Month: March 2019

This trip was unplanned….

My aunt called me last minute and asked if I’d accompany her to Claremont, MA for an overnight girls trip.

Needless to say I have no regrets.

I went straight from work on Friday and met her at Gypsy Apple Bistro for dinner. This was a cute restaurant in downtown Shelburne Falls, MA. I would definitely recommend this place. It’s an intimate limited seating venue. The menu changes daily, and is run and owned by a nice couple. I had the mushroom risotto, potato and Swiss tart and a little bit of my aunt’s pepper bisque. All fresh and delicious.

Our accommodations for the evening were at Warfield House Inn. This was a bed and breakfast styled place. We stayed in a Bungalow that was set up like an Airbnb. You check yourself in and get a key to a specific room. The bathroom, living room (equipped with an electric fireplace), dining room and kitchen are shared spaces. Coincidentally we were there by ourselves this particular night. You get a fabulous view of the Berkshire East Ski Resort right across the street. You can actually see the skiers gliding down the mountain. The town is quiet and secluded. Definitely nice for a little getaway.

After checkout the next morning, we decided to go and explore the downtown area since we had some daylight to enjoy.

We were a little hungry and wanted to stop for some brunch. We accosted a nice local man named Ethan, who explained the geography of the downtown area. He said it’s very beautiful here in the summer, if we have the chance to come back then.

There were plenty of restaurants to choose from, but we settled on Baked Cafe and Bakery. The environment was very inviting. We had the option to grab some baked treats and keep exploring the town, or to be seated and have a proper meal. We decided to be seated. I had a veggie omelette. Auntie Carol had Butternut Squash bisque and some toast. The food was average, but the atmosphere was quaint. Brick walls painted baby blue. Funky lanterns hanging from the ceiling. Tables adorned with fresh flowers.

Next we went to check out “the potholes” which apparently is a local landmark. A native told us they used to play and swim there as kids. But then officials realized the danger and closed it off. You can only view it from above now.

It was getting a little cold so we decided to duck into one of the little shops downtown. We decided on Mo’s Fudge Factor. This place was so cute! It’s a candy store and ice cream shop. I bought some truffles for the ride home. The employee who helped us, Liz, was a local. She explained that the store is 11 years old. And the owner, Michelle, opened the store so she could spend more time with her children. The atmosphere was inviting and fun. Everything was reasonably priced.

Next we stopped into A Heart For Art which was a lovely little shop. We met and spoke to the owner Kim. She explained that she’s been open for 6 years. She makes a lot of the items in the store, but also buys some work from other local artists. I love little stores like this.

We popped into a few more shops. A bookstore, art shop, and a tile store. I was impressed with the fact that many of the businesses were woman owned.

Throughout the town were several mosaics posted on the outside of buildings.

I will definitely head back here in the summer. I can imagine the downtown area will be much more lively and beautiful in the warmer months.

Cheers!