Hadley's 350th Anniversary Celebration

With a parade, farm tour days, lectures and more, and a comprehensive website, this celebration is gaining steam as the halfway mark of the year is passed.
The Valley, and Hadley in particular, have long agricultural histories. Farming as a way of life is alive here in a way that becomes scarcer as food production becomes homogenized and consumers are distanced from food sources. CISA- Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture
Among the many ways that Hadley is being honored this year is with scholarship. Several volumes on the area have been planned.

Tom Pelissier of Belchertown, MA, has written a concise and colorful history of his French Canadian ancestors and the community that they lived in- our community. Tom's background in anthropology lends his short commentary authority and structure, while extensive research into the geneologies of his families has provided Tom with a personal connection to his subject. Beautiful and original illustrations by local artist Nancy Haver, as well as antique photographs, enhance the book aesthetically.

The French Canadians of Hadley Massachusetts; Why They Came and Why They Stayed, will be available shortly at the Hadley 350th Souvenir Shop.

Feel free to email the author at tompelissier@charter.net for further details.

For all of us who share his interest in our region, I highly recommend this volume.

Long Hollow Bison Farm, Hadley, MA

Long Hollow Bison Farm is not a regular destination for families, but they hold special events and seasonal events. I've been here on a couple of occasions for hayrides, but not for several years, in all honesty.
The farm is located on Rt. 9 in Hadley. Heading from Amherst to Northampton the farm is on your right, about half a mile past the malls.
The farm has been subject to a degree of debate because a lot of the land was sold to Lowe's for a big new store, which they are building right now, so if your kids like construction vehicles, that's a good reason to stop here in and of itself!

Flayvors of Cook Farm, Hadley, MA

This is a long-operating family farm. They offer lunches, ice cream, and other dairy products for sale in a little store/restaurant. Across the parking lot you can walk up to a pen of cows and say hi. There are usually a few chickens clucking around as well as a cat or so.

Inside, a large restroom is exceptionally clean. The staff here have been so friendly each time I've gone in. I have often stopped just to let the kids see the cows, but have made purchases on occasion as well and I've always been pleased with the quality of the items.

This is not a petting zoo. There is an electric fence adjacent to the viewing area - it is well marked but obviously your children will not care. It is muddy and smelly - it's a farm!

Flayvors of Cook Farm

Barnes & Noble, Hadley, MA

The children's section is a mixed bag. Of course, it is filled with beautiful books. It is also filled with so many shelves that your toddler is out of sight the instant he lets go of your hand. It is also filled with toys in boxes that require close supervision so that toddlers don't rip open packages. It is moreover filled with stuffed animals begging to participate in elaborate reenactments of Diego in the middle of the floor where people are trying to walk.
I have only attended one storytime here, but the fact that it was a disaster had nothing to do with the location and everything to do with my day. The story area is a slightly raised stage and is surrounded by child sized tables and chairs. Very cute.
At the other end of the section is the second "play area."
The restrooms are clean and nice, but inconvenient to the kids' area.
The food is Starbucks, so good coffee and high prices.

Barnes & Noble

UMass Barns, Hadley, MA

The public schedule for the barns is limited. The first Saturday of each month is the only time you are allowed to visit. Parking is in a large dirt lot. A footbridge leads over a muddy ditch, but it's in disrepair. You don't have to take the footbridge, but your kids may not be able to resist it. There are a few shady spots.

Three main barns house livestock, horses, and Mounted Police horses (this one usually closed to the public). A larger exposition building behind the main barns is open at times.
The Livestock Classic , an event held here each year, is a terrific opportunity to see the compound.
During this event you'll find food for sale from a couple of carts, many friendly animals and animal keepers, a small animal area (rabbits, gerbils..), tons of child oriented crafts. We really had a wonderful time at this event.

The Hadley Farm

North Hadley Sugar Shack, Hadley MA

During Maple Sugar Season this is a worthwhile place to visit. The restaurant provided an OK meal the only time I ate there. I was pregnant and starving, so that may have helped.

A door leads directly from the dining room to the sugar shack. Free samples of fresh syrup are available. The staff are friendly. Watch your kids near that fire - there is no barrier of any kind and the opening is large. A second door in the boiling room leads outside, to the rest of the activities.

Outside, a double gate leads into a petting zoo area. In the early spring I've found the ground muddy and littered with droppings everywhere - wear boots. However, the animals have very nice dispositions, they are well-cared for; that is the most important criterion for quality. Adjacent to the animal enclosure is a playground area. The equipment is old, but it's tidy.

Seasonally, wagon rides are available, pulled by the most majestic horses - very tall, with those bell-bottomed hooves and thick manes. The route is rather blah, however, and costs a couple of dollars.

The parking is free and the restrooms are fine. There is a cute store there which I'm looking forward to browsing more thouroughly someday.


North Hadley Sugar Shack

Massachusetts Maple Producers Association

Connecticut River Dike, Hadley, MA

As you can see, this is a beautiful spot. The path is bright hot in the sun, but the river is so lovely, and many boaters go by, which of course the kids love.
These photos were taken on the dike right off Rt. 9 in Hadley. This is a residential neighborhood.

Connecticut River

The Great Flood

Recent News (March 2009)