Parched? Quench Your Thirst at Thirsty Mind!

With a name like Thirsty Mind, it's hard to ignore this coffee shop across the street from Mount Holyoke College. A cozy atmosphere with dark walls, books, couches, a fireplace and the smell of coffee in the air makes this cafè more than welcoming.

Mount Holyoke sophomore Sharanya Shankar explains her transition to liking Thirsty Mind.

"I am a Starbucks addict; I actually don't drink coffee but I love the atmosphere and ambiance of it. Now, I've converted to Thirsty Mind because not only is it close to Mount Holyoke, it's also local and I feel like I'm supporting a local business."

Sharanya also explained what makes this coffee shop so great. "One of my favorite things about Thirsty Mind is the cozy atmosphere and how they change decorations as per holidays, like right now I LOVE the Christmas decorations!"

I couldn't agree more. The decorations definitely make this place feel less like an establishment and more like a home. And now that the holiday season is really underway, who wouldn't want a little festivity to brighten up their day? Forget Starbucks, this coffee shop takes the lead by far.

Now onto the refreshments. One of my personal favorites is the peppermint patty milkshake. It's an invigorating alternative to your typical chocolate or vanilla shake. There are actual food options like sweet breads, muffins, or cookies, along with a multitude of coffee and tea, and even Italian soda. This coffee shop also serves up wine and beer for adults to enjoy.

There is free wi-fi and lots of books for a dollar or so available for purchase. Every time I've ventured inside, there has been music playing softly in the background and usually a steady flow of people coming in and out or scattered about the cafè working away on their laptops.

Whether you want to come in for some study time or just catch up with a friend, Thirsty Mind is the perfect college coffee shop atmosphere. It is located at 23 College Street, South Hadley, MA in the Village Commons right above Johnny's Bar and Grille.

photo credit: http://www.urbanspoon.com/u/photo_list/1050477?photo_id=94505

The Amherst Creperie Is All It's Cracked Up To Be

By now, most of you have probably heard of the new and mouth-watering addition to downtown Amherst - the Amherst Creperie. If you haven't heard of it, then by the time I'm done raving about it you'll definitely want to check it out!

Located at 19 North Pleasant Street, the Creperie is a delicious place to get brunch or dinner. It's open 7 days a week from 11am to 9pm.

The menu includes choices ranging from a "savory" crepe - more of a meat and potatoes kind of crepe - to "sweet" - your hazelnut, whipped cream, fruit crepe. The options are endless. There are even vegetarian crepes! Smoothies, paninis, and omelets are some of the other options available.

The prices are perfect for college students - most things on the menu are only 5 to 7 dollars! I know I can definitely shell out a few bucks if it means getting to eat a warm crepe filled with nutella.

Inside, the Creperie is cozy and welcoming. There is also a T.V. and music playing that add to the eclectic decorations.

So when you're not enjoying the harsh cold of a New England winter, go warm up at the Amherst Creperie!

photo credit: http://www.amherstcreperie.com/

Route 9 Diner

While it may seem like diners are gone for good, the Route 9 Diner brings back that old time charm. Complete with

jukeboxes lining the booths, this diner has all the essentials to create the atmosphere of an old-fashioned diner.

The menu is overwhelming. The appetizer list alone is huge. You can get anything from calamari, to zucchini, to stuffed mushrooms, or stick with your typical onion rings, potato skins, etc.

After the appetizers, you could get a soup, salad, sandwhich, wrap, burger, seafood, or another option on the eight-page menu. Prices are affordable and the service is fast.

The main reason to come here besides the good food is for the unique experience. Most restaurants tend to follow a similar style, but not this one. While the waiters unfortunately don't serve you food on roller skates anymore, it is still a place you should check out. And with the bright blue and red lights lining the outside, it's hard to miss while driving down Route 9.

At about five minutes from UMass, this diner is a great place to go. Not to mention it's open 24 hours a day, everyday of the year!

photo credit: http://www.route9diner.com/