BERKSHIRE RAMBLINGS

Check Out North Adams 15th Annual Winterfest!

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Saturday, February 25, 2012, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. FREE

We haven't had much of a snowy winter so far, with days thatare just short of balmy, but it's still fun to enjoy winter and the winteractivities such as ice skating and watching people carve up enormous chunks ofice at the local winterfest. North Adams is less then 15 minutes from the 1896 House.

Early Morning, come see local artists and business ownerstry their hands at ice carving

The WinterFest Chowder Competition, 12 – 2 p.m.

Activities such as face painting, karaoke, hot chocolate,and horse drawn wagon rides. Children’s activities will be held at both MASSMoCA and Heritage State Park. MASS.

The North Adams Vietnam Memorial Skating Rink will host aSkating Dance Party from 7-9 p.m.. Admission is FREE and will feature a DJ,food and fun.

New events, performances and activities are being added allthe time. Maps and schedules will be available the day of the event. For themost up-to-date information on North Adams’ WinterFest, call (413) 664-6180.

For more information please also check out

http://berkshires.org/bvb/files/2011/11/WinterFest.pdf

ALSO!!!

Come visit PRESS during the City of North Adams 15th Annual WinterfestCelebration

Take advantage of this surprisingly spring-like winter andtake a walk downtown to experiment with letterpress by making your own typecomposition. Drop on in and choose from the large assortment of found wood typeand bring your words to life! There is a suggested donation of $ 5 forprinting.

PRESS

Date: February 25th

Time: 12-2

51 Main Street, North Adams, MA 01247

http://letterpressasapublicartproject.wordpress.com/

Susan B. Anthony Birthplace and a Special Concert Event

2012-02-16T08:04:00.000-08:00

Plan a multi-day visit to Adams,MA while staying at the comfortable 1896 House Inn, onSaturday, visit the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museumand then on Sunday, listen to a lovely concert honoring the "daughter of Adams".

If you are looking for some fun things to also do on Saturday, goIce Skating! For more information about hours and rates, please visit http://northadams-ma.gov/index.php?cmd=content&nav_id=76. On Sunday have a leisurely relaxing lunch at the 6' House Pub and then golisten to some lovely music celebrating SusanB. Anthony.

Susan B. AnthonyBirthday Concert to Feature “Only the Message Mattered,” Sunday February 19,2011

The annual event for Susan B. Anthony will feature “anabsolutely gorgeous piece of music” to honor the “daughter of Adams.”And will present the original music and narrative, “Only the Message Mattered,”by composer/musician Bob Warren.

The concert, at 3:00 pm, Sunday, February 19, Adams Free Library,92 Park Street, will honor one of theworld’s greatest human rights leaders and “daughter of Adams,” Susan B.Anthony. The public is invited to attend free of charge.

The event is co-hosted by the Adams Historical Society andfunded in part from a grant from Mass Humanities. Bob Warren wrote the piece in 2010 with a grant from the NewYork State Council on the Arts for an ensemble of three singers/narrators andtwo instrumentalists. Performing in Adams onFebruary 19, in simple Quaker dress, will be singer/narrators Brittany Rivers,Barbara Skiff, Rebecca Rogers, cellist Demetria Koninis and Bob Warren onpiano.

For more information, contact the Adams Free Library,413-743-8345, or the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum,413-743-7121.

Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum (20 minutesfrom the 1896 House)

67 East Road

Adams, MA 01220

413-743-7121

http://www.susanbanthonybirthplace.com

The Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum, Inc. is anot-for-profit corporation, dedicated to preserving the birthplace and raisingpublic awareness of the wide-ranging legacy of the great social reformer, SusanB. Anthony, who was a pioneering feminist and suffragist as well as anoteworthy figure in the abolitionist, opposition to Restellism, and temperancemovements of the 19th century. As partof its mission, the Museum will highlight the familial and regional influenceswhich shaped Ms. Anthony’s early life, by displaying the textiles andfurnishings of that period, as well as the literature and other memorabiliaassociated with her later career.

Museum’s hours andschedule:

October 14, 2010 - May 28, 2011

Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10am - 4pm

- or - Call the Birthplace office and request a specialtour.

One can tour the five room home in less than an hour.

Admission is $5 for adults

$3 for seniors and children

Free for children under 6 years of age.

This rural, Federal-style home was the birthplace andchildhood home of Susan Brownell Anthony, an advocate for temperance and therights of women. She was born in 1820 and lived in the house until the age ofseven. She later returned here several times throughout her life. Anthony’sfamily had a long tradition in the Quaker Society of Friends, and she wasraised to value the precepts of society, humility, simplicity, and inparticular, equality. Anthony received a broad education and undoubtedlyincorporated the instruction she received in this rural home into her latercareer. As an adult, Anthony went on to be educated as a teacher in Philadelphia and taughtin various schools from 1835 to 1860, earning 1/3 of the salary paid to hermale cohorts. Frustrated by the restrictions placed on her because of hergender, Anthony moved to her family’s home in New York in 1849. There, she became an associateof Fredrick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison, leaders in the anti-slaverymovement before the Civil War. Already an advocate of temperance and a goodfriend of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, she also endorsed rights for women and in1869 helped found the National Woman’s Suffrage Association. Anthony cast aballot in the 1872 presidential election and was arrested and fined $100 by ajudge who directed the jury to find her guilty. She refused to pay, but becausethe judgment was never enforced, she could not appeal to the Supreme Court.

In 1892, she became the National Woman’s SuffrageAssociation’s president. Susan B. Anthony did not live to see women get theright to vote, for she died in 1906, 13 years before the 19th amendment waspassed.

Information courtesy of: http://www.susanbanthonybirthplace.com

Love is in the Art

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February is the month for romance and what better way to spend a chilly day with your sweetheart then touring a local art gallery.

Love is in the Art – A Group Show. Mon-Sat 10am – 5:30pm.Sun. 11am-4pm.

At The Harrison Gallery (less then 5 minutes from the 1896 House)

February 4 - 29, 2012

39 Spring Street

Williamstown MA 01267

413-458-1700

Website: www.theharrisongallery.com

The Harrison Gallery specializes in contemporary Americanartists, with a focus on landscapes. The works are created by traditional New England painters, American Impressionists,photographers, watercolorists, and mixed media artists. The Harrison Gallery pridesitself in representing a wide variety of styles to serve diverse tastes. Thegallery's collection also includes etchings, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, andfine art ceramics. With both local pride and an international scope, ourartists range from Williamstown talent to Berkshire residents, the New York Schoolto the California School , and a handful ofinternational artists.

Artists featured in the Love is in the Art Show

Brother Thomas Bezanson

portfolio at http://www.theharrisongallery.com/artistDetail_2773_Brother%20Thomas-Bezanson.htm

Susan Read Cronin

portfolio at http://www.theharrisongallery.com/artistDetail_974_Susan%20Read-Cronin.htm

StanleyBielen

portfolio at http://www.theharrisongallery.com/artistDetail_7859_Stanley-Bielen.htm

John Traynor

portfolio at http://www.theharrisongallery.com/artistDetail_11715_John-Traynor.htm

While your visiting the Williamstown area, stop by and check out the The Williamstown Art Conservation Center at Stone Hill Center.

The Conservation Center is a uniquefacility for art conservation. It offers spaciouslabs for paintings, works on paper, photography, objects, textiles, furnitureand picture frames, each space brightly illuminated with natural light andbuilt to meet the specific needs of its specialty. Stone Hill Center also houses Clark exhibition galleries andfeatures sweeping vistas of the Berkshires and Green Mountains. Visitors may experience the conservation process via aviewing platform and windows that look in on the labs.

227 South Street

Williamstown, MA 01267

http://www.williamstownart.org/

The Bees Knees

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Berkshire Botanical Gardens is hosting some great classesthis upcoming Saturday.

Now is the time to start thinking about your spring andsummer gardens. Bees are vital to earth's food production. Bees are immenselyimportant to the success of over 90 types of food crops all over the world.Most varieties of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds are dependent on bees, asare crops used as in feed for human's protein sources. Albert Einsteinreportedly said the human race would last only four years in a world withoutbees, while there is debate over whether the great physicist made the claim, noone disputes the fact that we would be in serious trouble were bees todisappear. Bees are now in danger of dying out. In the winter of 2008, one inevery three hives were lost.

Beekeeping is not an expensive hobby to take up and therewards, aside from the sweet rewards of honey, that you are contributing tothe world's overall sustainability, make it a very worthwhile undertaking.

Beekeeping for Gardeners: Getting Started in BackyardBeekeeping- 9 am – noon

This workshop is for everyone with an interest in honeybeesand beekeeping. Learn how to start a honeybee colony, the seasonal managementrequired to keep a healthy hive of bees and the role of pollinators and theirrelationship to flowering plants. Topicsprovide an overview of the beekeeper's job, and will help new beekeepers, orthose who are considering becoming a beekeeper, to make the correct choices forstarting a backyard apiary. Equipment and tools used by the beekeeper will bediscussed, and step-by-step instructions for starting a new colony of bees willbe covered. At the end of the workshopparticipants should have a solid understanding of how to successfully begin asa new beekeeper.

The Secret Life of Bees 1 – 2:30 pm

Most gardeners are familiar with the sight of a honey- beeforager as she visits flowers in our gardens, but few of us understand theintricacies of bee life within the hive. Join Heather Mattila, assistantprofessor at Wellesley College, for a livelytalk about honeybees and honeybee behavior. She will discuss the secret life ofhoneybees, including the different kinds of bees that are found in hives, thejobs they do, as well as the means by which honeybees communicate to ensure ahealthy and productive colony. This lecture appeals to beginner and seasonedbeekeepers as well as naturalists.

For more information please visithttp://www.berkshirebotanical.org/education/index.html

Berkshire Botanical Garden (lessthen an hour from the 1896 House)

5 West Stockbridge Road

Stockbridge, MA 01262

Phone: 413-298-3926

Birding in a Winter Wonderland.

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While wintertime may seem a strange time to go bird watching,there is nothing more beautiful then going on a cross country ski and seeingeagles and other non transitory birds or on a moonlit snowshoe hike and callingfor owls and then returning to curl up in front of cozy fire and hot cup ofcocoa or cider at the 6' House Pub,

Some activities ofinterest for bird lovers.

Taking Flight: Audubon and the World of Birds

January 21 – June 17, 2012

Berkshire Museum’s new exhibitionTaking Flight: Audubon and the World of Birds centers on John James Audubon andhis passion for birds, which drove him to create The Birds of America, arevolutionary work of science and art that launched Audubon’s reputation as theworld’s most renowned wildlife artist.

More than thirty original Havell prints from The Birds ofAmerica paired with bird specimens from the Museum’s collection comprise thecenterpiece of the exhibition. Learn how Audubon’s obsession drove him toextremes to produce the watercolors for the engravings that comprise the mostvaluable book in the world. Experience Audubon’s rugged wilderness existencewhile researching for The Birds of America. Understand the science of feathersand flight, the many different bird habitats, the highly-evolved senses ofbirds, bird intelligence, and bird behavior in a series of galleries containinga wide array of photographs and video, art, objects, specimens, and samples ofbirds, eggs, and nests.

From http://berkshiremuseum.org/exhibitions/taking-flight-audubon-and-the-world-of-birds/

Berkshire Museum

39 South Street(Route 7), Pittsfield, MA 01201

http://berkshiremuseum.org

Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Also check out events going on at the area Autubon centers, PleasantValley Wildlife Sanctuary in Lenox is a short hop from the 1896 House. http://hilltownfamilies.wordpress.com/2012/01/04/hf-341/

A bird banding demonstration and Eagle watch at QuabbinReservoir is coming up in February as well as a Full Moon Snowshoe Hike -February 7 http://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/Pleasant_Valley/news.php?id=1833&event=no

Download and print a bird checklist http://www.massaudubon.org/PDF/birdchecklists/checklist_PValley.pdfAfter your visit, you can use your checklist to contribute to the sanctuary'sknowledge of birdlife at their wildlife sanctuaries. Submit your observationsat www.massaudubon.org/ebird.

Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

472 West Mountain Road, Lenox, MA 01240

http://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/Pleasant_Valley/

1896 House Inn Valentine Packages All Month of February!

2012-01-12T09:12:00.000-08:00

In addition to the many RomancePackages listed on our web site,

we are offering:

“Sweet Suite” Package

TreatYour “Sweetie” to any night in a LuxurySuite with romantic king bed, Jacuzzi for 2, gas fireplace, gourmet hotcandlelight breakfast, one intimate 3 course dinner for 2, French champagne, afresh bouquet of flowers and delectable chocolate truffles!

$389 Weekends & HolidayWeeks $339 Weekdays

Includes all taxes & gratuities!

“Be My Valentine” Package

Charmyour Valentine with any night in a traditional Brooksideor Pondside Room with a hot breakfast buffet, an intimate 3 course dinner for2, French champagne, a fresh bouquet of flowers, and a box of Valentinechocolates.

$259 Weekends & HolidayWeeks. $225 Weekdays

Includes all taxes & gratuities!

“SaturdayCupid” Package

Takeyour Cupid on February 18th only to a traditional Brooksideor Pondside Room with 2 beds, a full hot breakfast buffet, a $35 Gift Cardtoward an intimate dinner at the Pub, & box of Valentine Chocolates.

$169 Includes all taxes & gratuities!

"Affordable Amore"

Don'tlet this economy ruin your romance! Thisaffordable show of love includes a single perfect rose, chocolate truffles in ared martini glass, and a split of Korbel Brut champagne to help you celebrate! $23 inaddition to any room rate

President’s Week Ski Specials

In addition to the many Ski Packages listedon our web site, we are offering:

Stay 2 Midweek Nights, get a free $25 Gift Card the fun

& popular ‘6 House Pub!

Stay 3 Midweek Nights, get the 4^th night ½ price!

Don’t forget our other Specials!

"January White Sale"

Second Night 1/2 Price Choose any room or

luxury suite, and the second night is 1/2 Price!

January 20-21 Only

“Play Hookey” Special

Stay any Friday & Saturday &

get the consecutive Sunday or

Thursday 1/2 price!

(Valid all Ski Season except Holidayweeks!)

Get a taste of Spring in the middle of the Winter

2012-01-04T12:19:00.000-08:00

And while you’re here take advantage of our “Play Hookey”Special

Stay any Friday & Saturday & get the consecutiveSunday or Thursday 1/2 price!

(Valid all Ski Season except Holidayweeks!)

In the chill of January most people start dreaming of warmerweather. Take a break from the cold and visit a touch of spring at Magic WingsButterfly Conservatory, under an hour from the 1896 House Inn, perfect for ashort day trip and then come back and sit by the fire at the 6' House Pub fordinner.

