Amherst (/ˈæmərst/) is a town in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States in the Connecticut River valley. As of the 2010 census, the population was 37,819, making it the largest community in Hampshire County (although the county seat is Northampton). The town is home to Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, three of the Five Colleges. The name of the town is pronounced without the h ("AM-erst"), giving rise to the local saying, "only the 'h' is silent", in reference both to the pronunciation and to the town's politically active populace. The communities of Amherst Center, North Amherst, and South Amherst are census-designated places. Amherst is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. Lying 18 miles (28.9 km) northeast of the city of Springfield, Amherst is considered the northernmost town in the Hartford-Springfield Knowledge Corridor Metropolitan Region.

Home to some of the state’s most reputed educational institutions like the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst College and the Hampshire College, Amherst tourism has always been a crowd-puller. This vibrant scene of academics is brilliantly balanced with just the right amount of heritage, outdoors and leisure opportunities waiting to be explored. The best time to visit Amherst is during the months of fall, owing to a picturesque display of fall colors.

On the attractions front, visit Amherst for a host of museums including Emily Dickinson Museum, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst College Museum of Natural History and the Mead Art Museum, to name a few. These are a great blend of art and historic significance. Other must-see attractions in Amherst include Yiddish Book Center, Puffer's Pond and the Amherst Farmers’ Market.