JANUARY GO LOCAL

AURA DAY SPA

It’s a brand-new year and a fresh beginning. If these past three years has taught us anything, it is that health and wellness shouldn’t be taken for granted. Taking care of ourselves is something we need to start considering more. Aura Day Spa is the first luxury day spa in Ludlow, owned by mother/daughter duo Kristen and Hayley Procon offering facials, nails, waxing, massage, body sculpting and an infrared sauna.

FROM THE EXECUTIVE EDITOR . PAYTON NORTH

The holidays are over, and the new year is here. We made it!

As the holidays approached, I spoke with people from different walks of my life. Coworkers, my hairdresser, family, friends and more – and one common question kept coming up. Where has the time gone?

Each person shared with me their own frustrations and general sentiment of feeling burnt out. Many reflected that the holidays crept up on them much faster than usual and they had no time for themselves as their proverbial “cups” runneth over with errands to run, endless to-do lists, gifts to buy, parties to attend and more.

I do not know about you – but I am not a “New Year’s Resolution” person. I am – however – a goal setter. While I do not make traditional resolutions, I made it a habit a few years ago to write down some items I would like to achieve in the new year. Career goals, personal goals, financial goals, health goals – things that I work toward in my day-to-day life already.

For example, a 2022 goal, I wrote that I wanted to get a raise or a promotion (or both). Happily, judging by my presence in this column, I can report this goal was achieved.

In 2021, I had a goal to get back into reading for fun. I spend so much of my week reading and editing our newspapers, that I stopped reading for enjoyment in my personal life altogether. I did achieve the goal last year, reading 12 books. This year, I set out to read 24. I didn’t quite reach this goal – coming in at 15 books. I do like to note when I share this, though, that I read the Harry Potter books for the first time in my life. Most of those books are 600-, 700-, 800-, 900plus pages! Surely those count as more than one book? I digress.

I’m not beating myself up about not reaching my book count goal for 2022, though. Why?

Because forcing and pressuring myself to achieve a goal that should be about relaxing and bettering myself is the opposite of what I’m trying to achieve.

One of my 2023 goals is to take more time for myself. Whether that be in the form of reading a book, continuing to take the spin classes I have been enjoying every week, going on more frequent walks with my puppy, learning a new skill – I don’t care.

I’m sure we could all use some time to be present and enjoy ourselves. Many of the people and businesses featured in this month's Go Local would agree.

One of Ludlow’s newest businesses – Aura Day Spa – hopes to bring a myriad of services to the community to promote rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. They will be offering facials, nails, waxing, massage, body sculpting and an infrared sauna. Co-owners and mother-daughter duo Kirsten and Hayley Procon share with readers that they know the struggle the past few years have presented, not allowing people to truly take time for themselves and unwind.

For some, the new year may bring focus to creating healthier habits. Nestled in Suffield, CT – the Nutrition Shack is whipping up shakes and teas with the goal of offering an on-the-go option for people as meal or caffeine replacements. Owner Lindsey Anadore chose to open the business in 2020 after a series of life-altering changes led her to needing fast but wholesome nourishment.

Perhaps in the new year you’re hoping to indulge and enjoy yourself – to fulfill that need, Deep Roots Street Food offers fresh, quality, diverse cuisines. The restaurant owners, Brandon Pappalardo and Mark Sproule explain eating in-season and cooking from scratch are not just priorities of their business – but wholly part of their philosophy.

Or – maybe your goal has nothing to do with physical and mental health. Maybe you’re hoping to de-clutter and clean out your space. If that is the case – consider working with a local consignment shop, such as Soul Shine Consignment Boutique in Feeding Hills. Owner Katy Shea found herself looking to add soul and love to others wardrobes and opened the boutique in 2021.

If you are hoping to pick up a pastime – artist George McLean is the perfect example of someone who consistently picked up new hobbies throughout his life. His latest? Woodworking – specifically creating bowls and platters made of wood he finds outdoors – or what he calls F.O.G. wood: found on ground.

