High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary

Date: Saturday, December 31, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm
Where: Shelburne, MA
What: Snowshoeing/Hiking Adventure

What started out as a snowshoeing adventure at one of my family's favorite hiking spots, High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary in Shelburne, turned into a winter hike because the snow, unfortunately, wasn't deep enough. Today was balmy (it's all relative!) and sun-filled--a simply splendid afternoon--and perfect for an outdoor activity to ring in the new year. I love how different a familiar place looks in various seasons. We usually venture here in the fall when the trees are full of brightly colored leaves, the streams are churning, and the trails are rocky. This afternoon the vistas were amazing since the trees were bare, the streams were easy to cross (always a plus for me), and the trails were lightly covered in snow. All this created a winter wonderland as we wandered up and down the Dutch and Mary Barnard Trail to reach the Wolves' Den and eventually came to the Ledges, rugged cliffs that offer a magical view of the Deerfield River and the villages of Shelburne and Shelburne Falls. This hike took about two hours and definitely helped us work up an appetite for our New's Year's feast. Thank God for natural beauty and good food!

Hampshire Regional High School

Date: Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Time: 7 pm
Where: Westhampton, MA
What: A Holiday Concert

I have to admit that when the Beginning Band started playing at Hampshire Regional High School's holiday concert, I thought I was in for a long night. But I was wrong. The concert was outstanding in large part due to Dara Adams-Smith, who directs the band, and Rebecca Phelps, who leads the choruses. These two women take seventh graders who are just learning to play and turn them into talented, confident musicians and singers by the time they reach high school. The sexy "Baby It's Cold Outside" was almost too good given the ages of the two couples. "Feliz Navidad" and "Sleigh Bells," performed by the Concert Band, sounded like the Boston Pops were playing--maybe better. The show-stealer "You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch," sung by the Gentlemen of the Chorus, was incredibly well done--these young men reminded me of Amherst College's all-male a cappella group, the Zumbyes. If you want to get in the spirit, I highly recommend adding this concert to your holiday schedule next year. It's worth it. (I was there to see my amazingly talented nephew Kevin, a middle schooler, play the flute with the Concert Band. If he's this good now, he'll be off the charts by the time he's in high school. Thank you, Dara Adams-Smith!)

Chestnut Mountain Tree Farm

Date: Saturday, December 11, 2010
Time: 12:15 pm
Where: Hatfield, MA
What: Annual Christmas Tree Search

I remember when my daughters were young enough to relish the annual search for our Christmas tree. They would run up and down every row and assess each prospect, giggling all the way. They always wanted the biggest one on the lot forgetting--or not caring--that our living room was quite small. Those days are long gone. This tradition is now a parent-only activity that is much less joyous and much more practical. Don't get me wrong; we still have fun. But finding the perfect tree is now a chore rather than a family adventure. Oh, and the girls still have high expectations on what our tree should look like and never fail to give it a thumbs up or down, depending on the year. The critics--my daughters--would have loved the tree farm we were "forced" to visit since the father-and-son team who we usually buy from didn't open their business this year. Change can be a good thing. On a gorgeous track of land in the hills of Hatfield, we found "the" tree. Hopefully, the girls will agree.

One Cottage Street Studios

Date: Saturday, December 4, 2010
Time: 1:45 pm
Where: Easthampton, MA

What: One Cottage Street Open Studios

Take an old factory with lots of character and add dozens of artists with lots of talent and you get the One Cottage Street Open Studios. Every year this annual event gets better and better. The quality of artists and artisans showing off their work is incredible. Three standouts were Janna Ugone, who is internationally known for her ultra-cool lamps; William Hewitt, who builds absolutely gorgeous, whimsical furniture; and Briana Taylor, whose paintings make simple glass containers objects of haunting beauty. During the last decade, Easthampton has become an "art" town, much like Northampton and Shelburne Falls. Though grittier than its sister cities, Easthampton's potential as an artists' mecca is especially promising given its abundance of abandoned factories and growing cultural scene. Easthampton, please do me a favor: Don't become too trendy or too "high rent." That would be a shame.

