The Pioneer Valley 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 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. More about hiking and recreation in the area . . .

Northampton, Amherst, and Points North
Mount Holyoke students take frequent advantage of the free buses connecting the campuses of the Five Colleges, which also include Smith College in Northampton and Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.

Northampton and Amherst are favorite destinations for shopping, café hopping, and dining. The area's music scene is booming, with the Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton and the Mullins Center at UMass presenting live shows by national artists, and numerous smaller venues showcasing local talent.

Outdoor enthusiasts can go skiing at Berkshire East, whitewater rafting on the Deerfield River, biking on the Norwottuck Rail Trail, or just take in the view at Mount Holyoke Range State Park.

Springfield, Holyoke, and Points South
Founded in 1636, Springfield is the third-largest city in Massachusetts. It is the proud birthplace of basketball, Dr. Seuss, America’s first national armory, and the nation’s first successful gasoline-driven automobile. Springfield's attractions include live theater, a symphony, professional hockey, and a zoo.

Neighboring Holyoke has its own historical claim as the birthplace of volleyball, but is better known among students for its abundance of retail shopping.

Local Media
Two daily newspapers provide coverage of the area: the Springfield Republican and the Daily Hampshire Gazette. The Valley Advocate is a popular weekly paper with extensive arts, entertainment, and political coverage. In addition, through a special arrangement the New York Times provides more than 100 free copies daily to the Mount Holyoke community, distributed at various locations on campus.

Be sure to check out WMHC-FM (91.5) to hear the varied tastes of Mount Holyoke's radio enthusiasts. Amherst College’s WAMH (89.3), WMUA at UMass (91.1), and Smith’s WOZQ (91.9) also have student-run programming. The flagship station of the Five Colleges is WFCR (88.5), providing NPR news, classical, and jazz programming.

Television stations in Springfield and Hartford include public, network-affiliated, and independent stations.