As you all know, Governor Baker has issued an emergency order which requires all non-essential services to close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers, and the public until May 4th. These businesses are encouraged to work remotely if possible. However, some businesses have been deemed “COVID-19 Essential” and are [...]
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It’s easy to love Franklin County Massachusetts in good times, but it’s in these difficult times that the reasons to love our community are highlighted even more. So many local businesses have stepped up in the past few weeks with the outbreak of COVID-19. Some have done their part to protect our community by shutting their [...]
Purchase beautifully handcrafted pottery and art while supporting Artspace’s music and art programs at the same time. Over 30 talented potters and artists will be present, offering incredible unique items for purchase. While you shop, enjoy performances by Strings for Kids students. Also, there will be the opportunity to win door prizes, generously donated by the artists.
The Pottery & More Sale will be held Friday, March 6 from 5 to 8 pm and Saturday, March 7 from 10 am to 3 pm at Greenfield Community College. More information at artspacegreenfield.com.
Artspace’s mission is to encourage and nurture the appreciation of and participation in the arts by offering programs and instruction, and by advocating the importance of the arts in education and in the community.
New this year, the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce has created the Franklin County Gift Card! This one gift card allows cardholders to make purchases at various participating businesses around the county. So with one purchase you could give someone the gift of an adventure in Charlemont, art from Shelburne Falls, a massage in Greenfield, [...]
DiGeorge Builders has done it again. The transformation of this fabulous antique Cape is one you have to see in person to appreciate the quality workmanship and design. It is renovated top to bottom while keeping that old time charm you are looking for. The spacious, bright and sunny rooms enhanced by the beautiful wood floors makes this [...]
With the announcement of the closing of Wilson’s Department Store in downtown Greenfield, it feels like the end of an era for the town. Wilson’s has been a landmark business for about a century and in recent times has drawn in customers to shop at one of the last old-time department stores in the region. While the closing of the store is a [...]
For 25 years, CiderDays has been a Franklin County staple event of all things apple. Every first weekend in November, events pop up all over the area to appreciate and learn more about ciders, cidermaking, and orchards. There are cider tastings, workshops, and tours, hosted by various orchards, cideries, and other cider professionals. This year, CiderDays will be held November 1-3. Some of the events are free; others require tickets purchased in advance, such as the Cider Salon.
The Cider Salons will once again be held in the large tent in Unity Park, Turners Falls. Sponsored by the United States Association of Cider Makers, the Salons will feature over 130 ciders from a range of producers around North America and Europe. Buy your tickets in advance for either Round 1 or Round 2 and enjoy the opportunity to sample ciders from near and far.
Some events will be happening throughout the weekend and you can drop in anytime to check them out. Check out an art exhibit at the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls, 25 Years of CiderDays, which will display historic cider presses and images honoring cider producers. While you’re in Turners Falls, you can also stop by the official Cider Days Bookstore at Two Birds on Avenue for books about orchards and cider and even some author signings. Several tasting rooms will have their doors open to the public throughout the weekend, including West County Cider in Shelburne, Bear Swamp Orchard and Cidery in Ashfield, Headwater Cider in Hawley, and more.
See the full list of tastings and other events happening throughout the weekend here and find everything you need to know about CiderDays at CiderDays.org
Happy CiderDays!
10 Ferrante Avenue, GreenfieldQuality built and superb workmanship with original period details makes this charming Greenfield home one you must see. Fine features include custom woodwork, glass door knobs, attractive moldings, french doors, beautiful fixtures and hardwood floors throughout. The exterior is surrounded by gorgeous lush gardens and patio area creating a secluded backyard oasis that is a rare find. You are greeted at the front door with a welcoming entrance leading to the first floor that has an eat-in kitchen, 1/4 bath, dining room, large living room with attractive fireplace with french doors to a fabulous sunroom. The second floor has 3 bedrooms, full bath and plenty of closet space. Your favorite room in the house will be the 3 season fully enclosed porch that overlooks the picturesque backyard. It is the perfect place to relax or entertain. This is considered one Greenfield's finest neighborhoods with easy access to I-91, shopping and Four Corners School.
Set up a showing appointment today with Wanda! Call 413-768-9848 or email Wanda@WandaMooney.com.
