So, remember I said Todd brewed a beer with the CBC folks? That beer ("Banryu") as been reviewed! Read all about it in Draft News and Beer Examiner!
That Todd, he's so cool!
08 December 2008
01 December 2008
Bottoms up!
I am so proud of Todd! He and Will (head brewer at the Cambridge Brewing Company) experimented with a sake/beer hybrid, and it will be sold today at the CBC!
Take a look at their website and scroll down to "Banryu."
Take a look at their website and scroll down to "Banryu."
30 November 2008
Thinking about maybe bloggin' again
Oh my, oh my! It has been a looooong time since I touched this blog! Since my last post ONE YEAR AGO, a lot has happened (or not much has, depending on your point of view). Here's the quick year in review:
November 2007
Still obsessed with our wonderful wedding, I posted some wedding photos. Even though I uploaded all the photos to Picasa, I did not post them...
December 2007
Regular seasonal things. Our family set a very low price limit on gifts in order to re-center our focus on the holiday. This was tough, but fun.
January 2008
Todd & I took advantage of his company's annual meeting in the Bahamas and had a honeymoon of sorts. I don't know if one needs to say this about going to the Bahamas, but it was fabulous!
February & March 2008
Todd & I decided to start looking at houses. To buy. Unfortunately, we didn't actually have enough money to buy anything (more on this in the months to follow)... simultaneously, I was suffering from what was later determined to be a Benadryl addiction. My allergies were bad, I took a lot of medicine. I lost weight and thought I was going to croak. Once I got off "the crack" things turned around.
August 2008
September 2008
Oh, yeah. We also celebrated our anniversary and I started allergy shots.
Done.
November 2007
Still obsessed with our wonderful wedding, I posted some wedding photos. Even though I uploaded all the photos to Picasa, I did not post them...
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December 2007
Regular seasonal things. Our family set a very low price limit on gifts in order to re-center our focus on the holiday. This was tough, but fun.
January 2008
Todd & I took advantage of his company's annual meeting in the Bahamas and had a honeymoon of sorts. I don't know if one needs to say this about going to the Bahamas, but it was fabulous!
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Todd & I decided to start looking at houses. To buy. Unfortunately, we didn't actually have enough money to buy anything (more on this in the months to follow)... simultaneously, I was suffering from what was later determined to be a Benadryl addiction. My allergies were bad, I took a lot of medicine. I lost weight and thought I was going to croak. Once I got off "the crack" things turned around.
April 2008
We thought we might be buying a house. We called it "Bob". It turned into a short sale. Things got very confusing. Nothing happened. We did not buy it. This turns out to be a good thing. Since it seemed that we would not have a house by the time our lease was up, we made arrangements to move in with Mart and Dad "temporarily." Packing began.
This same month, Mr. Uezumi passed away. He was a very kind man who went out of his way to introduce Todd to the Japanese community in Greenwich. We darted down to the Historical Society for his memorial service.
May 2008
Packing continued. Peter and Rinn got married!!! Outside Chicago. My task was to make a slideshow of Peter and Rinn through the ages. [I cannot for the life of me figure out how to link the flickr album here!] In addition to their (awesome) wedding, we also visited with friends and zipped around a little on our own.
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We did more packing... and moved. All of our stuff to Homer's. Us to Mart and Dad's. Then we went to Etsuko & Lee's wedding (beautiful!).
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June 2008
Ah, relaxing June. Nope! In June, we continued looking at houses and went to Avery's bar mitzvah. This was the loveliest ceremony! I so enjoyed seeing Avery among his peers. I am very proud of him.
July 2008
This month we nearly bought a house we called "Vinnie P." But we decided that we could not afford it. We arranged to continue living with the very kind and generous Mart & Dad for much longer than initially planned. We are paying off all - ALL - our debt and saving more money. We also went to Virginia for Pam's 60th birthday and visited with Jackie, Dave, and Jack on Jack's first big trip. We also got to go to a Red Sox game... Josh played the organ (just for us!).
