Tag Archives: Massachusetts

January 19, 2017

Williamsburg General Store (Williamsburg, MA)

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

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: general store, Historical, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Western Massachusetts | 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

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.

21 Comments | tags: birds, chicken, ducks, Eastern States Exposition, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, poultry, turkeys, West Springfield | posted in chickens, Eastern States Exposition Center, Massachusetts, photographs, photography, photos, poultry, Uncategorized, West Springfield

January 4, 2017

Ware-Hardwick Covered Bridge (Hardwick-Ware, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: December 26, 2016

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.

Below is a video of us driving over the bridge.

30 Comments | tags: bridge, Hardwick, Historical, history, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Ware, Ware-Hardwick Covered Bridge | posted in historical, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

January 2, 2017

Geographical Center Of Massachusetts (Rutland, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: December 26, 2016

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.

I’m sure the residents love all the attention.

13 Comments | tags: Attraction, fun, Historical, landmark, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Rutland, tree | posted in historical, landmark, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, trees, Uncategorized

January 2, 2017

Feeding Time At Stanley Park (Westfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: December 28, 2016

Location: 400 Western Ave, Westfield, MA (about 2 hours west of Boston, MA and about 20 minutes west of Springfield, MA)

Cost: Free

Hours: Presently open everyday 8 a.m. -4:30 p.m. (hours change depending upon the season)

Parking: There are a few different parking areas. The main parking lot on Western Ave has room for about 200 cars.

Handicapped Accessible: The playground area, fields and picnic areas are but the trails and many of the walkways are not.

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: hiking trails, birds, wildlife, pond, flower garden, statues

Often considered the jewel of Westfield, Massachusetts, Stanley Parkis one of the prettiest parks in Western Massachusetts and it looks even more picturesque after a snowfall.

Due to the recent cold spell and snow, the pond and much of the vegetation at Stanley Park had been iced over so they were eager to get some food. As a disclaimer, most parks do not encourage you to feed birds. But, if you do, there are certain foods you should never feed to ducks. Bread is the biggest no-no on most list. These are some better foods to feed to birds.

At any rate, visitors like to feed the birds at Stanley Park and that gave me an usually good chance to photograph some beautiful ducks.

There were so many birds congregating at the pond waiting for a nibble of food.

Luckily, one of the visitors at the park, Jim, brought some food for the hungry birds.

Jim’s dog took the birds in stride.

I have photographed Stanley Park before and, since it is very close to my mom’s house, I always try to make a visit out there as often as I can.So, you may sees posts about this park from time to time.

Stanley Park, or Stanley as it is more commonly known as, is a popular spot for dogs like Sansa is a 5 month old Siberian Husky.

Below is a video of feeding time at Stanley Park:

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13 Comments | tags: birds, dogs, ducks, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, pond, Westfield | posted in birds, dogs, ducks, ice, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, pond, snow, Uncategorized, Westfield

January 1, 2017

Norman Rockwell Museum (Stockbridge, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date of Visit: October 15, 2016

Location: 9 Glendale Rd, Stockbridge, MA

Hours:

May – October and holidays:
open daily: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

November – April: open daily:
Weekdays: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Weekends and holidays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Parking: There is a large parking area for 100 or more cars across from the museum.

Handicapped Accessible: Yes, and they even have a separate parking lot for handicapped parking beside the museum

Dog Friendly: No

Highlights: original art work by Norman Rockwell, other works of art by various artists, sculptures behind the museum

Web Site: Normal Rockwell Museum

Nothing may say Americana like the work of Norman Rockwell. And, in a small town in the Berkshires you can still view this idyllic vision of America from so long ago.

But, even before you enter the museum, there is art abound. Along the walk way to the museum there are these unique sculptures and works of art.

Since it was the middle of October during our visit, the grounds of the museum were bursting with colors.

Rockwell was a prolific artist and his work is widely regarded as being some of the finest art in modern American history. Virtually every home, office or school has at one point hung a Rockwell painting, or more accurately somewhere in their building. In fact, I remember seeing this one in my doctor’s office.

