Located on Rt. 9 in Belchertown, Evergreene Golf offers regular and mini golf. The grooming of the course is great. This is a family business, so it is managed with care. The air conditioned building has restrooms, the rental counter, souvenirs and ice cream!! This is always an idea for slightly older kids on summmer evenings.
One caveat : there is no shade (really, none). My first visit there with an infant in a stroller had me fearing heatstroke. We have visited several times and find this is a nice option.
Showing posts with label Belchertown. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Belchertown. Show all posts
Quabbin Hike, Belchertown, MA
After checking to see whether the viewing tower had reopened (it has not), we headed down one of the trails that snakes down the hillside. In the aftermath of severe weather, we found massive trees downed, jagged trunks and limbs, dripping sap from a severed pine, and twig litter all over the path.
The trail had no spectacular view, save for the top of the hill. It wound through beautiful old forest, was lined with soft mosses, and offered glimpses of that gorgeous pink Quabbin rock. We ended up at a road and decided to turn around, as two juice boxes would barely get us through the climb back up.
Quabbin Reservoir (DCR site)
Quabbin Reservoir (DCR site)
Mud Spun Arts Center, Belchertown, MA
The studio at the Mud Spun Arts Center, settled with pink dust, decorated with works in progress, is a wonderful place to spend time with your children. It is a well- appointed workspace, with several wheels, open shelving for projects, canvas covered tables, and bright windows that open up the room. A blue kiln stands in the corner, a generous sink stands at the rear. It is a space that is prepared, a space where creativity has room to grow.
The space put me in mind of Reggio Emilia, a theme that seems to crop up continually in my exploration of truly great places for my children. This educational philosophy values playing with clay very highly and posits that clay itself, not play dough or silly putty, is an important aspect of kids' art experiences.
The proprietor and resident artist at Mud Spun is Becky Laliberte. Her gallery and studio here are labors of love that have expanded gradually over the past few years. With experience in both art and education, Becky is well suited to the task she's set for herself. From her website: Mud Spun strives to offer experiences in art that encourage exploration, discovery, and creativity.
On our visit there my children were offered clay, a wide variety of tools, and introductions to techniques like creating patterns, rolling out, and wetting the clay. On the potter's wheel the kids watched Becky center the clay and begin to form a vessel. They were able to touch the clay as the wheel spun, poke it with a tool, splash water on it. It was a thorough and much appreciated introduction to the medium.
Becky is an open teacher who interacted so well and so calmly with my guys, who can be revved up easily. She offers courses at the studio ranging from adult classes to summer camps, as well as birthday parties/get togethers. In the fall, look for a Mommy & Me class also - I will be!
Mud Spun
Becky is an open teacher who interacted so well and so calmly with my guys, who can be revved up easily. She offers courses at the studio ranging from adult classes to summer camps, as well as birthday parties/get togethers. In the fall, look for a Mommy & Me class also - I will be!
Mud Spun
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.
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.
Fishing Area 1, Quabbin, Pelham, MA
I headed North on 202 and clocked 4.5 miles from Townmart in Belchertown to the Fishing Area Sign.
After turning onto a gravel road, I drove (erratically) two or three more miles. I wasn't sure what I was looking for - all of the pull-offs had large NO PARKING signs. When I finally pulled into the parking area, I was stunned by a wide open, glittering vista. Tidy boats line the shore, and the distinctive dip of the Winsor Dam is barely visible across the water. A tower peeps over the left hand hill.
I paid a $4 parking fee and was directed to the trail head, behind the porta potty, on the far left when facing the reservoir.
We hiked several miles on a beautiful trail along the edge of the Quabbin, peeking out at half a dozen lookout spots. At each of these points, the pinky-orange granite of the mountains could be seen extending from ground cover to bare rock, to lake floor. The lookout nearest to the parking area became our snack and play spot. I nursed the baby while the boys jumped around like mountain goats on the jagged rocks. The water deepened very gradually, so I wasn't worried about their safety.