Whatever you are hoping the new year will bring, I hope you do not pressure yourself. Half the fun of creating a goal – or resolution, if you prefer – is dreaming up accomplishments. From there – enjoy the ride. Happy New Year!

Payton North, Executive Editor

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Payton North

CREATIVE

Beth Thurber, Manager . Leigh Catchepaugh

Susan Bartlett . Molly Arnio . Sophia Kelleher

DESIGN & CONTENT

Michelle Johnson

ADVERTISING

Barb Perry, Advertising Manager . Jeanette Lee

Lisa Nolan . Kim Barba . Roxanne Longtin Miller

Matt Mahaney . Paula Dimauro . Scott Greene

Terry O’ Donnell . Victoria Owen

Evan Marcyoniak . Andy Shaw

Carolyn Napolitan, Sales Assistant

Curtis Panlilio, Operations Director

Fran Smith, General Manager

THE GO LOCAL COMMUNITY

A CREATION OF CONTACT US!

280 North Main Street • East Longmeadow, MA 01028

Tel: 413.525.6661 • Fax: 413.525.5882

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM

Send local story ideas to: Michelle Johnson: mjohnson@repub.com

People say they like the way we look at things, but they love the way we listen. our best feature.

It’s a brand-new year and a fresh beginning. If these past three years has taught us anything, it is that health and wellness shouldn’t be taken for granted. Taking care of ourselves is something we need to start considering more. Ludlow’s newest spa – which opened this past fall – focuses on self-care and wellbeing, taking care of its visitors holistically.

Aura Day Spa is the first luxury day spa in Ludlow, owned by mother/daughter duo Kristen and Hayley Procon offering facials, nails, waxing, massage, body sculpting and an infrared sauna. “There’s a lot of hair and nail salons, but nothing to the extent of what we do, which is focusing on massage, facials and self-care,” said co-owner Hayley. “We have no background in

the cosmetology industry but owning a spa has always been a dream of ours. It’s been a passion for a while.” She continued, “We’re from Ludlow and knowing that there’s so many hair stylists and hair salons around we wanted to differentiate ourselves and create something that the community and surrounding towns needed and make it convenient, easy and accessible.”

Hayley and her mother Kirsten have been business partners for two years. Hayley graduated from Springfield College in 2021 with a degree in business, marketing and management. She and Kristen run another business in Wilbraham – Common Grounds Cafe. Originally, they were patrons of the café for years, and on a whim, purchased the cafe in December 2020. Though it was a learning curve, Hayley said the cafe helped them understand the logistics of business and how to work together. By February of 2022, the business partners felt confident to start a new business with their own name and brand.

As an avid spa-goer, Hayley said she is a huge fan of skin care and tries to get facials as often as she could. “I struggled with acne and was very insecure,” Hayley responded. “I resonated with the skin care aspect of things and my mom was the one who got me into that. She got me my first gift card to a spa when I was 15 years old.”

She went on to say, “Both of us are really passionate about this. We realize the importance of getting a monthly massage and getting facials to see results especially with COVID[-19]. Because a lot of people

weren’t able to take care of themselves having a year inside where you couldn’t go out and have those services done can take a toll on your body and mental health.”

The vision they had for Aura Day Spa was neutral tones, plenty of natural light and a great space that people would comfortably find and be able to come in. Their aesthetic is simple, light, airy and open concept. The pair shared they want to be a place that people feel comfortable going into and coming back to after each service. Right now, the business partners are working on getting their name out, building relationships with their employees and customers and being a part of as many events as possible.

“Self-care isn’t an expense, it’s an investment,” Hayley replied. “We want people to not only treat themselves, but we want them to consistently take care of themselves inside and out.

AURA DAY SPA IS LOCATED ON 485 HOLYOKE ST. THEY’RE OPEN ON TUESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 11 A.M.- 7 P.M. & SATURDAYS 10 A.M.- 5 P.M.

VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT WWW.AURADAYSPALUDLOW.COM AS WELL AS FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM.

Nutrition Shack

For those who vowed to make healthy habits a priority in 2023, the Nutrition Shack of Suffield has numerous delicious ways to help in the form of shakes and teas.

Owner Lindsey Anadore understands the quest for good health, which is one of the reasons she opened in 2020.

“I went to school and had worked in the medical field for over 13 years,” she said. “My cousin had opened a storefront similar to this one in a neighboring town. I was looking for a healthier lifestyle jumpstart, and just fell in love with a healthy on-the-go concept.”

Anadore started visiting her cousin’s shop on her lunch break, and eventually started helping on her days off.

“One day I thought ‘I can do this,’ figuring it would allow me some time, freedom and flexibility with my children, so I started looking for places of my own with the help of a friend and the support of my family,” she said.

She found the perfect location at 5 U Car St. and opened in March 2020. She was able to stay open throughout the coronavirus pandemic and continues to thrive.

Nutrition has always played a role in Anadore’s life.

“In high school, I was both a varsity and AllStar cheerleader and a competitive dancer for most of my life,” she said. “A healthy lifestyle is very important to maintain the long hours, demanding schedule, sleep and schoolwork. After high school, I was also a gymnastics coach, taught tumbling and was a dance instructor for many years. I was a young mom out of high school, so I was always on the go. I went on to have two more children. After having three children, life can kind of catch up to you, so it was always important for me to get back on track.”

Anadore had to slow down in 2014 when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

“I needed to stay healthy as a newly single mom to three awesome kids, and I needed a quick and easy way to maintain the vitamins and nutrients that my body needed – I had turned to protein-based shakes,” she said. “These became a tremendous lifeline for me. I am now eight years cancer free. Being here at Nutrition Shack every day inspires me to continue to be the best version of myself, for my customers, for my kids and for the community.”

Anadore said Nutrition Shack is “healthy mixology at its finest.”.

“I like to think that even on a bad day, we can make people leave with a smile, that’s what matters most,” she said. “Nutrition Shack has so much to offer for anyone’s health journey, whether simply considering a healthy snack or meal replacement, or a fun on the go healthier alternative to fast food for the whole family.”

Anadore said her protein shakes contain less than 1 gram of sugar and are all between 200 and 300 calories. They contain 21 different essential vitamins and nutrients that the body needs on a daily basis.

“The best part is it tastes like you’re doing something wrong but you’re actually filling your belly with a healthy version of happiness,” she said. “Our teas are made of an herbal base and contain zero sugar. They come in four different levels of caffeine, including a hydration base to keep them family-friendly. The sugar-free beverage mixes allow us to create bright, fun and delicious flavors of so many varieties. I like to think that we’re not just building a community, but a happy and a healthier one at that.”

Anadore’s personal favorite is the apple crisp shake, and her favorite tea is sour patch watermelon. She said the most popular shake, hands-down is peanut butter banana

bread. Some other popular shake flavors are Reese’s, mocha latte, cinnamon toast crunch, and birthday cake. Another popular drink is the Suffield High Wildcats Tea.

“I promise that these are just fun, flavored shakes,” she stressed. “They sound ‘bad,’ but taste amazing and are super healthy.”

To help keep those New Year’s resolutions, Anadore also hosts community-based activities, such as an Easter egg hunt, a pirate-themed treasure hunt, pumpkin decorating and more. She also hosts fundraisers throughout the year.

For Anadore, helping her family and friends in her community is important.

“I love that we are a family owned and operated business, providing our community and surrounding areas with a healthy, on the go alternative,” she said. “My customers have become more than just customers, they are friends –family – that smile when you need it most. It’s turning that bad moment you had before walking through our doors into an amazing rest of the day.”