The museum allows photograpy, just not flash photography. So, make sure to grab your DSLR or make sure your camera phone is fully charged before you go.

It’s so hard to choose the best Rockwell painting, especially since everyone has different tastes. But, here are a few of the paintings at the museum.

Throughout the day, a curator or other staff member gives a brief lecture on the life and works of Norman Rockwell.

There are also works of art by other artists at the museum. They range from more traditional works of art to modern works of art. There wa also a special tribute to cartoonist and satirist Thomas Nast during our visit.

Behind the museum is an open area with sculptures, some of who were sculpted by Norman Rockwell’s son, Peter Rockwell. The art work is very creative.

“Monster” made from fiberglass resin by Peter Rockwell, 2014

Sculpture by Peter Rockwell

“Junkyard Baby Buggie” made of license plates, tools, hubcaps, antique bottle and miscellaneous articles by Thomas Fiorini listed at $11,000.

Sculpture by Peter Rockwell

“Birdy Buggy” by Erika Crofut. Made of steel, vines and trash treasures. Listed at $2,200.

“Nuclear Family Totem” by Angelo J Sinisi, made of steel and bronze. For the low low price of $4,000.

“Christmas Buggy On Main” by Dee Moretto, made from wood, bondo, metal, fabric and paint.

“Bedrock Carriage” made of gypsum cement, copper and mocha moss, made by Thomas Mesquita. It’s all yours for $3,000.

“Bachelor” by Nicole Peskin made of found objects and welded steel. Listed at $9,000. Maybe I need one of these for my bachelor pad.

Sculpture by Peter Rockwell

There is also a tour of Norman Rockwell’s studio.

21 Comments | tags: art, Massachusetts, New England, Norman Rockwell, photographs, Photography, photos, Stockbridge | posted in art, Massachusetts, photographs, photography, photos, Stockbridge, Uncategorized, western massachusetts

December 29, 2016

PYR 2014 (Boston, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: November 4, 2016

Location: Fort Point Channel, corner of Dorchester Ave and Summer Street, Boston, MA

Cost: Free

Hours: 24 hours a day

Handicapped Friendly: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Web Site: PYR 2014

Highlights: Sculpture of a pyramid in Boston’s Fort Point Channel

If you’re hoping to view pyramids, you don’t have to book that trip to Egypt quite just yet. You only need to make a visit to Boston, MA, to see a pyramid of grand dimensions. The pyramid located in Boston named PYR 2014, which was sculpted by Boston-based sculptor Don Eyles, is said to be a sculpture that marks the past and future history.

The pyramid is made of plastic blocks which have been painted to look like the paving stones of the streets of Boston. It is more of a white shade. But, with the sun and the shade it threw that day, Mother Nature made it look a much darker color in some photos.

But how did they get this sculpture in the channel? Did they use some complicated contraption? A pulley system? Was there a helicopter drop? No. Nothing so elaborate was necessary. This link show how they did it.

Cormorants like the pyramid also.

The pyramid is 10 feet high and 16 feet wide and built from polystyrene, a synthetic aromatic polymer made from the monomer styrene.

The pyramid was slated to be on display until November 15 of 2014. But, as of the time I took the photos in November of 2016 it was still there.

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13 Comments | tags: art, birds, Boston, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos | posted in art, birds, Boston, Massachusetts, New England, sculpture, Uncategorized

December 29, 2016

Mass Audubon North River Wildlife Sanctuary (Marshfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: December 4, 2016

Location: 2000 Main St, Marshfield, MA (about 45 minutes south of Boston, MA)

Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30 am-4 pm
Sat (April-December), 9 am-4 pm
Closed Sundays (hours may change depending on the season)

Trails are open dawn to dusk

Cost: Members: Free
Nonmembers:
$4 Adults
$3 Children (2-12)
$3 Seniors (65+)

