Weekend Getaway: Western Massachusetts

Editor's Note: As a special travel feature for September, TheStreet.com offers a series of weekend getaways, each designed to help you find the Good Life. Enjoy!

Two hours from Boston, three hours from New York City, western Massachusetts' Pioneer Valley spends the fall bathed in brilliant color.

Just east of the Berkshire Mountains, the Valley -- as it's known to locals -- is a hodgepodge of farmers, academics and alternative lifestyles.

The Pioneer Valley is comprised of three rural counties (Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire) that hug the sprawling Connecticut River; about 680,000 people call it home.

But from the ancient dinosaur tracks of South Hadley to the designer jeans in the boutiques of Northampton, this area is a surprising mishmash of old-fashioned New England living and modern amenities.

Nestle Into Northampton

If a weekend away from the city -- but not too far -- is what you crave, then head for Northampton.

Perhaps it's the small New England feel of the locally owned businesses and the hipness of the unique coffee shops, restaurants, live music venues and shopping that have earned Northampton the nickname of "Paradise City."

This small city of 29,000 people was founded in 1656 by landowner and fur trader Cornet Joseph Parsons. ...