The annual corn mazes are back in Franklin County, with new designs! Every September, people from around the region love to get lost in these fun creative mazes. This year will be a little different with covid regulations but will still be a fun experience for all.

Mike’s Maze at Warner Farm

Over the years, Mike’s Mazes have gained national attention for their creativity and intricacy. Every year is a different thematic experience, with games, activities, and amusements to pair alongside the design of that year’s maze. Mike’s Maze spans 8-acres with installations and trivia along the way. Located in Sunderland, Massachusetts, the idea for Mike’s Maze was born over 20 years ago at a Christmas party. Farmer Mike Wissemann and artist Will Sillin teamed up to create incredible corn art. In 2015, Mike’s son David Wissemann and his wife, Jess Marsh Wissemann, took over for Will, and have since created mazes that have gone viral, such as “Alice in Sunderland.” 

This year’s theme is “Vote 2020: The Stalks Have Never Been Higher.” They will be celebrating democracy with a variety of games and rides, including the voting game, pedal carts on the “Presidential Election Racetrack” and the “Election Landslides.” Mike’s Maze is open September 11-November 1 on Thursdays (starting in October), Fridays, Saturdays, and Columbus Day from 9 am to 5 pm. The rates of entry are $15 for adults, $12 for kids under 12, and kids aged 4 and under go free! 

For more information about the exciting events at Mike’s Maze, visit mikesmaze.com.

 

Hick’s Family Farm & Corn Maze in Charlemont

Hick’s Family Farm also hosts an annual corn maze which is a Franklin County Favorite. Their farm is conveniently located on the Mohawk Trail/Route 2 in Charlemont. The corn maze is open September 5 through October on weekends and holidays from 10 am to 5 pm. Entry is $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for children 12 and under. Check out their haunted weekends in October starting October 10th and get ready for a scare! If you scare easily, you can enjoy a milder nighttime version of the maze with their Flashlight Fridays on September 18 and October 2. Go to their website for more information on the Hick’s Corn Maze at Hick’s Family Farm, www.hickscornmaze.com. 

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For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at www.wandamooney.com/blog.

A few weeks ago, Boston.com released a list of top-rated breweries in Massachusetts. They used data from BeerAdvocate, a national beer-reviewing site based in Boston, to determine which Massachusetts breweries are most loved by consumers. With over 200 breweries in Massachusetts today, it is a great achievement that Franklin County’s own Brick and Feather Brewery in Turners Falls placed 4th in the list!   

Brick and Feather Brewery, Turners Falls

Brick and Feather has been brewing beer in Turners Falls since 2015. Their team uses a manual 7-barrel system to brew their beer mostly by hand. Their fine selection of brews has been found in restaurants and shops around Western Mass and beyond. However, you can also purchase their beers online through their website and pick them up directly from the brewery. They ask that you please order ahead so they can have the order ready for you. Their online store has a variety of canned brews and apparel. So, browse around and find something that suits your taste! Visit them online - www.brickandfeatherbrewery.com - or follow them on Facebook.

(Photo source: Brick and Feather Brewery's Facebook Page)

Floodwater Brewery, Shelburne Falls

Many other local breweries have spruced up their online stores recently. Floodwater Brewery in Shelburne Falls is one of them. To quote their online store -- “The end is not here if you can still drink beer.” While you unfortunately cannot enjoy a brew in their taproom overlooking the Deerfield River, you can still purchase one of their tasty brews to enjoy at home. Visit their website to place an order - floodwaterbrewing.com.

Hitchcock Brewing Company, Bernardston MA

Hitchcock Brewing Company is another brewery that has been making it work despite Covid. They have been open Wednesday through Sundays, pouring beer and offering delicious food cooked by them or served by a guest food truck for their loyal fans. Originally opened in 2016 in Whately, Hitchcock moved north to beautiful Bernardston about one year ago. Follow them on Facebook for weekly updates on which food trucks will be visiting them and what beers are available. This Sunday (9/6), you can enjoy food by the Bistro Bus and a fresh batch of Mango Tart, a sour beer. They also recently released their Better Days Belgian White Ale. You can order their 4-packs of cans online and pick them up curbside, too! Visit their online store to purchase and or go to their Facebook page and click the “Shop Now” button.

