The Precious Autumn Sunshine

Now that this week’s brain teasers are out of the way, it’s time to think about quick road trips for the weekend. If you plan on heading up Route 2 west along the Mohawk Trail to catch some of the early fall foliage, there are two stops worth recommending: one food-related (of course!) and one garden-related.

Only open for a few more weeks, Skip’s Roadside Diner is conveniently located on French King Highway, (Route 2) in Gill, MA for quick but delicious roadside fare. Run by an Italian, the polish food is authentic and worth the stop before heading further along the Route 2 fall foliage corridor. Open Monday through Saturday, 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM, it is recommended you call ahead at (413) 863-9991 to verify hours and the closing date in October. (10/17/09 may be the last day.) You can’t miss the little trailer at the intersection of Gill and Turners Falls. The Polish Reuben is tasty; a good choice with a side of pierogies.

As you head back onto Route 2’s fall wonderland, take a trip to one of “New England’s Best Small Towns” recently published by Boston Magazine – Shelburne Falls. (http://www.bostonmagazine.com/new_england_travel/articles/new_englands_best_small_towns/) It is a quaint New England town but one of my favorite highlights is the Bridge of Flowers. (http://www.shelburnefalls.com/attractions/bridge.html) There is something magical about this spot. People of all ages enjoy walking across the bridge; absorbed in the meticulous plant layout surrounded by its exceptional backdrop. More towns should take heed to beautifying what could be derelict.

So enjoy the rest of your week. You may want to take Nathaniel Hawthorne’s advice, which is the inspirational gardening thought of the day. “I cannot endure to waste anything as precious as autumn sunshine by staying in the house. So I spend almost all the daylight hours in the open air.”