On the Road: Northampton, December 2025

Regular visitors have probably caught on that I've fallen in love with Northampton, Massachusetts over the past few years.  With big changes coming for our child in the near future, I'm starting to feel wistful about the place in anticipation.  Each visit feels precious.  I'm excited for new adventures ahead, too.  But Northampton is a special place.  Assuming the next step will move our family geography in new directions, I'm already starting to miss Noho.

It was just me going down this time - for a variety of reasons, not such an easy time for my wife to get away.  No worries.  I enjoy time alone with the kid.

You may have heard that it's been unseasonably cold in New England this month.  As such, sitting and chatting at a bar or café held a lot more appeal than wandering around town.  You also may have heard that the young generation doesn't drink as much alcohol as mine did.  It's certainly true in our family.  As I sampled IPAs, the kid - despite being of age AND despite the fact Dad was buying - was happy with root beer.

Chatting was wonderful.  The kid is at an exciting life stage.  College has aroused passions and helped form a vision.  Growing up, making decisions - about anything - was like pulling teeth.  No more.  They know what they want.  Finding it might be a trick.  But a vision is a great start.

With the combination of the cold weather and the engaging conversation, taking photos wasn't a high priority.  But I did get a shot of the charming Whatley Diner on the way home.