In an effort to return to some sense of normalcy and lightheartedness after the events from earlier this week, I thought now would be a good time to share some photos and snippets from last weekend in what I consider to be the “calm before the storm,” so to speak.
Last weekend was the annual “Cider Days'” celebration in and around Franklin County, where many of the local cideries and orchards in the area have special events and discounts on the last of the cider/hard ciders that were pressed and bottled for the season before they close up shop for the Winter. I had written about the event during my first experience a couple of years ago – and was excited to check out some new locations for this year.
Prior to heading out to the orchard of our choosing, Dan and I made a quick stop at Wells Provisions in Charlemont to enjoy a surprise pop-up breakfast they were hosting on Saturday morning to commemorate “Cider Days.” As tempting as it was to indulge in some of their apple spice-stuffed French Toast (Dan was kind enough to let me try a bite of his though, and it was amazing!) I stuck with my tried and true – the Pulled Pork Benedict.
And it was so good to see the owners and their family again! They really are some of the sweetest and most kind people I’ve been fortunate enough to meet here in Western Massachusetts. I can’t wait for the next pop up!
After eating way too much, Dan and I hit the road to check out New Salem Preserves & Heritage Cider in New Salem, Massachusetts – a town I had never been to before (it’s a “blink and you’ll miss it” kind of place!) Dan knew I’d love it because they have the cutest green vintage Chevy pick-up truck parked outside and a lovely little barn out back where they had their “Cider Days” event set up. We got there before the crowds and found perfect seating overlooking the orchard and distant Quabbin Reservoir where we split a hard cider flight and some regular sweet cider.
Troy got into town on Saturday night and has been staying through this week, with a tentative return to California scheduled for this coming weekend. So on Sunday, we made the most out of a beautiful and brisk Fall day by checking out the famous Buttonball Tree in Sunderland (which I kept referring to as the “Butterball Tree”) before making our way to the Eric Carle Museum in Amherst – a place I’d heard about but had never actually visited before now!
It was really fascinating to see how some of my most cherished and beloved books from my childhood came to be, and to follow along the creative process and where so many unique ideas originated from. There’s even an art studio where visitors can color/draw and display their own pictures within the museum. I was so grateful I finally got to experience it in person! It’s such a beautiful space for children and adults alike.
Sunday was also Daylight Savings Time, and the sun had started to go down by the time we left the museum – but Troy had another art museum he had wanted me to see before the end of the day, and so we headed to Mount Holyoke College (a beautiful campus, by the way!) to check out their free art museum and the foliage that was still at peak brightness throughout the grounds. The museum is small, but filled with a lot of great pieces. One of my favorites was a “dragon’s head” that was built entirely out of high heels. Upon closer inspection – they all looked like heels I’ve owned at one point in my life!
Troy and I have a couple more adventures planned for this coming weekend before he heads back to the West Coast, and I’m sure I’ll have plenty of photos to share once I’m back on a semi-normal schedule.
Next week, I’ll have another “Local Loves” installment, a look at one of my favorite Fall/Winter dresses, and a festive (and super sweet) dessert recipe since the holidays are upon us!
Enjoy your weekend, everyone!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 