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For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at www.wandamooney.com/blog.

 

The temporary closure of restaurants and eateries was hard on both the businesses and the locals in Shelburne Falls, who would normally frequent these places for delicious food and to see their fellow townspeople. Many people are excited to see some restaurants in Shelburne Falls slowly re-opening and even a new restaurant opening. These businesses have taken the time to set themselves up in a way that creates a covid-safe space for their customers while offering the delicious cuisine that everyone loves and has missed.

Posada Grill

Posada Grill is a new Mexican and Salvadorian restaurant located on the Mohawk Trail in Shelburne. Their authentic menu includes a variety of papusas, fajitas, quesadillas, and more. They even serve special dishes such as sweet fried plantains, fried yucca, and flan. Posada is open 7 days a week from 11 am to 8 pm with dine-in or take-out available. Welcome them into the neighborhood by having your next meal with them or for take-out call (413) 489-3323. Follow them on Facebook to see what they are cooking up!

The Blue Rock Restaurant

The Blue Rock Restaurant has re-opened with an exciting new menu. Their new options include java rubbed baby back ribs, roast eggplant and vegetable panang coconut curry, and grilled steelhead trout. Their hours have also changed. You can dine with them Fridays and Saturdays 5-9:30 pm and Sundays 5-8:30 pm. new set of hours but remember to make a reservation first! The Blue Rock has taken measures to keep everyone covid-safe. However, you can always opt for takeout with their easy curbside pickup by calling 413-625-8133. They even have to-go cocktails, bottles of wine, and growlers of beer from their rotating taps. Click here to view a recent message from The Blue Rock regarding their new safety practices and re-opening. Head to their website to view their new food and drink menu, thebluerockrestaurant.com.

(Picture Right: Outdoor patio at The Blue Rock Restaurant, source: Facebook)

Gypsy Apple Bistro

The Gypsy Apple Bistro is another gem that the community is happy to see back in action. They will be serving up their delicious, short but sweet menu in house or for contactless curbside pickup. Their hours are Thursday through Sunday 5-9 pm. If you’d like to order for pick-up, they ask that you call (413) 625-6345 between 4 and 6:15 pm and the order will be ready in 45 minutes. Check out their menu here on their website, gypsyapplebistro.com.

West End Pub

The West End Pub has re-opened their riverside dining with social distancing. For now, they are serving dinner only from 3-9 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays and the bar is not open. They highly recommend making a reservation to ensure your table. Other than that, their lengthy menu of tasty appetizers, burgers, salads, pastas, and more is back! Call them to make a reservation or order your meal for pick up at 413-625-6216. 

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For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at www.wandamooney.com/blog.

The long-awaited arrival of broadband in Franklin County is finally here! New Salem, Rowe, and Shutesbury all have active fiber networks. Currently, about 80% of premises in Rowe are customers. If you have a premise in Rowe that you wish to sign up for broadband you can do so for $75 a month. You will receive free installation while funds remain available, plus free equipment and Wifi. You do not have to sign up for a contract and there is an optional full service phone for $19 a month. Visit Rowe’s town website for more detailed information and visit wiredwestfiber.com/rowe to sign up. 

Heath is in the process of building its fiber network. Once the main photo optic fiber cable is installed throughout town, the next phase of actually attaching the network fiber line to the poles along Heath roads will begin. This process should begin in September. Plus, on July 21st the Heath Municipal Light Board (MLB) approved the “Heath Drop Service Installation Policy”. The Policy incentivizes qualifying customers in Heath to subscribe to take broadband internet service during the startup period, by covering up to $3,000 toward the drop installation costs for subscribers with an eligible premises (defined in policy). To learn more and to ensure you are kept up to date on the latest broadband news contact heathbroadband@gmail.com and be added to Wired West's contact distribution list.

Here is the recently released schedule of the dates when each Fiber Service Area (FSA) will undergo construction of the network and installation to the premises.

