Massachusetts
Nature|Wildlife & Farms

There’s An Awesome Rock Ranch Hiding In Massachusetts And You’ll Want To Visit

Earthdance in Plainfield, Massachusetts, offers visitors the chance to dig for and keep beautiful rocks, minerals, and gemstones.

Published Mar 7, 2018

Written by 

Sophia

Have you ever wanted to dig for buried treasure? This picturesque spot in Massachusetts lets you search for your very own beautiful rocks, minerals and gemstones. Better yet, you can keep what you collect. Read on for more information about Earthdance in Plainfield and how you can visit.

If you're a fan of this state's natural wonders, be sure to join our Massachusetts Nature Lovers Facebook group for more inspiration and your chance to have a photo featured!

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Facebook/Earthdance Creative Living

This stunning spot in the Berkshire hills is a great place to dig for treasure.

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Earthdance is primarily an artist-run workshop and retreat, but they also offer mineral collecting.

About 75 years ago, dynamite blasts were used to extract rocks and minerals from the Anson G. Betts Mine. Today, the mine’s quarry pits are beautiful woods.

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Flickr/Deidre Woollard

Now, you can visit and harvest the leftover minerals and rocks for yourself.

There’s plenty to find on these gorgeous grounds, including the Massachusetts state gemstone, rhodonite.
You can also pick out pyrite (better known as "fool’s gold), rhodochrosite, spessartine garnets, almandine garnets and tephroite.

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Facebook/Earthdance Creative Living

You can collect here for a fee, which is considered a donation to Earthdance.

Once you’re done collecting your gems and minerals, check out some of the awesome programming Earthdance offers such as arts nights, dance classes and barefoot discos.

Earthdance is located at 252 Prospect Street, Plainfield, Mass. To arrange a visit for rock and mineral collecting, contact the Earthdance Mineral Coordinator at [email protected]. Click here to visit their website.

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If fun outdoor activities are your thing, check out these strange and explorable ruins hiding in Massachusetts.

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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

The Audubon Center in Massachusetts Where You’ll See More Than 20 Bird Species in a Single Afternoon

Looking for a great place to view a variety of bird species? Head to Great Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary in Concord for fantastic bird watching and outdoor fun.

Published Oct 5, 2024

Written by 

Kim Falchek

As I have gotten older, I have developed a stronger appreciation for the creatures and critters that live in the great outdoors. Bird watching has become a new hobby and I have added feeders, regional bird guides, and binoculars to my collection of personal possessions. While I love watching the various species of birds that visit my window feeder throughout the day, I also enjoy getting outdoors to view birds in their natural habitats. Did you know there are over 500 species of birds in the Bay State? There are tons of wonderful local nature trails and sanctuaries where you can view these creatures. Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Concord and Sudbury is one spot where you will see a variety of beautiful birds.

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The Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is a 12-mile-long conservation area on river wetlands. The two primary units of the refuge are Sudbury and Concord. Both offer a variety of beautiful landscapes and activities, but you will want to head to the Concord unit for the best bird watching. Please be aware there is an entrance fee.

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Over 220 species of birds have been sighted and recorded at Great Meadows. The species and numbers vary throughout the year. In the summer, you may spot geese, red-winged blackbirds, and mallards in the wetlands. Some hawks remain in the area in the fall and songbirds such as the black-capped chickadee can still be seen in the winter. Spring is the best time to view migratory birds such as ring-necked ducks, tree swallows, and warblers.

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KenCanning/iStock /Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images

And the wildlife sanctuary is not just for the birds! There are also foxes, frogs, bats, deer, black bears, and beavers. A large group of endangered Blanding’s turtles can also be found here. The sanctuary offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, non-motorized boating, and cross-country skiing, too.

Be sure to bring a helpful bird guide, such as the "Birds of Massachusetts Field Guide" by Stan Tekiela, and a good pair of binoculars. You can view wildlife from the trails, an observational platform, and an observation tower.      

Have you visited Great Meadows National Wildlife Sanctuary? Where else do you like to bird watch? More information about the sanctuary can be found at the Great Meadows National Wildlife Sanctuary website. Visit Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in Wellfleet and the Fruitlands Museum in Harvard for more fantastic local birding.

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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

The Best Apple Cider Donuts in Massachusetts Come From This Farm

Are you craving a delicious warm cider donut? Head to Smolak Farms in North Andover for some of the best cider donuts in Massachusetts.

Published Sep 13, 2024

Written by 

Kim Falchek

There is just something about fall that has me craving (I mean really craving) cider donuts. While plenty of local bakeries sell these treats all year long, there is nothing like devouring a fresh, warm cider donut straight out of the oven as you sport your favorite flannel and breathe in the crisp autumn air. A visit to any local farm, fall festival, or autumn event is always a great excuse for a delicious cider donut, and the best in the state can be found at Smolak Farms in North Andover, Massachusetts.

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Smolack Farms/Facebook

One bite of this delicious sweet treat and you will instantly know why the donuts are flying off the conveyer belt at Smolak. The farm sold approximately 450,000 cider donuts last year and returning customers are already running back for more this fall.

One of the best things about the cider donuts at Smolak is that they come in three different varieties. Not only does the farm bake traditional cider donuts, but they also make sugar and cinnamon sugar and honey-glazed options. I suggest trying all three!

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Smolak Farms/Facebook

The donuts are perfectly sweetened on the outside and are soft and tender on the inside. Smolack Farms has received several awards and accolades for its cider donuts, including an impressive “second best in New England” and "best sugar-coated cider donut."  

You can grab your donuts hot off the belt or purchase them to bring home with you. Smolak also has an online bakery ordering system that allows you to order ahead of time. The delectable treats are available all year long.

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Smolak Farms/Facebook

If you enjoy the donuts at Smolak, you may want to try their muffins, pies, breakfast sandwiches, and quiches. The farm also makes weekly meals-to-go and a variety of delicious ice cream flavors, including one called Cider Donut Supreme.

Many people come to Smolak specifically for the donuts, but there is more to enjoy. The farm is a great place to go apple picking, take a hay ride, or visit the farm animals. Smolak also holds fun fall festival weekends and hosts birthday parties, weddings, and corporate events. 

So what do you think? Are the cider donuts at Smolak Farms the best of the best or do you prefer the donuts from a different farm or bakery? Find out more about Smolak Farms at the Smolak Farms website and Smolak Farms Facebook page. You can find more great donuts at The ANGRY Donut in Newburyport and Kane's Donuts in Saugus and Boston. If you really love donuts and can't get enough of them, you may wish to embark on this utterly delicious Massachusetts Donut Road Trip.

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