Tourism Boom in Amherst?

Our writers have been around for quite some time now and never have we seen such an active summer in Amherst. Gas prices leading to more local vacation trips? Better marketing of Amherst sites, Amherst things to do, Amherst culture? Eco-friendly business ventures? What is it? We want to know!! We see entire families going to Judie's restaurant (an Amherst Life pick), Freshside Cafe is booming (we recommend the outside seats to "people-watch" -- almost a Southern France vibe... Montpellier style...), and the local coffee shops (Rao's and Amherst Coffee) seem to be bustling with conversation, hard-working bloggers, writers, professors, film-makers and much more.

Thouhg we do not know the cause of this boom (post comments if you know any reasons please!), we thought we'd recommend a few places off the beaten path that visitors might like (Amherst sites to see, Amherst rivers, Amherst mountains, and much more)

So here it is:

Check out "the Notch" -- a beautiful mountain that overlooks the whole valley (you can stop at Atkin's Farms on the way -- great local food, sandwiches, groceries, best cinnamon donuts and pies on earth!). Yes, we reserve the right to exaggerate slightly. Just take 116 South and you'll get there.

Check out the Robert Frost Trail -- take Main street down the hill, heading towards Pelham. Beautiful rivers and woods and walking trails. Dog-friendly.

Take a ride into farm-country in Hadley -- beautiful mountain views, Connecticut river (yes, you can rent a canoe there, just go down route 9, next to the bridge, close to the i-91 ramps). Just take a ride and get lost, heading south, especially around Atkin's Farms...

Check out the great views from the beautiful campus of Amherst College -- it overlooks the mountains and is a great place to walk around

Check out Puffer's Pond! Head to the North Amherst lights, take a right, and then follow Pine Street all the way in to the Pond area. Very nice, though we are not sure if swimming is recommended in August (lots of bodies, small body of water...)

And let us know what you think! Any suggestions, feel free to post!