NUTRITION SHACK IS LOCATED AT 5 U CAR ST, SUFFIELD, CT

OPEN MONDAY AND FRIDAY, 6 A.M. – 3 P.M., TUESDAY – THURSDAY, 6 A.M. – 5 P.M., SATURDAY FROM 8 A.M. – 2 P.M. AND SUNDAY, 9 A.M. – 1 P.M. VISIT THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR MORE DETAILS AND SPECIALS: FACEBOOK.COM/NUTRITIONSHACK2020

The 12th annual Northampton Ice Art Festival is a family friendly winter tradition. Artists create and carve works of art to go on display for the Winter Festival. Carving will start early Saturday morning where friends and families can gather to watch. Bundle up and enjoy the artists at work.

For more information visit: https://northampton.live/events/12th-annualnorthampton-ice-art-festival

BEND AND BREW

At Great Awakening Brewing you can enjoy an hour-long yoga session led by a certified instructor. Kick off your Sunday morning feeling relaxed and refreshed. Each ticket includes one free beer token to be redeemed after your class. Make sure to bring your own yoga mat and water bottle. You must be 21 or older to participate.

For more information and events visit: greatawakeningbrewing.com

JANUARY 19-22 AND JANUARY 26-29, 2023.

Amherst Community Theater presents the Broadway musical Disney’s The Little Mermaid! Cast away into a world of swimming, slithering, and singing sea creatures in this hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. This timeless fable will delight and dazzle audience members of all ages with its irresistible songs, stunning sets and costumes, and full live orchestra! Join us “under the sea” in UMass’s beautiful Bowker Auditorium; nine performances run January 19-22 and January 26-29, 2023.

For tickets, visit amherstacts.org and go to “Audience Information.” Questions? Email producer@amherstacts.org

George McLean LOCAL ARTIST

Artist George McLean always enjoyed creating, but it was a hobby for most of his life.

The 69-year-old Stafford Springs, CT resident recalls his first works were small boxes made of popsicle sticks that he created at age 10.

“Then I began to draw with pencil, copying the newspaper artwork ads,” he said. “I moved on to pen and ink next. I would see a picture on Christmas cards and partially copy and enlarge it adding a few things as I went.”

Over the years, his art evolved, and today McLean concentrates on wood bowls and platters.

“I’ve only been turning for a few years, but I love creating something from nothing,” he said. “Lots to learn – and I haven’t quite gotten to the ‘perfect’ stage where I would consider selling. My wife and others would disagree. But, for now I’m mostly giving away my work.”

McLean’s favorite wood is what he calls F.O.G. wood – found on ground.

“There sure is a lot of it around,” he said. “I see a tree and immediately think what kind of bowl I could release. Sometimes I just start with nothing in mind and just go where the wood takes me. I’ve made other things besides bowls like goblets, a beer mug, a candlestick phone. My son has me working now on making measuring spoons and cups from wood for him. Much more of a challenge than I thought it would be.”

McLean grew up in Waterbury and in 1971 he joined the Navy at 17-years-old. He was sent to Operational Specialist school for Operational Intelligence. He was also trained in Electronic Warfare, Electronic Countermeasures/Electronic Counter-Counter measures warfare. He was assigned to an Aircraft Carrier, USS Ticonderoga-CVS-14, for Operation Intelligence.

“We left for Vietnam on May 24 from Hawaii,” he recalled. “I spent my 18th birthday on ‘Yankee Station’ in the Gulf of Tonkin. I was also part of the Apollo16, Apollo17 and Skylab missions. The Ticonderoga was the recovery ship. It was a very busy time.

“Not much in the way of art during those four years,” he said.

In 1979 McLean married his wife, Roberta. She said their wedding was ahead of the times.

“We got married, in ‘79 on his Harley before biker weddings were cool,” she said. “We had friends, that we rode with, escort us to the Green in Wolcott.”

McLean was also ahead of the curve when it came to raising their sons.

“George was Mr. Mom,” said Roberta. “Our two boys never went to daycare. They were very lucky. He would attend the daytime activities . . . school . . . he did an awesome job, which I am sure our sons would agree with.”

