Dates Of Event: March 4 – March 19, 2017 (photos taken March 4)
Location: The Botanic Garden of Smith College, 16 College Lane, Northampton, MA
Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday extended hours 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (members get in earlier at 9 .a.m)
Cost: Free ( a $5 donation is suggested)
Parking: unmetered parking is available on College Lane and additional parking is available throughout Northampton
Handicapped Accessible: Yes, from their website: There is one designated handicapped parking space in front of the Lyman Plant House. Two of the three front entrances to the Lyman Plant House and Conservatory are wheelchair accessible and the restrooms are accessible. There is a lift in the front of the building that goes between the lower level Church Exhibition Gallery and the Reception area. All but one of the greenhouses (the Fern House) are accessible.
Highlights: Avariety of flowers such as crocuses, hyacinths, narcissi, irises, lilies and tulips in full bloom or nearly in bloom at the Botanic garden of Smith College
Believe it or not, spring, for most if us, is right around the corner. Soon enough, drab, colorless soil and grass and dead flowers and plant life will be replaced with the vibrant colors of spring and summer.
As an early celebration of the spring season, the Botanic Garden of Smith College is showcasing a colorful array of flowers as part of their Spring Bulb Show (which ironically ends the day before the Vernal Spring buds, get it?) .
There were a wide variety of flowers of display and I won’t even try to name or describe all of them, except to sayy they were very pretty.
The gaarden used works of art such as paintings and statues to highlight the beauty of the flowers. It was very well done and it brought out the colors of the flowers.
The people at the Botanic garden were kind enough to open the rest of the garden to us which showcased an impressive field of flowers and trees.
I also spotted a frog, fish and some other mysterious faces at the garden.
We also saw Kaezli, a beautiful 4 year old Burnese Mountain Dog, outside the Botanic garden.
Below is a video of a plant that closes when it feels pressure or weight and a video of a waterfall at the garden.
Location: Crowne Point Plaza, 1360 Worcester St, Natick, MA, 01760 (about an hour west of Boston)
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Parking: Ample free parking is available in the parking lot of the Crowne Point Plaza hotel
Handicapped Accessible: Yes
Highlights: cats of a variety of breeds being judged
Talent and obedience shows aren’t just for dogs.
Yes, cats can pose, follow orders (ok they’re more like requests with cats) and be just as cute as dogs if given the chance. And did they ever get the chance.
The TICA (The International Cat Association) held it’s annual cat show for a wide variety of cats to show off their talents and beauty. The cramped venue had 6 different stages, more like booths, for these felines to show off their stuff.
The cats were grouped by kittens, household cats, alters (cats that have been neutered or spayed; “altered”), kittens and, of course, championship for the lucky few who get to advance. I was warmly surprised to see the “household cats” category.
While there were so many cats being shown, I was unable to get all of the cats names, breeds and ages. Since I am a detail-oriented person and I love giving as much as information as possible I was a little disappointed by this. I do hope you don’t mind too much.
I did manage to get the name and breed of this cat. She stood out to me because of her unique fur and markings.
Julia is an 8 month old Selkirk Rex.
The cats were showcased by the judges. It was interesting to see how each judge had their own personality and methods of showing off the cats. Some spoke scarcely and were efficient. Others spent more time with the cat, explaining their breed and sharing other fun facts. The woman in the first photo I posted was my favorite judge.
It’s also interesting watching how the cats react to being judged. Some are pretty chill and don’t seem to mind at all, possibly because they are very used to being judged. Others…not as much. However, they were all very compliant and well adjusted, even if you can tell it’s not their favorite activity. It’s also funny to see how easily they can be distracted by shiny objects and feathers.
The cats were judged on Breed, Color and Division and win ribbons with letters corresponding with the first letter in each category (B for Breed, C for Color and D for Divison). The Breed (B) ribbon is the most sought after ribbon.
Cats move around a lot. A lot. Sometimes it’s easier to get their photos while they are being held or when they are in their cages or crates.
