Bring the Kids!
By Ann Claffie
Valentine’s Day, I love you... for the wonderful snowstorm you sent! I must be a true New Englander because it doesn’t seem to matter how old I am, I still love winter!
The snowstorm on February 14 transformed the Berkshires’ landscapes to a wonderful winter fairyland—remember the scene that emerged from the wardrobe in the movie, Tales of Narnia, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe?
My family went zonkers: Hubby operated the snowblower—three times in 24 hours and son Robert grabbed his plastic flyer-sled and ran across the top of our hill before descending—belly-flopping in the snow—whoosh! No question—winter had arrived in the Berkshires!
Now, as March begins, another storm has provided more fun in the snow! We have already accomplished several cool things like building a snow tunnel and sledding at Osceola Park, Pittsfield. Plus, we finally made use of our snowman kit as the snow texture changed enough to make a great looking Frosty.
Snow tubing at Bousquet’s Ski Resort, Pittsfield is still on the top of our list as well as renting skis and signing up for a beginner’s lesson. We have plenty of places to choose from, including Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, Catamount and Ski Butternut.
March has been a favorite month in my family since childhood—did you know that March is called Maple Sugaring month? Around here, maple trees are tapped and yield countless of gallons of clear, sweet tasting sap that is then boiled at length and eventually cooled for bottling or serving at local farms and restaurants.
It takes about 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup! Our favorite place for sampling fresh maple syrup and pancakes is at Ioka Valley Farm, Hancock. We usually start inside their sugaring house before feasting in the Main Barn Calf-A, (pronounced “café”). After, we’ll visit the animal barn greeting their farm animals. By the way, you can also buy maple syrup to take home – it’s great on vanilla ice cream topped with Grape-Nuts.
Our second best reason for liking March is because we enjoy the fun and food on March 17th—St. Patrick’s Day! This year, we’ll cook our own Irish dinner with corned beef and cabbage, listening to Celtic sounds from the Boson Pops or the Clancy Brothers. It also looks like March will have some neat family programs in store for us, like Friday Film Night at Ventfort Hall, Lenox. A trip to the Museum of the Gilded Age is always fascinating. I also noticed that Bisque, Beads and Beyond, Pittsfield has classes for kids all ages learning how to design your own jewelry, plus special art classes in preparation for the next holiday.
The Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield is starting something new for kids —“Family Fun, Hands-on Art Courses” happening every Saturday morning through March.
"Mom, I’m a good artist, aren’t I?"
"Of course you are!"—Isn’t every child?
And it looks like music will again be on our agenda with 2006 Grammy nomination winner, Cherryholmes and family performing at the Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield. Her family includes her parents and four children, ages 13-21, singing, dancing and performing their trademark bluegrass music. I bet tickets will go fast. See you there!
About Ann Claffie
A Berkshires native, Ann grew up in Dalton as the oldest of five children who were encouraged to use their imaginations for fun and play. Today, married and living in Pittsfield, Ann and her husband enjoy family fun and adventure with their nine year old son. She has been on staff at the Berkshire Visitors Bureau for more than ten years.