The Birches Bed & Breakfast

Enjoy the beautiful five college area in this peaceful South Amherst setting. We welcome you to enjoy our cozy and comfortable home in the South Amherst area. "The Birches" is close to Amherst College, Hampshire College, Smith College, Mt. Holyoke College, the University of Massachusetts and their art museums. The historic city of Boston, with its many attractions, is less than 100 miles away.

We are located at the foothills of the beautiful Holyoke Range and Skinner State Park with its magnificent views of the Connecticut River Valley. The eighteen mile long Quabbin Reservoir is also nearby with numerous hiking trails. We are also near the Norwottuck Rail Biking Trail. This is a great valley for exploring antiques, visiting historic Deerfield, or visiting the famous Yankee Candle Company in addition to the obvious...taking advantage of all that the five colleges offer: theatre, music, museum and lectures, etc. The town of Amherst is also known for its architectural history with a self-guided walking tour, and was the home of Emily Dickinson.

Many diverse restaurants, shops, and cultural opportunities await you in this five college area. Within walking distance of our home is a foot-path up Mt. Pollux, and at the top you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the eastern Pioneer Valley. Also nearby is a 10.5 mile rail-trail bridging the Connecticut River for your recreational pleasure.

We serve a full breakfast and our specialties are Belgian waffles, or buttermilk pancakes with real New England maple syrup. We also serve the usual fare of hearty eggs and bacon, and always serve lots of fresh fruit with our breakfasts.

Afternoon tea or sherry is always available after a full day of exploring the environs. Enjoy the shade of our patio, or sun yourself in one of our lawn chairs amidst the company of flowers, hummingbirds, and quiet.

We offer two comfortable accommodations.... one with a queen bed and the other with twin beds. We coddle our guests with comfortable beds, a hearty breakfast, and good classical music. You will be encouraged to relax in our hammock under the pines, play the piano, or just watch the birds' frenzy at our various feeders.

We have books and more books for your browsing pleasure and we encourage our guests to curl up with one in our comfortable living room or out on the patio in warm weather.

And don't forget, Amherst and nearby Northampton are towns always bustling with activity with many good restaurants to choose from.

From I-91: Take exit 19 and follow Route 9 into Amherst. At the intersection of Rt. 9 and Rt. 116 South, turn right. Go approximately 2 1/2 miles and turn left at the HESS Station onto Pomeroy Lane and travel one mile to the stop sign. Turn right and you are on Middle Street. We are number 236 on the left. You will see our sign.

From Mass Pike (90): Take Exit 8 for Palmer. Follow UMASS signs into Amherst. At the first traffic light in Amherst turn left onto South East St. Upon approaching the South Amherst common take the right hand fork, and continue straight: This becomes Middle Street and we are number 236.