Also, as an aside, the hotel where the show was held, the Crowne Point Plaza hotel, is a very cool hotel, at least the function rooms, bar and lobby seem hip. I would highly recommend it, even if it just to go tot eh bar for a few drinks and dinner after work or during your vacation and leisure time, if you happen too be in the area.
I still think this cat tops them all. But, I’m biased. I do know the name, breed and age of this cat. Bailey is a 7 year old Long haired domesticate. Maybe I can enter her next year.
Dates Of Event: February 3-5, 2017 (the first weekend in February each year) photos taken February 5
Location(s): All over the town of Greenfield, most events held at Beacon Field, 61 Beacon St, Greenfield, MA)
Cost: Free (there are small fees for some activites such as $5 to skate at the public outdoor ice rink)
Hours: 9 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Parking: limited parking can be found at the parking lot for Beacon Field. Street parking is also available
Highlights: carnivsl hockey, sleigh rides, sled making contest, k9 keg pull, ice sculptures, family friendly activities (see web site below for more info)
It’s that timee of the year again. You know that time in between the “fun” part of winter and the coming spring. The holidays have passed, the seemingly never-ending chill is still fast upon us, snow has stopped looking “pretty” and everyone is just eager to be able to go outside without layering so much that they look like the Michelin man. So, to bring a little cheer to the frustrated masses, many cities and towns have organized “winterfests” or “winter carnivals” to get everyone out of their ruts and bring some cheer to the frozen masses.
Winterfests are not some new fangled celebrations. In fact, this was Greenfield’s 95th winterfest. I guess people got the doldrums back then, too.
The three day event (the first Friday, Saturday and Sunday in February) is a family friendly extravaganza. Besides what I photographed dueing my visit Sunday, there are a bonfire, fireworks and a “family fun fest” event for kids to play and do a variety of events with other children and their parents.
The first thing I noticed, and I was looking for specifically, was the winter carnival hockey game between the Greenfield Sheriff’s Department and the Franklin County Firefighters. The shortened rink and lack of goalies (they used boxes with holes in them to try to score goals), allowed for more action and more scoring chances.
There wasn’t much checking and not one fight (perhaps a first in a game between firefighters and police). But, it was still entertaining. I didn’t get a final score. But, the Sheriff’s department (in the green jerseys) had a comfortable lead when I left to check out more of the winterfest.
In between breaks, some kids came out and practiced. Future players for sure.
Most of the events during my visit took place at Beacon Field. In some of the photos, you may notice the Poet’s Seat Tower which I posted about in May of last year.
The first thing I noticed was the sleigh rides being provided.
Some children took advantage of the hill at the park to do some sledding.
Some of the children brought their home made sleds to the park for a contest. The sleds were judged but they didn’t take them on the hill perhaps due to the lack of a good snow covering.
The big event for most of us, though, was the K9 Keg Pull. Dogs from a variety of breeds, sozes, shapes and physical prowess participated. The size of the (empty) kegs and cans the dogs pulled were commensurate to their size. There was a small registration fee ($25 I think) and all of the proceeds went to a animal shelter.
There were over 60 participants and they all did great. The parents or guardians would usually run with their dog ot urge them on from the finish line. Sometimees it seemed like the parents were having more fun with it than the dogs!
Bodie and Clarence (left to right) were twoo of the bigger competitors.
Not all of the dogs there were participating in the keg pulls
Sadie is a 2 year old Lab mix.
Duncan is a 14 week old mini-poodle.
There were also ice sculptures scattered around the town. Of course, most of them had been damaged or destroyed by revelers. I was able to photograph a couple of them.
Dates Of Event: February 10-12, 2017 – usually the second weekend in February of each year (photos taken February 11)
Locations: Throughout the city of Salem
Hours:Visible 24 hours a day, until they melt
Cost: Free
Parking:Metered street parking is available and there are two big parking garages on New Liberty St and Congress St
The Downtown Garage (New Liberty St) costs $0.75 per hour.
The Waterfront Garage (Congress St) costs $0.25 per hour.
Both garages operate from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM Sunday through Wednesday and from 7:00 AM to 2:00 AM Thursday through Saturday.
