[Raene]

Anyone want to recommend any restaurants in the Northampton area? We're actually staying in S. Deerfield but we'll be spending lots of time in Nhampton, too.

We're vegetarian just to narrow it down a bit.

Also, how about things to do with a 5 y.o.? We are going to the Butterfly Museum in S Deerfield; what else would be fun?

Thanks!

 

[wmassmom]

The Eric Carle Museum in Amherst would be great for a 5 year old.

 

[MrsReady2bMama]

Some of my fave Northampton restaurants (not exclusively vegetarian, but yummy!)

Eastside Grill (http://www.eastsidegrill.com/) - delish dinner, on the fancy side but no need to get dressed up (just upscale)
Sylvester's (http://www.sylvestersrestaurant.com/) so good for bfast & lunch; v. child-friendly; yummy baked goods
Zen (http://www.zennorthampton.com/) good sushi, good curry

Northampton has a wonderful bike path that is great for walking, biking, rollerblading, etc. if you just want to spend time outdoors.

Good reco on the Eric Carle museum too!

 

[Ahava]

Paul & Elizabeth's is fantastic - great vegetarian food and kid friendly (and then you can go to Herrel's for dessert!)

 

[sprouthead]

I like Osaka's tea garden..

 

[lexbeach]

Paul and Elizabeth's is our favorite family-friendly restaurant (and it's also vegetarian).

For breakfast/brunch, we love Esselon Cafe in Hadley (just over the bridge from Northampton).

Have fun!

Lex

 

[kbl]

There's a beautiful huge park, Look Park, just outside of town. It has a petting zoo and a little train you can ride around.

Also The Raven is a great used bookstore in town -- obviously kids don't last too long in bookstores, but it might be a fun quick stop bc they have used children's books.

 

[CorbinsMama]

I love, love, love Paul & Elizabeth's! You won't be disappointed.

 

[bostonmama2e]

We just spent a weekend around Northampton two weekends ago and had a great time. The butterfly conservatory was much better than I expected it to be.

We are also vegetarian and really liked Viva Fresh Pasta, La Veracruzana (excellent vegetarian tamales!!), Siam Square Thai, and had a wonderful breakfast at Haymarket. And Paul and Elizabeth's was wonderful, as others have said.

Have fun!

Bobbie, mt Ezra 2/2/07

 

[Raene]

DP is begging for an Indian food recommendation...any great restaurants for that? Last time we ate at the one on Main Street on the right as you're driving towards Hadley but we just thought it was so-so.

 

[isaac'sdada]

I think the best Indian food is at India House on State Street---way better than the place you tried. Also, as far as veg food, Bela on Masonic street is awesome & affordable. enjoy

 

[indeospero]

Quote:

Originally Posted by isaac'sdada I think the best Indian food is at India House on State Street---way better than the place you tried. Also, as far as veg food, Bela on Masonic street is awesome & affordable. enjoy

Yes, India House is really wonderful! One of my favorite Indian restaurants, ever!

:

 

[lexbeach]

Quote:

Originally Posted by indeospero Yes, India House is really wonderful! One of my favorite Indian restaurants, ever! :

Yes, yes, yes! Probably my favorite restaurant period (though as a sit down place, I wouldn't say it's the most kid friendly since it's rather small and quiet . . . we get take out or go there on date nights w/out the kids when we feel like ignoring the $$$ thing

).

Lex

 

[sugarpop]

Oh and I just found out about this great website, you might want to check out if you have access to a printer. The website lists restaurants that are participating in the program, and there are tons. The way the program works is you buy a gift card and then print it out and use it the same day. The savings are different for each restaurant but this is an example Buy a $25 GC for $10 must spend $50 so when your bill comes you had dinner and it was $50, you give them the GC that you spent 10 for and then another 25 and pay only 35 for your 50 dollar meal. Some of the GC don't even have the must spend additional money stipulation. They never email or call me, I print it out and have never had a problem...I am telling you, go to http://www.restaurant.com/

 

[momtobe1111]

Bela is a fabulous vegetarian restaurant that should not be missed. It's very little (maybe ten tables or so) and it is on a side street off of the main drag, but I forget the name of the street. Paul & Elizabeth's is good, Bela is incredible!

 

[Raene]

Darn, we're back now after spending the weekend there. We didn't know about Bela's in time

But we loved Paul and Elizabeth's (I got soup, rolls, and salad...DH got fish with mashed potatoes and sauteed greens), La Veracruzana (delicious tamales...thanks for the recommendation!!), Haymarket (lemonade and a watermelon juice), and a French Bakery near City Hall.

YUM! Thank you all for the recommendations!