Melissa Pocek
MELISSA POCEK
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Zipcar

Zipcar’s goal was to launch its first online magazine called Ziptopia. I led the brand content development, generating ideas for 85% of the content, and building out the content strategy from scratch. I did this by rapidly developing a content team of 40+ freelance writers, photographers, and videographers from around the county.

This resulted in the development of 45+ stories per quarter, and the personal creation of 30 pieces of content in my first year, while successfully staying within budget and creating custom reports with quantitative analysis to optimize our content strategy. The articles and videos are examples of my work.

Birds of Prey and Barbecue. Northampton’s Got It All.

Whether you’re ziptripping from Amherst or another nearby city in Western Massachusetts, be sure to make a stop in Hadley for a unique experience: falconry. At New England Falconry (115 River Drive, Hadley, MA; 413-896-4899; newenglandfalconry.com), you’ll experience what it’s like to be a handler and fly a trained Harris’s Hawk while learning about how raptors prey and have interacted with man. Master Falconer Chris Davis has been training hawks for over thirty years and conducts research on threatened species for Federal and State wildlife agencies. He’ll walk you through raptors’ unique biology (think ultraviolet vision) and why protecting these creatures is so important. As their habitats dwindle, more birds of prey can be found even in the city. (Tip: Make sure to book your lesson in advance; they fill up fast!)

BBQ, BAKED GOODS, BREW

After a morning of watching hawks eat, you’ll be hankering for your own grub. There’s no better place to get your carnivorous fill than Wildwood Barbeque (235 Russell Street, Hadley, MA 01035; 413-584-4227; wildwoodque.com). Known for succulent smoked meats (ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and tea-soaked wings), this relatively inexpensive BBQ joint boasts plenty of country charm. It is a great lunch spot with tables inside and tons of picnic benches outside. Wildwood has a special gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan menu: “No Meat, No Wheat, No Problem!” Beer fans can wash down their lunches with a taste of one of their best regional craft lagers and ales. Even if you only stop by for a snack, check out the home-baked pies and chocolate desserts. (Pie’s a snack, right?)

FUNNY FACES

 If it’s cool and quirky, you can find it at Faces (175 Main Street, Northampton, MA 01060; 413-584-4081; facesmainst.com). The NoHo (what the locals call Northampton) institution has been on Main Street since 1986, selling clothes, accessories, and gifts you won’t find anywhere else. Grab a couple of friends and see who can spot the wackiest wares, movie montage-style. Don’t miss the downstairs level that’s all housewares, perfect for the pal with a new pad. And before you go, use the provided Polaroid to snap a selfie for their “mug shot” wall.

CANDY IS DANDY, BUT CREAMY IS DREAMY

 Love gourmet ice cream? Thank Steve Herrell. The founder of Herrell’s Ice Cream (Thorne's Marketplace, with an entrance at 8 Old South Street, Northampton, MA 01060; 413-586-9700; herrells.com) altered his commercial freezer to produce the first rich and creamy “super-premium” ice cream in 1973. Another highlight: Herrell’s mixed in our fave candies and treats as “smoosh-ins,” creating hugely popular flavors like Heath Bar Crunch and Cookies ‘n’ Cream. Definitely don’t leave this flagship shop without drenching your scoop in their famous hot fudge; we suggest taking a jar of it to go.

CULTURE PIONEERS

No trip to NoHo is complete without stopping by Smith College. The liberal arts institution has a worthwhile Museum of Art (20 Elm St, Northampton, MA 01063; 413-585-2760; smith.edu/artmuseum). You’d expect the Seven Sisters members to have a thoughtful collection of art by women, and they don’t disappoint. Photography fans should stop by the Cunningham Center, where there are over 5,700 photographs — some that date back to the invention of the medium — as well as many other original works on paper. Remember your artistic afternoon by grabbing a postcard or two from the museum shop.

PASTA, PLEASE

After a full day of exploring, nothing sounds better than a big bowlful of pasta. At Viva Fresh Pasta Co. (249 Main Street, Northampton, MA 01060; 413-586-5875; vivafreshpasta.com), linguine and fettuccine, ravioli and rotini are made fresh in-house daily with organic ingredients. For those who want it their way, you can build your own bowl, starting with fresh pasta like garlic and parsley fettuccine, and then add your choice of sauce, vegetables, and protein for a truly custom creation. Celiacs and vegans won’t miss out, either: the brown rice rotini is gluten-, dairy- and egg-free. (We haven’t sampled it, so report back if you try it out.) Southern European entrees, a full tapas menu, and a sizable selection of wine and beer offer something for everyone (including a cappuccino for the designated driver).

ArticlesMelissa Pocekroadtrip, Birds of Prey, Barbecue, Northampton