Public Transportation: The MBTA’s Commuter Rail has a stop which deposits its passengers right at Washington St. $15 for a round trip ticket from North Station (fares vary depending upon where you leave from and where you are going)
Handicapped Accessible: Yes, but some roads and sidewalks are not shoveled well
Dog Friendly: Yes
Highlights: 26 Ice Sculptures scattered throughout the city of Salem, many sculptures are lit up at night, some shops and businesses offer discounts as part of the event
Proving once again they are not exclusively a Fall destination, Salem Massachusetts has outdone itself with a sweet display of ice sculptures.
Widely known for their Halloween festivities, Salem has been trying to make their city a year round attraction for some time. In fact, this weekend’s festivities were the 15th annual “Salem’s So Sweet” event.
The Salem’s So Sweet festivities began Friday night, February 10, with a chocolate and wine tasting at Colonial Hall at Rockafellas ($30 tickets). Yum!
The sculptures look so much better when they are illuminated. This was only the second year they illuminated the sculptures (at 5 p.m.) and not all of them were illuminated during my visit. I was able to photograph all of the sculptures (except for the Han Solo sculpture which was not completed when I visited) and I photographed almost half off the illuminated sculptures.
The illuminated sculptures look better the later and darker it gets. So, I stayed as late as I could to capture the beauty of the lighting against the dark background. I also thought the holiday lights (still up in February) and of course the snow gave the photos a nice touch.
Since we had some inclement weather and the roads were snowy and icy, I elected to take the train into Salem. It took a little longer than driving (not taking into account any accidents that may occur) but the transfers can be a hassle, especially having to cross the street from Park Street to get the train at North Station.
In any event, the train ride is comfortable and there are some pretty views along the way.
The 26 ice sculptures (25 not including the missing sculpture) are scattered around Salem although many of them are located in about a mile or two mile radius (on Essex, Washington and Hawthorn streets/boulevard). The trickiest part is trying to get to the sculptures that are located on the outskirts (such as Bridge St and Derby St. A trolley was planned to transport visitors to each of the sculptures but due to the inclement weather that plan was scrapped this year.
It’s a great activity for families and I saw quite a few parents and children looking for each sculpture and excitedly checking the sculpture off their list. The children especially seemed to like hunting for each one. Each sculpture is clearly marked and pretty easy to find if you use the map. The Visitor Center also has bigger maps than the one on the web site and they are of course very helpful.
While they are generally located near each other by number, sometimes it’s easier to map out your own route and find them on your own regardless of the number of the sculpture which is what I did. I have included photos of the sculptures lit up as well if I was able to see them illuminated. They look so much better when they are lit up!
The first set of photographs were located at or near Lappin Park, near the Bewitched Statue. The first ice sculpture is Globe, sponsored by The Journeymasters
Han Solo is the second sculpture on their list. Unfortunately, Han’s Falcon got stuck in traffic so his sculpture was not available to be photographed.
As if you haven’t seen enough of them yet, the third sculpture is a snowflake sponsored by Laura Lanes Skin Care.
Some of the lighted sculptures changed colors like this one sponsored by Salem State University; Opening of Sophia Gordon Center.
Accross from Lappin Park, on Washington St, is the ice sculpture at Rockafella’s. The Rockafella’s Ice Bar is like a frozen patio. The cold weather and icy bar didn’t stop them from grilling and enjoying the fresh air. At least you didn’t have to worry about your beer getting warm.
Farther down Washington St is Champagne sponsored by Adriaatic Restaurant & Bar.
Sponsored by Creative Salem, Hawthorne Hotel and Retonica and located on Front St is the ice sculpture Reflections. This one was cool because you could stand behind the sculpture and act as though you are the reflection.
Next to the Reflections sculpture is Cinderella’s Carriage, also on Front St,sponsored by Maria’s Sweet Somethings. From a distance, if you look at a certain angle, you can almost see some driving the carriage with a top hat on. Go on, let me know if you see it too.
The next ice sculpture on the list is Fish sponsored by Koto and located on Washington St.
The next ice sculpture is Lobster Love located at Turner’s Seafood on Church St. This sculpture also changes colors when illuminated.
This sculpture is located by the Salem Cinema. It is called Salem Film Fest 2017.