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The Red Sox game was actually in August... that was an anachronism. We did some other stuff (I don't really remember what). At the end of the month, I went to SAA in San Francisco and then to SEATTLE to see the boys (and the girls). We had a great time!
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The big event of this month was the Joy of Sake in New York City. Caroline arranged for us to stay at her mom's in Chelsea (awesome) and we had a really excellent time!
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October 2008
Todd went to the Great American Beer Fest in Denver. He had a great time. While he was away, I went to see Josh play with Jim's Big Ego with Mary and Abby. We had a really nice time. As a real plus, I have a new band to listen to regularly! Caroline and Simeon came up for a show and we had a great dinner with them. I turned 35.
November 2008
Finally! We're up to date! This month, we went to Maine for Pumpkinfest, I donated my hair to Locks of Love, and I got new glasses. I do not love the new hairdo (thankfully, it will grow!), but I do think I love my glasses.
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| New hair, old glasses |
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| New glasses, pair 1 |
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| New glasses, pair 2 |
Done.
16 November 2007
Photos!!
Sorry for the delay in posting these! We received the photos from our photographer, the talented Robert Tobey. We love them! In fact we love them so much that it was really difficult to put together this "quick" set of photos! I hope you enjoy.
I will link to the full set (over 500 photos) soon... just a little more work required on my part.
I will link to the full set (over 500 photos) soon... just a little more work required on my part.
04 October 2007
To have and to hold...
More of you than I would have thought commented on and asked for copies of our vows. We wrote them together and tried to balance them, call-and-response style. Here they are:
Amy & Todd: I promise to love and honor you for as long as I live, or longer if that turns out to be possible.
Amy: I promise to keep you grounded, but not hold you back.
Todd: I promise to keep life interesting, but not out of control.
Amy: I promise to learn and grow with you, not away from you.
Todd: I promise to help you relax, but not slow you down.
Amy: I promise to attempt to keep you neat, clean, and on time.
Todd: I promise to keep you nourished and well fed: body, mind, and spirit.
Amy: I promise to be patient and try to accept that things not done my way are not necessarily wrong.
Todd: I promise to never let go of the firm belief that it all works out.
Amy & Todd: I promise to love and honor you for as long as I live, or longer if that turns out to be possible.
Amy: I promise to keep you grounded, but not hold you back.
Todd: I promise to keep life interesting, but not out of control.
Amy: I promise to learn and grow with you, not away from you.
Todd: I promise to help you relax, but not slow you down.
Amy: I promise to attempt to keep you neat, clean, and on time.
Todd: I promise to keep you nourished and well fed: body, mind, and spirit.
Amy: I promise to be patient and try to accept that things not done my way are not necessarily wrong.
Todd: I promise to never let go of the firm belief that it all works out.
03 October 2007
Photos
The first of the wedding photos are in! 
Piper & Scott (mostly Scott) took photos at the rehearsal -- see them on Piper's Flickr account.
Dave took photos on a disposable digital camera (as an experiment -- I think successful) at the wedding. See them on my Picasa.
Please continue to send me photos to share --- I can make new Picasa albums (like I did with Dave's photos) or link to your own site (like I did with Piper's)... Enjoy!
Piper & Scott (mostly Scott) took photos at the rehearsal -- see them on Piper's Flickr account.
Dave took photos on a disposable digital camera (as an experiment -- I think successful) at the wedding. See them on my Picasa.
Please continue to send me photos to share --- I can make new Picasa albums (like I did with Dave's photos) or link to your own site (like I did with Piper's)... Enjoy!
01 October 2007
Thank you!
Well, the wedding is over and the marriage has started. Thank you all for coming and making the wedding such a special day and (we think) a huge success!
Please check back in with the blog here. We intend to continue posting: photos, comments, and (by request) our vows.