Magic Wings has an online coupon for $2 off Adult Admission

*Effective Tuesday, January 3 through Sunday, February 5.

http://www.magicwings.com/index.php?id=208

Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory

http://www.magicwings.com/

281 Greenfield Road (Routes 5 & 10)

South Deerfield, MA 01373

(413) 665-2805

Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens consists ofan 18,400-square foot facility that includes a 8,000-sq. ft. glass conservatoryfilled with butterflies, moths and tropical vegetation.

The conservatory maintains an 80-degree tropical-likeenvironment all year round. It features a Koi pond in the center with awaterfall. Some 3,000 butterflies of all colors, shapes, sizes and varieties areat the conservatory.

Regular Hours of Operation:

Closed Monday & Tuesday

Wednesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

While your at Magic Wings, check out their restaurant andbrowse their lunch menu here http://www.magicwings.com/index.php?id=126and check out their cool Facebook fan page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Magic-Wings-Butterfly-Conservatory/106827612675357

Things to do on New Year's Eve at the 1896 House

2011-12-28T13:21:00.000-08:00

If you are staying in-house check out our New Year's Menu http://the6housepub.blogspot.com/2011/12/new-years-eve-specials-and-some-drink.htmlfor a great New Year's Eve dinner and then get in some night skiing and enjoy Jiminy Peak's New Year's Eve Celebration. (Jiminy Peak is approximately 20 minutes from the1896 House)

Get in some skiing before the torchlight parade which startsat 10:00 PM, followed by fireworks.

Ski Area Hours, New Year's Eve (12/31) 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM

http://www.jiminypeak.com/

For the New Year check out the 1896 House's ski and stay packages at http://www.1896house.com/id59.htm

Have Fun Shopping and Save!

2011-12-21T13:57:00.000-08:00

Even if you are not going to be able to spend Christmas atthe 1896 House Inn, come visit us mid week and take advantage of the afterChristmas sales in the area. Especially big is the Lee Outlet, (less then 45minutes away) After Holiday Sale.The sale goes from December 26, 2011 through January 2, 2012.

Extended hours the day after Christmas of 7:00 am to 9:00 pmand 9:00 am to 9:00 pm December 27-December 30, the outlets will have savingsof 25-65% off everyday prices. http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/sales.asp?id=81

Exit 2 on Route 20 East in Lee, Massachusetts. For more information visit www.premiumoutlets.com/leeor call 413-243-8186.

While your visiting the Berkshires, Use BerkShares and Saveon Shopping and help support the local Berkshirebusinesses at the same time! Save 5% on any or all of your shopping in theBerkshires by using our local currency BerkShares. It’s fun, it's unique, itsupports our local economy and you can only find it in the Berkshires! To findout where you can purchase BerkShares and to see a full list of Berkshire businesses accepting this local currency, visithttp://berkshares.org

Have a fun day shopping and then return to the '6 House Pub! and enjoy a delicious dinner in our cozy tavern!

What a time to visit Williamstown! Make a reservation at http://www.webervations.com/magic-scripts/resbook.asp?memberid=1896 for the 1896 House Inn or call 413-458-1896 or Toll Free: 888-999-1896

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home

2011-12-14T13:16:00.000-08:00

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, is under an hour from the 1896 House Inn and a great place to visit if you are looking for things to do outside of Williamstown while staying at the 1896 House. The World Famous Vermont Country Store http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/store/and the Manchester Designer Outlets http://www.manchesterdesigneroutlets.com/are local to Hildene as well as antique shops and art galleries, including the ManchesterHot Glass Works http://www.manchesterhotglass.com/which has some absolutely beautiful glass works (perfect for Christmas Gifts)

From December 1 through January 2 the house will bedecorated and staged as though it were Christmas Eve, 1912, one of the yearsRobert, Mary and family spent the holidays at their Vermont retreat. From thecandlelit windows, winterberries and greenery that greet guests at the portcochere to the center hall yuletide floral arrangement, bursts of evergreenfastened with burgundy satin ribbon and a Christmas tree replete with Victorianornaments, a sense that the family is preparing for Christmas morning has beencreated. Greeting cards, stockings hung on the mantle, wrapped parcels and eventhe menu for Christmas dinner portend of wonderful things to come on Christmasday. During regular hours, 9:30 to 4:30, interpreters and staff are on hand toanswer questions about Hildene’s history and its famous residents.

His father was born in a log cabin and called from thehumblest rank in life to preside over our nation during the most momentousperiod of its history. One generation later, Robert Todd Lincoln, the onlychild of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln to survive to adulthood, became Chairmanof the Pullman Company, the largest manufacturing corporation at the turn ofthe 20th century. He built his Georgian Revival mansion in 1905 in the scenic village of Manchester. It became home to only Lincoln descendants until 1975, longer than any other Lincoln residence. It isthe Great American Story.

You should allow approximately 3 to 4 hours for your visit.

House Visits

Your visit includes a brief video in the Welcome Center,a self-guided tour of the Lincoln home,listening to the 1,000-pipe Aeolian organ and access to the Hoyt Formal Garden. You'll also wantto visit the Cutting and Kitchen Gardens, the observatory, Hildene Farm, andthe exhibits. Guided Tours are offered at noon each summer day, by appointmentat other times and on occasion when docents are available.

Hours and Rates

Open Daily 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, Begin at the Welcome Center

Tickets: $16/Adults - $5/Youth - Children under 6 &Members/Free

Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas (December 24, 25) and Easter

Please Note: ONLY service dogs are allowed on property.

Mid-December to Mid-March

Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing Weather Permitting

9:30 am to 4:00 pm

Information courtestof the Hildene Website http://www.hildene.org

Check out their Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hildene-The-Lincoln-Family-Home/193532381410

And some of Hildene's holiday photos at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150494085861411.429708.193532381410&type=1

Williamstown Holiday Walk 2011

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The Holiday Walk runs from December 2-4, 2011

While your here, check out our special packages including a Lunch with Santa and Christmas Tree Adventure Packages

A fun selection of activities at the Holiday Walk Weekend includes a Reindog parade, Tree lighting. Horse drawn wagon rides, Story telling, a craft fair and so much more!!

Then return to the '6 House Pub! and enjoy a delicious dinner in our cozy tavern!

The Holiday Walk is put together by the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce & Holiday Walk Committee

Check out the full schedule at http://williamstownchamber.com/2010/08/williamstown-holiday-walk/

Check out some photos of past year's Reindog parade!
http://www.iberkshires.com/phototable.php?ss_id=1318&p=0&page=7

2011 Christmas Tree Adventure Packages

2011-11-23T11:16:00.001-08:00

What a family oriented tradition for the Holidays!

Come to the country, stay together in a comfortable cozy room and take a wagon ride through the fields to cut your own fresh Christmas Tree!

If you come Dec 2-3, have a pancake breakfast or lunch with Santa (extra) at the Tree Farm. The kids will LOVE it!

Then visit another farm that features live Alpacas and a farm store. Unique Alpaca and maple products make great and thoughtful gifts! Shop in town during our Holiday Walk or hit the Outlet Malls!

We are centered between the Lee Outlet

Mall and the Manchester Outlets,

45 minutes in each direction!

Our fun "Holiday Walk" in Williamstown Dec 2, 3 & 4 has lots of

Holiday cheer, events, entertainment & shopping for the whole family!

Visit http://williamstownchamber.com/2010/08/williamstown-holiday-walk/

for a schedule of events.

Then return to the '6 House Pub! and enjoy a delicious dinner in our cozy tavern!

$229 ~Two Night Package Includes:

Two night stay in any room with 2 beds

Full Hot Breakfast Buffet each morning

Free Cut Your Own Christmas Tree (up to 8'),

(or a $45 Gift Card to the Alpaca Store)

$25 Gift card to the '6 House Pub!

*$ 229/per room includes all taxes & gratuity

*2 Adults and up to 2 Children under 10

$10 extra for Children over 10

$149~ One Night Package includes:

One night stay in any room with 2 beds

Full Hot Breakfast Buffet

Free Cut Your Own Christmas Tree (up to 8'),

(or a $45 Gift Card to the Alpaca Store)

$25 Gift Card to the '6 House Pub!

*$149/per room includes all taxes & gratuity

Holiday Vacation Special

Stay any 5 consecutive nights during the Holiday Vacation Week (Dec. 23-Jan. 1)

and save 15% off your room rate! (Valid Dec 23-Jan 1)

Click here to view all of our 1896 House Inn 2011/2012 Ski Specials

1896 House Ski Packages

Skiing One Day Only? DON'T WANT A PACKAGE?

"Special" Ski & Supper Package

"Super" Ski, Sip, & Sup Package

"Splurge" Ski, Sip & Supper Package

He "SKI"---She "SPA" Special

"Suite Sensation" Package

Sleigh Ride & Supper" Package, a new package at the 1896 House

2011-11-16T13:00:00.001-08:00

Take sometime out of your busy Berkshire itinerary,bundle up and take a 45 minute scenic ride through an alpaca farm with a teamof Belgian Horses. The view is gorgeous with a spectacular scene of Mt. Greylock,the highest peak in Massachusetts! You will come to a cozy cabin in the woods where you will be treated tohot chocolate! When you return to the Inn, youwill enjoy a delightful winter supper at the 6 HousePub! Package includes a Sleigh Ride for 2, hot chocolate, and a $35Gift Card to the Pub.

Add $60to Room or Luxury Suite Rate.

ChildrenAdd $7 each

Check outour other packages at http://www.1896house.com/romanceandspecial_packages.htm

Make a reservationat http://www.webervations.com/magic-scripts/resbook.asp?memberid=1896 orcall 413-458-1896 or Toll Free: 888-999-1896

What a time to visitWilliamstown, stay at the 1896House Inn and eat yummy food at the 6' House Pub.

Thanksgiving Special

2011-11-16T12:58:00.001-08:00

Although our Pub is closed Thanksgiving Day, we invite you to the Williams Inn for their famous

Thanksgiving Buffet!

Over 100 delectable items!

http://williamsinn.com/thanksgiving.html

Add $75 to your 1896 House Inn room

or Suite Rate /double occupancy

Kids under 10 add $18.00 each

Kids under 5-Free

includes tax & gratuity.

Check out our other packages at http://www.1896house.com/romanceandspecial_packages.htm

Make a reservation at http://www.webervations.com/magic-scripts/resbook.asp?memberid=1896 or call 413-458-1896 or Toll Free: 888-999-1896

What a time to visit Williamstown, stay at the 1896 House Inn and eat yummy food at the 6' House Pub.

The Guthrie Family Rides Again

2011-11-10T13:07:00.001-08:00

At the The Colonial Theatre (less then 40 minutes from the 1896 House)

111 South Street

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Please click here for directions from the 1896 House to the Colonial Theatre

Saturday, November 19 8 pm

For over four decades, Arlo Guthrie has toured the worldwinning a broad and dedicated following. In addition to being an accomplishedmusician, Guthrie is a natural-born storyteller whose hilarious tales andtimeless anecdotes are woven seamlessly into his performances.

http://www.thecolonialtheatre.org

Get tickets at https://tickets.thecolonialtheatre.org/TheatreManager/1/login&event=0

There is a good chance that Arlo will sing Alice's Restaurant, which has become a Thanksgiving day tradition, being played by radio stations across the country on Thanksgiving. Check out Alice's Restaurant on Youtube at http://youtu.be/LNLE5z7jNaM

The Motorcycle Song, Arlo Guthrie

Now is the time to start thinking about skiing!

2011-11-04T08:44:00.000-07:00

Many of the downhill Ski areas offer snow tubing,snowshoeing and cross country skiing parks and areas.

Several of the resorts are aiming to open up in MidNovember! So dig out your goggles and your gloves, the ski season is justaround the corner!

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort‎ (about 20 minutes from the 1896House)

37 Corey Road

Hancock, MA 01237

(413) 738-5500

http://www.jiminypeak.com‎

Elevation: 2380 feet
Vertical rise: 1150 feet
Number of acres: 170
Number of trails: 45
Number of lifts: 9
One six-passenger high-speed summit lift, the BerkshireExpress
Two quad chair lifts, Widow White’s Quad and Whitetail Quad
Three triple chair lifts, the Novice, Summit and Cricket Triples
One double chairlift, the Grand Slam Double
Two surface lifts
Special Mountain Features
The Mountain Coaster! Jiminy's Coaster was the first in theNortheast and only the second in the country when it was installed. Operatesdaily during the summer months and 1 pm - 7 pm Weekends and Holidays througoutthe winter season. (Please note this is a change from the time listed on the10/11 trail map)
Three Terrain Parks, with various hits and rails for skiersand snowboarders, 1 glade trail, 2 mogul runs.
Longest run: Left Bank, 2miles
Average annual snowfall: 100 inches
Snowmaking: 96% snowmaking coverage, 350 tower and otherguns.

Pineridge Cross Country Ski Area‎ (about 40 minutes from the 1896 House) Cross Country Skiing

1463 Plank Road

Petersburgh, NY 12138-5631

(518) 283-3652

http://www.pineridgexc.com‎

35km groomed trails
15km ungroomed trails for snowshoeing & skiing
4km lighted trails for night skiing
20km skating trails
PSIA lessons offered daily
Complete ski rentals
Special group programs available
Complete retail shop

Prospect Mountain Ski Area‎ (about 35 minutes from the 1896 House) Cross Country Skiing

204 Prospect Access

Bennington, VT 05201

(802) 442-2575

http://www.prospectmountain.com‎

30+ kilometers of trails.

Berkshire East SkiArea‎ (about 45 minutes from the 1896House) Downhill Skiing+

66 South River Road

Charlemont, MA 01339

(413) 339-6617

http://www.berkshireeast.com‎

Base Elevation: 660 ft (201 m)
SummitElevation: 1,840 ft (561 m)
Vertical Drop: 1,180 ft (360 m)
Skiable Area: 400 acres (162 ha)
Annual Snowfall: 110 in (279 cm)
Snowmaking: 100 %
Number of Lifts: 6
Uphill Lift Capacity: 6,200 per hour
Types of Lifts: 2 Surface Lifts, 1 Double Chair, 2 TripleChairs, 1 Quad
Number of Trails: 45 Longest Run: 13,200 ft (4,023 m)
Trail Ratings (Trail ratings indicate the relativedifficulty of the runs within a given ski area and are not meant to be used forcomparison between ski areas.)
Easiest Easiest: 30 %
More Difficult: 35 %
Most Difficult: 35 %
Alpine Skiing: Yes
Snowboarding: Yes
Restricted Areas: No
Heli-Skiing: No
Leash Required: Yes
Snowcat Skiing: No
Night Skiing Trails: 18
Terrain Park: Yes
Cross Country: No
Snowboard Elements: Yes
Half Pipe: No
Snow Tubing: Yes
Snowshoe Trails: No
Expected Opening Date: mid-December 2011
Expected Closing Date: end-March 2012

Mount Snow Resort (about an hour and 10 minutes from the 1896House) Downhill Skiing+

89 Pisgah Road, West Dover, VT

(802) 464-8501 ‎

http://www.mountsnow.com

November 19

Tentative Opening Day!

