Two days before the 4th of July, I went to see Amherst’s annual Independence Day fireworks at the UMass stadium, so I felt like I already celebrated before the actual holiday rolled around. Then I remembered one of my summer bucket list items is to bike the Norwottuck Rail Trail, which stretches across the area; the four-day weekend would be the perfect time to do it. The next day after work, I checked out a bike and helmet from the Bike Share in front of the gym.
I decided to sleep in on the 4th of July, so I took off early in the afternoon. My original plan was to bike to Northampton, but I quickly abandoned it after realizing it might be too ambitious for my first time back on the bike in a while. I left Seligman House, headed west down Northampton Road, and took a left on Hazel Avenue, which brought me to the rail trail. I continued west down the path toward the Northampton direction.
After 15 minutes, I arrived at Maple Street, which leads to Hampshire Mall. I was craving Panera, so I parked my bike at the trail parking area and walked toward the mall. I ordered my usual: You Pick Two with Half Chipotle Chicken Avo Melt and Half Caesar Salad, minus anything dairy for my lactose intolerant intestine.
Mid-lunch, I remembered that the Cinemark was in the mall as well, so I looked up what movies were playing. The next showing for Inside Out 2 was in less than an hour, which is perfect timing. I remember liking the first one, and I heard mixed reviews from friends who had watched the sequel, so I was excited to judge for myself.
I was not prepared for what was about to happen. It started out mild enough, but the second half was full of emotions (pun intended). I won’t spoil anything here, but I might have shed a tear or two, once or twice, or maybe three times. Despite it being a children’s film, the messages hit home in so many ways.
After the movie, I was ready to head back before I randomly decided to search up the location of Flayvors of Cook Farm, the famous local ice cream shop and dairy farm, since going there was another bucket list item. Coincidentally, it is right down Maple Street, so I got on my bike and set off south.
This part of the ride was when I truly realized that I was in rural Western Massachusetts. I might be exaggerating a little bit, but it was really just field after field, farm after farm, and I love it. Legs slightly sore, I arrived at Flayvors in 10 minutes or so.
The truth is I smelled the farm before I saw it. I was greeted by the mooing cows as I came into the parking lot. I treated myself to a raspberry sorbet and enjoyed it on one of the benches, with a view of the fields and hills in the distance. Get sorbet at Flayvors, check!
After spending some quality time with the cows, it was time to head back. Feeling the summer breeze, and with more confidence on the bike and on the road, I let myself enjoy the scenic ride.
I arrived back at Seligman just as Valentine Hall was about to close. I walked to town and decided to try something new, so I walked into Fresh Side. I ordered Teriyaki rice with chicken; it was very yummy.
I am typically a trip planner, but I am glad I followed wherever my heart desired this time. It was such a fun adventure, especially with the bike since it allowed me to see much more of the area. I have more exciting explorations planned this summer, and I look forward to sharing them!