We also welcome you comments. Just foward them along, and we'll post 'em.
See y'all soon! More later...
Please check back in with the blog here. We intend to continue posting: photos, comments, and (by request) our vows.
We also welcome you comments. Just foward them along, and we'll post 'em.
See y'all soon! More later...
27 September 2007
Fit to be tied?
So we've received a number of inquiries about what to wear to our wedding. The most important thing to us is that you all are there and comfortable. We'd like you to look nice and be clean, but beyond that, we leave it to you.
Todd is not wearing a tie; I am not wearing a full-length dress. To me, Todd looks trapped when he's wearing a tie -- he is not a tie guy. However, my family is a tie family; my dad and brothers will be wearing ties. This gives all the guest a lot of room to make their own decisions.
My recommendation to the ladies coming is just not to wear spikey heels. The patio is uneven and the deck has spaces between the floorboards.
I cannot wait to see what you all!
Todd is not wearing a tie; I am not wearing a full-length dress. To me, Todd looks trapped when he's wearing a tie -- he is not a tie guy. However, my family is a tie family; my dad and brothers will be wearing ties. This gives all the guest a lot of room to make their own decisions.
My recommendation to the ladies coming is just not to wear spikey heels. The patio is uneven and the deck has spaces between the floorboards.
I cannot wait to see what you all!
26 September 2007
Tick, tick, tick... what time is it?
Do you need to know when things are happening? Here is the timing crib sheet:
Saturday, September 29th
2:00 pm -- Shuttle service from the Red Roof to the Night Kitchen starts (the van will be making a loop, if you miss one, you'll get another, but don't wait till the last minute)
2:00-3:45 pm -- Browsing... if you are early to the Night Kitchen, enjoy the Book Mill Bookstore!
3:30-3:55 pm -- Take your seat! But first, we request that you sign a document asserting your support of our marriage. Peter, Rinn, John Daniel, and Tiffany will direct you.
4:00 pm -- Ceremony, cocktails, dinner, reception. Please make sure you're on the deck by 4! We'd like to start on time & have you there :o)
Midnight -- Last shuttle if you took the van and you're not on this last one, you're calling a cab to get home!
Sunday, September 30th
9:00 am - noon-ish -- Picnic Todd & Amy will be at the Mt. Sugarloaf Observatory with bagels, coffee, juice, and fruit. Please join us (read the earlier post on this subject a little further down the page)
Saturday, September 29th
2:00 pm -- Shuttle service from the Red Roof to the Night Kitchen starts (the van will be making a loop, if you miss one, you'll get another, but don't wait till the last minute)
2:00-3:45 pm -- Browsing... if you are early to the Night Kitchen, enjoy the Book Mill Bookstore!
3:30-3:55 pm -- Take your seat! But first, we request that you sign a document asserting your support of our marriage. Peter, Rinn, John Daniel, and Tiffany will direct you.
4:00 pm -- Ceremony, cocktails, dinner, reception. Please make sure you're on the deck by 4! We'd like to start on time & have you there :o)
Midnight -- Last shuttle if you took the van and you're not on this last one, you're calling a cab to get home!
Sunday, September 30th
9:00 am - noon-ish -- Picnic Todd & Amy will be at the Mt. Sugarloaf Observatory with bagels, coffee, juice, and fruit. Please join us (read the earlier post on this subject a little further down the page)
23 September 2007
Directions
There was a directions card in your invitation, but if you've lost or forgotten that, I'm including some directions here, too.
If you are planning on taking the Mass Pike to get to the area, please allow a little extra time for construction.
If you are not planning on taking the shuttle van from the Red Roof Inn (available from 2 p.m. to midnight), these are the directions I had included with your invitation:
From South Deerfield, MA
Take Rte 5/10 South. Turn left on Rte 116, go 1.8 miles. Turn left on Rte 47, go 4.7 miles. Continue on Main Street 1.4 miles, the Night Kitchen is on the left.