Mountain Areas: MainMountain, North Face, Sunbrook, Carinthia
Total Acreage: 467
Base Elevation: 1,900’
SummitElevation: 3,600’
Vertical Drop: 1,700’
Total Lifts: 20
Tree Terrain Acreage: Available on all four mountain faces.
Ability Level: 15% green circle, 70% blue square, 15% blackdiamond
Hours of Operation: 9am – 4pm midweek; 8am – 4pmweekends/holidays
Snowmaking Coverage: 80%
Terrain Parks: 100-acre Carinthia– 10 terrain parks, including 2 pipes
Average Annual Snowfall (since 1977): 156”
2008-09 Snowfall: 173”

Lifts

Lift capacity: 30,370 people per hour
Total Lifts: 20
Six Passenger Bubble Chairs: 1
High-speed Quads: 3
Fixed Quad: 1
Triples: 6
Doubles: 4
Rope Tow: 1
Magic Carpets: 4

Bousquet Ski Area‎ (about 45 minutes from the 1896 House) Downhill Skiing+

101 Dan Fox Drive

Pittsfield, MA 01201

(413) 442-8316

http://www.bousquets.com‎

Trails

23 (Including 1 Glade)
Lifts
3 Double Lifts, 2 Carpet Lifts
The Mountain
750 Vertical Feet, 200 Acres on Yokun Ridge
Snowmaking
85% Coverage
Terrain Parks
Bousquet will have 3 Terrain Parks for the 2010-2011 Season.The main park will be on Harris. A beginner park will be located on LowerBeeline and a small rail park will be located on Russell.

Notchview Reservation‎ (about 45 minutes from the 1896 House) Cross Country Skiing

83 Old Route9

Windsor, MA 01270

(413) 684-0148

http://www.notchview.org‎

With more than 3,000 acres of rolling terrain, Notchviewoffers an idyllic escape for winter sport enthusiasts, especially cross-countryskiers looking for a brisk outing. Seventeen kilometers of trails are groomedand track-set for classical cross-country skiing; eight kilometers are groomedfor skate skiing. A separate trail system is groomed for “skijoring,” or skiingwith dogs. You can also go off track and explore the backcountry, or snowshoealongside the ski trails.

Nordic Skiing: 40 kilometers (25 miles) of cross-country skitrails:

By Type:

classic skiing groomed: 16km
skate skiing ungroomed: 11 km
ungroomed trails: 11 km
dog loop: 2 km
snowshoers: alongside any ski trails
By Skill Level:
7 beginner trails: 11 km
11 intermediate trails: 18 km
7 expert trails: 11 km

Check out some of our ski packages at http://www.1896house.com/id59.htm

*prices subject to change

Come stay this weekend and catch a plane and flick!

2011-10-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

Some terrific packages at the 1896 House to takeadvantage of this coming weekend.

Take advantage of the nice fall weather and catch somelovely foliage while it lasts.

“Flick & Feast"Package

During the slower season,sometimes it's just nice to relax! Take your date to dinner and a movie! Enjoytop foreign and independent films at our local "Images" movie house,then stretch the evening with a casual meal in our "so cozy" tavern! For current showings, visit www.imagescinema.org .Includes 2 tickets, a glass of housewine or a pint of microbrew for each of you & a $35 Pub Gift Card.

ROOM OR LUXURY SUITE PLUS $59

Playing this comingweekend: The Rum Diary, play Friday, 10/28 – Thursday, 11/3

A new film based on the book by Hunter S. Thompson

Starring: Johnny Depp, Aaron Eckhart, Richard Jenkins

Paul Kemp is a freelance journalist who finds himselfat a critical turning point in his life while writing for a run-down newspaperin the Caribbean. Paul is challenged on manylevels as he tries to carve out a more secure niche for himself amidst a groupof lost souls all bent on self-destruction. Based on the book by Hunter S.Thompson.

Flight& Picnic Package

Here’syour chance to get a panoramic aerial view of the beautiful Berkshires! Take a 20-30 minute scenic flight with your licensed & experiencedpilot over the many steeples of North Adams,Mass MoCA, the gorgeous Williams College campus, Mt.Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts, and over the quarry in Adams. From the air, select the perfect spot to enjoy the picnic that the ‘6House Pub has packed for you! Then, motor along to that hideawaylocation! Just gorgeous during foliage time!

Includesflight and picnic:

2Wraps: Select tuna salad, turkey club wrap,

roastbeef with horseradish each day

2pickles & 2 bags of potato chips

2Chocolate Brownies

2Granny Smith Apples

2Bottles of Spring Water

$109for 2 people.

$149for 3 people.

Includestax and gratuity.

Addbottle of house wine or 2 cans of beer

$10additional

Makea reservation at http://www.webervations.com/magic-scripts/resbook.asp?memberid=1896or call413-458-1896 or Toll Free: 888-999-1896

What a time to visit Williamstown, stay at the 1896 House Inn and eat yummy food at the 6' House Pub.

Old Hopkins Observatory & Mehlin Museum of Astronomy

2011-10-19T14:16:00.000-07:00

Visiting the 1896 Inn in the next month and half is a great time to take advantage of visiting the local Planetarium. Late Fall and early winter weather conditions make for perfect atmospheric conditions for star and planet viewing. Grab an early dinner at the 6"House Pub or visit the Bar after the Planetarium shop for an even nightcap.

The Hopkins Observatory is the oldest existing observatoryin the United States and houses the earliestAlvan Clark telescope. In 1834, Prof. AlbertHopkins went to England,with the permission of the trustees of the college, to search for astronomicalapparatus. On his return, he enlistedsome of his students to build a permanent observatory, which they constructedby hand from 1836 to 1838. That buildingis now the planetarium. It wasoriginally located in the center of the quad but was moved to the far end in1908 and to its present location in 1961. Some of the original equipment from the 1834 trip to England stillsurvives in this building.

Milham Planetarium Fall Schedule

Fridays at 7:30pm through Dec. 9

Reservations: 413-597-2188 or mcr4@williams.edu

http://astronomy.williams.edu/

Astronomy students at the college will host free shows forthe public on the following Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m.: November 4, 11, 18;and December 2, 9. Audiences will betreated to shows from the high-precision Zeiss Skymaster ZKP3/B opto-mechanicalplanetarium projector, installed in April 2005.

The Zeiss Skymaster is capable of demonstrating phenomenaincluding: retrograde motions of the planets, phases of the moon, the varyingtemperatures/colors of stars, locations of neighboring galaxies, themythological figures and zodiacal signs ascribed to constellations, theSouthern Hemisphere’s sky, comets, artificial satellites, and much more.

Fall ’11 shows will be hosted by Williams Collegestudents Pushpanjali Giri ’14, Matthew Hosek ’12, Soraya Membreno ’12, andMuzhou Lu ’13. Jay Pasachoff, FieldMemorial Professor of Astronomy, is director of the Hopkins Observatory.

*Photo courtesy of Williams College

Fall Foliage In Williamstown!

2011-10-12T12:28:00.000-07:00

The Berkshires are scheduled to reach peak foliage colors thiscoming weekend of Oct. 14 – 16, 2011.

What a time to visit Williamstown, stay at the 1896 House Inn and eat yummy food at the 6' House Pub. Sitoutside by the firepit and drink a cocktail or a hot mulled cider.

Check out the latest up to date Fall Foliage reports at http://www.foliagenetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=34:northeast-us&Itemid=68&layout=default

Take a Hike!

Fall foliage views atop MountGreylock, No better place to view thesplendor of fall in the Berkshires than from the top of Mount Greylock,the highest point in Massachusets.

Or Take a Scenic Drive!

Williamstown, Mohawk Trail and Savoy State Forest Loop ---(55 miles)

■ Starting at Williamstown, proceed east on Route 2 into andthrough North Adams.Natural BridgeState Park is located east of North Adams off Route 2and 8. This bridge of white marble was created by the waters of Hudson Brook.

■ East of North Adams, Route 2 is also named the MohawkTrail, used by Native Americans of the Five Nations to pass between the Connecticut and Hudsonvalleys. At the Hairpin Turn, the trail rises sharply to the Western Summit. There is an observation point to view the mountains ofsouthern Vermont and northwestern Massachusetts.

■ Continuing on Route 2 / Mohawk Trail, the next stop isWhitcomb Summit, the top of the trail, with an elevation of 2,173 feet.

■ Further along, the trail crosses a bridge and turns sharplyto the left. Another road leads to the right. Here the visitor has a choice ofthree routes:

■ The first is to continue along the Mohawk Trail toCharlemont, Shelburne Falls, and Greenfield.

■ The second is to retrace the route back to North Adams.

■ The third is to turn into SavoyMountain StateForest for a visit to Tannery Falls. To reach the falls, pass throughDrury on Route 2, then turn right on Black Brook Road, right on Adams Road, andleft on Bannis Road into Savoy Center.

■ From Savoy Center, proceed west on Route 116 to Adams. Pass throughAdams and head northbound on Route 8to North Adams.

■ Also, East Road, which runs parallel to Route 8, gives acommanding view of Greylock Mountain, towering overAdams, a charming Victorian town with an elegantly restored Main Street.

■ Turn west on Route 2 when leaving North Adams and return to Williamstown

Drive information courtesyof http://www.visit-massachusetts.com/current_category.30/current_advcategory.292/companies_list.html

A little history of the inn and Williamstown, MA

2011-10-05T12:38:00.000-07:00

About the 1896 House Inn

The 1896 House was built in 1896 as a milking barn, complete with bull pen, and was turned into a famous restaurant in 1939 and enjoyed an unparalleled reputation for excellence for approximately 40 years. The draw was so great that a lodging facility was built in 1951 to accommodate the patrons. Soon additional guest rooms were added.

Sometime in the 1970's, the lodging portion and restaurant were sold separately and began operating separately.

In 1985, ownership of the 16 guest rooms was transferred to Sue Morelle & Denise Richer from Rhode Island. They began what was to be a 17 year acquisition and renovation period. Upon completion of the original lodging structure, “Brookside”, a second lodging facility across the street became part of the “1896” family and was completely transformed and named “Pondside”.

In 1995, The 1986 House Barn housing a restaurant was purchased and underwent a total structural and cosmetic rebirth, thereby remarrying the original properties and creating a complex of three buildings on 17 acres with brooks, ponds, and gardens. One actually passes through the 1896 House property when traveling to Williamstown via Route 7, the scenic corridor to it’s south.

In 2000, six new luxury “Barnside Suites” were constructed in the former banquet hall where Williamstown Theatre Festival held its famous Cabaret. It is here in 1987 that Christopher Reeve first lay eyes on Dana Morosini and fell in love! They entertained in this beautiful space for a couple of seasons! The Suites are grand, gracious, and as romantic as found anywhere. A full candlelight breakfast is included.

In 2005, the previous restaurant was re-claimed by the owners of The 1896 House and transformed into an unusual, upscale and now very popular Pub. Because the locals have always referred to the 1896 House Barn as either "The "6 House" or "The '96 House", the new Pub was dubbed "The '6 House Pub".

About Williamstown, MA

Originally called West Hoosac,the area was first settled in 1749. Fort West Hoosac, a blockhouseand stockade, was built in 1756. The town was incorporated in 1765 asWilliamstown after Ephraim Williams, who was killed in the French and IndianWar. He bequeathed a significant sum to the town on the condition that it werenamed after him and started a free school. In 1791, the school opened, becomingWilliams College in 1793. A college town, it ishome to Williams College, the Clark Art Institute and theTony-awarded Williamstown Theatre Festival, which runs every July and August.

Check out the Wonderful Blog Post from a Guest!

2011-10-04T06:29:00.000-07:00

The Wonderful Williamstown 1896 House Inn and Country Lodgings
From Linda, who writes the Distracted Wandered Blog.

A couple of weeks ago, my oldest daughter Amanda and I took a mini-break to head up to Vermont so that I could take pictures of covered bridges and she could visit her friend Darci who is attending Bennington College in Southern Vermont. I thought it would also be the ideal time to find someplace nice to stay in the Berkshires so after a little bit of searching on the Internet, I found The 1896 House Inn and Country Lodgings in Williamstown, a small town tucked away in the northwest corner of Massachusetts.

Read the rest of the blog and check out her terrific photos at http://www.thedistractedwanderer.com/2011/10/wonderful-williamstown-1896-house-inn.html

Critic's tour of treasures meanders in the hills

2011-10-03T11:16:00.000-07:00

A recent article from the Boston Globe Travel section highlighting the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art in North Adams, (only minutes away from the 1896 House Inn)

Critic's tour of treasures meanders in the hills

From Williamstown to Stockbridge, museums display art for every taste

all it the Mohawk art trail.

Every two or three months, as part of my job as the Globe’s art critic, I drive out Route 2 headed for North Adams and Williamstown, two towns that, although just five minutes apart, couldn’t be more different in character but share a role as cornerstones in a part of the state rich with cultural treasures.

My destination in the former industrial center of North Adams is the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, which occupies a campus that used to be Sprague Electric Co. headquarters, and before that, the Arnold Print Works factory, one of the world’s leading producers of printed textiles.

When Sprague closed its North Adams operation in 1985, the local economy had the stuffing knocked out of it. Art - and a museum director called Thomas Krens - came to the rescue.

Krens, as many people know, later became an aggressively expansionist director of the Guggenheim Museum, where he was responsible, among other things, for reviving the languishing Spanish industrial town of Bilbao with a spectacular, Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim outpost. Back in the 1980s, he was still director of the Williams College Museum of Art.

Seeing North Adams’s plight, and hunting around for a flexible space suited to the showing of large scale contemporary art, he backed a town proposal to convert the old Sprague campus on Marshall Street into what is now Mass MoCA, which has since become one of the most dynamic contemporary art museums in the country.

Read the rest of the article at http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/travel/2011/09/30/critic-tour-treasures-meanders-hills/y2Q9x7EtWZBe045680Hy5I/story.xml ( free access with registration)

The Berkshires ~ An Antiquers Paradise

2011-09-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

Visiting New England has agreat write up on why check out the Berkshires http://www.visitingnewengland.com/antiques-berkshires.html

For those that want to just poke around locally using the1896 House as a base here are 3 great local antique spots in Williamstown to go checkout.

The Library Antiques (5 minutes by car)

http://libraryantiques.com/

The Library Antiques offers a variety of antiques andlifestyle accessories including furniture, lighting, jewelry, art, rare books,and more.

