South Hadley and the Region
The Pioneer Valley (see resources below) is one of New England's most beautiful and intellectually vibrant locations. The valley's unique character draws upon the cultural, social, and academic presence of the Five College Community as well as the spectacular setting of the Connecticut River amid the hilly terrain of western Massachusetts.
South Hadley, Mount Holyoke's home since 1837, is a charming New England town with roots going back to pre-Revolutionary times. Across the street from the main campus, the Village Commons (shown below) is home to a variety of retail boutiques, several restaurants, a coffeehouse, a first-run movie theater, and the renowned Odyssey Bookshop.
Just a few miles away, Skinner Park offers spectacular views of the valley and the Connecticut River's famous oxbow from atop Mount Holyoke, the mountain for which the College was named.
Pioneer Valley Resources
- America’s first national armory
- Berkshire East
- Birthplace of basketball
- Birthplace of volleyball
- Daily Hampshire Gazette
- Deerfield River
- Dr. Seuss
- Five College Community
- Hiking and Recreation in the area
- Iron Horse Music Hall
- Live Theater
- Mount Holyoke Range State Park
- Mullins Center
- Nation's first successful gasoline-driven automobile
- Norwottuck Rail Trail
- Professional Hockey
- Public TV
- Retail Shopping
- Department of Conservation and Recreation
- Skinner Park
- Springfield Republican
- Symphony
- Valley Advocate
- Zoo