An aerial view of a river surrounded by fields and mountains.

Your Weekend Guide to A Perfect Amherst, MA Vacation

A quick weekend getaway can often make or break your year, and let us tell you why. Oftentimes, we fall into the daily grind of working, sleeping, and repeating the cycle over and over. Leaving it all behind for a quick breath of fresh air in a new place can help us feel rejuvenated and reconnected with ourselves and our loved ones. That’s exactly why a trip to Amherst, MA should be on your radar.


This college town offers a mix of museums, trails, history, and dining options. Trust us, a trip to the scenic Pioneer Valley is one you won’t soon forget. Let’s explore some of the best things to do in Amherst during your weekend excursion, and why The Black Walnut Inn is the perfect home base for this adventure.

A bowl of granola with bananas , strawberries , blueberries , almonds and yogurt on a wooden table.

Settling In

When you arrive in the area and check in, take a short stroll around Amherst. Its laid-back, enjoyable downtown has plenty of bookstores, coffee shops, and restaurants to go around. While you’re there, see if you can catch a live performance at the Amherst Cinema or the UMass Fine Arts Center. It’s an experience you’ll remember forever.

The Next Morning: Breakfast and a Museum

Start your day off right with breakfast at The Black Walnut Inn. We offer a rotating menu of freshly prepared dishes using local ingredients. It’s relaxed, unhurried, and exactly the thing you’d want to kickstart your day before you go and explore the area.


After you’ve eaten your fill, a visit to the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art should be your next stop. About a 10-minute drive from Amherst, this museum is one of the very few in the world entirely dedicated to picture book illustrations. Families with young children will absolutely adore this space; however, it’s just as compelling for any adult, especially those looking for some nostalgia. Exhibits include works by Mo Willems, E.B. Lewis and, of course, Eric Carle himself.

Afternoon: Grab a Coffee and Hit the Trails

Head back into town for lunch, as there are a wide range of restaurants in Amherst that you’ll be dying to try. Amherst Coffee is a fantastic place to stop for a quick bite, with great espressos to go along with a variety of pastry options. Plus, if you’re looking for a nice drink, they additionally have a bar attached to their store, offering delicious cocktails, wines, and craft beers.


After you’ve rested for a bit, spend the afternoon stretching your legs in the Mount Holyoke State Park. The park includes more than 30 miles of trails, as well as streams, wetlands, woods, and thickets. It’s a nature lover’s paradise! If you’re up for a challenge, try to hike up to Mount Norwottuck, where you can see unbelievable views of the valley. Shorter trails through the woods are also available if you’re not in the mood for elevation.

A person is walking across a rocky river.

Evening: Dinner at 30Boltwood

Clean up and head over to 30Boltwood for dinner. This upscale restaurant has a wide range of options to choose from. Their appetizers include the ever-tasty chowder or onion soup, with a charcuterie board as an option as well. Wanting to eat light? Try one of their salads, low in calories but high in flavor. The entrees include scallops, salmon, cheeseburgers, New York strip, filet mignon, and so much more.


It’s a favorite for date nights or special occasions, and their mouthwatering foods will more than leave you satisfied. Be sure to make a reservation though, especially on the weekends.

Final Morning of Your Trip: Shopping

Don’t worry about rushing on your last day, sleep in and enjoy a second breakfast at The Black Walnut Inn. After, take a peaceful walk through downtown, where you can purchase souvenirs at the various local shops, such as Amherst Books. Then, if you’re up for it, head on over to one final museum, the Emily Dickinson Museum, where you can learn more about the famous poet. Get a fascinating glimpse into her life, writing, and legacy.


Grab one last coffee and pastry, or take a scenic drive along Route 47 near Hadley. It’s a great stretch that shows wonderful mountain views as well as glimpses into the daily lives of our local farmers.

Plan Your Stay at The Black Walnut Inn

WA weekend in Amherst is easy to plan and easy to enjoy, and it all starts with a comfortable place to stay. Here at The Black Walnut Inn, we offer a relaxing place to escape to, where you can stay in one of our many timeless rooms. Plus, delight in the presence of our on-site chickens! These funny little birds love to greet newcomers and make you feel right at home!


Treat yourself to a nice weekend getaway by vacationing in Amherst, MA. Trust us when we say it’ll be something you’ll treasure for the rest of your lives.