<p>To all those who have visited or are attending Smith:
Where in Northampton is Smith located? Rather central or on the outskirts?</p>
<p>Smith is right next to downtown. If you go by Elm Street (which I do, because it's closest to where I am) on one side of Smith is a residential area (but if you keep walking you hit the hospital and the high school) and on the other side, literally across the street is downtown.</p>
<p>So yes, it's centrally located. I grew up unable to get anywhere without a car, and coming to Northampton where I can walk anywhere (and if the destination is too far, there's a reliable bus service that actually goes places) is a great thing.</p>
<p><em>cough</em> reliable? Sure... but 55 minutes to Amherst? There should be an express bus to Amherst, not UMass!</p>
<p>Beyond the hospital is rather spooky- I rode my bike for 3 hours to follow this 13 mile path (which actually shouldn't take more than 90 minutes...) on Halloween. It's pretty deserted with scattering houses and lots and lots of trees. It's a mix of wilderness and residential to be exact :) That's what lies behind Smith. But otherwise, it faces residential area and the downtown.</p>
<p>My d. says it takes her five minutes on foot to get into town. If you live in the Quad, it would take maybe fifteen minutes on foot.</p>
<p>Noho is a quintessential new england town; open spaces, trees, a variety of homes, pretty countrified. Downtown is one of the funkiest places we've been to. Eclectic, friendly people, hippies, townsfolk, and great stores and restaurants. Lots of little gems hidden behind different colored doorways. We love it, and so does our D. :) She lives in the quad and doesn't mind the short walk with friends at all. Very safe neighborhood, and that's always nice!</p>
<p>A five-minute walk from my D's House to Harrell's.</p>
<p>"A five-minute walk from my D's House to Harrell's."</p>
<p>And you gain five pounds once there ;)</p>
<p>Ahhh...Herrell's ice cream. :) I so adore that place. But I'm dieting, so none till next summer for me! Paul's and Elizabeth's in Thorns is good also. ;)</p>
<p>And for dinner, there's a good Japanese restaurant, Osaka. We haven't tried the other three or so Japanese restaurants. We've sampled two Indian restaurants, one decidedly better than the other.</p>
<p>The eating scene in Northampton is wonderful!</p>
<p>I absolutely adore Paul's and Elizabeth's!!! Herrell's alright for my taste- just not a huge fan of ice cream as I am of brownies :)</p>
<p>Taipei and Tokyo's alright but not the same quality as Osaka's.</p>
<p>Also, Noho is going under some renovations so it'll be better as in more upgrade/upscale (or worse perhaps if you're not a huge spender) when you go to Smtih. That's what I've seen over the years and from my friend who lives in the area. I wouldn't make that a factor though since it'll take some time!</p>
<p>There are towns of 30,000 and there are towns of 30,000. Size of NoHo was one of D's major concerns during the investigation phase of her search. It passes with flying colors...enough good places to eat to argue about, music, theater, etc.</p>
<p>Whereas she whimpered something about "please don't park" when we were in South Hadley.</p>
<p>Her original #1 had been set in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Just shows how things can change...and visiting is worthwhile, there's stuff you just can't get on paper or even on video.</p>
<p>We're headed to Noho tomorrow to bring D back. Paul's and Elizabeth's it will be for lunch. All the Smithies really tend to love Osaka and the sushi. Although, raw fish is not to my liking.</p>
<p>sushi = raw fish with rice, bound together with seaweed. California roll = sushi with avocado in lieu of fish.</p>
<p>sashimi = raw fish. Yum for the salmon & the tuna...not yum for the octopus.</p>
<p>Ahh sashimi, When D was 2 we lived in Santa Cruz CA and would go to Monterey where we discovered an all you could eat Sushi bar. They let our 2 year old in for free and were amazed when she kept asking for "more squid, please". We went back many times and they always let her in for free because she amused them so much. SHe still loves sushi, sashimi and squid. </p>
<p>We leave next sat to visit her in Florence, Italy where she is doing Smith JYA program. I can't wait.
Ellen</p>
<p>I think Shakespeare wrote a play about sushi..."As You Slice It."</p>
<p>LOL TD. We went to Osaka for lunch and I tried the sushi and sushimi. Not bad; although the wife and daughter love it! California rolls with the avacado were o.k., but I did like the sushi rolls with tuna and salmon. I had chicken teriyaki, very good, although rather simplistic for Osaka, I know.</p>