The McLeans moved to Stafford Springs in 1980 to start a ServiceMaster franchise. He also spent time in

construction, which sparked his interest in working with wood.

“I learned all I could,” he said. “I applied that knowledge to building an addition, 28 feet by 30 feet, on our house. The shop/garage was the bottom floor and above that was living space. It took me two years to complete by myself. I then started a custom furniture shop, building Armoires, entertainment centers, tables, etc.  After a few years at that it became work, not fun.”

Roberta bought him a lathe and he made a few things, including their bed.

“I think my next pursuit was building and programing personal computers. Our two boys had the best looking and most powerful gaming machines, of course,” said McLean. “I built computers for half of Stafford Springs and all of our combined family members. Then came the cell phone. Bye bye computers.”

McLean was always looking for his next project or work of art, including himself.

“My next art was fitness,” he said. “My wife said I was obsessed. I began jogging and getting in shape. I studied to become a personal fitness trainer with the A.C.E. for almost two years. I was also learning how to sculpt my body by isolating certain muscles with various exercises.  I completed the Block Island Triathlon in August of 2001 at 47 years old. Not to be pompous but I was in perfect shape. It burned me out. I stopped all exercise and peaked at 267 pounds. I’ve since lost the weight and am at 210 pounds.”

McLean’s passion for making wood bowls and more occupies much of his time today until he finds his next interest. For him, it’s all about making something beautiful and useful.

“I just enjoy creating things,” he said.

! HOPE E. TREMBLAY NATE BLAIS

DEEP ROOTS Street Food ... and more!

Since acquiring Grassroots Ice Cream and Deep Roots Street Food in July of 2022, owners Brandon Pappalardo and Mark Sproule have continued the tradition of fresh, quality products while adding their own tasty twist.

Pappalardo comes to New England from Texas where he was a sous-chef at the Dallas institution, The Grape, for several years. He also managed several notable fast casual establishments.

“Most recently, I was the executive chef of a Mexicanstyle restaurant called Suburban Yacht Club in Plano, Texas which was probably one of the most exciting projects of my career – getting to experiment creatively with the menu and running a fast-paced big kitchen,” he said. “The same year, I was able to create a tasting menu for a private event at Eataly alongside three other chefs, several of which were James Beard recognized. I was pretty proud of my ability to leave a mark on the Dallas food scene.”

Pappalardo, along with his business partner and brotherin-law Sproule, is already making his mark at Deep Roots.

“Our vision for Deep Roots is to fill a gap for diverse food in the Farmington Valley area since residents don’t always

have the option to try regional cuisines from places like Mexico and Asia,” said Pappalardo. “We intend to incorporate dishes from the aforementioned places into the permanent menu. At Deep Roots, we have been running weekly specials that are able to highlight different cuisines. Most recently, the specials have included: cochinita pibil tacos and a unique take on the Italian porchetta sandwich. Ultimately, the goal is to have fun and bring people in the community together.”

Freshness is a priority at Deep Roots. Pappalardo said eating in season is an important part of their menu philosophy, as is cooking from scratch.

“We are in close contact with our suppliers and bring out seasonal options for both ice cream and food whenever possible,” he said.

Keeping much of the existing menu, but adding to it, has been successful for Deep Roots.

“Many of the existing items on the menu have remained the same since our ownership transition, but we have tweaked a few things,” Pappalardo said. “For instance, brining the chicken that is used in several of the menu items to ensure a better flavor profile and using greens that are in season for the salads. We are planning to make a few new permanent additions to the menu which is why we have been doing these weekly specials – they allow us to gauge how popular these items might be. In terms of favorites, I am partial to anything Mexican, however, I enjoy referencing the French techniques I learned while working in upscale dining.”

Pappalardo said when they purchased the business, he knew of the “cult” following Grassroots has had since it opened, but wasn’t surprised at its popularity when he saw it in-person.

“Seeing it during the peak of summer was definitely something special. From the plethora of flavors to choose

from to seeing the smiles of patrons of all ages – all of it has been heartwarming. I suppose that’s the magic of ice cream,” he said.

