Boasting one of the first big Pride events of the season—last weekend’s 38th annual parade and other festivities drew a crowd of more than 35,000 participants, according to MassLive.com, with some 100 contingencies “marching to the beat of the same drummer: diversity”—Northampton, Massachusetts, “the unofficial capital of Happy Valley,” is a great place for LGBTQ folks and friends to visit all year round.
For great tips on the where’s and what’s of a NoHo getaway, check our the following travel Spotlight by Boston Spirit magazine lifestyle editor Scott Kearnan that appears in the current May/June 2019 issue of Boston Spirit magazine (subscribe for free today):
Northampton, Massachusetts is famously LGBTQ-friendly. But if you need some specific suggestions on where to eat, play and stay—allow us. Here’s a guide of 10 must-know businesses and collectives when you visit—for the annual NoHo Pride celebrations, perhaps, which go down on May 4. (See Calendar listing on page 98 for more details.)
Belly of the Beast: Farm-to-table dining baits monstrous appetites to this cute, hip yet homespun restaurant that recently hosted a special dinner to benefit Black and Pink, a network of LGBTQ prisoners and allies. The from-scratch, seasonal fare changes often—and ranges from pork fat brownie bites to noodle-filled bone broth soup. More: bellyofthebeastma.com.
Bloke: Mix and mingle with queer lads at Bloke, a signature (five years running!) party from Rebel Rise Entertainment, a nightlife events biz founded by Ken Rooney. It’s a DJ dance party held on the first Saturday of every month at Bishop’s Lounge, a friendly and spacious bar. More: facebook.com/rebelriseentertainment.
Familiars Coffee & Tea: Earlier this year, the new LGBTQ owners of this historic 1930s train car an interior makeover and refreshed identity. As Familiars, it’s still a friendly spot, a retro-hip hangout for sipping 30 different loose-leaf teas and drinks made with famed Counter Culture coffee—plus all-day breakfast and lunch noshes. More: familiarscoffee.com.
Greens Treat Suites: For serene accommodations, check out Greens Treat Suites, a charming little setup run by longtime couple John Sielski and Jim Dozmati. Choose the two-bedroom Mountain View Suite, with its own living room, kitchen, and lovely rural vistas; or the Bamboo Suite, cloistered in a bamboo grove with a kitchenette and cedar-lined, rain-water shower. More: greenstreat.com.
HERO Barber & Mercantile: This LGBTQ-owned boutique is stocked with wares from artisans across the country, with a focus on rustic-chic stuff like beard kits, hardwood sunglasses, and campfire-scented candles. The spot has also added a full-service barber shop, so now you can get groomed while gift-shopping. Heromensgear.com.
Hors D’oeuvres Entertainment: Looking to party with some of the coolest queers in Western Mass? You’ll find them wherever drag performer Hors D’oeuvres is hosting a party. Besides serving as entertainment director for Noho Pride, Hors D’oeuvres is the force behind “Bon Appetit Burlesque” revues and “Maim that Tune” drag shows in Northampton. More: houseofhors.com.
Hotel Northampton: Stay in the heart of quaint Northampton at this historic property set, a beautiful brick building with an air of low-key Yankee class. The hotel has all the modern amenities, from hotel-wide Wi-Fi to private balconies in select rooms, required to meet the needs of famous guests like Melissa Etheridge and David Bowie. More: hotelnorthampton.com.
Progression Brewing Company: The craft beer scene continues to explode across Massachusetts. This Northampton newcomer celebrates “balanced values of business, family, community, and humankind”—you know, by gifting us with some great ales, stouts, and porters to share over bar snacks and board games in their cool taproom. More: progbrew.com.
Sugar Biscuit: Keep an eye out for DJ LeFox, who runs the Sugar Biscuit queer dance parties. They’re typically held on First Fridays at the Basement, an unsurprisingly barebones bar, and tend to spin soulful house, ‘80s throwbacks, indie-pop, and diva anthems. More: facebook.com/djlefox.
Valley Queer Yoga: This collaborative effort rolls out the yoga and welcome mats, building a network of classes specifically oriented toward queer and trans practitioners in the Pioneer Valley. Classes are typically held in neighboring Easthampton and Greenfield, both easily accessed when you need to center yourself in Western Mass. More: valleyqtyoga.wordpress.com.