FSA 2: 7/6/20-12/31/20

Branch Hill, 3 Colrain Stage, Dell, 81-291 Rte 8A, Judd, Knott, Ledges, Long Hill, Rowe, Royer (except #18 in FSA3), Sherman, W. Main, 1 E. Main

FSA 1: 9/21/20-4/6/21

AL Stetson, Bellor, Brunelle, 323-713 Rte 8A, Groll, Jacobs, Number 9, Sadoga, State Farm, Stone Hill, Sumner Stetson, Underwood Hill, W. Branch

FSA 3: 12/21/20-8/12/21

Avery Brook, Bassett, Bray, Burrington, Center Heath, Colrain Stage (except #3 in FSA2), E. Main, Flagg Hill, Flagg Hill ext., Hosmer, Ingraham, Ledges (remaining portion), Royer (#118), Schoolhouse, South, Swamp, Taylor Brook, Rown FArm, W. Hosmer

FSA 4: 4/26/21-9/31/21

Mohawk Estates

For more information and to stay up to date with the progress of Broadband installation in the hilltowns, visit wiredwest.net/towns or visit the town sites (Rowe and Heath)

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For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at www.wandamooney.com/blog.

 

 

Apex Orchards, Shelburne

As of Saturday, August 15th, Apex Orchards  welcomed the community to come and pick their own peaches. Located in Shelburne, just off of Route 2/The Mohawk Trail, between Greenfield and Shelburne Falls, Apex Orchards offers stunning views of Western Mass and the borders of Vermont and New Hampshire. Experience the incredible scenery of the orchard while you stroll amongst the trees and pick your own delicious peaches. 

Pick Your Own Peaches is open to the public on weekends only from 11 am to 4 pm. However, you can visit the farm store daily from 9 am to 5 pm and purchase fresh-picked fruit and other local agricultural products. Currently, the Apex Farm Store has Lodi Apples, Methley Plums, Blueberries, and Garnet Beauty Peaches. Plus, as we move further into harvest season, this list will grow! Stay updated on what’s available in the store and which apples are ready for Pick Your Own by following the Apex Orchards Facebook Page or call the store before you visit at 413-625-2744

(Photo taken from Apex Orchards Facebook Page.)

Pine Hill Orchards, Colrain

You can compare peaches to peaches by visiting Pine Hill Orchards in Colrain and picking up some of their fresh-picked peaches as well! Currently, their farm store is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm, where they sell other fresh-picked fruit like plums and blueberries, as well. They also offer takeout from their restaurant Thursday through Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm. In just a few weeks, starting Labor Day weekend, Pine Hill will be running their Pick Your Own apples! Check their website or Facebook page for updates on which varieties are ready. 

Clarkdale Fruit Farm, Deerfield

You’ll also find juicy, fresh-picked peaches at Clarkdale Fruit Farm in Deerfield. Clarkdale is a fourth-generation family-owned fruit farm, whose farm store is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. You can stay safe with their drive up ordering and never have to get out of your car. Visit them at 303 Upper Road in Deerfield for yellow-fleshed peaches now or visit them in a few weeks for apple season.  Find out what fruit is available on their website or Facebook page.

Happy Harvest Season to all!

For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at www.wandamooney.com/blog.

August is a wonderful time of year in Western Mass, when the days are still warm, but the nights start to cool down a bit more. While the usual country fairs will be missed this year, there are still plenty of ways to take advantage of all that Western Mass has to offer in the summer. ExploreWesternMass.com has compiled a list of experiences in our area that are COVID-safe, and many of them are here in Franklin County!

One of the natural treasures to take advantage of in Franklin County is the Deerfield River. The Deerfield River winds its way down from Vermont through the beautiful Berkshire Hills until it reaches the Connecticut River in Deerfield. The river has varying sections of rapids with something suitable for everyone. There are three reputable companies who offer whitewater rafting tours on the Deerfield - Crabapple Whitewater, Berkshire East, and Zoar Outdoor.  Zoar also offers guided kayaking tours and whitewater kayaking clinics. The companies have all worked hard to maintain safety around the river and around COVID-19.  Book an experience on the river before the season is over!

