Some of my favorite days don’t require a plane ticket, just a short drive, good company, and a little curiosity.

One afternoon in Northampton, my daughter and I ducked into Hometown Arcade, where the nostalgic glow of vintage pinball machines and classic games had us laughing and competing like kids. Afterwards, we wandered over to Turn It Up!  a treasure trove of vinyl, CDs, and quirky finds where she carefully picked through records while I reminisced about the music I grew up with.

Another evening, I took my nephew, a talented bass player with a deep appreciation for music, to Black-Eyed Sally’s in Hartford. Between the soulful jazz band and the mouthwatering Southern-inspired food, he was completely in his element and so was I.

For outdoor days, nothing beats the peaceful climb up Mount Tom for sweeping Pioneer Valley views. And if you prefer a cozy, candlelit stroll, Yankee Candle Village offers enough scents and seasonal magic to make time disappear.

When the night calls for live music, The Drake in Amherst delivers an intimate, electric atmosphere where every performance feels personal.

These little adventures, whether arcade battles, jazz nights, or mountaintop views remind me that some of the best escapes are just an hour away.

-mela