Smith College: Founded in 1871, Smith is one of the preeminent women's colleges in the world and has one of the most distinctive small New England college campuses, with the college taking up a large portion of land right on the edge of downtown Northampton

Music Halls: Northampton is home to seemingly countless music halls, including the famed Iron Horse Music Hall, the Calvin Theater, Flywheel, and the Pearl Street Nightclub, all of which regularly host some of the most important major acts, particularly those in the alternative music scenes

Three County Fair: Operating since 1818, the Three County Fair is the longest-running agricultural fair in the country and features exhibitions, entertainment, food, and more from throughout the Pioneer Valley

Forbes Library: One of the most celebrated and utilized public libraries in the country, the Forbes is also home to the unofficial Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library, which occupies its second floor, as well as serving as the meeting place for numerous location organizations

Rail Trails: Reflecting its status as a growing rail trail hub, Northampton is connected to the Norwottuck Rail Trail, the Northampton Bike Path, and the Manhan Rail Trail Spur, with additional rail trails planned for the future

Northampton Independent Film Festival: One of the largest film festivals in New England, the Northampton Independent Film Festival takes place each fall and puts a special emphasis on showcasing local and regional filmmakers and their works

Academy of Music: The Academy, which was built in 1890, is the first and only municipally-owned theatre in the country and has hosted performances by, amongst others, Boris Karloff and Harry Houdini, the latter of whom installed the famous trap door on the stage

Connecticut River: The Connecticut River, which marks the eastern border of Northampton, provides outstanding rowing, boating, and other recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, including at the famed Oxbow, home to one of the largest marinas in New England