A Note From Christine:

Hello!! The Big E opens Friday, which always feels like the unofficial start of fall around here.

But there’s more happening this week than fair food and Ferris wheels. Here are few reasons to get out this weekend. Grab a cup of coffee and let's get into it!

Located in East Longmeadow. Trusted tax, accounting, and business consulting services for individuals and businesses throughout Western MA.

Some places just become part of the fabric of a city, and Nadim’s Downtown Mediterranean Grill is one of them.

Nadim Kashouh took over Café Lebanon back in 2000 and turned it into the downtown restaurant so many people know today. More than 25 years later, Nadim’s is still the kind of place people choose for dinners, celebrations, business lunches and those nights when you want something a little more special.

And if you’ve only ever gone there to eat, the hands-on cooking classes might be the part you’re missing.

I have a weakness for places where everyone can order exactly what they want, so this one got my attention. Hot Head Burritos just opened on Center Street in Chicopee with build-your-own burritos, bowls, tacos and nachos; plus more than 40 ingredients and 16 sauces to play with.

It’s only the second Massachusetts location, and there are gluten-free, vegetarian, keto and paleo options too! This has “easy lunch spot that suddenly becomes your regular order” written all over it.

If you grew up around Western Mass, this name probably rings a bell. Schermerhorn’s Seafood in Holyoke has reopened after nearly two years, and the 114-year-old local favorite has had a major refresh.

There’s now a new dining room, full table service, a full bar, plus the familiar market area and outdoor ice cream window. The goal was to keep what people loved about Schermerhorn’s while giving it a fresh new chapter.

Take Another Lap Through The Better Living Center

If you’re like me, the Better Living Center is one of those Big E stops you automatically make every year. It’s part shopping, part people-watching, part “what in the world is that?” and somehow there’s always something fun to discover.

This year, the building is getting a little more attention, with new vendors joining longtime favorites and updates happening around the Front Porch area outside. One newcomer is Rickey’s Jerky - a family owned, veteran lead jerky brand.

The building itself is massive, with more than 123,000 square feet of exhibit space. Give yourself time to wander because this is one of those places where the best finds are usually the ones you weren’t specifically looking for.

Amherst Annual Block Party

Thursday, Sept. 17 | 5–9 PM | Downtown Amherst | FREE

Amherst’s Annual Block Party sounds like a pretty great way to kick off the weekend one night early. North Pleasant Street closes down and turns into one big downtown party with live music, aerialists, acrobats, jugglers, restaurants, shops and plenty happening along the street.

Grab dinner, wander around and see where the night takes you….

Looking For More?

This is one of those places that makes Western Mass feel a little extraordinary.

Tucked along Route 5 in Holyoke are hundreds of dinosaur tracks preserved in the rock. Actual footprints left behind roughly 200 million years ago! The site is easy to overlook from the road, but once you know what’s there, it becomes the kind of place you want to stop and see for yourself.

It’s quick, fascinating and completely different from the usual afternoon outing.

You know those group texts where everyone wants to get together, but nobody actually knows what to do? This solves that!

Paint Social Art brings the entire painting experience to private parties, fundraisers, company events and group gatherings. Everything is supplied, everyone is guided step-by-step, and beginners are absolutely welcome.

It’s creative, easy to plan and usually includes quite a bit of laughing along the way.

The HOPE Center for the Arts is a newer creative venue in downtown Springfield with an intimate Main Theater and a surprisingly varied lineup. Music, dance, theater, special conversations and performances that feel a little more unexpected than the usual dinner-and-a-show routine. The venue was created as a creative campus focused on access to the arts, mentorship and self-expression, but its public programming has quickly made it a destination in its own right.

This week, Bach and Ballet pairs live classical music with contemporary dance. Coming up, the calendar includes everything from Celtic Thunder and Twin Peaks: A Conversation With the Stars to Judy Collins and The Irish Tenors. In other words, this is one worth keeping on your radar well beyond this weekend.

The Linda Ronstadt Experience featuring Tristan McIntosh
Friday, Sept. 18 | 7:00 PM
The Iron Horse, Northampton

Alice Cooper
Saturday, Sept. 19 | 7:30 PM
The Big E Arena, West Springfield

MassHats + The Oompa Meisters
Sunday, Sept. 20 | 12:00–3:00 PM
Rocktoberfest at Hamel’s Summit View, Holyoke

Wait Until You See What’s Hiding on 36 Acres in Belchertown

A $6.5 million home in Belchertown obviously required some investigating.

Hidden behind a gated entrance on nearly 36 acres, this newly built contemporary estate feels less like a house and more like a private retreat tucked into the Western Mass landscape.

There’s a pool, spa, incredible privacy and room for up to 10 cars — but honestly, this one is all about the setting.

Pour yourself something and snoop through the photos with me!!

Western Mass Insider reaches engaged readers who love connecting with and discovering local businesses, events, experiences, and things to do throughout the region.

If your business feels like a natural fit for our readers, I’d love to find a way to work together.

Until next time … keep exploring the Western Mass

Curated with care by Christine Carbonaro-Freda westernmassinsider.com