Shelburne and Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts: (Return to top)

Any of the numerous, amazing local Artisans that grace this area with their talent! You're sure to find something delightful, fascinating, or extraordinary in their work.

The Bridge of Flowers. This bridge across the Deerfield River in Shelburne Falls village began as a trolley bridge in 1908. In 1929, the then-abandoned trolley bridge was transformed into The Bridge of Flowers. There are over 500 varieties of flowers, vines, and shrubs on the 400-foot long span, providing continual blooms from April through October. The Bridge of Flowers is maintained by the Shelburne Falls Women's Club, is free to the public, and will take your breath away! Please consider adding a modest donation to the voluntary collection box when you visit.

The Glacial Potholes in the bed of the Deerfield River where it passes through the village of Shelburne Falls. The potholes overlook is located on Deerfield Avenue just past North River Glass on the right. Potholes are a natural geologic formation, caused by the force of water on stones that drilled their way into the bedrock of the riverbed over thousands of years. Some of the rounded stones are still visible in the potholes. NOTE: The access stairway leading down to the river has been restricted due to hazardous conditions and numerous injuries. Special river access arrangements may be requested of the Shelburne Board of Selectmen for geology classes, environmental programs, and other group instruction.

Goodnow's Chip & Putt. In 1965, the current owner's father opened this 18-hole course on 10 acres of family land. Since then, Goodnow's Chip & Putt has provided affordable family fun for all skill levels. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to sundown, daily, May 1 to October 1. Located at the juncture of Route 2/Mohawk Trail and Colrain Shelburne Road, next to the Shelburne Coffee Roasters. 413-625-6107.

Lamson & Goodnow. Lamson & Goodnow are well-known as the makers of LamsonSharp^TM forged and stamped cutlery. Visitors to Shelburne can stop by the Lamson & Goodnow Factory Store for 20-75% savings on the best selection of LamsonSharp^TM products and also a huge assortment of kitchen equipment. Located at 45 Conway Street, the Factory Store hours are 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. 413-625-0201.

Mohawk Orchards. Apples galore, all year 'round. Seasonal pick-your-own apples. Apple cider from our own press, peaches, pears, plums in season, local honey and maple syrup, jams and jellies. Summer farmstand on the Mohawk Trail, and off-season shop on the Colrain Shelburne Road across from Shelburne House. Summer hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily; winter hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 413-625-2874.

Mole Hollow Candles^®. Hand-dipped, high-quality candles since 1969. Featuring hand-dipped tapers in four lengths in gorgeous colors, pillar candles, jar candles, and votives. New at Mole Hollow Candles^® are soy votives scented with essential oils! Visitors can stop by the Factory Store, located at 3 Deerfield Avenue, next to the overlook for the Glacial Potholes and downstream from the Bridge of Flowers. Shop hours are 10:00 a.m. -5:30 p.m., daily. Toll-free 1-877-CANDLES (1-877-226-3537).

North River Glass Studio and Gallery. The workshop and gallery of glass artist Kathleen Young and her associates. Visitors can watch glassblowers at work and purchase finished pieces in the gallery. Located on Deerfield Road near the Glacial Potholes overlook, the Studio and Gallery summer hours are 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily. Winter hours (January to the the end of April) are 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Thursday to Monday, closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Gallery telephone number: 413-625-6322.

Orchard Hill Antiques. This is the beautiful brick house just to the north of Shelburne House on Colrain Shelburne Road. Owned by Jeff and Barbara Bishop, the shop and barn out back are chockful of period country furniture, art, pottery, lighting fixtures, clocks, tools, and much more. Orchard Hill Antiques is a must-stop for anyone who loves antiques. Shop hours are by chance or appointment, year 'round. 413-625-2433.

Salmon Falls Artisan Showroom. A regional artisan gallery featuring the work of over 185 local artists, including Josh Simpson's distinctive collection of blown glass. Located at 1 Ashfield Street, the Showroom is open 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. 413-625-9833.

Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum. Ride on the beautifully restored 1896 trolley car on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, from Saturday, May 1 until Sunday, November 7. Hours are 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. In July and August, the museum is also open Monday and Wednesday, 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Located at 14 Depot Street at the end of the railyard; see detailed directions on their website. (413)625-9443.

Colrain, Massachusetts: (Return to top)

Pine Hill Orchard. An apple orchard featuring a year-round farm stand and refridgerated apple room to shop in. On-premises bakery, homemade breads, pies, cookies and muffins, and apple-related products. Snack bar, serving breakfast and lunch. Free petting farm. Pick-your-own apples, during the harvest season. Features West County Ciders in the wine room. Shop hours are Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., and Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Located on Greenfield Road, 3 miles north along Colrain Shelburne Road from the Mohawk Trail/Rt. 2 intersection in Shelburne. 413-624-3325.

West County Winery. Makers of a delicious spectrum of hard ciders, pressed from traditional American and European cider apple varieties. A must-visit for anyone who appreciates wines, hard ciders, and the New England tradition of hard cider making. The shop also carries local food products, and Carolyn Hillman's award-winning goat cheese. We recommend the "farm ciders" particularly, those made without added sulfites. Winery hours are: June 1 to December 31, Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; other times, random hours so call ahead. Located 3 miles north of the Mohawk Trail/Rt. 2 on Colrain Shelburne Road, next to Pine Hill Orchard's farmstand. (413) 624-3481.

Charlemont, Massachusetts: (Return to top)

Berkshire East Ski Resort. Located just one town to the west of Shelburne in Charlemont, Berkshire East offers 45 trails ranging from beginner to extreme skiing. For more detailed info, check out their website or call 413-339-6617.

Greenfield, Massachusetts: (Return to top)

Greenfield is the county seat for Franklin County. There are many services and shops located throughout the town, including a Stop 'n' Shop grocery, Foster's Market, Green Fields Market (large health food co-op), several laundromats, restaurants, coffee shops and pubs, several excellent bakeries, Wilson's Department Store, and Clark's Sport Shop, just to name a few. Greenfield is the location of the county fairgrounds, where numerous events are held during the warmer months in addition to the Franklin County Fair in the autumn. Downtown, you'll find the Energy Park and the Station, where live music events are held. The Old Greenfield Village is out on Route 2 West on the way to Shelburne; you'll see it on the left as you start the drive into the hills. Saturday mornings in the warmer months, the Greenfield Farmers Market in front of Town Hall is the place to be for the freshest vegetables and locally-made products. Greenfield is also well-known for the Friday and Saturday night contra dances held at the Guiding Star Grange Hall. For a complete schedule of events and services in Greenfield, please stop by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce's website and click on Calendar of Events in the quilt.

Deerfield, Massachusetts: (Return to top)

Historic Deerfield. Step back in time to the village of Deerfield, where you'll find a mile-long historic New England Main Street. There are twelve museum houses along the street for you to explore, and the exciting Flynt Center of Early New England Life contains galleries and exhibitions. Stop by the Museum Store for a broad choice of gifts and collectables. 413-774-5581.

Richardson's Candy Kitchen. It's official! This is our FAVORITE stop for chocolate treats! The candy-making folks at Richardson's Candy Kitchen offer a huge variety of chocolates and other yummy treats by the pound (or fraction thereof), pre-bagged candies, and lovely, seasonal gift boxes and containers filled to the brim with goodies and assortments. Check out their sugar-free chocolates, too. Hours are 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., everyday; closed Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Easter Sunday. Located on Routes 5 and 10, at the southern entrance to Historic Deerfield. Toll-free, 1-800-817-9338; 413-772-0443. (Photo at right © David Stansbury)