70 Spring Street, Williamstown, MA

413-458-3436 and 800-294-4798

OPEN Daily from 10:00 am - 5:30 pm, Sunday 11am - 5pm

Saddleback Antiques (1.5 minutes by car, about 20 minutes towalk to)

http://www.saddlebackantiques.com/

Offering a large inventory including Civil War; Western;Folk Art; furniture; books; stoneware, farm tools and much more!

1396 Cold Spring Road, Williamstown, MA 01267

413-458-5852

OPEN Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sunday noon - 5pm

Collectors Warehouse (1 minute by car, 11 minutes to walkto)

http://collectorswarehouse-williamstown.com/

A shop every kind of collector will enjoy

723 Cold Spring Road, Williamstown, MA

413-458-9686 ‎

OPEN Daily from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (hours may change please call)

Here are a few sites that list multiple antique shops in the Berkshire area for those that want to get in a full day of antique shopping:

http://bcaada.com/

http://justtheberkshires.com/antiques.htm

http://www.berkshireweb.com/plexus/antiques/antiques.html

Enjoy a Day of Family Fun at Sweet Brook Farm

2011-09-23T06:47:00.000-07:00

When: Saturday & Sunday Sept 24-25, 10am-3pm
Where: 580 Oblong Road, Williamstown, MA

Watch the Green Mountain Spinners and Weavers Guild members demonstrate spinning, weaving, and knitting, and try your hand at these wonderful crafts
Tour the scenic farm on the horse-drawn wagon, driven by a beautiful team of Belgian horses, Bob and Babe. They are offering special pricing for this weekend only — $4 for both adults and children! And see beautiful views of Mt. Greylock
Visit with and learn about the beautiful, elegant alpacas of Sweet Brook Farm
Shop at the farm store, fully stocked with everything alpaca — from yarns and knitting and crocheting supplies and knitting kits, to high-quality alpaca apparel for men, women, and children such as sweaters, hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, socks, and toys
Check out the maple syrup and maple goodies — maple candy, maple cream, maple-roasted nuts, and cream-covered cider donunts

For more information visit http://www.sweetbrookfarm.mybigcommerce.com/

1896 House Inn has added 2 new packages!

2011-09-14T11:12:00.000-07:00

Kayak & Picnic
Glide over picturesque Pontoosuc Lake in your own kayak as you witness the foliage reflections in the water. Scramble over to an island for lunch, or connect your kayaks and dine in the middle of the lake!

Includes kayak rental, life vest, and freshly packed picnic.

Picnic includes a tuna salad, turkey club, or
Roast beef wrap with horseradish.
Pickles & potato chips
Chocolate Brownie
Granny Smith Apple
Bottle of Spring Water

$39 per person

Bike & Picnic
Bike the beautiful Ashuwillticook Rail Trail along scenic Cheshire Lake.
.
Find a serene spot to enjoy your freshly packed picnic.

Includes a 3-hour bike rental, helmet, and picnic.

Picnic includes a tuna salad, turkey club, or
Roast beef wrap with horseradish.
Pickles & potato chips
Chocolate Brownie
Granny Smith Apple
Bottle of Spring Water

$39 per person

Mount Greylock

2011-09-08T11:36:00.000-07:00

At 3,491 feet, Mount Greylock is the highest point in Massachusetts. Rising above the surrounding Berkshire landscape, dramatic views of 60-90 miles distant may be seen. It became Massachusetts' first wilderness state park, acquired by the Commonwealth in 1898, to preserve its natural environment for public enjoyment. Wild and rugged yet intimate and accessible, Mount Greylock rewards the visitor exploring this special place of scenic and natural beauty.

The roads to the summit are open seasonally from late-May through November 1; weather permitting into fall, please call ahead for current road conditions. Following the two-year Historic Parkway Rehabilitation Project the newly restored road system offers numerous opportunities for scenic viewing along this state-designated Scenic Byway. Bascom Lodge and the Veterans War Memorial Tower are open seasonally. The Mount Greylock Campground (primitive overnight area) is accessible by hiking only.

The Massachusetts Veterans War Memorial Tower (shown at left, in winter) was built in 1932 and crowns the highest point in the state. The memorial was dedicated in June 1933 as a tribute to courage, endurance, loyalty and self-sacrifice, wherever these qualities have been shown, by the state’s men and women in the uniform of the state or nation.

Summer Use Trail Map http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/trails/mgry1.pdf

Winter Use Trail Map http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/trails/mgry2.pdf

For more specific trail maps http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/mtGreylock/brochures.htm

Information courtesy of http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/mtGreylock/

Local Events at Mass Moca, Hopkins Memorial Forest Trail and area points of interest

2011-09-02T11:29:00.000-07:00

September Local Events at Mass Moca

I Love Vinyl Dance Party, Sunday, September 4, 2011
Bureau for Open Culture: All Hands on Deck!, Friday, September 9, 2011
Bureau for Open Culture: Bartleby's Pen - Gauthier & Sullivan, Friday, September 9, 2011
Opening of The Speed Way, Saturday, September 24, 2011
FreshGrass: A Festival of Art + Bluegrass, Sept 24 - Sept 25

For more information and details visit: http://www.massmoca.org/search_results.php?st=2&search=30

Hopkins Memorial Forest Trail and area points of interest

Only 4 miles from the 1896 House Inn

A quiet, easy hike through an old settlement area now managed as a research forest and a cross-country ski trail. The 2,500-acre Hopkins Memorial Forest lies in the extreme northwest corner of Massachusetts. Essentially a research forest belonging to Williams College’s Center for Environmental Studies (CES), its trails are well marked and open to the public.

On your way to or from Hiking on the Hopkins Forest Trail stop and check out some of the other local spots of interest, the Rosenburg Center, the Moon Barn, Buxton Garden and the Canopy Walkway. For more information about these attractions please visit http://web.williams.edu/ces/hopkins/researchacademics/resourcesfacilities.htm#buxtonpoint

For a trail map visit http://hmf.williams.edu/public/trail-map/

Ashuwillticook Rail Trail

2011-08-19T12:46:00.000-07:00

Ride or walk along this former railroad line now a scenic, paved 11.2 mile-long, passive recreation path with a gentle grade and smooth surface, as it passes along the Hoosic River, between Mount Greylock and the Hoosac Mountain Range. Access oprtins are at the Berkshire Mall entrance, Farnam;s Road or from downtown Adams at the Discover the Berkshires Visitors Center. Walking, biking, roller blading, picnicking, and car-top boating.

The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail is a former railroad corridor converted into a 10-foot (3.0 m) wide paved universally accessible scenic rail trail path. The Ashuwillticook (ash-oo-will-ti-cook) Rail Trail runs parallel to Route 8 through the towns of Cheshire, Lanesborough and Adams, Massachusetts and has become a popular resource for biking, walking, roller-blading, and jogging. The trail is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
The southern end of the trail begins at the entrance to the Berkshire Mall off Route 8 in Lanesborough and travels 11 miles (18 km) north to the center of Adams. Parking lots and restrooms are available along the way.

The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail passes through the Hoosac River Valley, between Mount Greylock and the Hoosac Mountains. Cheshire Reservoir, the Hoosic River, and associated wetland communities flank much of the trail offering outstanding views and abundant wildlife. The word Ashuwillticook (ash-oo-will-ti-cook) is from the American Indian name for the south branch of the Hoosic River and literally means “at the in-between pleasant river,” or in common tongue, “the pleasant river in between the hills.” The name was adopted for the trail as a way to reconnect people to local history and the natural environment.

History of the rail corridor

Built during the industrial boom of the 1800s, the railway proved to be a vital commercial link from the Atlantic Seaboard to communities which would have otherwise been isolated in the Berkshire Hills.

In 1845, the Pittsfield and North Adams Railroad developed this corridor with the goal of extending the Housatonic Railroad north to Rutland, Vermont. While the track was under construction, the company was acquired by the Western Railroad, which later became part of the Boston and Albany Railroad (B&A), as their North Adams Branch. Mineral traffic developed on the line and a number of limestone operations went into business. The New York Central Railroad took over the B&A in 1900, and upgraded the line, which was sold to the Boston and Maine Corporation in 1981. As a connection to an existing track in North Adams, Boston and Maine ran the line with declining success until they abandoned rail service in 1990. Seeing the potential for recreational use of the corridor, citizens organized to preserve the right-of-way, eventually gaining the local and political support needed to make this rail trail a reality.

Information courtesy of http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/western/asrt.htm

Williams College Museum of Art

2011-07-29T10:05:00.000-07:00

(under 5 minutes from the 1896 House Inn)

The Museum has 14 different galleries to browse through, so a perfect afternoon trip or morning Jaunt just minutes away from the inn.

15 Lawrence Hall Dr, Ste 2 Williamstown, MA

http://wcma.williams.edu/

Check out their blog at http://wcma.williams.edu/blog/

General Information: (413) 597-2429

Widely considered one of the finest college art museums in the country, the Williams College Museum of Art is a department of Williams College. WCMA houses nearly 13,000 works that span the history of art

An active, collecting museum, its strengths are in modern and contemporary art, photography, prints, and Indian painting. The museum is especially known for its stellar collection of American art from the late 18th century to the present.

Admission is free.

Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.

The museum is closed on Mondays

Exhibitions:

JUNE 11, 2011 - OCTOBER 2, 2011

Masters of the Modern: The Gift of Madeleine P. and Harvey R. Plonsker, Class of 1961

MAY 13, 2011 - SEPTEMBER 4, 2011

Artist’s Project: Jesse Aron Green

Jesse Aron Green, on campus for this academic year as the Arthur Levitt, Jr. ’52 Artist-in-Residence in Art, has been commissioned to create a work of art in response to the question: How does an artist respond to the space of the museum?

Check out the many more current and upcoming exhibitions at http://wcma.williams.edu/exhibitions/current/

Things to do in the area on July 4th weekend

2011-07-01T05:23:00.001-07:00

Saturday, July 2th

RENDEZVOUS AT THE FOLLY

Williamstown, noon-2 p.m.

Field Farm, Sloan Road. The Trustees of Reservations invite you to explore the place where modern art and architecture meet nature in the pinwheel-shaped house by the beaver pond. Tours offered at noon and 1 p.m. on alternate Saturdays July 2, 16, 30 and ending Sept. 10. Admission is $5 per adult; children, Trustees members and Williamstown residents are admitted free. To learn more, visit www.thetrustees.org, call 413-298-3239, ext. 3003 weekdays

Saturday, July 2th and Sunday, July 3rd

ART STUDIO TOURS

North Adams, 1 and 2 p.m.

Beaver Mill, 189 Beaver St./Route 8. 413-664-9550. Free and open to the public. The tours will be guided by artist Robert Hagy, and will explore various artists’ studios and spaces within the Beaver Mill, including the studios and alternative galleries of Leibman Studios, Keith’s X-tremes Gallery, Rudd Sculpture Space, studio21south, Gravity Press, and others. Please note, that the galleries have general open hours and can be visited without a tour, but other studios and spaces can only be visited on the tours. Meet at the front (center) door at 1 and 2 p.m. Please note that there are stairs and the studios are not handicapped accessible.

Saturday, July 2th, Sunday, July 3rd and Monday July 4th

10TH ANNUAL BERKSHIRE ARTS FESTIVAL

Great Barrington, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Ski Butternut, Route 23. $11 for adults, $10 for seniors, $5 for students; free for children younger than 10. $13 for weekend pass. Seven artists and artisans from the Berkshires are among the more than 200 juried artists from 22 states and Canada who will be exhibiting their work. Festival includes workshops, demonstrations, performances, activities for children and food. The show will be held, rain or shine, under tents, outdoors, and in the air-conditioned lodge at Ski Butternut. Ample free parking is available. For more information visitberkshiresartsfestival.com or call 800-834-9437.

Sunday, July 3rd

THE 26TH ANNUAL BERKSHIRE CHARITY AUTO SHOW

Pittsfield, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

26th Annual Berkshire Charity Auto Show on Sunday, July 3, 2011, To Benefit Berkshire United Way, on the grounds of the Hillcrest Campus of Berkshire Medical Center, 165 Tor Court, Pittsfield. (Rain date is July 10th.) Thirty-seven categories of cars will be represented ranging from antiques and originals by decade beginning with the 1900 Ford Model A up until 1972, with special groups for popular models like Corvettes and Thunderbirds. Show proceeds benefits Berkshire United Way, which supports the event with volunteers. A family-friendly event, admission if $4.00 for adults and free for children under 12 accompanied by a parent. Show car registration is $10 and includes admission for two adults. All registrants have the chance to cast their vote for the best entries in each category. Refreshments will be available and music provided by local DJ Paul Therrien.

Monday, July 4th

BASEBALL AND FIREWORKS (only 15 minutes from the 1896 House Inn)

North Adams, 6:30 p.m.

Joe Wolfe Field, 310 State St. (Route 8). The SteepleCats take on the Mystic Schooners at 6:30, with fireworks put on by the City of North Adams following the game. T-shirts will be give to the first 500 fans. More information at www.steeplecats.com.

Time to Make the Maple Syrup!

2011-02-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

This is a re-post from last year. Enjoy!

REAL Maple Syrup is made from only one thing, tree sap!

City girl me had no clue about this stuff. I grew up thinking that the store bought corn syrup concoction called "Log Cabin" (how quaint) was "maple" syrup...well was I ever duped...and worse, many city folks were missing out on the good stuff!

Northwestern Massachusetts is rife with the perfect kind of maple syrup tree. Over 100,000 gallons of the stuff was produced in Massachusetts alone last year. Canada makes the most syrup in the world, (730,000 gallons) and 80% of our North American maple syrup.

Looking to break my cabin fever, I attended a Maple Syrup lecture this morning, arranged by Berkshire Living Magazine. They had recently done an article on maple syrup for their Jan-Feb issue (now on the stands). It was free too!

The slide show and talk "SAP HAPPY!" was presented by the Leabs, who have family-run IOKA VALLEY FARMS since 1936. Ioka is located in Hancock, MA, which is just a hop, skip and jump down the road from our 1896 House. They do stuff year round for family fun and produce.

Come up and stay with us at the 1896 in February or March and go visit Ioka! It's only 15 minutes away, and close to Jiminy Peak Ski Resort, another worthwhile destination, so you can combine it with a ski trip!

The Native American Indians dis-covered maple syrup's sweet glory and taught the Euro settler/invaders how to make it.
It was used as a sweetner instead of cane sugar, which was expensive and rare for hundreds of years.

During wartime, when rationing was underway, many housewives substituted maple sugar for white sugar in their recipes to help the war effort. At only 40 calories per spoonful compared to 78 calories in white sugar, it is a healthier option.

The Euro Settlers took it up a notch with their boiling techniques and we now have modern day syrup and many by products.
There is no real difference between VT mountain syrup and flatland NY syrup, like you would think when you compare wine grapes, though slight differences in weather conditions, soil, and pollution can affect the flavor and sweetness strength in any state.