Although Pappalardo and Sproule did not own Grassroots and Deep Roots at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Pappalardo said it had an impact for sure.

“I think I can speak on behalf of most restaurant industry employees when I say that COVID[-19] required us to think outside the box and pivot in a new direction,” he said. “We saw this in the surge of curbside pickups and makeshift drive-thrus. COVID[-19] has also brought more attention to how essential staff really is to the success of any restaurant, much less a family restaurant like us. We always try to foster a positive community where all of the employees feel heard and take pride in their work.”

As the coronavirus pandemic slows, Pappalardo said he is excited for the new year and has some new things coming.

“We have a few new projects we are planning on rolling out in the new year, so keep your eyes peeled for that. I will give you a hint though...it involves another Grassroots location in Connecticut,” said Pappalardo. “And we are looking forward to meeting more customers in the new year.”

GRASSROOTS AND DEEP ROOTS ARE LOCATED AT 4 PARK PLACE, GRANBY BY THE GREEN.

GRASSROOTS IS OPEN

11 A.M. – 9 P.M. MONDAY – SATURDAY AND 11 A.M. – 6 P.M. SUNDAY.

DEEP ROOTS STREET FOOD IS OPEN

11 A.M. – 8:30 P.M. MONDAY –SATURDAY AND 11 A.M. – 6 P.M. SUNDAY.

Brown Butter Cinnamon Scones

Start by browning your butter, cook over low heat for about 10 minutes stirring occasionally. Transfer to an glass bowl and place in the freezer for 2 hours. Once butter is frozen, mix all your fry ingredients together. Grate in your frozen brown butter and chop it into your dry mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers. Once the butter is fully combined and the texture is crumbly, add your heavy cream, egg and vanilla. Whisk together then dump onto a floured surface and mix with your hands until you have a slightly sticky dough. Form into a disk and cut into 8 pieces. Brush with heavy cream and let sit in the fridge for 15-30 minutes. Preheat oven to 400F and bake for about 18 minutes. While they are baking combine powdered sugar, brown sugar, cream and cinnamon and mix. Ice your scones once they’ve cooled. Enjoy!

NATHAN BLAIS I’m a photographer from Springfield. I combined my love for cooking and photography and turned it into a career. Check out my instagram @nateblais!

Did you know?

Each snowflake has six sides.

Snowflakes fall at a rate of one to nine miles per hour.

Snow is a great insulator, an igloo warmed only by body heat can reach up to 100 degrees warmer inside than outside.

Paying it forward

The New Year is here, and with that, many people look to start fresh – in many more ways than one. For those who may be considering dusting off old clothes and cleaning out their closets to make space and declutter, instead of throwing these items away, perhaps consider a local consignment boutique.

Soul Shine Consignment Boutique is a women’s consignment clothing store, with the phrase ‘soul shine’ meaning beauty from the inside out. Owner/creator Katy Shea founded Soul Shine to add sparkle, soul and love to others wardrobes. She explained that she believes beauty starts from within, and strives to offer an inspirational shopping experience for her customers. Additionally, she wants to celebrate authenticity and welcome a variety of diverse eclectic styles.

Consignment is an arrangement in which one’s personal goods are left in the care of a third-party vendor to sell. For those who have clothing that is still in good condition but have no use for it anymore, they can bring it to Soul Shine. “You can go through your closet and there’s stuff you just know you want to pay it forward and donate,” said Shea.

“You’re going to bless somebody with it, but you’re going to donate it. This is all about blessing people here.” She continued, “I want women to feel great in their own skin no matter what size they’re at or what age they’re at – it doesn’t matter – I want them to feel beautiful.”