This coming Sunday, August 4th, 2019 is the 36th annual Greenfield Lightlife Triathlon in Greenfield, Massachusetts, the longest running triathlon in New England! There is still time to register for the race - so come out and challenge yourself on this beautiful course. The course meanders through the back roads of Greenfield, passes through the Historic Eunice Williams Covered Bridge, and features swimming in the Green River. You can sign up as an individual or as a two or three person team. Find out more information on registration and fees at https://www.greenfield-triathlon.com/register.php. All proceeds from the Greenfield Lightlife Triathlon benefit the Greenfield Recreation Department. Over the years, this triathlon has raised thousands of dollars to support programs and events for the community.
After the race, there will be a celebratory lasagna lunch and awards ceremony. Awards go to the overall male and female winners, relay team finishers, and top finishers by age group. There are also two special awards - the Nook Burniske Award and the Patrick Bell Award. The Nook Burniske Award goes to somebody who embodies the spirit of sportsmanship and has contributed to the Greenfield Triathlon or Greenfield sports in a significant way. The Patrick Bell Award goes to the youngest finisher of the Greenfield Triathlon.
If participating in the triathlon is not for you, you can still be a part of the event by volunteering or spectating. The race runs on 80+ volunteers to fill jobs from serving food to site preparation to finish line assistant and more. Register to volunteer here. You can also support the runners by cheering them on from the sidelines. There are several designated parking areas for spectators throughout the course and plenty of great spots to watch and cheer. For specific information on these locations, click here.
If the 2019 triathlon doesn’t seem feasible for you, consider participating next year. The triathlon has a training program for participants that goes for 7 weeks on Sundays from mid-June to the end of July. There is also a free one-day triathlon clinic to familiarize participants with the course and discuss best practices for preparing yourself for the race. It is also a great opportunity to meet other triathletes.
Go to greenfield-triathlon.com for more information. Good luck to all the triathletes!
Photos from Greenfield Lightlife Triathlon / greenfield-triathlon.com
I always appreciate living in Franklin County because of its natural beauty. There are so many places where you can immerse yourself in nature and take in the magnificent views around the valley. Plus, with so many hiking trails around, you can get all the exercise you need without having to go inside. Take a look at some of my favorite places in Franklin County to hike and explore:
High Ledges is a wildlife sanctuary in Shelburne. A series of looping trails allow you to make your hike as short or as long as you’d like. Stop by the vernal pool in the spring time and watch the salamanders grow. Originally the site of Dutch and Mary Barnhardt’s home, the fireplace structure still remains, right next to the viewing point of the village of Shelburne Falls. If you continue on the long trail, you can see the wolf dens, where supposedly the last wolf in the area was exterminated. Visit the Mass Audubon website for more information on High Ledges.
If you find yourself in downtown Greenfield with just a few hours to spare, Rocky Mountain is the perfect quick hike. This is a 2.4-mile loop, great for all abilities, and moderately trafficked. At the top, you can climb the Poets Seat Tower, a reconstructed stone tower which was built in 1912. From the tower, you can look out over the Town of Greenfield, the Connecticut River Valley, and Montague. Find out more at Greenfield Recreation Department’s website.
Chapel Brook in Ashfield offers hiking, swimming, and rock climbing all in one place. Its rugged beauty and tranquility makes it a perfect place to escape for an afternoon or a day. Hike to the top of Pony Mountain and gaze at the top of the hills in Ashfield. There is a direct, steep hike, or another more moderate trail that winds around the side of the mountain. Both trails end at the top of Chapel Ledges, a tall rock face which draws rock climbers from around the area. On hot days you can cool off in the brook, which has a series of small waterfalls with beautiful pools below, perfect for taking a dip. Visit The Trustees website for more information.
Bears Den is another spectacular place in Franklin County that offers a great reward with little work. It is located where the middle branch of the Swift River drops off into a woodland pool in a gorge on its way to the Quabbin Reservoir. Hike along the short, quarter-mile trail and then decide - left or right. Go left and be enchanted by the beautiful waterfall or go right and hike along the stream, past large boulders, ending at the site of an Old Mill. Get directions to Bears Den at the Trustees website.
Another great waterfall that we are lucky to have close by is Gunn Brook Falls in Sunderland. The trail to get there is only 0.2 miles, which makes it great for families with small children. However, if you’re looking for more hiking, you can continue on the trail up Mt. Toby. At the top of Mt. Toby, you can climb the tower if your fear of heights allows, and get an awesome 360 degree view of the area. Learn more about Gunn Brook Falls here.
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