Pleasant Street Stroll 2008

Sights of interest.

I'm starting a new round of therapy at this address on Pleasant Street in Northampton. Notice the stone post in the foreground. That's an old tying post for a horse, however not many of those (the horses or the posts) are to be seen on Pleasant Street these days. 

I don't know what to expect from this new psychiatrist. I guess I just want to learn how to live sober like the Earthlings do. I've wasted a lot of time with my obsessions with drugs and sex, but God has given me the chance to do something different with the rest of my life.

In the meantime, what could be more pleasant than to take a stroll down Pleasant Street? Here is the theater that bears its name. It was in danger of closing recently, but has managed to survive for the time being. 

In front there is an advertisement for the new Rolling Stones movie. It is by Martin Scorsese, who is famous for the fantastic quality of his films. This movie has the potential to turn on a whole new generation to the Stones, since many of today's young people have an incomplete understanding of what makes the Stones so special. 

This is the Northampton satellite office of the Springfield Republican.

Mo Turner of the Valley Advocate turned me on to this restaurant Sylvester's. Its menu is a combination of health food and all American dining, giving you the best of both. 

The prices are very reasonable too. The only downside is that finding parking nearby can be a bitch.

Here is the legendary Pearl Street nightclub. I saw a great Hot Tuna show there in the 1980's where Paul Kantner made a guest appearance. 

This is The Elevens, a Valley music scene mecca for years under a variety of owners and names. For young Valley rock n' rollers with dreams of the Big Time, this is where they take their first steps towards stardom. 

With live music seven nights a week, the constantly changing line-ups are reported on chalkboards in the window.

Nearby is the amazing Gleason's, the premier place for Valley outdoorsmen for years.

How many years? Well, I used to get my boyscout camping gear there, and that was a long time ago.

On this Pleasant Street wall is scrawled this wise advice.

 



Elsewhere in Northampton, remember last month when I told you how I went to Andiamo's on a gift certificate my sister gave me?

Well, I guess I cashed it in just in time because when I went past yesterday the joint was closed and shuttered. 

I'm a little surprised, because they always seemed to have at least a few customers. However, it was a Greek restaurant and a friend of mine who considers himself an expert on Greek cuisine told me that their menu was way too limited.

Finally, here's a typically weird Amherst bumper sticker.