On St Peter St at Bit Bar is Arcade.
The next group of sculptures are all located on the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall and one on Central St which is an alley off the pedestrian mall walkway.
Green Tara, sponsored by Coon’s Card and Gift Shop, Penelope’s Pet Boutique and Tibet’s Art & Healing.
On the other side of the walkway, very close to Tara is Bella The Goat sponsored by Bella Research Group. Bella’s sculpture also changed colors while it was lit.
Off Essex St on Central St is the Steampunk Heart ice sculpture.
The next two sculptures are both back on Essex St Pedestrian Mall. This ice sculpture is located in front of the Peabody Essex Museum. It is called Red Stiletto with Honda Engine and it was sculpted by David Crow.
On the other side of the walkway in front of the Museum Mall Place and very close to the red stiletto sculpture is the Winnie The Pooh ice sculpture. Winnie doesn’t look very happy!
The next sculptures are located on Hawthorne Blvd and Essex St. Sweet Jane’s Sweet Savings is located on Hawthorne Blvd.
Queen Of Hearts is located across the street on Essex St.
The following ice sculptures are located on or off Derby and New Derby St. Mug is located at the Notch Brewery and Tap Room.
These two sculptures are located at the Waterfront Hotel and Regata Ice Bar. t first glance, it looks like one sculpture but they are actually two separate sculptures.
Across the street from the Waterfron Hotel is the Rumson’s Rum ice sculpture.
Candy is located in front of the House Of The Seven Gables and, aptly, across the street from Ye Olde Pepper Company (America’s oldest candy company). Yes, those are real candies. No, I did not eat any of them.
From Derby St, you would have to backtrack towards N. Washington St, near the Salem Commons to find Ruby Slippers located at the Salem Witch Museum. And, yes, I agree.
The next ice sculpture is a little bit of a walk. Bakery is located in the parking lot of Coffee Time Bake Shop (96 Bridge St). In fact, you may want to drive to this sculpture.
And, yes, of course, there were lots of dogs in Salem checking out the sculptures.
Emmett is a 4 year old Cockapoo. Look at those cute shoes!
Mattie is 7 years old. She was bundled up for the cold weather! She is also very well trained.
All of the dogs in Salem were prepared for the cold weather. These dogs had some beautiful sweaters on keeping them both warm and fashionable.
I am not sure how long the sculptures are being displayed. Between our erratic weather and hooligans who seem to get their kicks smashing ice art, I would suggest going soon to check them out before they’re gone!
Below is a video of the Bella The Goat ice sculpture changes colors.
Parking: You can park on the side of the road at or near the tree. It’s a residential area so please be safe when viewing
Cost: Free
Hours: everyday, 24 hours a day
Handicapped Accessible: Yes
Dog Friendly: Yes
Highlights: “widest tree this side of the Mississippi”, biggest sycamore tree in Massachusetts, 300 plus year old tree
On a nondescript road in Sunderland, MA, stands a tree. A big tree. But, no, this is no ordinary “big tree.” This is the widest tree in the Eastern part of the United States.
The Buttonball tree, located on N Main St, is over 113′ high, with a girth of 24’7″ and has a spread of 140′. Pretty big, huh? The locals think so. Because of its size and its legendary status, locals have dubbed the Buttonball Tree, “The widest tree this side of the Mississippi.” It is also considered, wrongly, to be the “biggest” this side of the Mississippi.
In fact, another tree in Massachusetts may hold this claim. Or, at the least it may be the tallest this side of the Mississippi. The Eastern White Pine in the Mohawk State Forest in Charlemont, Massachusetts, is listed at 174 feet in height. And there are many others that are taller than the Buttonball.
For instance, the “Boogerman Pine” (186 feet tall) located in the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina, is considered by many as the tallest tree in the U.S. east of the Mississippi.
In addition to these trees, there could be some huge, crazy big tree in some forest or park somewhere that has yet to be recorded. As you can see, it is a hotly contested claim!
So, the claim of “largest tree east of the Mississippi” is a title that has been debated. But, the Buttonball still holds the title for widest tree this side of the Mississippi. OK, enough fun tree facts. For now.