The biggest threat to maple trees (besides the road salt used on snowy streets), comes in the form of an insect known as the Asian LongHorned Beetle. This icky looking bug is about the size of a large cockroach, but moves slowly as it crawls up walls and trees. It burrows into the bark and lays it's eggs.

When they hatch, the larve eat the tree from the inside out. There is no natural predator for these bugs, so they can be a plague for maples. It will kill forests unless stopped. YIKES.

How did these beetles get here? Chinese imports shipped in wooden crates about 10 years ago arrived carrying beetle eggs inside the untreated wood slats. The eggs hatched and the beetles struck out into the nearest hardwood forests.

New pest control laws require wooden crates to be chemically treated to prevent this, but it's too late...and China is battling these creatures to save their wood just as we are.

The beetles have traveled from NY, L.A. and Chicago munching their way across New England, attacking mostly hardwoods and maples. They are in MA, but not yet spotted in the Berkshire area, or not reported yet if they are here.

If you see one of them, please call in their location (or e-mail) to the MA Dept of Agricultural Resources: 866-702-9938. They inspect a reported area and cut down the known affected trees, then burn the wood to prevent the spread of more bugs. It is really a horrible infestation and should be taken seriously by tourists and locals alike.

Though not prominent here, there are diseases and viruses, similar to the Dutch Elm Disease that took the beautiful Elm tree population from us less than 100 years ago. Some of these are Maple Wilt, Sap Streak and Tar Spot, as well as other fungi. Thank goodness trees have some defenses built in, but we need to monitor them. While some farmers spray their trees with pesticides, it can have a negative impact on the environment, so most do not. Maple syrup processing is almost totally organic with total respect for nature.

BACK TO THE GOOD NEWS:
February is upon us, so somewhere after the 15th, when the weather decides to cooperate and make freezing nights and warmer days, the maple tree sap starts to flow...

Farmers and syrup enthusiasts run for the woods with their taps, their cordless drills and their buckets and hoses...Maple Sugaring Time is Here!

It only lasts about 6 weeks, then the angry trees change their sap to feed their budding leaves in April, making it cloudy and way too bitter for syrup. Sugar Time is over for the year, so maple syrup producers have gotta move fast! Sugaring does not harm the tree if done responsibly and correctly.

Ioka Valley Farms has a Sugar House (also known as a sugar shack) that is open to the public on weekends beginning February 13th, so you can watch the magic happen for yourselves.

Sample their delicious, pure home grown maple syrup in all the main grades...oh ya, did I mention there are different grades of syrup?

Let's start with how to make it...

First you wait for the right weather conditions to make sure the tree is starting the sap flowing. The sugar maple tree has the best sap, compared to other kinds of maples, because of it's concentration of sugar and excellent taste. A tree has to be at least 30-40 years old before you can tap into it for syrup. It will produce sap for 150 years.

Now drill a small hole about 1" deep and about 1/3" diameter. Place your hose tap or metal spigot into the hole and either hang a bucket on it, or run the hose from it to a master container.

You can put 2 taps into one tree, but you cannot use the same hole twice. The tree heals itself and that hole is dead for future tapping.

Consider that each tree tap only pulls out about 1 quart of sap per 6 week sugaring season, so it really takes a lot of trees to make enough to sell for profit.
Ioka Valley Farm has about 4000 trees tapped and is aiming for 5000 in the 2010 season coming up in a few weeks. Rob Leab has been making this syrup since his first batch in 1993 and has perfected a safe, healthy and earth friendly product that tastes out of this world good!

The sap is pumped by tubes into a large container. Now it's in the hands of the Sugarhouse (boiling room) operator to make it into syrup. A fairly new technology to many sugar houses is a machine that performs reverse osmosis, taking some of the water out of the sap prior to boiling it down. That helps reduce the time and energy it would take to make syrup...most modern sugar houses use oil burners, not wood fires.

The sap has to boil down to a syrup density of 67% sugar and reach a constant temperature of 219'. It should pour in sheets or "aprons" rather than individual drips. Experienced syrup makers know the look of the bubbles on the surface of the boiled sap.

The final step in the process is to pour the hot syrup through a large cloth filter. This resembles a coffee filter, but is much larger and usually cloth. This removes the sediment from the syrup.

It is important to pour it into sterile containers at this point.

It takes 40 gallons of sap to boil down to 1 gallon of syrup...wow! Takes a couple-three hours to finish a batch, then start another, and another and another until the season ends and you are exhausted.

The Maple Association has a "Wrap Party" at the end of season where all the weary syrup makers party hardy!

Sunlight breaks down the flavor, so while there are great "shaped" glass maple syrup containers, (great tourist gifts), it is best to buy serious syrup for your own use in containers that do not let light in.

While there is a guidebook that shows FDA standards and helpful co-syrup producers to spot errors in processing, there are no official inspections for maple syrup, so you have to trust who is making it.

The Massachusetts Maple Association can help you with locating syrup farms, syrup making techniques, as well as instructions how to store it and recipes.

Syrup is great, but there are other products you can make. Maple Taffy can be created at 233', Maple Cream is syrup cooked to 236' and Maple Peanuts & Popcorn Coating is best cooked to 250'.

Hard Maple Candy, while delicious, is risky and difficult. It tends to be costly because of the pain it is to make. You have to heat the syrup to 295' and it hardens in the trays...could stick to the pans or worse, catch fire, so requires serious monitoring. Maple sugar is even more work to process.

Maple syrup is highly flamable and many a sugarhouse has burnt to the ground after an unmonitored batch boiled over. You would not want to make it in the house kitchen because the steam that rises from syrup is very moist and thick. It peeled the wallpaper in Mr. Leab's house when he first tried it.

My personal favorite by-product is Maple Cotton Candy...amazing taste and texture...you gotta try it!

GRADING is based on when in the sugaring season the sap is gathered to use and how dark or light the color is of the syrup.

The quality is the same, only the color and flavor strength is different. The first sap that comes at the beginning of the season yields a light colored very delicately flavored syrup. Grade AA Fancy, this eventually begins to turn a medium then a darker amber color as the season changes the sap with weather.

As the tree begins to try to heal the tap wound, bacteria forms in the sap near the tap wound that will carmelize and color the syrup.

As the syrup gets darker, Grade B, the taste becomes a stronger maple flavor. Grade A syrup is best to make hard candy with, as well as pour on ice cream. Table syrup that you would put on pancakes is generally a Grade B darker syrup.

Grade C is the last of the season sap and is very very strong and dark, so is usually sold to "fake" syrup producers who add corn syrup and other additives to it to lesson it's heavy flavor.

Maple Syrup lasts forever. Like Honey, it heals itself and does not spoil. If stored in a cool, dark place, it will retain it's flavor and quality for years. If it crystalizes, just heat it up to clarify it and it returns to it's old self. Cool huh?

Today's event ended with a variety of grades of syrup tasting out in the hall. Velvety and delicate AA all the way to Dark B with it's wonderful mapleness.

I bought some maple sugar, which I with love to use with my apple, autumn food, and cookie recipes.

I cannot wait to stop over at IOKA VALLEY FARMS in a few weeks for a pancake breakfast with real maple syrup at their cleverly named CALF-A restaurant... and of course to watch them boil that sap!

Hey, in case you didn't know it, maple syrup is GOOD FOR YOU! I found the below info online...

What Are the Health Benefits of Grade B Maple Syrup?
Grade B maple syrup is the most viscous concentration of the syrup. It is harvested during the end of the sap season, and resembles molasses more than its counterpart Grade A maple syrup. The potency and richness of Grade B maple syrup amplifies its health benefits.

ENERGY
Compared to Grade A, Grade B maple syrup has elevated levels of sucrose, fructose and glucose. In addition to providing a source of energy, sugars aid pain management by reducing the body's sensitivity and enhancing natural relief.

CHOLESTRAL
Grade B maple syrup also has elevated levels of manganese, a mineral that has antioxidant properties. Manganese supports overall body function and can help lower high triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

HEART HEALTH
Grade B maple syrup also fortifies the body with zinc. Apart from functioning as an antioxidant, the essential mineral strengthens the heart by replenishing and preserving endothelial cells.

IMMUNE HEALTH
Manganese and zinc, the predominant minerals in Grade B maple syrup, support immune system function by contributing to cell growth and maintaining healthy levels of white blood cells.

MANLY HEALTH
The two principal minerals in Grade B maple syrup have also been observed to contribute to male reproductive health. Manganese is involved in the production of male sex hormones, and zinc can help reduce prostate size.

YAY!
Now here is a video on how to make maple syrup...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJmDW0OtWMk&feature=related

Enjoy!

Kathy

My First Williamstown Winter - revisited

2011-01-28T10:00:00.000-08:00

I was warned by locals that I would know if I could live here only if I survived a Winter in Williamstown.

This area is beautiful during those other 3 seasons, with all the businesses in the area OPEN, the streets and shops bustling with tourists and students, and LOTS of outdoor fests and events going on to keep one busy and entertained.

Now, in the dreary, cold weather, I expected nothing to be going on, with only skiers (and Santa!) entering our mountain zone.
With the holidays over, I would finally be able to catch up on sorting those boxes of old photos and recipes, fending off cabin fever in my expensively heated abode.

Driving around after a snowstorm, I discovered a quiet beauty to the area that only locals and a few select visitors get to experience. Here are some of my images of Williamstown in Winter...
Green River Farms is majestic, sheeted in white, the landscape displays a new side of an already postcard pretty scene. Sleigh rides are given on snow covered weekends.

Fencing takes on a new visual quality in the light of Winter.

The animal shelters peak out boldly from the white land backdrop.

Horses eat the baled hay, but I'll bet they miss the fresh green grasses of Spring and Summer.

Blair Road fields are a lovely view. There's a birdhouse on the tree.

An antique truck off Hopper Drive sits under an icy tree.

Dramatic water views in every pond and brook.

Icicles form even on cascading waters...

Bee Hill Road shows us a spectacular mountain range and everywhere are tempting hills to sled or ski.

Below the mountains lies the Sheep Hill complex of buildings and paths, still open and in use for pleasant snowy hikes and weekend events.

The pond wonderfully reflects the children's activity shed.

Along the road, rock ledges are stunning to drive by.

The Clark Art Museum is open and has free admission throughout the Winter months.

It also has some wonderful hiking paths, like this inviting stairway in the snow.

Art abounds in nature over by The Clark, as with this snow covered rock.

I hardly recognised the pond next to the Clark. It looks like a glistening field of snow.

In town, the street looks clean and fresh.

Building details pop out with the fresh snow and blue sky.

The familiar Williams "Eyeballs" dot the landscape around the art museum.

Williams College Art Museum eyeballs peer over at the church across the street.

Williams buildings are unique. Snow and brings out even more of their grand character.

A happy sculpture enjoys more attention now that it has a snowy floor.

The Observatory was hand built by students many years ago. Planetarium shows are given on Fridays during Winter.

A hay bale on a Luce Road farm looks beautiful in the morning light.

Serene graves overlook the mountains.
A welcoming bench offers an icy seat.

The holiday decorations at the the 1896 House bring welcome color to the landscape.

and the Williamstown Savings Bank displays some seasonal greens to cheer the ATM drivers.

Yes, with scenery like this and friendly people to live amongst, I believe I will survive my first Williamstown winter quite well.

Drive safely everyone!

xx
Kathy

Let's Go On A Sleigh Ride!

2010-12-30T15:15:00.000-08:00

Williamstown holds many surprizes, especially in Winter, when few but the ski fans dare make the journey to our mountains. Just a hop, skip and slide from The 1896 House at the foot of the hill that becomes route 43, is Green River Farms.

Dave Larabee and his daughter
give horse drawn Sleigh Rides
here
on snow-covered weekend days.

His company, aptly named SPECIALTY CARRIAGE & WAGON RIDES, is a year round service of hayrides, wagon rides and even funeral and wedding rides. I saw him at the Parade in North Adams this past Fall.

Was I ever tickled to spot a sleighride in progress. Many charmed motorists slowed or stopped to take in the quaint view along with me. The bright red sleigh filled with smiling people, clomping across the snowy orchard hills along Route 7 was reminiscent of Currier & Ives or a Grandma Moses painting.
I quickly took my place in line when the sleigh came to a stop at the hay bags attached to a small shed. The horses fed gratefully, while Dave prepared for the next 40 minute trip.

There are generally 4 trips per day. It cost only $12 per person and they provide blankets to crawl shivering under when the temp drops below comfortable.

The sleigh holds about 10-12 people depending on their size. Dave and his daughter sit up front to drive, but they do invite a young child to sit with them as a treat.

I climbed into the sleigh and quickly grabbed a blanket and my camera.

"Backing up is the hardest part", said Dave, as we eased slowly backwards to get positioned on the path.
Dave said he walks the whole trail path before he takes the sleigh on it each day. He clears any debri, checks for ice and bare spots, and notes how he will guide the horses around them.

The sleigh is built to work best on cold snow, (and really cold temps), so slushy warm winter days make for a bumpy ride. Today was a little warm and slushy, but there were spots where the horses felt inspired to trot quite rapidly, giving some of us a gleeful whiplash startle.

As we trotted serenely around the hills and fields, Dave and his daughter gave a pleasant and interesting running commentary about the area. They also told us about the care, feeding and personality traits of our host horses, "Bob" and "Karen".

They weigh over 1000 lbs and they each eat 60 lbs of hay and a pound or so of grains per day. They love to run and play in the fields when they are not pulling the sleigh or a wagon.
Dave obviously loves and respects these animals and they are treated well.

Bob the horse was particularly "spritely" and Dave said Bob plays tricks on the handlers sometimes by trying to hide behind small trees when they come to get him from the field. He picks on the other horses as well.

His ears raise up and flop slightly and he bays (blurts?) out "raspberries" when he is content (which he did several times along our journey).

Karen, who is 18 years old, was in "work horse" mode and remained silent as she trudged along with purpose and power. She seemed to lead the team more than Bob, who found it amusing (I am sure) to leave "presents" in the path while I was filming the video of the ride.

We had breathtaking views of the mountain scenery and even saw Mount Greylock off in the distance. The farm fields themselves are beautiful enough. Adding in the mountains makes it a spectacular ride.

I felt pretty healthy and almost like a real outdoorsey type...except my eyes were teared up,
makeup smeared,
my face was beat red from the cold air,

hair hopelessly windblown out of any style, and my nose ran constantly.
I am sure glad I did not bring a romantic interest along!

Anytime we came upon a hill, the horses suddenly took to a gallop and while I am no motorhead, I appreciate what the term "more horsepower" means.

