During this time of year, in the middle of winter in New England, the cold can start to get to me a little bit. When that happens, I like to escape to an oasis from the cold in South Deerfield, Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory. The conservatory is 8,000 square-feet and houses nearly 4,000 exotic and domestic butterflies. The butterflies can flutter among various tropical plants and flowers and small ponds which hold Japanese Carp, or Koi fish. If you’re lucky, a butterfly might even land on you! The best part is: they keep the conservatory at tropical temperatures, so you can enjoy the warmth, even when it’s wintry weather outside.

Magic Wings also has a gift shop to purchase some butterfly souvenirs, outdoor gardens for the warmer weather, and a food court. They offer the option to host events in their facilities, as well, such as weddings, birthday parties, meetings, or other private parties.

Magic Wings is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm. The cost of admission is $16.00 for adults and $10.00 for children under 17. They also offer discounts for seniors and students. So if you need an escape from winter without taking a flight, just drive to Magic Wings in South Deerfield.

Click here to check out their website. 

     

Sales of single family homes in Franklin County were down 8.5% and median price up 3.4% in 2018 compared to 2017. The sales were up in both Hampshire and Hampden County and median price up in Hampden County but down in Hampshire County. 

The average days on market was down 12.8% from 78 days in 2017 compared to 68 days in 2018. Listings which are pending (under agreement to sell) were down 1.2% from 6076 listings pending in 2917 to 6,004 in 2018.  

The sale reports are provided from the Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Was your new year’s resolution to get in shape? The middle of winter can be a tough time to get into a workout routine. The good news is Franklin County has many exercise facilities with a variety of offerings to tailor to your style. So you can stick to your New Years resolution this year!

YMCA in Greenfield

Whether you’re looking for a single or family membership, the YMCA can suit you. They offer different levels of membership and even daily passes if you’re not looking for a commitment. The Y is great for people who are looking to exercise in a variety of ways. They have a full workout room with machines and weights, a pool, a gym, plus they offer classes ranging from spin to aqua aerobics. There are plenty of programs for kids, as well, such as sports teams like gymnastics, and school-aged child care. 

Common Ground Fitness Center

Common Ground Fitness Center is perfect for adults who could use some support getting into and maintaining a healthy workout routine. While you can drop in and use the equipment at your own desire, they promote attendance of their group workout classes and use of personal trainers to help you keep coming. Common Ground offers high intensity workout classes such as TRX, PIYO, and boxing, as well as low-intensity ones like elasticize and yoga. Plus, their memberships are very affordable with tiered levels ranging from $30 to $70 a month.

Riverside Fitness Studio

Sometimes, the best way to take control of your workout routine is by having a personal trainer, someone to hold you accountable for showing up. For those who live in West Franklin County, there is a great personal fitness studio right in Shelburne Falls - Riverside Fitness Studio. Personal Trainer Tim, has been in the fitness industry for over 6 years and has been holding his own steady workout routine for over 10. He offers one-on-one or one-on-two training sessions that give results. 

I hope this list is helpful in your start towards physical health and wellness this new year! Happy training!

 

We still have a few months until Spring, but that doesn’t mean you need to stay cooped up inside the house until then! Break through the cabin fever and head out to these local gems in Franklin County for outdoor adventuring in the snow.

Berkshire East

Berkshire East Mountain Resort has activities year round. But in the winter, it is the best local mountain, located right in Charlemont, MA! It is a great beginner mountain but has trails for those more advanced as well. They offer lessons for snowboarding and skiing and have high quality equipment rentals. You can also take a fun ride on a tube at their snow tubing park. Afterwards, warm up inside the Crazy Horse Bar and Grill for some good food and drinks.

Stump Sprouts

If sometimes you prefer a slower pace through the snow, then head over to Stump Sprouts Cross Country Ski Center, just up the road from Berkshire East in Hawley, MA. There you can cross country ski or snowshoe with beautiful expansive views of rural northwestern Massachusetts.

