As a lifelong resident of Franklin County, I always appreciate seeing older businesses that are still running strong. One in particular is the Northfield Drive-In, located on the Northfield, MA/Hinsdale, NH line. In August of 1948, the Northfield Drive-In began showing their “movies under the stars.” Now, they will celebrate 70 years of business with their opening for the 2018 season. This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, May 25th, 26th, and 27th, Northfield Drive-In will be showing Solo at 8:50 pm and Avengers: Infinity War at 10:50 pm.

This drive-in is 1 of only 20 drive-in theaters still in operation in New England, and the only one remaining of the 15 that the original owner, Carl Nilman, owned. Although the original screen was damaged by a hurricane in 1951, the second screen built kept the same dimensions and is still the one that exists today. In 1967, Northfield Drive-In changed ownership to the Shakour family, who still operate it today. They pride themselves in having a family-run business, where even the children would lend a hand at the snack stand and ticket booth on summer nights.

So take a drive out this weekend to the Northfield Drive-In and support this locally-owned gem. They are located in a beautiful scenic area and have a variety of delights at their snack bar. Plus, the rates are much lower than any indoor movie theater. Tickets are only $12 for adults and $7 for children (cash only). Visit their website for more information and to see what other films they will feature throughout the season.

As a former board member of the Greater Shelburne Falls Area Business Association (GSFABA) and a resident of the hilltowns, I love to support this association. The work they do benefits the hilltowns of West Franklin County, by boosting tourism, exposing businesses, and working together with the towns to make it a great place to live.

That is why I am excited that this Saturday, April 7, GSFABA will host their 22nd Annual Auction. Attend the auction and bid on exciting items donated by local businesses such as getaways, glass by Josh Simpson, and bike passes to Berkshire East’s Thunder Mountain Park. There will also be a variety of local food and beverage gift baskets and restaurant gift certificates.

The evening starts at 6 pm at the Shelburne-Buckland Community Center with a silent auction, followed by an exciting live auction. Plus, enjoy live music and local food, beer and wine while you bid.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. The proceeds from the auction will go towards GSFABA’s non-profit subsidiary, West County Arts & Culture, which supports the region’s creative economy. Contact Angela Varilly at 413-775-8281 for more information or visit shelburnefalls.com.

It’s March! For New Englanders, this means sugaring season is upon us. One of my personal favorite places to visit in Franklin County for delicious maple syrup is Davenport Maple Farm Restaurant. I highly recommend taking a scenic drive there on the weekends to enjoy their homemade breakfast or lunch.

Fresh Maple Syrup

When you visit the [...]

Recently, I had the opportunity to tour Greenspace CoWork, Greenfield’s first co-working space. I was very impressed with the style and feel of this space, one which seems to me would allow someone to focus and work all day. Located on the third floor of Hawks and Reed Performing Arts Center in downtown Greenfield, Greenspace offers memberships for use of their open work environment, free WiFi, and free coffee. Its members are people in a variety of careers, who desire a secure place to work independently, while having the ability to interact with other professionals and meet with clients in a presentable space.

Jeremy Goldsher and Jeff Sauser opened the space in February of this year, with open tables, couches, and a kitchenette. They kept the industrial style of the building, preserving the 170-year old wood floors and brick walls, and adding decor that embellishes that style. Goldsher and Sauser received a $100,000 collaborative Workspace Program grant from Mass Development, which they will use to add a conference room, private office pods, and soundproof phone booths.

So if you are looking to get out of your home office or that crowded coffee shop and into a clean, quiet, open space, then take a free tour of Greenspace CoWork. Memberships cost $150 a month, or $125 a month with a 6-month commitment. You can also purchase a one-day membership whenever you want for only $20. Visit their website for more information: greenspacecowork.com

This Friday, March 2nd and Saturday, March 3rd, check out the 39th Annual Pottery Seconds and More Sale! Purchase beautiful, hand-crafted items at low prices. Meet the talented artists behind the pottery. Enjoy performances by Artspace Strings for Kids students. Plus, you could win a door prize donated by one of the [...]

The 96th Annual Greenfield Winter Carnival is happening this weekend with fun events scheduled for the entire family. Here are just some of the events to look forward to, but check their website or Facebook page for a full listing of [...]

A survey done recently by Houzz, a home remodeling and design website, showed that more and more homeowners prefer small houses, 1,000 feet or less. Often the smallest home in the neighborhood, these homes are relaxed and easy to keep clean, according to the owners.  

However, these homeowners use certain tactics to utilize their space and make their home still feel open. One method is having a lot of natural light. Another way to make the space feel less constricted is having an open floor plan, and expanding the living space to the exterior, as well.

In line with this trend, I am proud to be a part of a new project in Greenfield, Green River Commons (pictured right). Construction of these seven sustainable, ground level townhouses began in early November, just steps from downtown Greenfield. These low-cost condominiums are designed to be energy-efficient with LED lighting, roofs to support solar panels, energy star appliances, and more. They also have sensible floor plans that utilize the smaller space to maximize comfort.

Contact me today to learn more about these new affordable, sustainable homes or visit GreenRiverCommons.com.

View the survey here.

Fall in New England is such a favored time of year; the bright colors of the foliage, a chill in the air, and of course, all things apple. Every fall on the first full weekend in November, I look forward to CiderDays, a Franklin County celebration of apples. Many of the events are free and range from workshops to talks to tastings to [...]

This Columbus Weekend, the Pioneer Valley will host two popular festivals. On Saturday, October 7 through Monday, October 9, the Paradise City Arts Festival will take place at the Three County Fairgrounds in Northampton. Meanwhile, only 30 minutes Northwest of Northampton, Ashfield will host its Fall Festival on Saturday, October 7 and [...]

Summer is winding down but there is still plenty of exciting summer events happening in the valley. Thursday, August 24th kicks off the 149^th Cummington Fair, in Cummington, Massachusetts, which will run through Sunday, August 27th. The Fair was initiated in 1883 with the purpose of spreading agricultural knowledge. Today, the Fair holds true to this with a variety of farm-themed events, such as Horse & Ox Draws, various animal showmanships, and judging of livestock.

However, that is not all there is to see at the Cummington Fair! Each day there will be a motorized event, like the tractor pull and Stoney Roberts Demolition Derby. Live music will fill the air with country acts such as Jose Duddy and Truck Stop Troubadours. There will be over 50 vendors selling everything from food, to crafts, to agricultural products. Plus, entertainers such as Kenya Acrobats, Christopher the Magician, and Wayne from Maine will perform multiple times throughout the weekend.

Whether you are a resident of Cummington, or the Pioneer Valley, or you are travelling from surrounding areas, you won’t want to miss this huge event. Purchase your tickets ahead of time at cummingtonfair.com to receive a discount and save time waiting in line. Also visit their website for a full listing of events and other information such as directions, parking, and camping. Hope to see you at the Cummington Fair!

www.cummingtonfair.com