Five College Area Bed and Breakfast Association Five College Area of Massachusetts A group of 35 different B&B/inns: from country colonial hideaways, to in-town stately Victorians, to casual, comfy homes. | Contact Information | Members located west of the Connecticut River | Members located east of the Connecticut River | Five College Area Map |

Home to the "Five Colleges" (Amherst, Mount Holyoke, Hampshire, & Smith College, and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst), this scenic region has long been referred to as the "knowledge corridor." But in addition to its academic reputation, this corridor, known as the Pioneer Valley, is an ideal travel destination. From authentically restored Victorian inns to classic New England farm houses, there are numerous bed and breakfast opportunities in the Pioneer Valley and the surrounding Hilltown region of Western Massachusetts.

The five college area is within easy driving distance of New York City, Hartford, Boston, Springfield and the Berkshires.

The Connecticut River is the largest river in New England, flowing south from the Connecticut Lakes in northern New Hampshire, along the border between New Hampshire and Vermont, through Western Massachusetts and central Connecticut into Long Island Sound at Old Saybrook, Connecticut. The Connecticut River dominates the landscape creating a natural border for the towns in Massachusetts, in the Pioneer Valley, east and west of the River.

Northampton, Massachusetts
Northampton, a little city that's gained a big reputation for being not only fun and exciting, but culturally rich as well. Once voted "best small arts town in America", Northampton offers visitors an eclectic array of small galleries, theaters and shops in addition to a thriving night life. Home of Smith College.

Amherst, Massachusetts
Amherst, the quintessential college town. Home of UMASS, Amherst, and Hampshire Colleges, with Mt Holyoke 6 miles near. Amherst is known for its excellent bookstores, cafes, and cultural events.

While the area may be most famous for its cultural offerings and educational institutions, visitors will find endless opportunities for year-round outdoor activities, from the Quabbin Reservoir to the foothills of the Berkshires.

Hiking trails, bike paths, and recreational waterways abound! There's cross-country skiing, hiking, biking, boating, swimming, whitewater rafting, mountain climbing, birding, and even ballooning!

The innkeepers of the Five College Area Bed & Breakfast Association say they are ready and waiting to enhance your visit with their own brand of hospitality. Thirty B&B's comprise this group of inns, and each is a unique experience, from country colonial hideaways, to in-town stately Victorians, to casual, comfy homes, every room and setting is different, and each innkeeper offers a distinct brand of hospitality yet an equally welcoming attitude. Many accommodations include such amenities as fireplaces, plush robes, jacuzzi tubs, in-room phones, and televisions, and others boast lush gardens, refreshing swimming pools, or peaceful outdoors porches and patios. Breakfast, too, is an individual event, from sterling, china and elegant entrees, to cheerful gingham, pottery, and homemade muffins. Click here for information about member b&bs located west of I-91 and the Connecticut River. Click here for information about member b&bs located east of I-91 and the Connecticut River.

Click here for a larger version of the map (58KB).

The goal of the Five College Area Bed and Breakfast Association is to not just give you a place to stay, but to create an experience that is an integral part of your trip to the Pioneer Valley. Innkeepers prefer to be contacted individually, but are happy to supply any information concerning both area attractions and other accommodations. For more information about the Pioneer Valley please see the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau web site at www.valleyvisitor.com/

Click-on these pages for more information:  | Members located west of the Connecticut River | Members located east of the Connecticut River | Five College Area Map |

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