Who knew it would be such a contentious subject! Who knew there was so many details about these trees? But, there’s more to the tree than it’s girth and height. Besides, it’s not the size…never mind.
While the title for largest tree east of the Mississippi may be up for debate, one thing is for: the Buttonball Tree is one big tree! It is the largest sycamore tree in Massachusetts and one of the largest trees of any kind in Massachusetts. Once part of the Sunderland forest, the tree now stands in a residential area. I bet the neighbors just love all the attention. (another) Fun fact: because of their longevity, during the 17th and 18th century sycamores were sometimes planted at the door of new house for newlyweds as “bride and groom” trees. The trees lasted much longer the marriages I am sure.
Not only is the Buttonball Tree big, it is historically significant. And old. I mean really, really old. The tree is estimated at being between 350 and 400 years old. And you thought you were getting long in the tooth.
Without further delay, ladies and gentlemen…the Buttonball Tree….
In 1987, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of signing of the Constitution, a plaque was engraved in a stone and placed in front of the tree. The plaque is engraved with the following:
1787 THE NATIONAL 1987 ARBORIST ASSOCIATION AND THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETYOF ARBORICULTURE JOINTLY RECOGNIZE THIS SIGNIFICANT TREE IN THIS BICENTENNIAL YEAR AS HAVING LIVED HERE AT THE TIME OF THE SIGNING OF OUR CONSTITUTION
Don’t forget to Connect with me on Facebook (this isn’t part of the inscription)
The Eastern States Exposition Center in West Springfield, MA has gone to the dogs. Literally.
The Exposition Center hosted the Great Barrington Kennel Club Dog Show this weekend and there were a wide variety of dogs to view, sometimes pat and of course photograph! Every dog was beautiful in her or his way and there was dogs of all kinds for any dog lover to appreciate! I tried to photograph dogs of a variety of breeds and sizes. There were so many cute dogs so this wasn’t a problem. I hope you enjoy the photos of these cute beasts!
There were large dogs like this 2 and a half year old Great Dane named Leo.
And small dogs like this 15 month old Pomeranian named Scarlett.
And there were dogs of all shapes in between! As you can tell, there were dogs of all sizes and colors.
The dogs were judged in groups at different times throughout the day and the winning dogs received ribbons. One of the things that stood out to me There were so many cute dogs to see at the event. Below are some of the beautiful dogs I saw at the show.
Annie is a 1 year old Belgian Tervuren.
Albert is a 15 month old Lhasa Apso
Cooper is a 4 year old Irish Setter.
Charlie is a 6 month old Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
This smiley 18 month old Siberian Husky is Squishy.
But, how does he see? Jambo is a 2 and a half year old Briard.
Named after the hot and humid southeast to southwestwinds originating as hot, dry desert-air over NorthernAfrica, Sirocco is a 4 and a half year old Portuguese Water Dog.
As you may be able to tell the second photo, the Portuguese Water Dog is often groomed to show off his posterior. In addition to their tails, which act as rudders, the short trimmed fur helps them swim.
What would a dog show be without a Golden Retriever? Sometimes you just gotta have Faith, a 4 year old Golden Retriever.
Jubi (short for Jubilee) is a 1 year old Samoyed.
Sadie is an 8 month old German Shepherd.
Tess, a 1 and a half year old Airedale Terrier, is a search and rescue dog in training.
This affectionate 2 year old Burnese Mountain Dog is Dylan.
Breanna is a 7 month Clumber Spaniel
Blaze is a Portuguese Waterdog.
Lucca, named after the Italian city by the same name, is a 3 year old Belgian Shepherd. All of that posing makes you hungry!
Kensi, an adorable 6 month old English French Bulldog, barked at my camera while he posed for me. Cameras can be scary things!
Tasha is a 2 year old Gordon Setter.
Believe it or not, even Saint Bernards are small at some point in their life. Night Blu Sky is a 3 month old Saint.
That’s one way to get his attention! Hampton is a 3 month old Skipper Key.
Harleigh, a 9 month old Great Pyranese, is a therapy dog for special needs people and seniors.