Thankfully, no rider felt inspired to sing a chorus of jingle bells or sleigh ride, but the jingle jangle of the horses was pleasant. Dave said it is a law that after sunset, the horses must have bells on. One of those old "Blue Laws" still in the books.

As we returned to the Farm starting gate, I marveled at the fact there is so much hidden fun you can find around here without going very far or spending a lot of money.

Dave's daughter opened up the small side barn for us to warm up in. While some of my co-sleigh riders enjoyed the animal pens,

I gulped down what was possibly the best tasting hot cocoa of winter... and it came free with the sleighride!

What a great way to top off a frosty afternoon in the country!

YUM

Here is the short video I took while on our journey...
Sleigh Ride

Hey...Dave also provides private sleigh rides if you want to impress someone special (without a crowd around...)

To contact Dave about taking a Sleigh Ride
CALL: 413-884-4923 or 413-458-4283
Love and peace,
Kathy

FESTIVAL OF TREES (2009)

2010-11-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

In 2010, the theme is STORYBOOK FOREST and is sure to be as dazzling as last years' which is the topic of this post from 2009... Happy Holiday season to all. Kathy

While we await those first magical snowflakes to fall on our mountains, I find it hard to believe that we are within a month of Christmas and Yule. Hanukkah is nearly here!
Ready or not, the Holiday Season. has launched. Thank goodness the Berkshires is prepared to help straighten out the Scroogiest of locals and visitors, armed with events and attractions like FESTIVAL OF TREES.

We at The 1896 House in nearby neighboring Williamstown have 20% Off coupons to this event for our guests to use and enjoy...of course I had to pilfer one of them and see what all the fuss is about.

Housed in Pittsfield at the BERKSHIRE MUSEUM on the floor just above the fossils, across the hall from ancient civilizations, and a hop skip n jump from walls of classic paintings, are tons of decorated holiday trees!

Like a little kid, I bounded in initially just to see the trees, but stopped in my tracks once inside... WAIT, is that a jawbone from a 30 foot prehistoric carnivore? A shovel in a sandpit for my own fossil excavation dig?

Interactive games to learn about dinosaurs? Too much fun! The darn trees had to take a backseat for a few minutes while I toured the museum stuff first. WOW, tree fest AND a museum visit in one!

The "Berkshire Backyard" room had a wall of insects...beautiful butterflies, icky beetles, hairy centipedes. The stuff of nightmares.
Wonderful large cases of birds, owls, a big ole turkey, turtles, and stuffed real creatures of the woods.
...I loved the audio center teaching bird calls.

A room with miniature scenes with animals from around the world...

Rocks and minerals and even a geiger counter to test for radiation in sample dust!

The Hall of Innovation has stations for creativity, as well as examples of folks inventing things under unusual circumstances, against the odds or after many failures. Coloring easels and lots of video and audio stuff to entertain even the most bored in your crowd.

YAY What a fun diversion all this educational stuff is!

My nerdy side enjoyed the Brainstorm Helmet...used in the Christopher Walken film of the same name (with Natalie Wood...remember when she died in real life during the filming of this and the rumors started spreading about him?)

Antique Pull Toys on display too! Fun and Funny!

Down on the lower (basement) floor is an oversized aquarium with a touch Tank!

Adults will smile browsing moldie oldie artifacts and the interesting mummy display in the Ancient Civilizations room.

Way cool methinks, cuz they have all 3 parts to the burial tomb, the ooky graphic body scan photos and even a reconstructed head of the pre-mummy person.

The beautiful greek statues so pure and flawless, and I loved the yummy discus thrower hot guy in the corner.

The paintings in the American Art room were lush and large, and the Native American room had a hut and campsite set up. There is a movie theater in the center of the museum for films and lectures too.

Why am I here? Oh ya...the HOLIDAY TREES! 3 rooms and a hall with interesting ornaments and interesting (and funny) ideas from local businesses. There were old black n white photos mounted on the walls around the trees for historical glimpses of Berkshire Life.

I wandered through the artificial trees, all glistening and pretty. Some were full size and some were small. All were great to view.

Some were just so cute, created by kids or featuring photos of children and babies.

Some kind of got me in the kleenex...thought provoking and emotional, like the mental illness awareness tree...

...the nursing home's "It's A Wonderful Life" tree...

...and the pet adoption tree which features photos on the ornaments of many 4 legged friends awaiting homes from the shelter.

What is this?! A bike that generates watts of electricity to run the lights on the tree!

Here is a pic of my brief ride... and it took about 15-20 seconds of fast pedalling to get the lights to go ON. Lots of satisfaction there, but short-lived I'm afraid. I barely made enough to keep the lights on more than a few seconds. What a lazy museum guest I am. Glad I don't have to do that for my house electricity!

Some trees were inventive and pretty.

Some were done in kindergartens, cub scout and brownie troops, high schools, institutions and businesses such as banks, farms and restaurants. Panera Bread had silver coffee cups and stirrers.

A custom window company housed their tree entry in a cool window,

...the Visiting Nurses had a tree of CDs and there was even an oddly shaped "green" tree made entirely of recycled materials.

The setting was a little different in each room, giving the trees a different backdrop.

This tree fest started in 1984 and has been done annually since. This being their 25th year ("Silver"), their theme is Silver Bells. There are display cases with silver coffeepots and silver items, the entrances and halls are decorated for the holidays. There is definitely a feeling of holiday spirit here.

My favorite tree was the old fashioned one with toys underneath and big old fashioned ornaments and lights. I had a crush on the teddy bear tree up on the stairwell landing near the statue as well.

It took about 30 minutes for me to zip through them all, but take your time and enjoy the choirs or bands that are playing on the weekends, read the trees' paperwork, look at the ornaments closely...really good work in some cases... and you may just get a jump start on the spirit of the season.

"Steg" knows best!
xx
Kathy

FESTIVAL of TREES (until January 3rd)
Berkshire Museum
39 South Street (Route 7)
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Open :
Monday thru Saturday 10-5pm
Sunday 12-5pm
http://www.berkshiremuseum.org/
Full price is $12 weekdays and $15 for events on the weekends (concerts, choirs, etc). Parking is free and easy to find in the area tho it is a busy street (route 7).

ROUTE 9 IN VERMONT

2010-09-29T21:45:00.000-07:00

Oh my the leaves are EARLY this year! It's been a year since I posted this, but the info still holds true. Have fun and be careful! KC
HURRY HURRY HURRY!!! Only DAYS left of the spectacular Fall Foliage season!
Here is a tour route that is pleasant all year long...
Crapola...a combination of a very rainy summer and a sharp cold early fall, has caused an early turn of the foliage this year. Time is running out for the best views!
BENNINGTON TO BRATTLEBORO ROUTE 9
(MOLLY STARK BYWAY)
Take a RIGHT out of 1896 HOUSE Driveway (Route 7 NORTH) and stay on this road until you get to the Williamstown rotary. Take 7 NORTH which is a left turn at the end of the rotary.
Follow this road into Vermont, which is only a few minutes away. The Racetrack in Pownal has beautiful mountain ranges around it. There are County Fairs, Car Shows and other events held here during the rest of the year.There are fun little shops to browse in, like the Pownal View Barn and Vermont Furniture Shop.
Artworks Gallery has a lot of interesting (neato!) art pieces and original works, many created from recycled trash! Check out their record album clocks and bowls and those really funny metal statues of cartoonish demons. I love their ice cream stand too. Only a handful of flavors, but so 'delish! Their fab ice cream is made in small batches in someone's house, so is really rich! There's a great farm up a little further on the left. Get that pumpkin or Indian Corn bunch for the front door.
Really cool inexpensive ghords ...some very nobby-creepy ones too! I love the stacked pumpkins in their patch across the street. You have to stop at The APPLE BARN...
They have oodles of cool apple products, pumpkins, homemade breads, fudge, candy,
maple and honey products, wine ...and bags of apples of course. Homemade-Canned vegetables and jams too.
Gosh what a bakery! I always get 2 apple cider donuts (perfect food!) when I stop in. If you are there when there's a FRESH batch straight from the oven still warm, it is REALLY heavenly!
I love their funny assortment of refrigerator magnets and mugs, and they have t-shirts and stuffed toys too.
Get your pic taken over at the funny face bear cart, or hang with a scarecrow.
Look for the ROBO-MOOSE Statue in front of the car repair garage on the right as you get into Bennington.

There is a Moose painting project in Bennington...(to be auctioned in late October). It is fun to see how creative people got with a plain white moose statue. There are males, females and babies, all painted quite uniquely and scattered all around town in front of various stores & businesses.
Downtown Bennington is a great "walk-about" place. Full of restaurants, artsy shops and is as close to a "city" as you get" 'round these parts " for those that need an urban "fix".
Love the street art bears and other creatures I discovered. Hey, gas is real cheap up here! Take a RIGHT here art the first stoplight, which is ROUTE 9 EAST.
Follow this road for 48 miles...Route 9 is also called THE MOLLY STARK BYWAY.
Who is Molly Stark? Well, she is actually Elizabeth Paige and was born and raised in New Hampshire in the 1700's. She married General John Stark who nicknamed her MOLLY. They had 11 children. (no wonder she looks so weary!). Molly never actually visited the byway area they named after her. She remained in New Hampshire her whole life. What is the Vermont connection then, and why is her name everywhere up here?...
Her husband, General John Stark (see what 11 children did to him?!) led an army of soldiers and farmers at the famous BATTLE OF BENNINGTON (VERMONT) during the Revolutionary War. His battle cry about making sure they destroy the Tories or his wife Molly will wind up a widow is one of his many inspiring rally speeches.
General Stark was one of the greatest American heroes of the Revolutionary War. ANOTHER famous speech included the term LIVE FREE OR DIE and was adopted as the New Hampshire State slogan in 1945. Why MOLLY is so celebrated is because wounded soldiers from that battle (and battles in other parts of Vermont and NH) needed a hospital. Molly turned her own house (with all those kids!) into a makeshift hospital and she helped care for the wounded soldiers.
She is much beloved in New Hampshire. Her face is shown on the signs you see for ROUTE 9.
Molly Stark never took up arms or fought in battle, even though there is a cannon monument in her honor and a statue depicts her with a baby and a rifle. She was just a kind hearted woman who helped soldiers. There are parks and places named for her all across Vermont and New Hampshire. (Why didn't they make a fuss over General Stark?!) Along Vermont's Route 9, there are 8 historical marker obleisks containing local town info. You will see signs for the markers on the road.
The roads are well maintained here. WOW!
Just past the town of Bennington, you follow a pleasant scenic road over a bridge
and you pass by brooks and streams,
hills,
and meadows, until you get to the GREEN MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST.
There is a Green Bridge that connects Route 9 to Medburyville and I took a short side trip to check out an antique shop at the end of the road

and found these wonderous sites.
This house sat in interesting lighting. It rained all day! Yes, all of these photos were taken in the rain!
Vermonters have an odd sense of humor. "Real" locals are sure funny folks!
Heading back up ROUTE 9 EAST, we come to WILMINGTON, VT, one of the cutest towns on the road. The main street is lined with shops and snack places, or have a nice lunch.

Stop and shop at the outlets nearby.
One of the great highlights of this road is HOGBACK MOUNTAIN OVERLOOK (and STORE). It also houses and ajoins THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM.
Outstanding views from their porch, even in the rain! Sensational foods, gifts and tourist stuff in their store.
Stop inside for a really pleasant shopping experience. Cheese,(in all the Cabot colors!), all kinds of maple stuff,(including maple tea!)
funny cards, and enough candy and fudge to create future Type II diabetics of all of us.
Great T-Shirts (I got one!) and a million fridge magnets and mugs.
There was a huge assortment of jigsaw puzzles. Really interesting games and mind teasers. Wine too! The owner is super friendly and the staff will be glad to give you directions,even if only to the bathroom!
If you have some time, go see the MUSEUM which starts downstairs with cases of stuffed real animals and travels all the way outside and into a neighboring building that houses live critters. Lordy sakes, Taxidermy is sure alive and well in Vermont! MARLBORO VT is sure a pretty place!
Back on the road, the scenery is heady. This farmer parked his tractor so I could photograph him.
Watch out for rock ledge chips falling down onto the edge of the street.
There are some more super little stop n shop places, like THE VERMONT MAPLE MUSEUM & STORE. I did not see a "museum", and there was not a door leading to one inside, but the store is pretty cool.
Homemade jams and canned goods, and candy. Baskets and yard flags too. Knick-knacky things like a kazillion VERY retro dog statues (of every breed). The lady who runs it knows her dogs and will speak up if you say a dog fact incorrectly. She has rare Euro and Russian statues (in a glass case) as well as USA ones (priced from $5to $40). There are tons of maple syrup and by-products in various vessels, and loads of tourist items.
I got some of this maple popcorn. Yummy! Back on to Route 9, I passed some gorgeous hillsides and views.
Came upon this covered bridge called THE CREAMERY BRIDGE. Construction going on all over the place around it, but I managed to walk inside and take photos from the windows.

It started geting dark at this point, so I missed getting you photos of Cortland Hills Orchards, which is a great family place to go for picking and for goodies in the farm shop.
Now into Brattleboro the town, there are a bunch of options for you. Dining, Shopping, Museums, Theater...
Stopped at the Chelsea Royal Diner for dinner, which is always a pleasant experience. Great food and super locale. Ice cream outside at the attached Creamery. YUM!
A short ride down route 91 SOUTH brought me to Route 2 WEST and back home to the 1896 House (see my blog on Route 2 West- THE MOHAWK TRAIL).
Happy Traveling!
xx
Kathy
Questions or Comments? Apparently the blogger comment function is not working correctly. Please e-mail me at : Celebrate@1896House.com

FALL FOLIAGE ROUTE # 2 Revisited!

2010-09-29T21:30:00.000-07:00

It's been a year, but this info still holds true! Foliage season is a week early this year so enjoy & bring your camera! : ) KC
ROUTE #2 MT. GREYLOCK-LANESBORO LOOP
Take Rte 7 SOUTH (Left out of Brookside-Barnside, Right out of Pondside) and follow about 11 miles until you see VACATION VILLAGE on the left. Just AFTER that sign is North Main Street where the MOUNT GREYLOCK sign is.
Follow this road up past the horse farm and take your first right. Follow the signs directing you to SCENIC BYWAY-VISITORS CENTER.
Enjoy the whimsical temporary "cemetary" some clever local constructed. There are some amazing details.
Stop at the Visitors Center (located on the right on a hill) and get maps and advice if you are planning to hike.
To drive, it is easy…just follow the road…it is the only one going UP.
Slow down for hikers...

Follow signs for THE SUMMIT when there is a fork in the road.
It will take about 20-30 minutes to get there.
There are pull offs on the way to enjoy and take small hikes on.