Northfield Mountain

For more great cross country adventuring with different views, check out Northfield Mountain Cross Country Ski Area. Located on Route 63 in Northfield, they have 25 miles of trails groomed for classical and freestyle skiing. There, you can rent skis and snowshoesand take a lesson with a ski instructor. They also have trailside warming huts and a cozy base area yurt. Visit them Wednesday through Sunday 9 am to 4:30 pm.

 

Visit shelburnefalls.com or franklincc.org for more ideas on how to stay active this winter!

 

Naturally Cleaning, Organizing, and Decluttering Your Spaces!

Where are you located? 
We are based out of Shelburne Falls, MA.

When did you open? 
We started on November 1, 2018.

What inspired you to start this business? 
We both have felt the impact of clearing physical space and becoming intentional in how we are organizing our homes. It has had a positive effect on our well-being and inspired us to start our business with the desire to bring this quality and effect to other’s homes and spaces. We believe that a clean and tidy home has the power to bring physical wellness, clarity of mind and productivity to one’s life.

What is your mission? 
To support health and wellness in others through natural cleaning, decluttering and organizing spaces.

What goods or services do you offer?
We offer: general cleaning; deep cleaning; decluttering and purging of items; organizing spaces; preparing for guests; arranging spaces for optimal flow, function and aesthetic.

What is your favorite service that you offer? Why? 
Our favorite service that we offer is decluttering and purging followed by organizing. We love this because it opens space up and allows for improvement of physical and mental health, free-time, relationships, productivity, and a healthier home. Removing extra “stuff” from one’s space allows for there to be a higher likelihood that the space will stay tidy. General and routine cleaning feels great to come home to, and if one invests in going further with decluttering and organizing, it lays the foundation for maintaining a happier and healthier home.

Do you have any special events or promotions coming up? 
We do not at the moment, but Stay Tuned in the future!

Is there anything else you would like to share with readers about your business? 
We have a wide skill set. If there’s something you need but is not listed, let us know! We can probably help you out!

Hours of operation:
We operate Monday through Friday during day-time hours, and sometimes on the weekends.

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/spruceduphilltowns/

Check out one of their recent jobs- Before and After!

  

 

If you are currently listing part or all of your home on Air Bnb or are considering renting out a space in your home for short term periods, you’ll want to pay close attention to the new short term rental laws in Massachusetts. These new laws will require all short term rentals to be registered in a database with the state. The law also imposes a 5.7% hotel room tax to all short term rentals. Plus, towns and cities can choose to add an additional tax of up to 6% (6.5% in Boston) and a 3% community impact fee. Concerning the matter of insurance, people renting out a room will need to have at least $1 million in liability insurance.

When do these laws go into effect?
The state-level laws are already in effect, but towns and cities will have the option to create their own restrictions around short-term rentals.

How is a short-term rental defined in this law?
These new short term rental laws apply to all rentals for a period of 31 days or less, but does not apply to properties rented less than 14 days out of the year. Ordinary tenancies, such as an annual lease or tenancy-at-will, are not affected by this bill.

How does this law apply to rentals already booked for 2019?
Any 2019 rental booked before December 31, 2018 is exempted from the short term rental law.

Be sure to check with your city or town to see if they will implement any further restrictions on short term rentals.

Click here for more information. 
 

Franklin County sales were down 23.2% and the median price up 8.1% in November, 2018 compared to November, 2017.  The sales were up in both Hampshire and Hampden County. 

Inventory of single family homes fell in Pioneer Valley 14.9% from 1,800 single family homes for sale at the end of November, 2017 to 1,531 at the end of November, 2018.  

The average days on market is down 13.1% from 79 days in November, 2017 to 69 days in November, 2018. Listings which are pending (under agreement to sell) are down 8.0% from 464 in November, 2017 to 427 in November, 2018.