Dizzy is a 2 year old French Bulldog.
Clyde is a 1 year old German Short Haired Pointer.
Billy is an 11 month old Irish Setter.
Flair is a 19 month old Saint Bernard.
Maikai Maika is a 13 month old Saint Bernard.
Eliza is a 6 month old Smooth Collie.
Sophie (in the back and on the left in the photos from left to right) is a 5 year old Newfie. Berg, her daughter , is 5 months old.
Titan is a 9 month old Great Pyranese.
Limerick, a 2 year old Brussels Griffin, looks like he’s saying, “What are you looking at?” Just looking at a cute dog.
Leo is an 8 month old Cavalier King Chafrles Spaniel.
Peyton is a 1 year old Soft-coated Wheaton Terrier
Benjamin is a 3 year old Corgi
Mac, a 15 month old English Mastiff, is a gentle giant.
Maybelline is also an English Mastiff.
Tabitha is a 7 month old Chow.
Apollo, a 200 pound and 5 year old Saint Bernard, won “Best Of Breed.”
Timber is a 2 year old Rodesian Ridgeback.
Brie is a 4 year old Standard Poodle.
Capone is a 2 year old English Mastiff.
Juice, named after the acclaimed singer Juice Newton (yes I am being serious), is a one year old Chinese Shar-Pei.
No, that is not “Cousin It.” Sorry for the decades old reference. Mirror is a Bergamasco Shepherd.
Jasper is a 4 year old English Sheep Dog.
Elda is a 2 year old English Setter.
Unfortunately, I was unable to get the name of this cute Colored Bull Terrier
Mica is a 2 year old Wire haired Pointing Griffon.
There were also vendors at the event who sold everything from clothing and jewelry to pet treats and toys.
While the dogs were judged and winners were selected, they’re all winners in my book!
Dates Of Event: January 28 and January 29, 2017 (it’s usually held the last week of January or the first week of February each year at the Eastern States Exposition Center)
Location: Eastern States Exposition Center, 1305 Memorial Avenue
West Springfield MA, exhibits are in three buildings (the Mallory Building, the Stroh Building and The Better Living Center, they are all adjacent or connected to each other)
Hours: Saturday, January 28, 2017 – 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday January 29, 2017 – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cost: Adults: $14.00 per day
Children 15 and under: FREE Accompanied by an Adult
EASTERN STATES PARKING: $5.00 per day
Tickets may be purchased online or at the site. Tickets go on sale a the ticket booths one hour before the event
Parking: Parking is available for a $5 fee (not included in the ticket price) at the Gate 9 entrance. Get there early as it does fill up
Handicapped Accessible: Yes
Highlights: model trains and train sets, vintage model trains, elaborate train sets, family friendly
The annual Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show proved trains are not just for children. The fact of the matter is the hobby show is fun for people of all ages. In fact, watching some of the older men and women get into their train sets and even get dressed up as conductors is one of the best parts of the show.
But, the best part is watching the children get excited to play with and watch the trains.
There are many activities at the hobby show geared for children. There is an instructional event where children can learn how to make their own model trees, a table which has buttons for the children to use to move the trains or turn the lights of the train set off and on. There is also a tor train that kids can take, with their parents or guardians, that makes a short journey inside the exhibition hall and other fun activities for children as well as a clown.
There were dozens, if not hundreds, of train sets set up.
While the trains were cool, I actually liked looking at the little accessories that people used to dot the landscapes of their sets.
Some of the city and town layouts were pretty elaborate and detailed.
There was also a cool Lego display. Everything on this display was made out of Lego pieces.
What made this display cool were the hidden characters and objects in the display such as the Beatles crossing Abbey Road (and about to be hit by a truck)
Batman (and friends)
Some famous vehicles
There were a lot more hidden surprises in the display, Can you find more in these photos?
Not all of the trains were small, though. These model trains were displayed at the show. But, they did not have a track big enough for them!
And, of course, there was the steam locomotive displayed outside the event. Children could goon the locomotive and, if they were lucky, they could hear the train toot and spray some steam into the air. It’s a great way to end a day of looking at just model trains.
