Blog Post 1- Easthampton

A small town, so much pizza.

Easthampton is a far cry from the cultural epicenter of Western Massachusetts. With its numerous gas stations, overdeveloped condo communities, and reused mill buildings, it can almost be described as the slightly less cultured, less funky version of its neighbor and hip college town, Northampton.

But what Easthampton lacks in coolness it makes up for in, believe it or not, pizza! It’s true! Within a two mile radius of the small city’s not-so-bustling Main Street a visitor will find a plethora of pizzerias offering a wide range of dining experiences ranging from the greasy slice to go, to the thick, cheesy pie at a sit down, fine dining restaurant. Pizza House, Village Pizza, Antonio’s, Papa George, Nini’s all offer the fifteen thousand plus inhabitants of the Easthampton community, with the opportunity to dine in or take out a sample of one of America’s favorite dishes, the pizza pie.

On a warm sunny afternoon a visitor might find themselves craving a big slice of buffalo chicken or taco salad pizza. A visitor could find these nontraditional slices at Antonio’s, right on Main Street, nestled among a diner, newspaper stand, and bookstore. After ordering their slices and receiving fast, efficient service, he or she might desire to take their slice to go, cross the street to the Easthampton Commons, and lounge in the pleasant shade of the quaint gazebo that sits in the center of town.


If you desire a more romantic Italian dining experience Nini’s is the place to go. Nini’s has that classic Italian-American restaurant feel. The pizza has a thick, doughy crust and is smothered in mozzarella cheese. You and your date may find it pleasant to take a walk around Nashawannuck Pond which sits behind Nini’s and enjoy the view of Mount Tom as you sit on a park bench near the pond. You might take a walk up to nearby Nonotuck Park and explore the trails that run along side the high school.

There’s also Village Pizza, the restaurant of choice for the Easthampton teenager. Many a school half day was spent gulping down ice cold orange soda from a can and chomping away at oily pepperoni pizza. This was my old stomping ground, my friends and I would stay there for hours at a time, greeting classmates as they came in for lunch, lusting after the cute boy that worked in the kitchen, and gossiping about teachers. Village Pizza was by far one of my favorite places in Easthampton.


Okay, so maybe I’ve been a little hard on Easthampton. Growing up there definitely did not make for the most exciting childhood. But reminiscing about the almost ridiculous amount of pizza joints has got me thinking about all those times I used to eat all those slices. It may not be the prettiest or chicest town around, but it is full of places that bring many people together to enjoy a good slice.

(All images courtesy of google images).