A Note From Christine:
Hello!! This week has a Berkshires mansion with a Moby-Dick connection, a local restaurant that got turned down by the Big E and made its own fair food anyway, and a hill town that throws frying pans for scholarships. Grab a coffee and let's get into it.
New here from one of my Paint Social Art events? Welcome! This is my weekly guide to the best things to do around Western Mass.
COMMUNITY PARTNER:
Located in East Longmeadow. Trusted tax, accounting, and business consulting services for individuals and businesses throughout Western MA.
WESTERN MASS SNAPSHOT
The Big E Said No. So This Local Spot Made Its Own Fair Food.
Okay, I love this story. Motu Indian Kitchen in East Longmeadow applied to be a vendor at the Big E and didn't get in. So instead, they built their own fall menu of exactly what they would have served at the fair.
Think butter chicken baked potatoes and Brisket Masala Mac with crispy onions. It's Indian flavor meets fair food, and it's local through and through. Motu comes from the family behind Panjabi Tadka in downtown Springfield. If you're already planning the Big E's last weekend, maybe make a stop in East Longmeadow on the way home.
HOME SWEET WOW:
497 Holmes Road, Pittsfield | $2,800,000
Holmesdale, the 1847 Pittsfield summer home of poet Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. Photo: BerkshireMLS
This Berkshires mansion has a whale on the door, said to be a gift from Herman Melville.
Holmesdale was the summer home of poet Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr., a friend (and doctor) of Melville. The 1847 house has eight bedrooms and seven fireplaces on 15 acres, with a heated saltwater pool and a tennis court. My favorite detail: Holmes planted hundreds of trees so every visitor would have one to read under.
The wildest part? The current owners bought it in 2016 for $375,000, sight unseen.
DATE NITE PICK:
Vanished Valley Brewing Co., Ludlow
Beer and good food at Vanished Valley Brewing Co. in Ludlow. Photo: Vanished Valley
Thursday, Oct. 1 | 5:30 PM | $69 per person, all-in
A five-course Oktoberfest beer dinner: Scotch egg, pumpkin-spiced risotto, herb-crusted lamb and an apple cider crème brûlée, each paired with a beer. The $69 includes tax and tip, and seats are limited. Can't do Thursday? Their Oktoberfest party is Saturday, 5–9 PM, with a stein-holding contest and pretzel necklaces.
BEST BETS THIS WEEKEND
Illustration. Porchfest brings live music to front porches all over Easthampton.
Saturday, Oct. 3 | Starting around noon | FREE
Local musicians play from front porches all over town, and you just wander from one to the next. Bring a coffee, bring a friend and follow the sound.
Downtown Showdown, Saturday at the MassMutual Center. Image: MassMutual Center
Saturday, Oct. 3 | 12–5 PM | MassMutual Center, Springfield
The biggest car show the MassMutual Center has hosted in 15 years. Kids 10 and under are free.
Walk Holyoke's Canals With A Park Ranger
Saturday, Oct. 3 | 10 AM–noon | Holyoke Heritage State Park | FREE
A two-mile walk along the canals that built this city. Only 15 spots, so call 413-534-1723 to register.
Last Call For The Big E
Sunday is the final day, and Styx closes the fair at 7:30 PM. Good to know: your Styx ticket gets you into the fair too.
WORTH THE DRIVE:
The Festival of the Hills parade rolls through Conway. Photo: Festival of the Hills
Sunday, Oct. 4 | 10 AM–4 PM | Rain or shine
Their motto is "It hardly ever rains. Really? LOL!!! Kind of funny after we just had a nor’easter. This Franklin County hill town has thrown this festival since 1962: a 10K at 10, a parade at 1, and then my favorite part, the skillet toss at 2. Yes, people throw cast iron pans for distance. Since 2000, it's raised more than $155,000 in scholarships for Conway seniors. Pretty fun way to celebrate!! If you’re up for an adventure, check this out!!
PAINT SOCIAL ART:
Holiday Party Season Is Closer Than You Think
This is my business, so I'll be honest: October is when the smart planners book, and December dates go first. I bring the canvases, paint and step-by-step instruction. You bring the people. Nobody needs to know how to paint.
LOOKING FOR MORE?
Live music, Oktoberfests, farm days and more. The full calendar is free for subscribers.
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That's a wrap for this week!
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Until next time … keep exploring Western Mass
Curated with care by Christine Carbonaro-Freda westernmassinsider.com