|
By Allie Egan-Sherry
 There are some communities where life just seems to move at a slower pace. The small hilltown community of Williamsburg is one of these places. A drive through this small town with a population of 2,515 will demonstrate the town’s quiet simplicity. While nearby Northampton and Amherst may offer greater options for entertainment and culture, Williamsburg offers the feel of small-town American living. Bordered by Northampton (and the villages of Florence and Leeds) to the south, a drive into Williamsburg makes anyone feel as though they may have gone back in time, to when a lazy Sunday afternoon meant a trip to the general store and eating an ice cream cone on the shop’s porch. Williamsburg represents the corporate-free America, a place where, aside from a gas station here and there, major chain stores are almost non-existent, instead replaced by local mom & pop family-run businesses.
The Hampshire County town of Williamsburg also includes the villages of Haydenville and Searsville. Williamsburg, with an area of 26 miles, is located at the start of the Hilltowns. This Pioneer Valley town is bordered by the communities of Northampton and Westhampton on the south, Conway on the north, Goshen and Chesterfield on the west, and Hatfield and Whately on the east. Williamsburg is only a brief 8 mile drive from Northampton via Route 9, which is the  main state road leading through the town. The town is the last stop made by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (the PVTA) bus system. The PVTA connects this small town to all of the cultural, educational, recreational, and business features offered by the Five College Area of Northampton and Amherst.
Williamsburg is a rural, scenic town. Plenty of green trees and wooded areas line the street and the Mill River runs directly through town, providing a scenic backdrop for daily happenings in this small, community-oriented town. Homes and businesses in the center of Williamsburg feature Greek revival architecture and provide a pleasant aesthetic appearance that lacks the gaudy, modern high-tech appearance found in more urban communities.
Perhaps the most well known store in Williamsburg is the Williamsburg General Store. Entering this store is like entering old time Americana, circa 60 years ago. Located on Main Street, this quaint country store is open 7 days a week and sells everything from freshly baked breads to penny candy to ornate wind chimes. Around Christmas time, the store is a major hit due to its many Christmas ornaments and accessories. In the summer, the store is an equal hit, particularly the ice cream shop inside.
 For other shopping needs, the Colonial Shoppes of Williamsburg offer Williamsburg Hardware and the Good Neighbor Pharmacy, along with the family dinning restaurant the Kitchen Table.
While the Williamsburg General Store may be the big shopping focus of the town, the Williams House Restaurant is the place to go when dinning out. Located in a former Colonial Inn, this restaurant offers contemporary American cuisine made from scratch, with a specialty focus on seafood. Aside from the quality of the food, another highlight is the Early American ambience which sets the scene for every meal.
For those in search of more casual dining, there is the popular Williamsburg Snack Bar along Route 9. This eatery serves all the American snack bar classics with plenty of available outdoor seating. Located conveniently next-door, is the Village Green Greenhouse and Ice Cream. So after eating that burger, it’s only a few short steps before you find yourself in the midst of plants and some ice cream for dessert.
If you’re looking for recreation, the Beaver Brook Golf Course located on Route 9 provides 9 holes on a lush green course. Beaver Brook also offers a full bar and grill, as well as Latin dancing every Friday night.
Williamsburg preserves the town’s rural feel by being home to Massachusetts Audubon at Graves Farm. Here, the Graves Farm Wildlife Sanctuary protects and offers ideal Cliff Swallow and Bob  olink habitat. At Graves Farm, The Massachusetts Audubon Society protects about 27,000 acres of land, offers nature education programs, and works for improvement in environmental polices. Visitors can spend an afternoon walking along the self-guided nature trail.
Williamsburg’s small population gives rise to only one traditional public elementary school (Williamsburg Elementary). The town is also home to the Hilltown Cooperative Charter School. Williamsburg’s students then go on to attend Hampshire Regional High School in the nearby community of Westhampton for their middle and high school years.
Williamsburg was first settled in 1735, although it was not officially incorporated as a town until 1775. Due to the Mill River which runs through the town, Williamsburg has a long history as a mill town. However, despite the river’s benefits in industry, the Mill River has also historically caused Williamsburg problems with flooding. In May of 1874, an intense flood in the river resulted in an industrial catastrophe when the flooding caused the destruction of a large and weak reservoir. This flooding ruined numerous homes and mills along the Mill River. In addition, and more horrifying, was the loss of life which resulted ─ all told, 88 people were killed. Despite the tragedy, Williamsburg residents managed to rebuild and resurrect their damaged mill town.
In Williamsburg, there is no hustle and bustle of city life, no crowded shopping malls, and no noisy, traffic-filled highways. Instead, this small Western Massachusetts town is quaint, tranquil and community-oriented. For those who miss the days when life was less hectic and more community-centered, Williamsburg is a great place to recapture those peaceful feelings, whether making a home there or just driving in to spend part of the day.
About the author: Allison Egan-Sherry is a graduate of Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, with a degree in Communication and Culture and a concentration in Media Dimensions. Allie currently resides in Northampton, Massachusetts.
|
