Category Archives: photography

February 10, 2017

Lego Wall (Boston, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: January 5, 2017

Location: Next to Dunkin’ Donuts, 330 Congress St, Boston, MA

Hours: Accessible everyday, 24 hours a day

Dog Friendly: Yes

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Highlights: Art display of Lego tiles in a brick wall

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You never know what you’ll see while you walk along our city streets.  Statues, dog, lego walls.  Yes, you read that correctly.  A Lego Wall!  But, this is not the first work of art to appear on a brick wall on Congress St.

Well, the display doesn’t look like a Lego display but more like a wooden cut out. The “Lego Wall” name is actually a holdover from an earlier display on Congress St.

After noticing a hole in a section of the wall on Congress St, a artist took notice and decided to do something about it.  Nate Swain, a former landscape architect, stealthily filled in the gap in the wall at 342 Congress St one Sunday night with a rather unusual material, Legos.

Weeks, months passed by while people stared, pointed, giggled and maybe weven shook their heads a few times at the work of art by an anonymous artist.  Until recently.

Nate Swain finally publicly came forward as the artist who created the first Lego Wall.  Imagine the joy he got as he walked past the display as other passersby scratched their heads or had a chuckle.  There’s nothing like being in on an inside joke.

Unfortunately, the parking lot which stood next to the Lego Wall has been closed to make way for “affordable luxury housing.”  Oxymoron aside, it also meant the Lego Wall had to go.

For some time, the brick walls of Congress St laid bare without a Lego Wall or any other work of art to admire or photograph for that magtter.  However, in December of 2016 a different artist decided to put her own work of art on display on Congress St.

Boston artist and writer Daisy Razor (not her real name), decided to put her own brand of art on the walls of Congress St (next to the Dunkin’ Donuts at 330 Congress St to be exact).

The art is still there as of post.  But, with our weather elements and other “forces of nature” (the original Lego Wall had been vandalized at least on one occasion) it’s unclear how long it will stay there. 

Fun fact: this trend of fixing up walls with Legos is not limited to the United States. German artist Jan Vormann has also used Legos to dress up some architecture he has come across in his travels.

Who would ever think there would be so much history and background to Lego art?

19 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , | posted in art, Boston, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

February 8, 2017

Buttonball Tree (Sunderland, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: January 5, 2017

Location: 158 N. Main St, Sunderland, MA

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

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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….

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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

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15 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , | posted in Greenfield, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, trees, Uncategorized, western massachusetts

February 6, 2017

Great Barrington Kennel Club Dog Show (Eastern States Exposition Center, West Springfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Event: February 4 and 5 (the dates may vary but usually it is the first weekend in February)

Location: Better Living Center at the Eastern States Exposition Center (1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA)

Hours: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Cost: Free (there is a fee to park)

Parking: $5 to park at Gate 9 for the entire time you stay.  There is ample parking for the event

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly:  Of course!

Web Site: Great Barrington Kennel Club Dog Show

Great Barrington kennel Club Web Site: Great Barrington Kennel Club

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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 Northern Africa, 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.

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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!

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22 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , | posted in dog show, dogs, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized, West Springfield, western massachusetts

February 2, 2017

Gun Totem (Providence, RI)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: September 24, 2016

Location: S Main St, Providence, RI

Hours: Accessible everyday,  24 hours a day

Cost: Free

Parking: There is on street parking and several parking garages in the area

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlight: concrete obelisk constructed with over 1,000 real guns embedded in the concrete of the structure

 

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I found this group of photos from a visit to Providence, Rhode Island last summer.  I was originally going to post it on my Facebook page.  But, since not everyone has liked my Facebook page (you really should), I decided to post it here.  But, I do periodically post additional photos, videos and other fun stuff on my Facebook page that I don’t post on WordPress.  So, think about joining it.  OK, enough shameless self-promoting.

Built from 1,000 reclaimed guns from the Guns For Goods gun buy back program, the Gun Totem is a 12 foot obelisk made of concrete and 1,000 guns.  Perhaps not coincidentally, the totem is located across the courthouse in Providence, Rhode Island.

