yeah, it's their job, but that's a nice feeling. They also have really good burritos and I do my homework at the tables there while eating.”
– Kara Schlesinger ’17 – Elementary Education
Central Rock Gym - Hadley, MA
“To be honest, I do not get off campus often. But, when I do, one of my favorite places to go is to Central Rock Gym. The gym has a really fun, laid back type of environment. I enjoy rock climbing a lot, especially when I am feeling stressed out. Climbing is not only a great physical workout but also a fantastic mental workout. It challenges you to plan your next move strategically, while also pushing your body to use muscles you wouldn't use in a typical workout. I have never been someone who enjoys going to a gym, but the rock gym allows every workout to be unique and challenging in its own way. The group I go with has a saying, ‘Climb until you're happy.’ When we are having a particularly stressful day or week, we tell ourselves that we are going to climb until we are happy. It has become a motivational mantra among the group.”
– Monica Irving ‘18 – Pre-Occupational Therapy Studies
Launch Trampoline Park - Hartford, CT
“Launch is my favorite place to blow off steam because it's great exercise to jump around and let out extra energy.”
– Ace Marinelli ’17 – Forensic Psychology
