Sign up for Scenic Six
Navigate the endless possibilities of New England travel with Boston.com.
One of America’s best towns to visit in 2025 is in Massachusetts, according to CNN
The town is known for its "lively downtown, diversity, local flavors and independent spirit."
A college town in western Massachusetts should definitely be on your travel list this year, according to CNN.
CNN recently released a list of America’s 10 best towns to visit in 2025, and Northampton, Mass., ranked No. 8.
Northampton made the list “thanks to its lively downtown, diversity, local flavors and independent spirit,” according to CNN.
“Northampton is a town of just 30,000 people, with only five distinct neighborhoods,” CNN wrote. “But stats like that obscure the fact that Northampton has long punched above its weight, culturally. Regionally, it’s a dining, shopping and concert destination. A coffee-drinking, bike-riding oasis, it combines the charm of a village with big city culture.”
Advertisement:
The town is home to Smith College, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, which CNN called one of the most beautiful college campuses in New England. Visitors can check out an “exquisite” botanic garden on the campus as well as the Smith College Museum of Art, according to CNN, which are both free to the public.
Check out CNN’s recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and activities in Northampton here.
Other towns on CNN’s list include Asheville, N.C., Annapolis, Maryland, and Petaluma, Calif. The No. 1 town on the list is Ithaca, N.Y.
Check out CNN’s list of America’s 10 best towns to visit in 2025.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com