Award winning artist Boris Bally created the monument in 2001.  The concrete was chipped away to reveal the guns giving the guns a fossilized look.  Or, as Bailey is quoted and saying:

“All aboriginal cultures, including this country’s own native American culture, build totemic structures to serve as venerated symbols of a clan or family… It will act as a monolithic, metallic warning and ‘mojo’ to ward off evil and violence so prevalent in today’s society. A crew of volunteer ‘archaeologists’ aided me in carefully chipping away areas of the concrete skin to reveal the ‘fossilized’ handguns beneath.”

 

25 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , | posted in art, gun totem, guns, New England, obelisk, photographs, photography, photos, Providence, Rhode Island, Uncategorized

February 1, 2017

Kittery Trading Post (Kittery, ME)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: January 21, 2017

Location: The Maine Outlet Shopping Center, 301 US-1, Kittery, ME

Hours:Monday – Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (they have extended hours during the holiday season)

Cost: Free

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Parking: There is a big parking lot behind the store

Highlights: large shopping center, wood carvings

Web Site: Kittery Trading Post Facebook Page

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While Maine may be best known for its majestic lighthouses and popular beaches, there are other attractions for the less outdoorsy types.

At first glance, the Kittery Trading Post looks like a group of shops.  It’s easy to make this mistake since the Kittery Premium Outlets are located farther down the same road on US-Route 1.  But, the Kittery Trading Post is one store.The three story building is known as much for its decor as it is known for its wide selection of goods.  Originally geared for the outdoor aficionado, evident by the hunting apparel and accessories, the Kittery Trading Post is so much more now.

Although the store is a lot of fun to browse and shop at, the outdoor attractions may be even more entertaining.

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16 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , | posted in carvings, Kittery, Maine, New England, photographs, photography, photos, shop, shopping, store, Uncategorized

January 30, 2017

Amherst Society Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show (Eastern States Exposition Center, West Springfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

 

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

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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.

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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)

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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

16 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , | posted in family friendly, Massachusetts, model trains, New England, photographs, photography, photos, train sets, trains, Uncategorized, West Springfield

January 29, 2017

Ordinary Matter (Boston Convention Center, South Boston, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: January 12, 2017

Location: Boston Convention Center (415 Summer St, Boston, MA)

Hours: Reception was January 21, 2017, 6-8.

Cost: Free

Parking: If you choose to park in their garage:

Weekday Rates:
0 – 1 Hour: $12
1 – 2 Hours: $18
2 -3 Hours: $24
3 – 10 Hours: $28
10 – 24 Hours: $32
Weeknight Rates:
Evenings: Enter Mon-Fri, 4 p.m. – 6 a.m., Exit before 8 a.m.
0 – 1 Hour: $10
1 – 3 Hours: $14
Over 3 Hours (until 8 a.m.): $18
Weekend Rates:
Sat, Sun & Holidays – Enter after 6 a.m., Exit before 8 a.m. the next day. 
0 – 1 Hour: $10
1 – 3 Hours: $14
Over 3 Hours (until 8 a.m.): $18
Monthly Passes:
Monthly – Reserved (limited availability): $500
Monthly – 24/7: $375
Monthly – Weekday Only: $350
Monthly – Nights/Weekends: $150
(Mon-Fri, in after 4 p.m., out by 10 a.m.; Weekends & Holidays, all day)
There is sometimes metered street parking available or other parking garges in the area.
Also, the Boston Convention Center is within walking distance ( 1 mile) from the South Station MBTA stop on the Red line and about half a milr from the World Trade Center  Green Line stop)
Handicapped Accessible: Yes
Web Site: Ordinary Matter
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It’s amazing how the ordinary things in life can bring us so much joy and make us content.  But, such is the art exhibit now being displayed at the Boston Convention Center in South Boston, MA.

During my visit to the New England International Auto Show, I noticed some striking art work in the lobby of the Boston Convention Center.

Ordinary Matter is an art exhibit that celebrates the history of still life.  Still life art is said to have began in  ancient Egypt and later became popularized by Dutch still life painters.  Now, it is a big hit in Boston.

The exhibit featured 9 the works of nine Massachusetts artists whose works were hung in the lobby area of the Boston “Convention Center.

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“Still Life” (2011) by Patricia Busso is an acrylic on wood painting.  According to the placard next to the painting, Patricia says that painting reminds her to take time to absorb the natural world.  She hopes her work is evocative of the unassuming beauty she seeks in the natural world.