From Hadley, MA
Take Rte 9 to Rte 47, go 14.1 miles. Continue on Main Street 1.4 miles, the Night Kitchen is on the left.
From Amherst, MA
Take Rte 9 to Rte 116. Go 8 miles on Rte 116. Turn right on Rte 47, go 4.7 miles. Continue on Main Street 1.4 miles, the Night Kitchen is on the left.
From Northampton, MA
Take I-91 North 8.9 miles to exit 24, Rte 5/10 toward Deerfield. Turn right on Rte 116, go 1.8 miles. Turn left on Rte 47, go 4.7 miles. Continue on Main Street 1.4 miles, the Night Kitchen is on the left.
See Detailed Map
If you are planning on taking the Mass Pike to get to the area, please allow a little extra time for construction.
If you are not planning on taking the shuttle van from the Red Roof Inn (available from 2 p.m. to midnight), these are the directions I had included with your invitation:
From South Deerfield, MA
Take Rte 5/10 South. Turn left on Rte 116, go 1.8 miles. Turn left on Rte 47, go 4.7 miles. Continue on Main Street 1.4 miles, the Night Kitchen is on the left.
From Hadley, MA
Take Rte 9 to Rte 47, go 14.1 miles. Continue on Main Street 1.4 miles, the Night Kitchen is on the left.
From Amherst, MA
Take Rte 9 to Rte 116. Go 8 miles on Rte 116. Turn right on Rte 47, go 4.7 miles. Continue on Main Street 1.4 miles, the Night Kitchen is on the left.
From Northampton, MA
Take I-91 North 8.9 miles to exit 24, Rte 5/10 toward Deerfield. Turn right on Rte 116, go 1.8 miles. Turn left on Rte 47, go 4.7 miles. Continue on Main Street 1.4 miles, the Night Kitchen is on the left.
See Detailed Map
20 September 2007
Wedding day +1 (the day after)
What will we do the day after you ask? Well, we are getting married in Western Mass because it is so beautiful; we dig the casual, rustic life style; the area represents a great era in our history as a couple; and we like to be outside. How can we continue to celebrate this? By picnicking!!
We plan on being at the observatory in Mt. Sugarloaf State Reservation in the morning on Sunday, September 30th. We'll have munchies! Please join us. Warning: the drive there is up a steep mountain road, and it costs $2 to bring your car in. [Spend the 2 bucks! It is a long walk!] There is plenty of parking, picnic tables, and a pavilion in case of inclement weather. More details will be available at the wedding.
...in the meantime, look, the Observatory is very close to the Red Roof Inn:
View Larger Map
See you in 9 days!!
We plan on being at the observatory in Mt. Sugarloaf State Reservation in the morning on Sunday, September 30th. We'll have munchies! Please join us. Warning: the drive there is up a steep mountain road, and it costs $2 to bring your car in. [Spend the 2 bucks! It is a long walk!] There is plenty of parking, picnic tables, and a pavilion in case of inclement weather. More details will be available at the wedding.
...in the meantime, look, the Observatory is very close to the Red Roof Inn:
View Larger Map
See you in 9 days!!
04 September 2007
Long time, no blog...
Hello all. Well, the summer has been busy - but productive - and I haven't blogged much. I will add a few more posts in the coming weeks, please keep checking!
Update on rooms: our room block has expired, but I've heard from a friend who just made reservations that rooms are still available at the Red Roof Inn for a reasonable (if not the same) rate. When you check in, please mention that you are with our wedding and ask to be on the same end of the hotel (it is the truly non-smoking side, not the sort of non-smoking side).
Update on transportation: a 14-seat van has been chartered for shuttling folks to/from the Red Roof/Night Kitchen. This should help those of you who are travelling with others but might want to come and go at different times as well as those of you worrying about (1) finding the place, (2) driving on country roads, (3) drinking and driving, or (4) something I haven't considered worrying about yet. I will check in with the Red Roof Inn to make sure that they are OK with wedding guest who are not staying at the Red Roof parking there and catching a ride. More information about times, etc. to come.
