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All Around Amherst: Exploring a College Town

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Notable news from the 11 schools in the NESCAC

Notable news from the 11 schools in the NESCAC
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The town of Amherst really has it all. Pizza, ice cream (in multiple locations), fair trade, Starbucks, CVS, Chinese food, quirky street people. And these are only the beginnings of its offerings.

The Bleacher Report named Amherst, Massachusetts as the second coolest college town to watch football in. They should know its also one of the coolest towns not to watch football in.

As a student at Amherst College, which sits practically on top of the town, I can say with as much confidence as I say that Williams is a horrible college that Amherst is probably the coolest college town around.

See for yourself and take a brief tour of Amherst through this slideshow:

All Over Amherst: Exploring A College Town
Getting There(01 of13)
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Welcome! Once you cross the Connecticut River, you're almost to Amherst! This is the view from Mt. Sugarloaf, a fifteen minute drive (and a short hike up!) from Amherst.Photo Credit Elodie Reed.
For Whom the Bell Tolls(02 of13)
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Yes, the quintessential steeple. This, as well as Johnson Chapel (on Amherst College's campus) have hourly bells, giving the town a local and old-time flavor. You can also see a bit of the Lord Jeff Inn in this photo, which is now being renovated for eventual use by visitors.Photo Credit Elodie Reed.
Care to Cruise?(03 of13)
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There's more than one street in Amherst! This is ironically called Main St., though North Pleasant St., which you can see at the end of this photo, is the town's central area.Photo Credit Elodie Reed.
Where the Worms Go(04 of13)
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One of the several bookstores in town. Though slightly pricey, Amherst Books is the go-to place for students and professors. The people are also very nice!Photo Credit Elodie Reed.
Hustle and Bustle(05 of13)
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The main street. It's always busy, and is perfect for sitting down on a bench with a slice of local pizza and settling in for some good people watching.Photo Credit Elodie Reed.
Peddling Through Town(06 of13)
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When temperatures go up, the street vendors come out -- and so do the activists. Just the other night a group of friends and I had a ten minute (albeit accosted) conversation with a Greenpeace rep. It's never a boring walk downtown.Photo Credit Elodie Reed.
The Fix(07 of13)
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You can't have a college without a Starbucks nearby. This one has super comfy chairs and happy baristas.Photo Credit Elodie Reed.
Oh My Captain(08 of13)
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A hidden gem, Captain Candy (a candy store) is probably the best feature of the town.Photo Credit Elodie Reed.
Sugary Pickings(09 of13)
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A taste of its fruits (sugar-covered gummy ones)!Photo Credit Elodie Reed.
Good Lickings(10 of13)
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Bart's Ice Cream. Delicious and creative in their artwork. The bubblegum pink striped walls and lime green tables make you feel as if you've entered another sweet, bright and sugary world.Photo Credit Elodie Reed.
Cone Portal(11 of13)
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The door you then exit through, back into the real world. Can't beat local charm.Photo Credit Elodie Reed.
My Antonio(12 of13)
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Antonio's has the best pizza of anywhere I or anyone else has ever been. Don't be deceived by its looks: it's hectic and cramped inside, but with flavors like black bean avocado, honey mustard chicken and tortellini, you won't find any other pizza like it. And it's reasonably priced - a college kid's (and anyone else in this economy's) dream.Photo Credit Elodie Reed.
Local Attraction(13 of13)
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Not strictly within Amherst, but Flayvors is farm and ice cream place right outside of town. They have amazing ice cream and unique flavors, and cows to pet, too! This is one of the best features of Amherst -- it isn't too hard to get away and see a bit of countryside. Like I said, the town (and it's outer limits) has it all!Photo Credit Elodie Reed.

If for some strange reason Amherst doesn't satisfy, never fear: Hadley and Northampton (in Western Mass. Speech: NoHo) lie only a short drive, bike or PVTA ride away. But that's a whole other story...

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