Owning a consignment shop was always a dream of Shea’s, but she never thought it was a possibility. She went to college for fashion merchandising and had a career in fashion retail as a district manager and corporate trainer for a subsidiary of JC Penney. When she became a mother and her specialty division at JC Penney went out of business, Shea said she was at a crossroads and worked part-time at a Clinique counter when her children were little. It was during that time she started consignment shopping out of necessity. “I’ve always loved fashion and clothes,” Shea said. “I really enjoyed dressing myself and my kids up. It just makes me feel better and it’s the way I express art. I’ve done consignment shopping and tag selling for 20 years.”

Fast forward to the coronavirus pandemic: Shea decided to open a consignment shop.

Soul Shine opened on Sept. 1, 2021, and 16 months later she said business has been going well. As of publication, Shea has over 500 regular consigners. She said her goal is to continue to bless people and keep growing her customer base. “I give all of my love to this shop, and I hope it shows,” Shea said. “I want to give customers the best boutique

experience. It brings me joy to know that someone’s day was brightened because they came to my shop. I’m very humbled by that.”

Shea asks for people to come in with 10 items maximum – new with tags preferred, without hangers. The items must be in pristine condition with no visible signs of ware, all neatly folded. Shea also takes custom jewelry, accessories, designer handbags and shoes that may have been worn once. No appointments are necessary. Shea has open hours for consignment on Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m.6 p.m. The store doesn’t accept consignments on Saturdays. Shea kindly asks consigners wait about two to three weeks before bringing her 10 more items. All fashions that don’t sell will be donated to local charities excluding designer handbags.

The Final Countdown

Sugar rush!

Check

out these 7 sweet local sugar shacks to visit!

NORTH HADLEY SUGAR SHACK

181 RIVER DR, HADLEY, MA 01035 (413) 585-8820

NORTHHADLEYSUGARSHACK.COM

The North Hadley Sugar Shack Farm Market is open year-round. They offer fresh cider donuts, breakfast sandwiches, soup, coffee and more. Check out their website for online ordering options.

BRADWAY'S SUGAR HOUSE

161 BRADWAY RD STAFFORD, CT 06075 (860) 684-6876

BRADWAYSSUGARHOUSE.COM

Bradways is family owned and has been operating since 1950. They started out as a simple family hobby and eventually turned into a successful business. Call ahead to plan a visit to the sugar house and purchase fresh maple syrup.

POMEROY DAIRY

491 RUSSELLVILLE RD, WESTFIELD, MA 01085

FACEBOOK.COM/POMEROYDAIRY413/

Pomeroy Dairy has a variety of fresh maple product including maple syrup, maple candy, maple cream, maple cream cheese, maple yogurt, and many other farm fresh products.

NORWICH LAKE FARM INC

87 SEARLE RD, HUNTINGTON, MA 01050

(413) 667-8830

FACEBOOK.COM/NORWICHLAKEFARM

Norwich Lake farm is family owned and operated. They sell fresh maple syrup in all different sizes from a half pint to a gallon. They also sell farm fresh eggs, pies, and other maple goodies!

DAVENPORT MAPLE FARM RESTAURANT

111 TOWER RD, SHELBURNE FALLS, MA 01370

(413) 625-2866

FACEBOOK.COM/DAVENPORTMAPLE

Davenport Maple Farm Restaurant offers breakfast and brunch. Try out their sweet specialties including Breakfast Fondue, Sugar House Salads, Maple Cream Cheese and much more. Check out their Facebook page for menu details.

HARDWICK SUGAR SHACK

572 JACKSON RD, HARDWICK, MA 01037

(413) 477-0932

HARDWICKSUGARSHACK.COM/

Hardwick Sugar Farm has been making syrup for 24 years with over 70 wooded acres. Visit the farm in March to see how the syrup is made! Checkout their website to find local places to purchase their syrup year-round.

MAPLE CORNER FARM

794 BEECH HILL RD, GRANVILLE, MA 01034

(413) 357-8829

MAPLECORNERFARM.COM

Maple Corner Farm has been operating since 1812. They’re open to visitors from February through April where you can watch the sap being boiled into syrup. During this time they also serve breakfast and offer a variety of sweet treats.