You can also explore Franklin County by bike or on foot. There are plenty of hiking/walking trails in the area that take you to remote places with fresh air and beautiful views.  Check out this helpful map of trails in the area at bywayswestmass.com.

The Canalside Rail Trail in Turners Falls offers a mellow ride with epic views of the Connecticut River.  The trail is 3.6 miles long, making it an easy morning or afternoon activity.  Protip:  Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy along the way by the river!

While Northfield Mountain Recreation Area is unable to fully open for the 2020 season due to sanitization rules, you can still access the hiking and fishing areas. The facilities will be closed, meaning there is no access to bathrooms, pavilions, or the visitor center. However, you can plan ahead to carry out your own trash and bring your own picnic equipment to enjoy the area just the same.  Visit their website for detailed information on which areas are accessible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at www.wandamooney.com/blog.

Sales of single family homes in Franklin County were down 1.6% and median price down 5.0% in June 2020 compared to June 2019. The sales were down in both Hampshire and Hampden Counties. Median price was up in both Hampshire and Hampden Counties. 

The average days on market in the Pioneer Valley was down 0.1% from 55 days in June 2019 compared to 55 days in June 2020. Listings that are pending (under agreement to sell) were up 24.2% from 615 listings pending in June 2019 to 764 listings pending sale in June 2020.

For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at www.wandamooney.com/blog

Information provided by the REALTOR Association of Pioneer Valley.

Every summer I always look forward to the shows at Double Edge Theatre in Ashfield. Their creative performances, which invite the audience to move around their farm with them, always inspire and evoke deep thought in viewers about the world around them. Now more than ever, the artistic imagination of this theater group is something that we all need. This year, Double Edge has utilized their large outdoor space to create a safe experience for all. Now through August 9th on Wednesdays to Sundays, visit Double Edge Theatre’s farm for the showing of 6 Feet Apart, All Together, a summer spectacle for the time of COVID-19. 

This summer’s show has been downsized in both number of performers and audience size to ensure safety for all. The audience will move around in small groups on an invigorating and reflective walk through the scenes which will touch on past shows and also look towards the future. 6 Feet Apart, All Together will be performed in rounds and all audience members must wear a mask for everyone’s safety. 

From now until August 9th, you can view 6 Feet Apart, All Together from Wednesdays to Sundays at 8:00 pm in July and 7:30 pm in August with a Saturday matinee at 1 pm. Purchase tickets here in advance soon as there are a limited number of spaces.

For more information visit their website at doubleedgetheatre.org or follow them on Facebook.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at wandamooney.com/blog.

Place Your Blueberry Order Today!

It’s time to place your order for Burnt Hill Farm’s native low bush blueberries. Harvest will begin the last week of July and continue through August. This year’s prices are $40 for a 10 lb box and $70 for a 20 lb box. Order your blueberries online through Burnt Hill Farm’s website and they will let you know when your berries are ready for pickup. Don’t forget your mask when you go to pick them up!

 

About Burnt Hill Farm

Burnt Hill Farm is located in Heath, Massachusetts. In 2018, the Nartowicz family, which has been in Heath for over a hundred years, purchased the farm. They are grateful to be able to share these native low bush blueberries with their community. 

Visit www.burnthillfarm.com and follow them on Facebook for more info!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

--For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at wandamooney.com/blog.

This month, Greenfield Savings Bank is offering a mortgage special! You could receive a ¼ percent reduction on the interest rate of your new Greenfield Savings Bank Fixed-Rate Mortgage. To receive this reduction, apply for your mortgage before July 31st, 2020 and close on your mortgage before September 30th, 2020. The ¼ percent interest rate reduction is off the interest rate at the time of the application. To apply, visit the Greenfield Savings Bank mortgage center online or call for an appointment today at  (413) 774-3191 . Visit greenfieldsavings.com/mortgage/buy-in-july for more details!

For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at https://www.wandamooney.com/blog/. 

Thinking of buying or selling? Contact Wanda today at 413-768-9848 or Wanda@WandaMooney.com