Stop and park ($2.00 fee) and walk around up top.
Go into the Memorial building and climb the stairs for the ultimate view.
Make sure to walk all the way around it for some great viewing after you get to ground level again..
Grab a quick bite at BASCOM LODGE.

Drive down to RTE 2 from the first cross street you see below the parking area. Use your lowest gears instead of riding the brakes when you see the warning signs at the side of the road... I burned out my front brakes by not using the lower gears, so heed my advice.

Stay straight on this road with no turn offs, down the hill (several hairpin turns be careful!). It will be a pleasant journey down the hill.
At the bottom of the hill, stay straight until you see a body of water on the left. Take the immediate sharp RIGHT down the hill. It will be painted in red on the steel beam "TO RT 2". This will be NOTCH ROAD (no sign) and it comes out at the bottom onto busy Rte 2.
Take the right turn to go to NORTH ADAMS-RTE 2 EAST. Stay on 2 East until you see a sign for Rte 8 SOUTH towards Cheshire-Pittsfield. Take the right turn in downtown North Adams in order to stay on Rte 8 SOUTH.
Look for Whitneys Farm on your left side.A terrific Farm Store awaits!

Great Whoopie Pies and Oatmeal Cream Cookies here.
There is also a Corn Maze, a petting zoo,
and ghouls dotting the pumpkin patch.
Follow Rte 8 SOUTH until you see an entrance sign at a stop light for the BERKSHIRE MALL. This is Old State Road. Take this right turn and follow up and around to the right (do not go to the Target lot!) and go right at the Fork in the road.
Take it until you go by the pretty pond and look on the left for SUMMER STREET.
Take the left onto Summer Street and follow to the end, which is Rte 7.
Take a Right on Rte 7 (NORTH) and follow until you get to the 1896 House.
Total Time (includes stopping for a meal and photos): 3.5 Hours

Happy Autumn! xx
Kathy
Questions or Comments? Apparently the Blogger "comments" function is not working. e-Mail me at: celebrate@1896House.com

THE MOHAWK TRAIL Revisited!

2010-09-29T21:00:00.000-07:00

Hello, it's been a year, but the post is ageless in it's info. Enjoy this year's Autumntime!

Driving the MOHAWK TRAIL in October is breathtaking. These photos were taken on a RAINY day. Even in the fog and rain, the Mohawk Trail is beautiful! The Mohawk Trail was America's FIRST Scenic Auto Route. The "scenic part" is 38 miles long (between GREENFIELD, MA up to NORTH ADAMS, MA).
Rte 2 was the main drag to get to NY until 1965 when the Massachusetts TURNPIKE was built and took 1 hour less than the Mohawk Trail commute. Many of the once famous tourist attractions and little Mom n Pop roadside stands and motels went out of business. The remaining attractions and businesses are struggling, but thankfully hanging in there in these turbulent times.
Starting out in GREENFIELD, MA head WEST on Rte 2 up the hill from the rotary.
There is a striking tower that comes up suddenly on the right, just as you begin the serious climb. This is one of the coolest historical tourist spots in Massachusetts. THE LONG VIEW GIFT SHOP. Pay $2.00 to the gift shop lady and you go through the store to get to the stairs to the tower. The lady told me they are making improvements to the place right now, and will soon have the MINI GOLF operating. It is open for those who want to climb the tower during renovations. This tower was originally opened by 2 sisters back in 1923, then rebuilt with steel in the 1950s.
It is quite dizzying a climb (if you look down). Imagine all the thousands of people who have clumped up these old wooden stairs.
The view of RTE 2 is unique and pretty in both directions. To the back of the tower view is Greenfield in all it's glory.
On a clear day, this would be even more terrific!
Climbing the stairs is fun!
Autumn makes the view even better!
Back onto Rte 2, your next town will be SHELBURNE.
Stop into the MOHAWK TRADER which has been Native American owned since 1984. Great Indian crafts and souvenirs and it's just plain fun to have a looksee around the joint.
In Shelburne, you come to HAGERS FARM STORE, where you can get wonderful fresh vegetables & fruit,
Pumpkins, Maple Syrup,
Milk in glass bottles, Cider, baked goods like yummy Fruit Pies, Pumpkin Pudding Bars, and Apple Cider Bread.
It's great to support the local farmers who have a sense of humor. Loved this outhouse!
SHELBURNE COFFEE ROASTERS is worth a stop for a cuppa java and one of their pastries. Their cute little shop on the left side of the road is decorated nicely. Walk across the street to STRAWBERRY FIELDS ANTIQUES and have a browse.
GOULDS SUGAR HOUSE has that impressive stacked wood out front. They have pancake breakfasts and a gift shop that is OPEN on the weekends (for breakfast and lunch).

Look for the sign that says RTE 2A SHELBURNE FALLS and take that into one of the sweetest towns I have ever visited. It is only about a mile off of Rte 2 and takes maybe 20 minutes to walk around.
SHELBURNE FALLS is famous for it's BRIDGE OF FLOWERS. This was created back in 1929 when Trolley Cars went out of style and Auto cars became the mode of transport. Originally a Trolley Bridge, it is 400 feet long and connects Buckland with Shelburne Falls.There is a Veterans Memorial in the center.
There are over 500 varieties of flowers and plants and this bridge is kept up really nice and open all year long!
There is a real bridge next door that you can drive over, but the flower bridge you have to walk over. It is maintained by a group of volunteers and relies on donations to stay afloat. Sign into the Guest Book and drop a coupla coins or bills into the Donation Box.
The town around the Bridge is really artsy and quaint. If you have a few minutes, walk around a bit.
I stopped into MO's FUDGE FACTORY.
Got meself a chunk of chocolate,
...but was quite taken with the TAFFY TUB and the row of penny candy jars.
Nearby is McCUSKERS MARKET which is a Co-Op grocery store that has fresh vegetables, fruit, Natural Foods and Vitamins,
bulk foods and wonderful trail mixes (I got the Cape Cod Cranberry Mix). I love YOGI TEA and they have several flavors to choose from. McCUSKERS has a kickin DELI that makes a "1/2 Sandwich" that is HUGE for only $2.75! I got a Turkey n Cheddar on their homemade Honey Wheat Bread, with Lettuce Tomato and Mayo that was out of this world. They have soups too, and all the fixins to satisfy a hungry snack-luvin tourist.
There are actually "falls" in Shelburne Falls and they used power a Cutlery Factory.
Back out onto RTE 2 WEST, you go thru the whisper of a town (with a nice bridge to cross) called BUCKLAND before reaching CHARLEMONT, which is chock full of places to see.
The aptly named BIG INDIAN GIFT SHOP is a place everyone should walk through on this journey.
A really nice old fella runs it and there are many interesting trinkets and doodads to peruse. I got a funny moose statue and a "half cup" coffee mug I couldn't live without.
There are a zillion wall plaques lining the walls with various animals like horses, wolves, deer and bear, as well as all the predictable Indian stuff like dolls and beads.
Real nice Moccasins, Kids Headresses, Arrowheads, Pretty Stones Jewelry and little statues. Great Stuffed Bear section too!
Many nice wooden boxes with decoupage' indian paintings or animals.
I loved all the various Toys, like the animal Slingshots and almost got one. ;-) They even had a Chewing Gum Holder for the nightstand!
Those (way cool!) Elvis clocks (with swinging hips) hanging over the maple syrup products are mighty tempting.
They had House Hex Signs too. A nice Maple Leaf one caught my eye. After waltzing thru there, take your picture outside by one of the animals, the Big Indian himself, or a teepee.
Down the road, CRAB APPLE RAFTING is open limited hours in the FALL, and tons of fun!
Tackle the DEERFIELD RIVER in style!
There are scenic farms and even a covered bridge just north of Rte 2 in Charlemont (over Mill Brook).
Real Indian Tribes have weekend POW WOWs at the POW WOW PLAZA.
There is the ZOAR ZIP LINE Tours that allow you a glide through the Autumn Trees. I have not tried this yet...maybe next weekend!
MOHAWK PARK was created in 1932. The statue is of an Indian Brave paying homage to the sunrise.
HAIL TO THE SUNRISE is very photographed and famous. Ironically, the Mohawk tribe was only one of many who traveled this path, which spans from New York to Boston. The local tribe is actually called The Pocumtucks.
In front of the statue is a round memorial with plaques from all the area tribes.
Our young warrior is kind of hot don't you think?
He does not have such a great view, looking out onto a diner and a trailer park-campground, as well as passing cars and trucks on Rte 2.
Just after the MOHAWK PARK is a giant field of Sunflowers. Now gone past, they bow their heads in respect to the brilliant yellow trees on the mountain behind them.
Now you are entering the BERKSHIRES section of the Mohawk Trail.
The MOHAWK TRAIL STATE FOREST welcomes you with it's inviting entrance and bridge.

While I jumped out to take photos, Barney the WonderCar smoked his own "peace pipe"... his infamous tailpipe! There goes my carbon footprint up a notch. : (
The park has 6,457 acres of beautiful forest. There are 56 campsites and 6 log cabins to stay over night in. You can swim or hike one of the awesome trails. There is a fee to park or camp here.
Most parks here in "Taxachusetts" charge a small fee of $2 - $5 just to park your car and take photos...
Looking up Rte 2 East from the exit drive is pretty too.
Brace yourself for the next leg of our journey. . .
SAVOY and FLORIDA, MA are incredible foliage towns. Walls of trees majestically unfold before you, as you drive slowly up the mountain, awestruck by the beauty. Babbling scenic brooks alongside the rock beds beg to be photographed.
I of course, gaped and gawked and stopped my car in the middle of the roadway, swerved dangerously up the curvy hillside, staring at the vast and amazing vistas.
Florida never looked like THIS!
Catch your breath...stop up at the EASTERN SUMMIT GIFT SHOP (and OVERLOOK). The misty mountains are gorgeous at dawn or dusk. Again, even in the rain, there is a spectacular view. The prices are fairly cheap here and there is an interesting assortment of thingys to thumb through.
Up around the bend is yet ANOTHER SUMMIT...this one is called WHITCOMB SUMMIT and there is a statue of an ELK here. Great view just beyond the little rascal. This statue memorial was put up to honor ELK members who had died during World War I.
Next door to the statue (and scenic view) is a climbing tower similar to Greenfields.
THE SAVOY MOUNTAIN STATE PARK is off Rte 2 in this area.
It has a nice boat launch area and some walking trails. It is confusing to locate the park entrance because there are so many signs for the trails and many begin on the roadside. Look for a large parking lot for the visitor cabin. There is a fee to park here.
It sits on the side of the mountain and most of it's 11 thousand acres are too "wild" to walk through.
Very pleasant milder walking trails are by the North Pond area.
Stairway to Heaven?
It's a nice drive getting to the park, though a little longer than my comfort level for a side trip.
South County Road and a few other side streets are quite scenic. Continuing on RTE 2 WEST, you will come to a sharp corner and a WIGWAM GIFT SHOP (now closed, sadly) is right there at the top of the hill. Pull into this lot and have a look.
You are viewing North Adams and Williamstown.
Be careful and use your lower gears now...you are headed for the HAIRPIN TURN...it sounds awful, but GO THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT or LESS. This turn is a serous sharp turn on a very high mountain.
Just before you reach the Hairpin itself, pull off into a parking lot on the left. You will want to park and get out and see this view...the CROWNING GLORY of the MOHAWK TRAIL.

Happy Motoring!
xx
Kathy
Questions or comments? e-mail me at: Celebrate@1896House.com

FOLIAGE ROUTE #1 Revisited!

2010-09-29T09:15:00.000-07:00

I have created 4 foliage viewing routes for the Williamstown area. Here is the first of the group.
THE WILLIAMSTOWN-NORTH ADAMS ROUTE…
From the 1896 House driveway, take a RIGHT onto Rte 7 NORTH. Follow until you see COYOTE FLACO RESTAURANT on your left. Exactly 3/10 of a mile from there, take a LEFT (a very sharp turn) at BEE HILL ROAD and follow this dirt road all the way to the top.
Stop and park at the small paved parking lot (holds about 3 cars) and have a quick short walk to the marker plate in the field. While ooing and ahhing at the view, this marker will explain to you exactly what mountains you are gazing at.

You are at the upper level of SHEEP HILL (see my earlier blog on this) and are welcome to hike any of the trails you see around you down to the Sheep Hill buildings.
Back in the car, continue driving to the end of the dirt road (which is Rte 2) and take a LEFT. Go down the hill to the bottom. This will be Rte 7 again. If you go right and travel about 6 miles, you will cross into NY and see some breathtaking mountains.
Take a RIGHT on Rte 7 (SOUTH) ...and follow it over that really scenic hill everyone likes to photograph,
then continue past the high school to the bottom of the hill.
Take a LEFT onto Rte 43 NORTH. Stop into Store At Five Corners for a few minutes of looksee and grab a sandwich or treat from their baked goods section.
Green River Farms is a cool place to get out and walk through.
Stop in at the store and greenhouse.
If it is the weekend, you can take a horse-drawn ride in the wagon.
They also have apple picking and a fun little petting zoo. Continue up rte 43 North.
On the right you will see a sign for MOUNT HOPE PARK. Go into the entrance. The brook views on either side are terrific.
Follow the road all the way around to the left. (HOPPER ROAD). A pleasant drive.
Make another friend along the way!
Take it to the end where you come to a cross street and see a sign that reads: “TO MT GREYLOCK TRAILS”. Take that LEFT and go up that street all the way to the end (dirt road). There are great little views on this road. Go all the way back to the MOUNT HOPE PARK entrance you came in on. Take a RIGHT back onto Rte 43 NORTH. Look for BLAIR ROAD on the right just a short distance up.
Take a RIGHT into BLAIR ROAD and follow it (a very bumpy dirt road) all the way up and around and through the farm.
Breathtaking views in this area!
Probably is the most spectacular in Williamstown.
This bumpy dirt road will eventually turn into a paved suburban neighborhood and go down a hill to wind up behind The Orchards Hotel on Rte 2. Take a RIGHT on Rte 2 (EAST) and follow until you see LUCE ROAD on the right.
Take RIGHT on “LUCE D” (as the sign reads) and follow this road all the way up past the farm, past the water treatment plant and down to the left at the fork.
Stop at the little Farmstand and get some delicious tomatoes or corn. This will bring you back down the hill to Rte 2.
Take a RIGHT on Rte 2 (EAST) and follow until you begin to climb a hill. On the left is a sign for Rte 8 NORTH. Take this left and go only about 3/10 of a mile, take the LEFT on McCauley Road and up to the right (on the dirt road).
This leads up to THE NATURAL BRIDGE STATE PARK. At the top (end of the road), park and have a walk around. Takes about 30 minutes (see my blog on Natural Bridge on our website).
Come back down the road and take a right and go back to Rte 2 WEST.
Go to 7 SOUTH back to The 1896 House.
Total Time (with 1 meal stop and tourist stuff): 2.5 Hours

Happy Autumn!
xx
Kathy
Questions or comments? Apparently,the Blogger comments function is not working properly, so e-mail me at: Celebrate@1896House.com

Revisiting the NATURAL BRIDGE State Park

2010-05-28T15:15:00.000-07:00

This post originally appeared in our September 2009 blog, but is well worth a repeat looksee. Memorial Day Weekend is upon us, so all of the MA parks are re-opening, including this magnificent place...
I am still in the area and will definitely be having a picnic here on Monday. : ) Happy Summer everyone! Kathy

From Sept 15, 2009 (Berkshire Ramblings):

OK, so I truly understand that today's title does not sound REMOTELY like an interesting destination. In fact honestly, when I first read that there was an “attraction” in the area called The Natural Bridge, I sighed, my eyes glazed, my mouth drooped, and I had visions of driving over a dull and boring bridge of wood logs or rocks. Whoopee. NOT.