Hill Institute

Date: Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Time: 9-11:30 am
Where: Florence, MA
What: Vegetarian Cooking Class

You know how every once and awhile you stumble upon something really wonderful? I did this fall. I signed up for the Vegetarian Cooking class at Hill Institute, an incredible community center in Florence, MA. The class is taught by Paul Sustick, the "Paul" of Paul and Elizabeth's restaurant, which is located in Thorne's Market in downtown Northampton. P & E's, as it is commonly known by locals and regulars, is an institution in the Valley. I mean, come on, do you know anyone who lives in or has visited the area who hasn't eaten there? While I love to cook--and eat--I have to admit that before this class I didn't have very good culinary skills. After just 8 weeks, I'm so much better! My knife skills, as well as my creativity and risk-taking in the kitchen, have improved dramatically. Paul brings in cabbages every week (a la "Julie and Julia") so that we can hone our slicing and dicing abilities. Since I'm having so much fun and learning so much, I've already signed up for the spring session, which starts at the end of January. It's the best $50 (for 8 weeks) that I'll ever spend.

Mt. Tom State Reservation

Date: Saturday, November 27, 2010
Time: 10:10 am
Where: Holyoke, MA
What: Hiking the M&M Trail

After consuming mega-calories during the Thanksgiving holiday, a trip to Mt. Tom State Reservation was welcome relief for my family and me. Though not as beautiful as it was in October (the last time I was there), the park gives hikers better vistas of the Pioneer Valley when its trees are bare. The starkness of the mountain forest and the crunchy, leafy paths offer a different kind of beauty. After exploring the Eyrie House (a mountaintop resort that burned down years ago) ruins and enjoying the view from the summit of Mt. Nonotuck, we eventually found the M&M Trail and began our descent. This part of the trail, which traverses the Seven Sisters Range, is moderately challenging and follows a ridge that offers endless views of the Connecticut River and surrounding towns. The thing I love most about hiking is that I forget all my worries when I have to focus on my footing (especially when it's rocky and steep!). I was able to clear my head, burn calories, and, most importantly, spend time with my family. Looking forward to going back again soon--probably with snowshoes and a thermos of hot coffee.

The Montague Bookmill

Date: Monday, November 22, 2010
Time: 1:35 pm
Where: Montague Center, MA
What: "Books you don't need in a place you can't find"

The Montague Bookmill might be my favorite place in the Valley. When I was younger one of my fantasies was to own a bookstore--this place is what I pictured. In a quirky building, which was once a gristmill, the bookmill has two floors of used books on just about any subject you can think of--the history of sex, art, theology, and politics, as well as loads of the latest romance paperbacks and a lovely children's book section. Old, comfy couches and chairs, and desks of every shape and size, offer views of the Sawmill River. I imagine that many theses and novels have been written here. And, I imagine that the writers of those theses and novels were often distracted by the beauty of the rushing river (it's spectacular!) and the smell of really good coffee brewing in the attached cafe. I planned to spend an hour; I was there for 2 and a half. It's that kind of place.

Lyman Plant House, Smith College

Date: Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Time: 2:45 pm
Where: Northampton, MA
What: Smith College Chrysanthemum Show

Mid-November is, perhaps, the starkest time of year in terms of outdoor color. The recently shortened days only add to the gloominess. But I found the perfect antidote--the Smith College Chrysanthemum Show. Two smallish rooms in Smith's greenhouses are crammed from floor to ceiling with colorful blooms. It's breathtaking. I usually don't think of mums as extraordinary, especially when they dot just about every front porch in the Valley, but seeing them en masse is beyond gorgeous. The show also includes a centerpiece of Asian lanterns and poems by Cloud Maiden and Lady Allspice sprinkled throughout the displays. Hours later, I'm still smiling. I'm now immunized against the winter blues.

Amherst Cinema

Date: Monday, November 15, 2010
Time: 2:15 pm
Where: Amherst, MA
What: "You Will Meet a Tall, Dark Stranger"

One of the best things about living in a college town is the movies that come to the area. Yes, the Valley has a big cineplex, but it also has several small theaters that show lots of indie and foreign films. Today, I went to Amherst Cinema in downtown Amherst and saw Woody Allen's "You Will Meet a Tall, Dark Stranger." There's nothing like a Monday matinee to make you feel that you're at a private showing. (There was only one other person in the theater.) Though the critics gave it lukewarm reviews, I enjoyed this movie. I didn't love it, but I liked it. On my five-star rating system, I'm giving it a 3 and 1/2. I have to admit that any movie with Antonio Banderas is likely to get a decent rating! I enjoy seeing movies by myself sometimes--that alone-but-not-lonely feeling is good during the day. At night, particularly weekend nights, I'm more self-conscious about going solo. Lots of interesting movies are coming to Amherst Cinema and its sister theater, Pleasant Street, in Northampton. Can't wait to see "Client 9" and "127 Hours."