Best college town in every state

Best college towns in America: Amherst, Massachusetts (Home of UMass)

Amherst is the home of three major colleges. UMass is the most famous, but Amherst College and Hampshire College bring a big student body to this wonderful New England town. The art scene is one of the best in the Northeast. They do a really good job of showcasing the artists of western Massachusetts while also bringing well-known names to the area.

Emily Dickinson wrote a lot of her work in Amherst, and it’s not a surprise how. The beautiful scenery of New England is everywhere. The city preserved the home in which she wrote a lot of that poetry, and it’s available for tours. Dickinson’s grandparents were one of the founders of Amherst College, and she lived in the first brick house in the city. She is steeped within the history of this city.

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is much different than most museums in that it celebrates the art of the children’s book. It’s a fun take on the history of something most adults no longer think about, but this will have you changing that thought process.

The Amherst Farm Winery provides tastings every weekend. It’s a lovely cottage that is in the heart of the Pioneer Valley. There are 19 different wine varieties available, including an apple and a peach wine.