• Not So Scary Ways to Celebrate Halloween

    By Louise Want to be scared this Halloween? Simply turn on a 24-hours news channel or log on to social media. Perhaps it’s my age, or more likely my addiction to listening to paranoia-inducing true crime podcasts, but gone are the days when I sought the cheap thrills of a strange man jumping out at me with a chainsaw at a seasonal rural haunted house. Did I say cheap? Those places are rather expensive these days. Want to enjoy the festivities of Halloween without the fear? Here are our suggestions: 1. The Incredible Naumkeag Pumpkin Show always lives up to its name with a spectacular nighttime outdoor display of 1500+ pumpkin masterpieces.…

  • Overhead image of colorful donuts on a table

    Forget pumpkin spice

    Last year wasn’t kind to our apple farmers and picking enthusiasts due to the crop shortage and nonstop rain, so fingers, ears and eyes crossed that everyone wins this year–and packs on some winter insulation from cider donuts! Here’s a look at some of our favorite places. Please visit their websites or call ahead for hours and varieties of apples.  Lakeview Orchard, Lanesborough, MA | Small but charming, in September, visitors can pick apples, peaches, plums, and pears. The store also sells baked goods and, most importantly, pierogies! Hilltop Orchards, Richmond, MA | This family-owned cidery and winery offers tastings of both beverages, plus pick-your-own apples, sweet cider, cider donuts, apple pie,…