I live in Metrowest Boston, and while I love my home and the area in which we live, my favorite New England Secret Spaces are near our second home in Barnard, Vermont.
The first is the Pogue, a man-made pond on Mount Tom just outside of Woodstock. It was originally created to serve as a water supply for Billings Farm at the foot of the mountain.
It's only accessible via the hiking trails, which in summer means on foot or horseback, and in winter skis or snowshoes. No motorized vehicles or mountain bikes are allowed on Mount Tom, one reason the place is so peaceful year round. It's also an easy walk, even for folks who don't like to hike up mountains.
If you decide to go, the best way is to hike in from the Prosper Road parking lot. There are a few paths to the summit of Mount Tom, most of which pass by the Pogue. We like to go all the way to the top of Mount Tom, and usually stage a car at the end of the other principal trail up Mount Tom in Woodstock. That way, we can go straight down the mountain and then go for ice cream at the Mountain Creamery.
The second is the Barnard General Store. Just a few houses down from us in Barnard on Silver Lake, BGS is a great place to pick up a few supplies for dinner or a picnic to take on your hike up Mount Tom. Stop in for breakfast for a real treat; everything is cooked to order.
Let me know if you are going this way. We spend the month of August at our house and would love to hear from you.
Whenever I enter Vermont, my entire being changes. This looks like a lovely place to visit and it'll be something I put on our 'to do' list for someday!
Posted by: Fairly Odd Mother | July 28, 2008 at 09:37 PM