The colors and the smells

We spent an absolutely wonderful week in Western Mass – there is a lot of Pete Goebel extended family here.  Sisters, nieces, nephews and in-laws.  Plus, an additional sister from FL came to visit too!   It was perfect.  Weather cooperated.   We hiked, we biked, we kayaked, we touristed and we got some culture.  We hugged, we laughed, we ate and we hung out.  Just what family gatherings are supposed to be.  For me and Pete, it was a great respite from the solitude of RV life.   Family was everywhere, all day, every day – there was movement, commotion and a noisy, beautiful symphony of unending conversation. 

But what really stood out for me here, what made Massachusetts unique, was the produce – yes, produce, as in fruits & veggies!  I know, it sounds weird to me too as I type these words, but the local produce in the Pioneer Valley region of Western Mass is phenomenal.  I am keenly aware that everywhere across this great country farmers are growing crops – but here is different.  I’ve grocery shopped for decades, seen produce my whole life.  It’s hard to put into words, to describe “why” the vegetables are phenomenal here, but Oh My Gosh, the colors and the smells and the variety – the size of the tomatoes and the eggplants – the abundance!  All local. 

Maybe it’s the Valley soil.  Maybe it’s the climate.  Maybe we just caught peak season.  I don’t know, but I loved it all.   The vegetarian in me was ecstatic.

Local farms dominate the landscape.  So many of the farm families put a produce stand at the road, and most use a self-serve honor system.  If you prefer a grocery store, they have numerous co-op markets that source from the local farms.  Yes, they have big chain grocery stores too, but the co-ops and the farm stands are where you want to buy your summer produce, assuming you don’t have your own garden.  If you don’t like vegetables, this area of Massachusetts will change your mind.  Our niece just bought a home, right next door to a small farm with a fresh market out front.  I am so jealous.  

I will long for Massachusetts every time I buy fruits & veggies from now on.

Nice too, is that the residents support the local farmers – all the local business, in fact.  Buying local seems like a priority here.  My sis-in-law told me a local bagel shop pushed out a national bagel chain.  How cool is that!

We leave MA today, going back to the coast, to Rhode Island.  Another state neither of us have been to before.  Our fridge is full of vegetables.  Our hearts are full of family love. We’re set for a while!  😊