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."