As I was getting into the Wondercar to go see this “bridge”, I thought of my friend Mike’s favorite saying when he had to attend a dull office meeting…
“There goes an hour of my life that I’ll never get back!”
I would later be proven very wrong!!!
The Natural Bridge State Park is situated on 48 acres of land, located right off Route 8 on McCauley Road in our sister town of North Adams. You have to really look hard for the little sign pointing to turn left. Once in the entrance, you take the dirt road that goes up to the right. Drive slow.
There’s a pretty brook and small waterfalls to admire on your way up the hill, and it soon becomes a paved road…

Curving up the hill, I drove by a huge tree-topped ledge of marvelous white and black rock, looking like the movie set from 10,000 Years BC or maybe Land of the Lost…an ideal setting for a pesky T-Rex to make an appearance. NOTE: This is NOT "The Bridge"!The road ends at the Visitors Center, where you pay $2 to the nice man to park. The Visitors Center is chock full of interesting tidbits. There are bathrooms (way clean) and park activity calendars and pamphlets, along with lots of wall posters, photos and articles about the park.
The Natural Bridge Park is a participant in the cute PARK PASSPORT Program for kids. It has all the MA parks with pages in it for kids to get ink-stamped at entry, and includes a guide of animal tracks, cool photos, and a great listing of the parks (even for adults to enjoy). Kids get the gummed kind of stamps as well when they visit each park and try to fill up their “passport” by experiencing features of each park they travel to.

There are park rangers and interpreters who will readily explain anything you need to know about the park history, or all the science and geology stuff you’d ever want to know.
You have to walk around from this point to see the park.

Aww geez…time to put on the designer hiking shoes (sigh).
Being the Berkshire Rambler has its perks…Park Interpreter (and chief cook-n-bottle washer) John, volunteered to give me, the big celebrity, a personal tour of the park!
John is a retired schoolteacher and has been at the Natural Bridge State Park since 1988.
We began our walk by a welcoming tall white pine tree. “The King’s Tree”, as it was known in colonial times, because white pine trees do not grow in England. This type of special wood was used to build ships for His Majesty’s fleet. There is a Cottonwood Tree alongside it that they make Popsicle Sticks from (for Her Majesty's ice cream treats). ;-)
We walked by well-manicured grounds on a nice wide, cleared path, to a viewing area of the giant horseshoe shaped white and black marble ledge that I had seen from the street.
This marble ledge used to extend all the way to the edge of the road, but since the early 1800’s, men have been chiseling, jackhammering and dynamite blasting it, causing it to be shaped like a horseshoe.
But I am getting ahead of myself.

Time for the BIG History lesson kids…
A long, long, long time ago, (550 million years), oceans covered the Berkshire area. There were lots of seashells on the ocean floor. The decomposition of these shells over time caused powdered calcium carbonate to form and then eventually harden into limestone, which is what marble is made of.

The advances and retreats of the glacier ice sheets made the earth’s crust buckle and heave, causing the constant catastrophic collision of the limestone, and creating mountain ranges. (Still with me?) It takes extreme heat and pressure to make marble from limestone and the Ice Age forces managed to do this wonderous thing.
In North Adams, this process created the Taconic Mountain Range that rose up over 140,000 feet. 350 million years of erosion has revealed the lower marble layer (once 5 miles under the ground) that is now showing topside. The mountain stands at only 1,100 feet high today.
When the glaciers melted, there was a great surge of water that ran through the mountains, carving and weaving paths through the rock floors. This became the river that flows under the Natural Bridge.
This stone and sediment-filled water crashing against the bedrock made "potholes" and twisted caves in the mountain and formed what is now known as The Natural Bridge.
Even today, small rocks and stones (called “cobbles”) race in the water flow and bounce off the bedrock walls, carving about an inch or so each year into the marble walls and floor.
About 2 million years ago, the ice age sent glaciers down again, like bulldozers, creating the geological phenomenon called Striation. We see a nice example of this in the Honeymoon Point Rock. This is called “Honeymoon Point” because folks would stand here to sign into a book if they were visiting on their honeymoon.In the 1740s, this part of Massachusetts was a military camp called FORT MASSACHUSETTS.
A Lieutenant named Seth Hudson went exploring and found this Natural Bridge area and the river that ran below it. He named the river after himself. The Hudson Brook (also called Hudson Falls). He was also one of the founders of Pownal, VT, btw.

In the late 1700s and early 1800s, local men chiseled the stone to use for hearthstones, walkways, cemetery gravestones, mantles and made decorative items with it. It was all rather helter-skelter until a man named Mr. Sherman started a marble quarry business and built a huge 3-story high mill building on the land in 1810. This was the first official marble production mill. The marble quarry brought wealth and jobs to the area. Many North Adams houses were built just for the mill workers and their families.

There were two main kinds of marble production.
One was to hammer out larger pieces to be used in construction and cemetery monuments. The quarry produced the 28 foot tall pillars that stand in the state house in Philadelphia, PA , and has produced a slab as big as 62 feet long!

The other type of marble production was to grind the marble to a powder.
There are many uses for crushed marble. It is mostly calcium carbonate, which is a stomach acid neutralizer and a mineral supplement. Next time you pop a tummy upset med, have a look at the ingredients.
Marble powder (calcium carbonate) is also used in wine production, puddings, chocolate (huh?), cereal, cake icing, chewing gum, fruit juices, health foods, ice cream, toothpaste, soap, make up, face powder, paint and putty, among other things.
Marble powder was mixed with chicken feed so eggs would come out having harder shells. This helped reduce cracking. Weren't they clever back then!
Tracks were built to allow for dump cars (Koppel side cars) to run on the tracks directly from the top of the marble mountain work areas straight into the 3rd story door of the mill building, where men would then process the marble with crushers and other machinery.
When blasting the marble peaks with dynamite, men ran for cover behind what is known as the BLASTING ROCK until the dust settled. This large dark rock sheltered them from falling marble and gave reprieve from breathing in all that dust directly. It sits by the side of the road with a picnic table next to it now. I am sure none of the workers had a picnic back then however! You see this blasting rock when you first drive up into the park.
Here is a view from behind the blasting rock, looking at the marble bed they blasted away at.
When the marble dust settled after a blast, men would grab jackhammers and picks and go make 1 foot pieces out of the fallen rock piles.
The life of a quarryman was hard. 12 hour shifts of very hard labor, then home to no electricity, no running hot water, and basic poverty living conditions.

Water power was created later (in 1850), when a large man-made white marble dam was erected on the property to channel the water flow. This is the only white marble dam in North America. It is the real star of this park.
It is 30 feet wide and 30 feet deep and the water cascades through 475 feet of twisting rockbeds through a 60 foot deep chasm.

A 50 foot catch hole at the bottom of the dam is connected to a long, large, cement-covered tin pipe called a Penstock (shown here stretched across pillars for support). This forced water directly into the mill at a high enough speed to generate power, using special equipment. Power was needed to run the pulleys and belts for the crushing machines that make marble powder, and electricity for the building use.
When water was low, such as in summer droughts, they had a diesel engine to kick in as back up power.
There is a neato sign that explains the process.
FUN FACT:In 1889, a huge dynamite blast, using 25 holes that were 12 feet deep, set back about 15 feet from the front, blew up a mass of marble that weighed 25,000 to 35,000 TONS!

The mill changed hands a few times over the years. It was The Hoosac Marble Quarry, and later, the Micro-White Corporation until 1947, when a terrible fire crumbled the mill and destroyed all the equipment. The entire hollow caught fire. It was quite a spectacle.
This is all that remained of the mill. Note the Blasting rock on the left. A small shack now stands in the place that a mighty 3 story mill once stood.
John took me through a wooded path to visit the foundation. Like chess pieces in the forest (John said that!), the eerie foundation blocks remain, nearly hidden amongst the overgrowth and trees. The basic stone outline of some of the building rooms and divisions of the mill are visible.
As I took photos, John explained one of the mill tragedies. It happened in 1945 (2 years before the fire). William Tattro was a mill worker who’s job was to keep the belts and pulleys well oiled. As he leaned over to perform his usual tasks, his loose apron strings got caught in the belts and he was pulled into the machinery, brutally torn apart and painfully killed. Yikes! (NOTE: my camera did not function correctly after photographing this area and my stomach hurt!...attention Ghost Hunter fans!).
There are reminders around of the magnificance of this building. You can still see the elevator shaft walls up against the banks of the road.
The elevator cables rust slowly in a pile. Forgotten marble pieces sit in a moss-covered mass, awaiting crushing. It is silent and still in the "basement", though situated in a pleasant tree-filled forest. John said they try to keep the paths cleared for visitors to be able to walk down and see it. The path to the foundation is about 200 feet from the little shack on the road.
Even in the 1800’s there were graffiti artists, and for this place, you needed a chisel to do it. John had the theory that marble cutters who made gravestones needed a place to practice their lettering, much like schoolchildren practice their penmanship on dotted and lined paper.
See the lines in this rock that someone carefully had to stay within to make their letters?
Some of the names in these rocks are mill foremen, owners and workers. Sadly, erosion and the elements will erase these engravings completely, over time.

After the tragic fire, the mill closed down. Amazing, because it was yielding 200 TONS of marble per DAY and was so popular it did not even need a sales team!
The mill property was bought by Mr. & Mrs. Elder, who built the walkways and fencelines on the property. They decided to run it as a tourist attraction and it opened at North Adam's famous Fall Festival in October of 1950. The Natural Bridge was a "tourist spot" until Mr. Elder's death in 1983. The state bought the land from his widow and made it an official State Park in 1985.
There are several "stops" to make in your exploration of this park. Make sure to go down every stairway and walk every path...cool views await you, especially under the bridge itself...
OH...you want to see THE BRIDGE? As John decended these steps, he said "this is the bridge"... (kind of an anti-climax...waaa-waaaaah) The rock ledge and natural bridge are about 30 feet thick (just like the dam). The glacial "potholes" have a 30 foot waterfall running through them.

Fans of Nathaniel Hawthorne will recognize the natural bridge described in his AMERICAN NOTEBOOKS. He visited the Natural Bridge in the late summer of 1838 while the mill was in operation and was totally awed by it.
We continued our walk to the trail entrance, which is just off the side of the road that leads to the visitor center. There are two ½ mile trails that pass by maple, birch, oak, cottonwood and white pine trees. The trails are rated HEART HEALTHY because they are under a mile. (YAY)
Our tour finished with a visit to the Statue Garden, known as THE GUARDIAN PROJECT. Teenagers made sculptures of what they envisioned a "Guardian" to be.
There are guardians for animal life, trees, water life, and an all knowing/all seeing "eye" that you can look through to see behind it.
Oh...umm, that is a black cat on a wall, btw, not a rabbit, and that is not Jesus, but Hamadryad, a tree guardian. There is also a phoenix, an angel (shown) and a round clocktower looking thing.
The "hiker" looking one is actually a caveman with a tree and a crow behind him representing man's relationship with nature and how it tends to both their needs.

The picnic areas are beautiful, despite the recent ground damage made by skunks hunting slugs that are so prominent after all the rain we had this summer...
This is a really peaceful and beautiful place.
They have regular hikes, even some just for seniors, and "sunrise hikes" during the week. They have children’s activities too. Check online for their weekly calendar.

The park is officially open 9 to 5 daily from Memorial Day until Columbus Day. You are welcome to go there in off seasons when the park is closed, but you have to park at the bottom of the hill and walk up to get to the park. (uuugh).

To time your trip, it will take a minimum of 1/2 hour to walk the 1/4 mile paths through the “stuff”. The walk to the foundation is about a 1/2 of a mile more.
I love the little details I discovered.

Let me share a couple of my other photos with you.

Look all around for beauty close up and on the ground...Early to mid morning and mid afternoon to sunset are the best photo-taking times. High noon casts harsh shadows and if you are using a low end digital camera, the contrast is too extreme and you will get blobs of white instead of color in your photos.
Here's a 550 million year old art original! (Jackson Pollack, eat your heart out!)
I was so enthralled with this park, I have returned twice to take more photos. As an avid photographer, I have never been to a place that offered so many opportunities for “a great shot”.

Picnic tables and grills are available, but no alcohol is allowed (dang).
The park has gorgeous settings for weddings and other events. John said there were two weddings in the past week. Hey, they even allow you to bring your dog (leashed), but they ask that you clean up after your dog. Don't make John or one of the other park rangers scoop the poop!

As with most MA parks, please take away whatever you bring in. Garbage bags are available in the Visitors Center.

Mass MoCA, (those rascals!), installed 10 speakers into the marble ledge walls!
Every evening, at the exact scientific moment of SUNSET, a “song” (extended tones sorta) plays from the ledge. The song is called "MUSIC FOR A QUARRY" and it was composed for the Natural Bridge Park by a Swiss composer named Walter Frahndrich. Not much of a tune to hum, lol, but quite effective for the surroundings.

Here is a recording someone put on YOU TUBE with a short video by Craig with his son taking a walk by the ledge...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvgaWVmA98o

Going to this park should not be an afterthought, but a planned destination!

Hope many of you come here too!

XX
Kathy

Saying goodbye to the Berkshires

2010-05-12T20:04:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a year and now I am headed back to the flatlands of Connecticut to start a new life with a wonderful man and a new job. I reflect on my experiences here with a bittersweet lump in my throat. I love the Berkshires and will always treasure the scenery, the people and the quality of life I knew while living here.

What a wonderful place to have the honor to live in.

I have tears in my eyes as I pack, but all good things must come to an end. I loved my time at the 1896 House, meeting our guests, hanging out with the airedales and enjoying some great festivals and events.

Thank you for reading these silly blog ramblings of mine and thank you people of the Berkshires for your warmth and hospitality through 4 unbelieveable breathtaking seasons.

I look forward to visiting soon...and now I know the best places to go!

Love and peace,
Kathy