Parking: There are about a 15-20 parking spaces in the main parking area (street parking may also be available)

Dog Friendly: No, Mass Audubon parks do not allow dogs

Handicapped Friendly: No, the trails are rocky and hard to navigate in some areas

Trail Size/Difficulty: 225 acres, 2.5 mile loop, easy trail difficulty with gentle inclines

Highlights: birds, wildlife, views of the water, boardwalks, nature center

Web Site: North River Wildlife Sanctuary

Trail Map: North River Wildlife Sanctuary Trail Map

Nestled about half way between Boston, MA to the north and Caped Cod to the south, Marshfield, MA is a serene trail that also happens to bethe home to one of the best places for bird watching.

North River Wildlife Sanctuary actually has two sections to the trails. At least I consider them two sections. The trail from the nature education center

The trails at North River are easy with some slight inclines. Boardwalks allow access over marshland and wetland. However, not all of the trails are on clearly marked trails. Look for yellow and blue marked trees to ensure you stay on the trails. .

Along the trail closest to the nature center, there is a trail that is mostly dirt with soem gravel paths and boardwalks. If you do take some side trails (I suggest you do), you may come across some trails like the one pictured above that is covered in leaves and not clearly defined. Most trails are even with some minor inclines.

Along the trails there are some educational and recreational objects.

This sign identifies a certain type of bark and needles along the trail. There is also a tent for visitors to play with. There used to be two of them but they felt it made visitors too tense.

The Woodland Loop (the main trail from the educational center) leads to the Hannah Ames Trail (named after a former resident of the land). The 2.5 mile loop is easy with some pretty views. I heard lots of birds but failed to photograph many of them (this is atheme with my visit as you will see later). But the views are pretty and a boardwalk covers some wetland.

The gem of the sanctuary, has to be the trail that leads to the boardwalk with the observation platform by the North River. The signs for the River Loop trail, which veers off from the Woodland Loop after a quarter of a mile or so, are sort of tucked away. As a reference point, if you reach the tent on the Woodland Loop you’ve gone too far.

Once you cross the busy Summer Street (be careful), you will see a trail that leads to an open area with views of the North River in the distance.

There is a well worn grass trail that leads to a boardwalk over a wetland area. Trust me, there is a bird in the first photo in the bottom row. I swear.

The boardwalk leads to a very cool observation platform with cattails and other plants and trees along the sides of the platform.

The views from the platform are very pretty. I didn’t see much bird activity and it was a fairly cold day with a blustery wind during my visit.

After leaving the platform area, I noticed a somewhat hidden trail, the Red Maple Loop. For some reason, perhaps because of the thick brush and because it is heavily wooded, this is where I saw and heard the most activity. In fact, I saw some bucks while I entered the trail but they caught me by surprise and I couldn’t get their photo. There were lots of birds on this trail though. Again, they’re very hard to photograph. But, I did manage to photograph a few of them.

This Mass Audubon site also utilizes solar power as part of their commitment to the environment.

Below is a video from the observation platform by the North River. As you can tell by the audio, it was a pretty windy day!

2 Comments | tags: birds, Hiking, marshfield, Massachusetts, Nature, New England, photographs, Photography, photos | posted in birds, hiking, marshfield, Massachusetts, nature, New England, photographs, photography, photos, trails, Uncategorized

December 24, 2016

Holiday Trellis (Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, Boston, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Event: Official lighting was November 21. Photos were taken December 9, 2016

Location: Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, 110 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA (near Tia’s and the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel)

Hours: Lights go on at dusk every day through out the holidays

Cost: Free

Parking: Parking in this part of the city is tough. If you can’t find street parking spaces, there is a parking garage at the Vpne parking garage located at 200 State St which is nearby. The Aquarium (on the MBTA’s Blue Line) and South Station (the Red Line on the MBTA) stops are also within walking distance.