Update on things to do: I admit to promising more information on this topic and have not added more information. I started and then didn't get back to it... sorry! I started putting photos of places to visit on a Google map. Check out this album and click on "view map":
What's to come? I plan to add some information about what to expect about the ceremony and some key players... I hope to actually get to doing that.
25 days until I see you!! Yippee!!
Update on rooms: our room block has expired, but I've heard from a friend who just made reservations that rooms are still available at the Red Roof Inn for a reasonable (if not the same) rate. When you check in, please mention that you are with our wedding and ask to be on the same end of the hotel (it is the truly non-smoking side, not the sort of non-smoking side).
Update on transportation: a 14-seat van has been chartered for shuttling folks to/from the Red Roof/Night Kitchen. This should help those of you who are travelling with others but might want to come and go at different times as well as those of you worrying about (1) finding the place, (2) driving on country roads, (3) drinking and driving, or (4) something I haven't considered worrying about yet. I will check in with the Red Roof Inn to make sure that they are OK with wedding guest who are not staying at the Red Roof parking there and catching a ride. More information about times, etc. to come.
Update on things to do: I admit to promising more information on this topic and have not added more information. I started and then didn't get back to it... sorry! I started putting photos of places to visit on a Google map. Check out this album and click on "view map":
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| Amy & Todd on the map! |
What's to come? I plan to add some information about what to expect about the ceremony and some key players... I hope to actually get to doing that.
25 days until I see you!! Yippee!!
23 July 2007
*** Reserve Your Room ***
I'm sorry to be a nag, but if you have not already made your room reservation, you should! Western Mass is known for its beautiful foliage, and - believe it or not - people travel there just to see the leaves! Here is a recap of information in an earlier post:
We have held a block of rooms at the Red Roof Inn in South Deerfield. It is no frills (no irons or hairdryers in the rooms), but clean and close to the wedding site. It does not cost anything to make a reservation, as long as you cancel within 48 hours of the reserved date. Here are the specs:
Red Roof Inn #289, South Deerfield, MA
1-800-733-7663
Reference # B289-000387 and our last names
Rate $116+tax/night
Other options of places to stay were posted 8 June 2007 (just scroll down the page a little bit and you'll see it).
I know this seems tedious, but what a bummer it would be if you couldn't find an affordable place to stay for the wedding!!
We have held a block of rooms at the Red Roof Inn in South Deerfield. It is no frills (no irons or hairdryers in the rooms), but clean and close to the wedding site. It does not cost anything to make a reservation, as long as you cancel within 48 hours of the reserved date. Here are the specs:
Red Roof Inn #289, South Deerfield, MA
1-800-733-7663
Reference # B289-000387 and our last names
Rate $116+tax/night
Other options of places to stay were posted 8 June 2007 (just scroll down the page a little bit and you'll see it).
I know this seems tedious, but what a bummer it would be if you couldn't find an affordable place to stay for the wedding!!
14 July 2007
Best Folks
We realize that you may (or may not, but who asked you?) be wondering who the Best Folks are! Wait no longer!
It is no surprise that Todd has asked Shannon to be his Best Man. Shannon and Todd have been friends since they met in Amherst (circa 1995). Shannon lived with Todd in Amherst (1998?), and they both lived in Japan for a while (in fact, Shannon is still living there). So you'll recognize him at the wedding, here's a photo of Todd & Shannon I took in 2003:
[Note: Shannon no longer has the dreads...]
Now, who is the Best Lady and why am I calling her that? It will not be a shock to anyone that I don't like the language of weddings. I am not a fan of "maid of honor" or "matron", so I picked up the male term and flipped it around to my liking... why not!
