When I started “Coffee & Chiffon” back at the start of 2020, one of the things I was most excited for was being able to write about and share some of my favorite local shops, restaurants and beloved attractions in and around my current home in the Pioneer Valley- particularly places I love(d) visiting in the Springtime when they were at their most beautiful.
Of course, that was well before anyone knew a global pandemic and over a year of lockdowns and quarantines were on the horizon- so when COVID-19 finally showed itself here in the States- my LOCAL LOVES selections became significantly limited to bizarre roadside oddities, abandoned places, great spots for take-out, and- when some restrictions were finally relaxed or lifted here in Massachusetts- local shops/boutiques I often frequented.
That’s not to say I don’t still love those places- because of course I do!- but I had been so excited to share things like the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls, or the Montague Book Mill, or stop by Smith College’s annual flower show to capture some of the most gorgeous blooms this time of year. Unfortunately, however- they have all been temporarily closed and/or canceled since last year- with no definitive return or reopening day announced as I’m writing this.
So as I once again postpone those special Springtime locations/memories for another year (here’s hoping they’re back by 2022!)– I’m still finding beauty here in New England as the trees start turning various shades of white and pink and green- and the days continue to get a little warmer as we slowly but surely work our way towards May.
My LOCAL LOVES posts in the coming weeks ahead will once again be focusing on some of my favorite restaurants and clothing/accessory shops here in my neighborhood as vaccines continue to rollout (I get my first dose this coming Friday!) and highlighting some of the absolutely stunning scenery out this way- although the photo above was taken during a recent weekend drive through Pomfret, Connecticut- where I had gone to grab a coffee at one of my favorite hidden cafes.
I plan on writing about that place soon, too!
But before I get back to the usual content- I just wanted to take the time to thank all of you. Everyone who follows, likes, shares, supports or reads this blog on a regular (or semi-regular) basis. Trying to produce fresh, fun and professional-looking weekly content during a pandemic that has stretched over the course of a year now and which has severely limited my access to helpful resources hasn’t exactly been easy- but I appreciate the support and the feedback.
So as “Coffee & Chiffon” approaches 200 posts- here’s to all of you and to the next 200 posts. May they hopefully be even more interesting and adventurous!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 