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Brett X Gamache’s “Fish On A Yellow Plate” (2010) is a photographic reproduction of oil on canvas.  Brett, who lives and works in Salem (MA), has a MFA from the University of New Hampshire and a BFA from Mass Art.

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“Britton Gyre” (2012) by Nicole Duennebier is a photographic reproduction of acrylic on wood panel.  A Hartford, CT  native, Nicole received her Bachelor in Fine Arts at Maine College of Art with a major in painting.  She says she saw a natural connection between the darkness and the intricacy of undersea regions and the aesthetic of 16th century Dutch still life painting.

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From a distance, this looked like a real shelf with mugs and other beverageware.  But, “Still Life With Seven Objects” (2010) is a photographic reproduction of oil on canvas painted by David Harrison.  He received his BFA in fine arts/painting from Maryland Institute College of Art.

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“Hidden Window” (2015) by Michael Zachary is a photographic reproduction of hand-drawn marks.  He holds a BA from Bowdoin College and an MFA from Massachusetts College of Art.  His work has been featured in many exhibitions such as the Lux Eros Gallery in Los Angeles.

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Why am I hungry all of a sudden?  “Checkout” (2015) is an ink and digital work of art by Corey Corcoran.  Corey earned a BA at Massachusetts College of Art and he completed a residency at Vermont Studio Center in Johnson, VT.  His work has been displayed at a variety of venues nation wide.

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“Wherever You Rest Your Head” (2015) is a photographic reproduction of crayon, ink, gouache, oil pastel and acrylic on paper by Elisa H. Hamilton.  Elisa is a graduate of Massachusetts College of Art and Design where she earned a BFA in Painting.  Her work has been shown in a varieety of exhibitions.

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“Sunflowers In Mason Jar” (2005) by Maureen O’Connor is a photographic reproduction of oil on wood panel.  She earned a BFA from Massachusetts College of Art And Design.  Her work has been shown extensively throughout the country.

 

 

 

 

 

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This reminds me, where did I leave my keys?  I know they’re somewhere around here.  Anyways,  “Clink” (2008) by J.B. Jones is an oil on canvas painting.  An architect by profession, J.B.’s works can be found in private and corpofrate collections throughout New England.  He says his goal is to “create paintings from which the viewer might bring back one small pearl of real feeling.”

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8 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , | posted in art, Boston, Massachussetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

January 25, 2017

Fort Foster State Park (Kittery Point, ME)

By New England Nomad

 

Date Of Visit: January 21, 2017

Location: Pocahontas Rd, Gerrish Island, Kittery Point, ME

Cost: $10 per vehicle; pedestrians or bicyclists $5 adults/$1 under 12 (free during the off season)

Hours: Dawn to dusk for pedestrians; gates open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (presently closed for the season, opens in May)

Parking: The gate was up during my visit so everyone parked along the road in front of the entrance.  When the parking is officially open, there are parking areas available.

Park Size/Trail Difficulty: 88 acres, easy trail difficulty

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: fort, trails, family friendly, play area for children, jetty, views of Kittery, lighthouse

Web Site: Fort Foster State Park

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As a disclaimer, since it had previously snowed in Maine and the weather turned much warmer, the trails were slushy and muddy and I didn’t have my boots on.  So, I wasn’t able to walk the entire trail system at the park.  However, the trails I did walk were pretty even and easy to navigate with a few slight inclines.

Named after John Gray Foster, a Major-General in the United States Army, Fort Foster Park has so much to offer the entire family.  Kids (and a few adults) will love plating at the playground area, especially the playhouse with the tree growing out of it.

Or, if you’re a military history buff,you will enjoy the various military installations.  This is one of the forts at the park.

The trees at Fort Foster State Park are particularly majestic.

The southernmost park in Maine, Foster Park also has a pier with wonderful views of the Piscataqua River and the Whaleback Lighthouse.  To the right of the lighthouse isWood Island Life Saving Station on Wood Island.  It looks like a bridge or perhaps another pier in the water to the left of the pier on the way to Eood Island.  I loved how the clouds played with the landscape and gaave an ominous yet beautiful backdrop to the river.   .

The tide was low and the sand was surprisingly firm,.  So I was able to walk out pretty far and get some shots of the water and the landscape across the water.  The Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse can be viewed across the river in the final photo.