The kids found two varieties of caterpillar and more than a few insects along the way. They had the opportunity to play on a small beach where my oldest was fascinated by the waves "rolling in." When we returned to our starting point by the boat launch, they spent some time heaving rocks into the water while I stalked an amazing butterfly, who seemed to be begging me to photograph him. My son had identified one of the caterpillars as a swallowtail, and he said that this was a swallowtail as well. We looked it up later to confirm his information (he seemed a little miffed, but he is only 4); he was correct. It's an Anise Swallowtail butterfly.
We loved this walk so much that we're going back later this week with my husband. And going back in a week or two to rent a boat for $5! $5!!
Viewing Tower, Quabbin, Ware, MA
Update: Tower was still closed on July 4, 2009.
Original Post:
On our recent visit we learned that the tower is closed for renovations, with an expected re-opening date of June 30, 2009. The views pictured above are from the base of the lookout tower.
The vista from the top is of some of the many Quabbin islands - hilltops that have become hummocks on the water. It's often misty, and always very beautiful. Think Avalon.
A large parking lot is surrounded by a circular drive. Picnic spots are dotted along the edge, where scenery is the most lovely.
The walkway leading to the tower is short, and paved, so you could potentially take your stroller. There are also a number of trails leading from this spot. Several years ago we walked around the area quite a bit and found the paths difficult to navigate - if memory serves, we had a barely toddling little guy who couldn't keep his footing on the roots and rocks. We are looking forward to exploring this area again, this time with our baby in a backpack.
Quabbin (DCR site)
Holland Glen, M-M Trail, Belchertown, MA
Update: Our recent visit here found the trail well used, the parking area full. The top two photos are from May 24, 2009. We went up to a fairly large waterfall area with a pool underneath. A campfire area and large picnic rock overlook the small waterway.
This gorgeous walk follows the path of a babbling brook as it flows through a serene wooded landscape.
From the M-M trail guide:
Mass. Rte. 9, Holland Glen, to Mount Lincoln (5.0 miles)
An interesting walk over ridge tops and beside dancing streamlets on footpaths and old town roads long since abandoned, bordered on the West Hill area by sturdy pioneer stone walls with old cellar holes which mark the site of an old agrarian community, all now in mixed forest. Holland Glen is a steep-sided ravine with a crystal dashing stream, shaded by a mature hemlock stand, forever preserved by the Belchertown Historical Society.
This gorgeous walk follows the path of a babbling brook as it flows through a serene wooded landscape.
From the M-M trail guide:
Mass. Rte. 9, Holland Glen, to Mount Lincoln (5.0 miles)
An interesting walk over ridge tops and beside dancing streamlets on footpaths and old town roads long since abandoned, bordered on the West Hill area by sturdy pioneer stone walls with old cellar holes which mark the site of an old agrarian community, all now in mixed forest. Holland Glen is a steep-sided ravine with a crystal dashing stream, shaded by a mature hemlock stand, forever preserved by the Belchertown Historical Society.
Bonfire at Chestnut Hill, May 21, 2009, Belchertown, MA
BONFIRE ’09 ADDING MORE HEAT TO BELCHERTOWN ON A HOT THURSDAY EVENING Green Day Tribute Band ‘Dookie’ Scheduled To Play at 8pm at Chestnut Hill Athletic Fields
For Immediate ReleaseMay 20, 2009 Belchertown, MA – A huge bonfire and a live band known as ‘DoOkiE’, a Green Day Tribute Band that plays all over the nation, will take over the Chestnut Hill Athletic Fields on Thursday, May 21, 2009 from 7pm to 10pm. Great visuals from 7:45pm – 8:15pm for special prayer for a recent death of a Belchertown student’s father (Marc C. Sugrue), lighting of the bonfire, national anthem and student singing group performance before the entrance of the band. The Green Day band is famous for Boulevard of Broken Dreams (I Walk Alone), the 2006 Grammy Awards Record of the Year. Along with other hit songs like Longview, Basketcase and When I Come Around, Green Day is known for the song Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) which was the nostalgic musical end of the final episode of NBC’s Seinfeld . DoOkiE, will be performing all these hit Green Day songs and more. Gate opens at 7pm and food and lite fare will be available as well as some great raffle prizes. The Bonfire ’09 event is open to all friends, family and residents of the area and will have plenty of police and fire protection. All the fun will be for a new non-profit organization in Belchertown, MA, Future Leadership: Journey 2009. The new organization is in the process of applying for a State Non-Profit Certificate and will assist six Belchertown High School students in raising funds for educational travel to Europe and Africa this summer. Tickets are available for presale by calling Ms. Lori Brown @ (413) 323.6064 / lbrownma@charter.net or Ms. Elizabeth Taras @ (413) 687.3144 / elizabeth@marketmentors.net. Day of event prices are $20 for those 12 – 21 and $10 for adults over 21. Children under 12 are free.