As to the who: Piper, of course! Piper is my best buddy from library school. When I first saw her in orientation (when everything was intimidating), I thought "excellent shoes! she is way too hip to be my friend"... since then, we've been pals, she's never shunned my un-hip-ness, and she's even been mentioned in a YouTube video as a "hipster librarian"!
This is Piper and her husband Scott at our friends' (Heather & Jay) wedding... I don't know why I love this photo with the HUGE cup and saucer, but I do :)
It is no surprise that Todd has asked Shannon to be his Best Man. Shannon and Todd have been friends since they met in Amherst (circa 1995). Shannon lived with Todd in Amherst (1998?), and they both lived in Japan for a while (in fact, Shannon is still living there). So you'll recognize him at the wedding, here's a photo of Todd & Shannon I took in 2003:
[Note: Shannon no longer has the dreads...]Now, who is the Best Lady and why am I calling her that? It will not be a shock to anyone that I don't like the language of weddings. I am not a fan of "maid of honor" or "matron", so I picked up the male term and flipped it around to my liking... why not!
As to the who: Piper, of course! Piper is my best buddy from library school. When I first saw her in orientation (when everything was intimidating), I thought "excellent shoes! she is way too hip to be my friend"... since then, we've been pals, she's never shunned my un-hip-ness, and she's even been mentioned in a YouTube video as a "hipster librarian"!
This is Piper and her husband Scott at our friends' (Heather & Jay) wedding... I don't know why I love this photo with the HUGE cup and saucer, but I do :)
11 June 2007
Montague, MA
It has come to my attention that nowhere do we tell you where the wedding is and that you might like to know! Oops!The wedding is at the Night Kitchen. Max, the owner and chef, uses local food whenever possible and is really creative. The Night Kitchen is in a spot that we have loved for years: the same complex as the Montague Bookmill -- a used book store whose motto is "books you don't need in a place you can't find." These businesses are in a historic mill (1842) right on the Sawmill River. It is truly a beautiful spot! We are looking forward to foliage, the sound of running water, and yummy food.
Please keep mind that this is a rustic setting. The ground between the parking lot and the restaurant is uneven. The deck has spaces between the boards. Navigating in very high heels may be trickier that normal!
Closer to the wedding, I'll post links to Google maps and directions.
08 June 2007
Other places to stay
As promised in an earlier post, here are some alternatives to staying at the Red Roof Inn (where we will be):
The Hotel Northampton (413.584.3100) is not too far away in adorable Northampton (where we lived in 1995-96). This is a more "upscale" place for the area. The Lord Jeffrey Inn (800.742.0358) in Amherst is another fancier place to stay, but is an inn not a hotel. The Black Walnut Inn (413.549.5649) is another charming place to stay in Amherst.
Hadley, MA, is good town to consider for lodging. It is plunked in the middle of Amherst and Northampton, is South of Montague, and is chock full of hotels/motels. The down side is that is can get a little congested along the main drag (Route 9), which has become home to a WalMart, Old Navy, and Trader Joe's. We've stayed at the Howard Johnson's (413.586.0114), which is older than some of the other places, but certainly not terrible. The Holiday Inn Express (413.582.0002) is pretty new and right on the beaten path.
If you are looking for a very cute B&B, the Deerfield Inn (413.774.5587) is very close to the wedding site. The Poetry Ridge B&B (413.773.5143) in Greenfield is off the beaten path (translated, you might have trouble finding your way back), but looks nice from the outside.
The French Motor Inn in Gill (413.423.3328) is a little rough around the edges, but acceptable if you don't mind no-frills. The Greenfield Inn ( 888.244.2211), formerly a HoJo's is also a little rough, but good if you don't mind very motel-y motels.
We do not recommend the Super 8 in Greenfield. It is right on the traffic circle, small, and old. The Hampton Inn & Suites in Greenfield is considerably newer but is on the same rotary and next to a strip mall.