The Piscataqua River, which flows into Portsmouth (NH), is a busy waterway for birds and boats.  I saw quite a few of both in or above the river.

It’s funny how you see so many funny things on the trails at parks.  Anyone lose a shoe or croc?

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Fort Foster State Park is a dog friendly park.  I saw many cute dogs at the park during my visit.  But, as one visitor told me, during the spring and summer the park is packed with dogs.  Since it was an unseasonably mild January day, I ran into a fair share of them.

While I was walking the path to the park, I saw a man throwing a ball to a cute dog.  So, of course, I had to ask for a photo.  Charlie, a 1 and a half year old Feist, is looking so intently at his dad because he wanted him to throw the ball to him.

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As I walked along the park, I saw another beautiful dog in a beautiful setting.  Omar, an 8 year old Greyhound, is a rescue who used to race.  He is now retired but he still likes to run and play.  And, as you can see by the photos, he loves his mom.

Missy, a Golden Retriever, and Ruby, a Flatcoat Retriever, (from left to right) both 6 months, are sisters.  Because of the sharp, dark color of Ruby’s fur and the shadows from the sun, it was hard to pick up her features.  But, trust me she is beautiful.

Java The Pup is an 8 year old (almost 9) Poodle.  Not only is he cute, he also does tricks!

Below is a video (360 degrees no less) of the low tide at Fort Foster.

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12 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , | posted in boats, dogs, family friendly, Kittery Point, lighthouse, Maine, photographs, photography, photos, trees, Uncategorized

January 19, 2017

Williamsburg General Store (Williamsburg, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: January 14, 2017

Location: 12 Main St, Williamsburg, MA

Hours: Open daily, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Parking: There are about 5 parking spots in front of the store and room for about a dozen more cars in the rear parking lot.

Handicapped Accessible: There is a ramp on the side of thhe store but it may still be difficult getting through the entrance door.

Highlights: Daily baked bread and other baked goods, ice cream parlor, historical

Web Site: Williamsburg General Store

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As a youngster, I used to love the family trips to New Hampshire and other far flung parts of Massachusetts.  One of the sharpest memories I have are visiting the local general store (I especially liked the old time “penny candy”, funny how  somethings never change).

A recent search on Google retrieved 3 general stores in the Western Mass area (basically west of Springfield, MA).  While their numbers are dwindling, these shops still exist and I was lucky enough to find one in my travels in Williamsburg, MA.

Since the weather has been cold and the trails icy, we nixed our plans to hike some of the trails in the area.  Luckily, the Williamsburg General Store was located near the center of town.

The general store has been a staple of the town for over 140 years.

The general store, built in 1876, still has the original furnace that was used with the fireplace that once stood in the front part of the store.  I couldn’t help to think of all of the famous, and not so famous, people who had walked through the store before me.  It’s also survived the Depression, recessions and, not least of all, New England winters.

The general store seems custom built for tourists.  Memories rushed over me as I walked past the stuffed animals, t shirts with quirky sayings and other tchotchkes you would only purchase when you’re on vacation for some reason.  It is deceivingly long inside.

The ice cream parlor area used to be a post office years ago.  There is a table and chairs to sit down at and enjoy your coffee, ice cream or other treats.  And the bread, pastry and other bake goods are baked fresh everyday by one of the employees who travels at least half an hour each way to work there.

It’s not dumb luck this store has lasted so long.  The nostalgia, homey feel and pleasant staff make this place a great shop to stop by on one of your journeys to Western Massachusetts.

16 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , | posted in general store, historical, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized, western massachusetts, Williamsburg

January 16, 2017

Northeastern Poultry Congress (Eastern States Exposition Center, West Springfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Event: January 13, 14 and 15, 2017 (photos taken January 14)

Location: Eastern States Exposition Center (1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA), Mallory Building, Gate 9

Hours: January 13 3:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m., January 14 9:00 a.m. – 4:00  p.m., January 15 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Cost: Admission is free

Parking: Free ample parking is located at or near the Mallory Building parking lot

Handicapped Accessible: Yes, the Mallory Building is handicapped accessible

Dog Friendly: Service dogs may be allowed

Web Site: Northeastern Poultry Congress

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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.

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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.

21 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in chickens, Eastern States Exposition Center, Massachusetts, photographs, photography, photos, poultry, Uncategorized, West Springfield