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: Festive lights and decorations

Web Site: Holiday Trellis

There are several holiday displays in the city of Boston. You can skate and shop at the new Boston Winter attraction. You can view the light display at Faneuil Hall. Or, you can check out the tree at the Boston Common.

But, there is one holiday display that often goes unnoticed despite its festive display.

The Holiday Trellis display at Christopher Columbus Park in Boston’s historic North End, is home to one of the more beautiful light displays in the city.

The 260 foot trellis is lit up with 50,000 blue lights. A wreath decorated with a red bow and white lights hangs at the entrance to the trellis. Fourteen trees in the park are also lit up.

The lighting of the trellis is a big event at Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park. Refreshments are provided and a musical guest performs each year (this year the musical performance was by Sharon Zeffiro).

While playing with my camera, I noticed how the path and lights looked much brighter with certain settings.

While those phoros look cool, the actual colors are not as bright.

The trellis is pet friendly and the dogs seem to really like the lights which seem to sparkle when they shine on the path. Denali, a 1 year old Golden Retriever, stopped chasing the spots on the path to pose for a quick photo.

Happy holidays, however you celebrate (or don’t)! Thank you all for the holiday cheer and for all of your support throughout the year!

18 Comments | tags: Boston, holiday, lights, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, trellis | posted in Boston, holidays, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, trellis, Uncategorized

December 20, 2016

Christmas By Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village (Sturbridge, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates of Event: Every weekend in December, 2016, except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (photos taken on December 16, 2016)

Location: Old Sturbridge Village (1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd.
Sturbridge, MA) (about an hour and half west of Boston and 45 minutes east of Springfield, MA)

Price: Adults: $22 | Youth ages 4 –12: $14 | Children 3 and under: Free (there are discounts if you’re in the military and if you purchase your tickets before December 1st for future reference)

Hours: 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm for the Christmas By Candlelight event (regular November hours are 9:30 -4:00 but their hours and the days they are open change depending on the time of the year)

Parking:There are an ample parking in the parking lot but it does get full during big events like the Christmas By Candlelight event

Handicapped Accessible: No, unfortunately, many of the houses do not have ramps

Dog Friendly: No

Highlights: family-friendly, historical, living museum, actors, carolers, animals, horse drawn carriage

Web Site: Christmas By Candlelight At Old Sturbridge Village

Stage coach rides, carolers, time period actors, Christmas trees; these are a few of the magical attractions at the annual Candlelight Christmas event at Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

The first exhibit at the Old Sturbridge Village Museum is the gingerbread house contest. The contest is broken into 4 categories: adult professional (there are professional gingerbread house makers?), adult, youth and family. Some of the designs are very creative. Each visitor to the museum could vote for their favorite.

There are many houses with living actors who answer questions about the traditions and how Christmas was celebrated during the colonial and post colonial days,

There were also stations where you could get some mulled cider and, appropriately enough, freshly roasted chestnuts…on an open fire no less.

The houses were all decorated with lights (for safety purposes, lights replaced the candles which would have been used to light up the houses). I have tried to show a progression of how the houses looked as darkness descended on the village so there may be some duplicate photos of the same buildings.

All of the houses were open to the public, especially since it was another cold New England afternoon. The homes were all decorated in different eras. In fact, one could see the decor of diffeerent eras in each room in the house.

This shoppe was a realistic version of the shoppes of the day.

There were actors throughout the village. The last two gentlemen pictured below were playing instruments of the day. The man in the second photo is playing a Psaltery, an instrument dating back to the 3 B.C.E.

In one of the houses, The Ghost of Christmas Present waited for us. He told me he hasn’t had to scare anyone since Scrooge (not even any reality stars or politicians, apparently). So, he’s a pretty easyy going guy I guess. Tiny Tim’s cane leaned on a chair in the corner.

This actor was pretty quiet. He didn’t tell me much about his character. Hey, wait a second…

Of course there were carolers roaming the village and breaking into song when the mood struck them. They also sang, appropriately enough, “Oh Christmas Tree!” at the Christmas tree lighting ceremony.