For Immediate ReleaseMay 20, 2009 Belchertown, MA – A huge bonfire and a live band known as ‘DoOkiE’, a Green Day Tribute Band that plays all over the nation, will take over the Chestnut Hill Athletic Fields on Thursday, May 21, 2009 from 7pm to 10pm. Great visuals from 7:45pm – 8:15pm for special prayer for a recent death of a Belchertown student’s father (Marc C. Sugrue), lighting of the bonfire, national anthem and student singing group performance before the entrance of the band. The Green Day band is famous for Boulevard of Broken Dreams (I Walk Alone), the 2006 Grammy Awards Record of the Year. Along with other hit songs like Longview, Basketcase and When I Come Around, Green Day is known for the song Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) which was the nostalgic musical end of the final episode of NBC’s Seinfeld . DoOkiE, will be performing all these hit Green Day songs and more. Gate opens at 7pm and food and lite fare will be available as well as some great raffle prizes. The Bonfire ’09 event is open to all friends, family and residents of the area and will have plenty of police and fire protection. All the fun will be for a new non-profit organization in Belchertown, MA, Future Leadership: Journey 2009. The new organization is in the process of applying for a State Non-Profit Certificate and will assist six Belchertown High School students in raising funds for educational travel to Europe and Africa this summer. Tickets are available for presale by calling Ms. Lori Brown @ (413) 323.6064 / lbrownma@charter.net or Ms. Elizabeth Taras @ (413) 687.3144 / elizabeth@marketmentors.net. Day of event prices are $20 for those 12 – 21 and $10 for adults over 21. Children under 12 are free.
Stone Soup Farm, Belchertown, MA
On Jackson St. in Belchertown, across from the DPW, lies the Stone Soup Farm and the Belchertown Community Gardens. Inside the barn are the fresh vegetables picked that day, which you can purchase for great prices. Last summer our kids discovered how refreshing it can be to bite into a juicy cucumber and eat it whole, when you are walking miles and miles through hot summer evenings, in a fruitless effort to jiggle a sibling out of your mother.
There are some chickens running around, and plenty of cattle to view from afar, but there weren't any other animals there at that time. We enjoyed walking along the edge of the community gardens, looking at what individual farmers had done with their plots.
CISA
There are some chickens running around, and plenty of cattle to view from afar, but there weren't any other animals there at that time. We enjoyed walking along the edge of the community gardens, looking at what individual farmers had done with their plots.
CISA
Austin Brothers Valley Farm, Belchertown, MA
Austin Farm is a working farm, so it is not open to the public on a regular basis. However, this fall they plan to have a pumpkin patch, so you can get your pumpkin right here in Belchertown, if that happens to be where you live! They also had an Easter Egg Hunt this year - you can see pictures on the farm blog.
The Farm has been in the Austin Family for generations, and they are truly a farming family. On the day of my visit I watched Mama Farmer corral and feed the ponies, pushing Baby Farmer in her stroller; with a lead or a bucket in her other hand. Girl Farmer explained to my sons that her chore was to clean the fresh eggs and put them in containers. Girl and my boys happily romped all over the mulch pile, scenic road, playground equipment, chicken coops, and open fields.
All of the animals here were well cared for. A working farm is not particularly scenic up close, but having visited a few, it is clear to see when the land is loved. This land is loved.
Austin Farm has a shop that is open year round where you can purchase grass fed meats, including beef and pork. You can also find their booth at the Belchertown Farmer's Market (Thursdays from 2PM-7PM on the Belchertown Common).
Austin Brothers Valley Farm
Austin Brothers Valley Farm
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