Video of a dinosaur train, you read that right,…and perhaps the most famous train
Duck, duck, chicken? That is the theme at the Northeastern Poultry Congress this weekend at the Eastern States Exposition Center in West Springfield, MA.
The poultry congress has chickens and other poultry of all kinds.
In fact, there were rows and rows of chicken being displayed and/or sold.
I had never considered the beauty of a chicken, or other fowl, before. They really are beautiful and interesting looking. The chickens and other poultry were available for purchase and somee were being judged. Adults and children could be seen carrying chickens for purchase. I was surprised how the chickens and other fowl didn’t seem to resist or peck when they were being held (always with their face toward the persons body).
There were also chicks in an incubator.
These turkeys made it through the holiday season.
There were also events for children such as an event where the children both judged and exhibkited different poultry.
Concession stands were also available, although I didn’t see fried chicken on the menus.
There were also vendors selling art, nick knacks and other items.
The poultry weren’t the only cute animals at the show. One of the vendors brought her own little pet with her to the show.
The Northeastern Poultry Congress usually only stops by the Eastern States Exposition Center once a year. But, you may be able to catch it at other venues throughout the year (refer too the web site shown above to see if it is stopping by a venue near you). So, don’t be a chicken! Stop by and visit the lovely poultry if you do notice it is in your area.
Location: Bridge St (no really, it’s called Bridge St) and Old Gilbertville Rd, Ware – Hardwick, MA
Cost: Free
Hours:Open everyday, 24 hours a day
Parking: Despite the signs to the contrary, you can park on the side of the road on Bridge St. Parking isn’t available on the other side which leads to Old Gilbertville Rd.
Handicapped Accessible: Yes
Highlights: Covered Bridge in Central Mass
Many years ago, wooden bridges, particularly covered bridges used to dot the landscapes of Massachusetts.
Now, Massachusetts only has about a dozen covered bridges that you can drive on. Although it may not seem sturdy, the Ware-Hardwick Bridge, also known as the Granville Bridge because the bridge is in the unincorporated village of Gilbertville which is considered part of Hardwick, is one of the few remaining traffic worthy covered bridges in Massachusetts.
The Ware-Hardwick Bridge, or Hardwick-Ware Bridge depending on which way you’re traveling, is 139.1 feet long and is 130.9 feet at its largest span. It is 19.7 feet wide and 14.4 feet tall. I suspect trucks would have to seek alternate routes because of the low clearance. But, according to the state Department of Transportation, there currently is no weight limit for vehicles passing through. Trucks wouldn’t typically use this bridge, in any event, since it is located on a side road.
The Ware-Hardwick Bridg crosses the Ware River which was relatively calm and iced over in some parts during my visit.
The bridge, which is a covered through lattice wooden single-web, double-chord truss design, was originally built in 1887 according to public records, despite the sign bearing the year 1886 just above the entrance on the Ware side. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 8, 1986, roughly 100 years after it was originally built.
The original bridge only had a capacity of 6 “short tons” (5.4 tons). It was closed down in 2002 to restore the structural integrity of the bridge due in part to an insect infestation. The bridge re-opened in October, 2010 after a $1.9 million restoration project.
Fun fact: the bridge was one of the few bridges to survive a major flooding on the Ware River in 1936.
Location: Central Tree Rd, Rutland, MA (I can give you the exact address if you are planning on visiting) (about half an hour northwest of Worcester, MA and 1 hour west of Boston, MA)
Hours: Everyday, 24 hours a day
Cost: Free
Parking: You can park on the side of street or park at one of the farms or stables on the road and walk over to it
Handicapped Accessible: Ye
Dog Friendly: Yes
Highlight: A maple tree planted at the geographical center of the state of MA
This may look like any ordinary tree, an ordinary maple tree to be exact. But, it is actually a very special tree.
The tree located on appropriately named Central Tree Rd is the marker for the exact geographical center of the state of Massachusetts.
Previously, an Elm tree stood there but it died of Dutch Elm disease around 1969. The red maple tree was planted as a replacement.
A small wooden fence with a sign on it marks the center of the state.
New England Nomad 