I have lived, worked as a REALTOR and studied at Westfield State University in Westfield, MA since 1988. I like it here for so many reasons, but I realized yesterday that I don’t get many days off to enjoy it as I would like to.
Yesterday serendipity brought me to the “Dickens’ Days” festivities and I immersed myself into the best that my city has to offer.
I started by popping into the craft fair at the YMCA. As soon as I stepped in the door I was greeted by a lifelong friend of mine (and past client), Jeanne, who was selling her beautiful wreaths.
Walking through the fair there were lots of expected wares, but many unusual, as well. Everyone was in a great mood and smiles were a staple. After purchasing some crystal snowman earrings for my daughters I found a table selling locally produced goat cheese. This was the yummiest chevre I have had in a long time and at a super affordable price, too. I will be visiting their farm store for more very soon!
The holiday stroll included many other stops throughout town and I prioritized a couple that I had been wanting to visit for some time. The first was the bead store in town where I bought a few supplies for a project and the second was a wine shop called the Grape Crusher.
Located very close to Park Square Realty in Westfield, MA, I had been meaning to look into this store, but hadn’t had the time. I am very glad I made the time yesterday. Locally owned by a very friendly family, this shop specializes in carrying wines and micro brews that other stores in the area may not have. There was a wine tasting and as I sipped my wine and chatted with the owner I admired their wine gift baskets and noticed they had customized six packs of wine for a super reasonable price. These bags feature six pre-selected wines that normally sell for $10 and up. The bags run between $37 and $50 making them a great deal!
Following this lovely visit I stopped at “My Favorite Things” a consignment/vintage/antique store on Elm Street and then headed to The Tavern to treat myself to lunch.
As I parked for The Tavern I noticed that The First Church had a boutique and I decided to take a peek. After perusing the boutique I sat in on a few songs by a youth choir….wonderful stuff for putting me in a Christmas spirit!
Off to a late lunch at The Tavern where they have a toy train going around their tree above the bar area. I love the atmosphere in the bar, which is the historic post office building and retains most of the original architecture.
Later that evening Morriss and I headed to the Westfield Theater’s version of “A Christmas Carol” which featured our good friends Kelly and Tom Galanis. The production was very well done and Tom and Kelly had wonderful featured roles that they performed winningly.
All in all it was a wonderful day in my beloved Westfield, MA filled with the warmth of the holiday spirit. I am grateful for this day and for allowing myself the freedom to follow the Holiday stroll. The organizers of “Dicken’s Days” should be very proud of the spirit and pride they bring to the residents of Westfield, MA.
