It was time again to stay atop Mount Greylock – at 3,491 feet the highest point in Massachusetts. But in typical recent “Ray Fashion” I am not getting to work on this tale until ten days later while at the Silver Fountain Inn in Dover, NH – my third time here. Again this year I am here to be “in position” for a day’s outing on Star Island tomorrow (still have to share last year’s “open house” trip there with you). The first time I was at this B&B I needed an overnight, and “bought my way” back and forth across the state. Scouting for books, etc. has not been good recently, but today I did very well with some new “treasures.”

Lots of ways to get somewhere, and you know I always find different routes, hopefully roads I have not been on, or at least for awhile, or in the opposite direction — and dirt always wins out. Mt. Greylock, south of North Adams, is off my favorite US Route 7 almost on the border with NY state – thus many options to cross over. This time I headed out Vermont Route 9 west, turning left in Marlboro towards Marlboro College. Do try to take this remote route which becomes dirt after the college. Winding south when this road ends turn right on what becomes Green River Road – (YES – if you turn left you will end up at the Green River Covered Bridge and the great Inn (which I shared with you in my last post) — you can continue along the river into Massachusetts and almost to Greenfield – take this remote route sometime).

Well, back to heading to Mount Graylock. Turn left on Brook Road which will eventually bring you to Halifax (Vermont not Canada) – take Branch Road out of Halifax, and eventually you will end up on Route 112. I turned right on 112 because I wanted to visit Amos Brown – see image below in remote Whitingham is one of my favorite Landmark Trust USA stays. To get to the Amos Brown house you take 8A from south of “downtown Jacksonville (off 112) (VT not Florida that is) turn right on Burrington Hill Road and loop down a remote road to see Amos. I then headed back to Burrington Hill Road, continuing west (bearing right it becomes Carpenter Road) eventually turning sort of right on Poverty Road, and at the Brigham Young Memorial Park I turned left ending up on Route 100 – the “backbone of Vermont.” At Heartwellville, about ten miles west of Whitingham, (Heartwellville may not be so marked) turn left (south on Route 8) towards Clarksburg and North Adams – may not be marked either, I don’t remember. Once you get to the Mohawk Trail (Route 2) turn right (west) and there are various routes you can get to ATOP MOUNT GREYLOCK. I headed over to Williamstown, and then south on Route 7 until my turn back up the mountain – about a nine mile climb – too much fun – stop at the visitor center if open.

and the goal below – Mount Greylock Veterans War Memorial Tower. Below the view from the CCC lodge where I have now stayed four times.

a map of the grounds.

and an information panel – click to enlarge for easier reading.

yes, every visit I have climbed the tower

below is looking east from the top…

looking west down to the lodge.

looking back down from the top level

and sunset at dinner — dinner always been fun here.

the “end game” of this overnight was to experience the 176th FRANKLIN COUNTY FAIR in Greenfield, Massachusetts, Instead of driving straight down to Greenfield and then home, it obviously makes sense to head west first for a mountain top overnight, and then pick up the Mohawk Trail (Route 2) and head back east to Greenfield. I always have to stop at the roadside area which displays the “shunpiking history” sign you see above in my masthead. Below is the cemetery there along the river. No history or names that I can share — need to research more. But following then are the panels which you may wish to click to enlarge and learn about the “trail” and the towns along the way.

And, in Greenfield I arrived at 3 pm, just as the fair was opening for the first day. Originally an agricultural fair, I found this fair (unlike the little ones in towns around me) more commercial with a big midway, commercial booths hawking all sorts of “stuff” or the merchandise needing to be shown to sell. There were even four tents or booths offering free bibles and related literature.

some views as I walked around (click to enlarge) — I am sure crowds converged in the evening into darkness for the lights and rides and young excitement.

some more — fried pickles and a bull you could ride after signing a waiver.

the agricultural events had not yet stared – but in the baby barn — my two “new best friends.”

Having seen enough I decided not to wait for the 5 pm parade and headed back up I-91 and home. I can at least say I have experienced the Greenfield fair grounds.

Well, going to post this, and my subscribers will see the post right away. In sending emails to others using blind copies Comcast has decided occasionally that I am sending SPAM PHISHING emails and blocks my access for awhile – so I may try again but maybe have a day between my blind copy emails. Stay safe and well, luv, RAY