Despite their outdoor locations and some of the other surrounding businesses/attractions opening to limited capacity and enforced mask-wearing- a lot of my favorite local spots to visit here in Pioneer Valley during the Springtime remain closed to the public as a result of COVID-19. It’s frustrating for sure- but understandable- although it greatly reduces the amount of things one can do to beat cabin fever.
Earlier this week, after learning that yet another seasonal event I had been hoping would go on as scheduled was cancelled for 2021 and drowning my sorrows in a lavender latte- I was driving home when I passed by an outdoor, still open to the public and very unique roadside attraction that I hadn’t been to since November of 2019. There were no other cars in the parking lot at the time- and so I didn’t hesitate to pull over and check it out again.
Three Sisters Sanctuary in Goshen, Massachusetts is an ever-changing and evolving art exhibit and garden- filled with sculptures, glasswork and sprawling installations. Each time I’ve been here there has been something new to discover. No two visits have ever been the same. The one constant display is the gigantic stone and glass dragon in the center of the sanctuary.
Also? It occasionally breathes fire. Awesome, right?
Although there was still a significant amount of snow on the ground from the recent Nor’easters- I was able to make my away around the gardens with little to no trouble at all- and still managed to find new installations and pieces amid the ice and accumulating levels of mud. I’m sure by the time the snow melts and the ground hardens again- the garden will be even more beautiful- but I still had a nice time passing an hour or so on what was otherwise a lovely, sunny afternoon.
And of course- I snapped some photos during my visit!
Masks are required while visiting the sanctuary, but it’s incredibly easy to socially distance given the amount of outdoor space there is and the multiple paths you can take to work your away around the gardens. You don’t have to worry about getting too close to anyone else.
Admission is $10 for adults (over 12 years) and the proceeds go towards preserving/caring for the land so they can continue to add more and more work as time goes on.
It’s a very interesting and memorable place to spend an afternoon- especially if your usual Springtime plans/routine got scrapped. I definitely recommend it!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 