Back in Pioneer Valley

Last Saturday we were back in MA to spend time with Nelson’s family. The main focus of the visit was to get fitted for my bridesmaid’s dress for Jenn’s wedding next year. Her bridal dress store was located in the Village Commons in South Hadley. I had walked past this store many a times during my time at MHC wondering why a wedding dress store would be located right opposite a women’s college where finding the perfect dress couldn’t be farther from most of our minds. Afterwards, we walked through the campus for a while. It is always such a feeling of comfort, empowerment and love whenever I walk through those magical gates.
Then we visited the Yankee Candle Store, which was already ushering in Christmas in style. I was quite amazed at the size and the diversity of the store. Though their main focus was candles, they were marketing everything from toys to house ware. Parts of the store were decorated to in a European Christmas theme while others had a very contemporary look. They juxtaposed in a very creative and attractive manner thus making the walk through a worthwhile experience. Despite not really needing anything, we ended up making a few purchases.
For dinner, we headed to Northampton, a place that offered a great choice of restaurants. We settled on Spaghetti Freddy’s , a good Italian restaurant in the renovated train station. It was great to be back in one of my favorite parts of the country.