Sturbridge,Massachusetts

This campground had a small lake on its grounds.  The kids swam, floated, dove into the lake, and had a blast.  Not being a water person, I just admired it from a distance.  There was even a coordinated golf cart parade for the Fourth of July.

Martha’s Vineyard, about two hours away, was a must on our list.  A ferry ride is required to get to the island.  We took our bikes to see as much of the island in a day.  The ferry docks in Oak Bluff, the island’s most visited part and where the Gingerbread houses reside.  Of course, stopping at East Chop Lighthouse is a must.  I think my poor husband is exhausted from the many lighthouses I have dragged him to.  Oak Bluff is also the home to the Flying Horses Carousel.  It is the oldest operating one in America and was moved here in 1880 from NYC.  We rode our bikes to the town of Edgartown.  We were glad we brought our bikes as we zoomed past the cars at a standstill, trying to get around the island.  It was a fun-filled day, and we enjoyed the ferry ride back.

Stockbridge is home to the Norman Rockwell Museum.  This stop was not on our radar, but my brother-in-law encouraged us to visit if we had the opportunity.  Glad we did.  It was informative, and no one can deny the artistic genius of Norman Rockwell.  My favorite was Thanksgiving, where family and a home-cooked meal were at the center of this portrait.  Norman illustrated 363 covers of the Saturday Evening Post.  The methodology he used to produce these drawings was enlightening.  If you are ever in the vicinity, this is a must.  On the way out, I spotted a sign for a nearby art show.  The places that pop up are surprising when you don’t have a plan.  The Butternut Ski Resort was a great venue to have an art show. 

We ended the week by kayaking the Quinebaug River Water Trail.  It was the first time this trip we could use the kayak.  So glad the weather was beautiful.

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