Amherst College is the older of the two, founded in 1821 by Zephaniah Swift Moore. Whether you’re touring Amherst College, UMass, or just looking for a charming spot to spend a night in the fall—or in the even lovelier late-summer months—find our full guide to Amherst below. Amherst College, of course, has its own literary superstar, Emily Dickinson, who lived across the street most of her life. Courtesy of Amherst Coffee Amherst Coffee, with Amherst Theater’s retro sign in the background. Like any good college town, Amherst has excellent opportunities for late-night caffeination.