The sale reports are provided from the Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Historic c.1799 Colonial located in one of Shelburne's most desirable areas is known as the Theophilus Packard homestead, the site of the resolution to create Amherst College. Extensive renovations have been done to this antique treasure incorporating the modern style of today while preserving the period details of yesteryear. Original features remain including 5 fireplaces, handcrafted woodwork, wide pine floors, and writings on a hidden wall dating back to the 1860's. A fabulous family room was added along with a new kitchen creating an open floor plan and sunlit spacious living space. This 10 room, 4 bedroom, 2 bath home also has newer windows, updated plumbing and electrical, and a finished third floor studio space. The stunning 3.7 acres has mature maples, lovely flowers, and beautiful views of the hills beyond. The heated saltwater in-ground pool and deck/patio area is perfect for outdoor relaxation. Conveniently located less than 10 min. to I-91 and 30 min to Northampton.

Contact Wanda today for a viewing! 413-768-9848 or Wanda@wandamooney.com 

Click here for more photos and information.

Summertime in the valley means local farmers markets full of fresh produce, artisanal products, and handcrafted items. Just because the winter months are upon us doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to this wonderful part of living in the valley. Here are some local winter farmers’ markets where you can still get your farm fresh fix:

On one Saturday per month, the Greenfield Winter Farmers’ Market will pop up in Four Corners Elementary School. Check out this wonderful market on the following dates from 10 am to 1 pm: December 15, January 5, February 2, and March 2. Buy lots of goodies from local farm vendors such as Clarkdale Fruit Farm, Barberic Farm, and MycoTerra Farm. Plus a few other local favorites will be there too such as M&G Kettle Korn selling their delicious non-GMO kettle corn, Comida Latina selling delicious Latin cuisine, and Prospect Prints with their fun, hand-screened shirts. For a full list of vendors visit www.greenfieldfarmersmarket.com.

If you’re more of a once-a-week Farmers’ Market goer, head south to the Northampton Winter Farmers’ Market, every Saturday until April 20th. Located at the Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz Street, this market is open from 9 am to 2 pm. The vendor list changes from week to week, but you can find the updated list at www.northamptonwintermarket.com. Some vendors you might find include Red Fire Farm, Holyoke Hummus Company, Bread Euphoria, and Winter Moon Roots. Plus, enjoy different events from week to week such as live music by local artists, storytimes, and craft workshops.

Happy Farmers’ Market-Going!

With Hanukkah already upon us and Christmas only a few weeks away, the holiday season is in full swing! Franklin County has lots of great holiday events coming up in the next few weeks, which are sure to bring our community lots of joy and cheer.

Coming up this Friday, December 7th, downtown Greenfield will be the place to be. Jingle Fest, coordinated by the Greenfield Business Association will feature all sorts of holiday merriment. From 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, shop around the Pop-Up Holiday Market in The Pushkin. Of course, Santa will make an appearance at Jingle Fest and will be welcoming visitors at Wilson’s Department Store from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Other exciting happenings include a tree-lighting at Veterans Mall, carolers, pop-up performances and more! Visit their facebook page for more information.

If you still have a lot of holiday shopping left to do, you’ll definitely want to check out the Shutesbury Holiday Shop. For 7 years, the Shutesbury Holiday Shop has brought together an array of local artisans all from Shutesbury or the surrounding towns, to offer affordable, handmade gifts. There will be an assortment of jewelry, quilts, ornaments, woodcrafts, fiber art, artisanal food and much more. Plus, the Shutesbury Holiday Shop lasts for 3 days, starting Friday, December 7th, so there really is no excuse to not stop by and shop local for your holiday shopping. Click here for more information.

Turners Falls will host their annual holiday event on Friday, December 14th. It’s a Wonderful Night in Turners Falls will bring together downtown businesses for a night of holiday cheer. Art exhibits, live music, restaurant specials, and holiday shopping are all part of this wonderful event. Plus, Santa will arrive at Spinner Park at 6:30 pm to collect notes of hope from event goers. Visit the Turners Falls River Culture website for more information.

I hope you enjoy some or all of these wonderful holiday events coming up in our local community. Happy holidays!