I hope this helps! This list is not exhaustive, if you have questions about some other place, please post them here and we'll check places out as we can. Boy, are we looking forward to seeing everyone!
The Hotel Northampton (413.584.3100) is not too far away in adorable Northampton (where we lived in 1995-96). This is a more "upscale" place for the area. The Lord Jeffrey Inn (800.742.0358) in Amherst is another fancier place to stay, but is an inn not a hotel. The Black Walnut Inn (413.549.5649) is another charming place to stay in Amherst.
Hadley, MA, is good town to consider for lodging. It is plunked in the middle of Amherst and Northampton, is South of Montague, and is chock full of hotels/motels. The down side is that is can get a little congested along the main drag (Route 9), which has become home to a WalMart, Old Navy, and Trader Joe's. We've stayed at the Howard Johnson's (413.586.0114), which is older than some of the other places, but certainly not terrible. The Holiday Inn Express (413.582.0002) is pretty new and right on the beaten path.
If you are looking for a very cute B&B, the Deerfield Inn (413.774.5587) is very close to the wedding site. The Poetry Ridge B&B (413.773.5143) in Greenfield is off the beaten path (translated, you might have trouble finding your way back), but looks nice from the outside.
The French Motor Inn in Gill (413.423.3328) is a little rough around the edges, but acceptable if you don't mind no-frills. The Greenfield Inn ( 888.244.2211), formerly a HoJo's is also a little rough, but good if you don't mind very motel-y motels.
We do not recommend the Super 8 in Greenfield. It is right on the traffic circle, small, and old. The Hampton Inn & Suites in Greenfield is considerably newer but is on the same rotary and next to a strip mall.
I hope this helps! This list is not exhaustive, if you have questions about some other place, please post them here and we'll check places out as we can. Boy, are we looking forward to seeing everyone!
17 May 2007
Things to do
I realize that I should be telling you about things to do in the area besides attend our wedding. Western Mass. is beautiful, especially in the fall, so if you're into scenic drives or hiking, you're set. Of course, you might want to know about other attractions. Here are a few:
Magic Wings in South Deerfield is very close to the Red Roof Inn and is well worth the $7 or so a person. It is a really, really cool butterfly observatory. Look, here is Todd enjoying our visit there:
The Yankee Candle Flagship Store, also in South Deerfield, is more than just a store. I've never been and Todd's comment is that it is smelly, but I hear that there is a lot to see there. Not only is it the world's largest candle store, but they also have a candle museum, "mouth-watering delights", and home furnishings. It could only be interesting...
If you want a truly great view, go to the Summit House in Skinner State Park. This is one of our favorite spots! You can drive up to the top, or you can hike all or halfway up. Please don't hike the whole thing on the same day as the wedding, you'll be tired and then no fun! Mount Sugarloaf State Park is another really great view. Again, you can hike or drive up to the top.
If you're up for living history, Historic Deerfield is just down the road. I've driven through (well, Todd drove); the houses are cute and very well maintained.
Interested in museums? You are in luck! The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is in Hadley, MA. Their mission is to inspire an appreciation for and an understanding of the art of the picture book. I haven't been yet, but expect to go this summer (and then will modify this post). I have high hopes for this place!
I am tiring on this subject for now, but will get back to it. My last thought here is to point out some of our favorite towns: Amherst, Northampton, Greenfield, and Turners Falls. Each has its own quirks and interesting sites. I recommend checking them out!
Magic Wings in South Deerfield is very close to the Red Roof Inn and is well worth the $7 or so a person. It is a really, really cool butterfly observatory. Look, here is Todd enjoying our visit there:
The Yankee Candle Flagship Store, also in South Deerfield, is more than just a store. I've never been and Todd's comment is that it is smelly, but I hear that there is a lot to see there. Not only is it the world's largest candle store, but they also have a candle museum, "mouth-watering delights", and home furnishings. It could only be interesting...
If you want a truly great view, go to the Summit House in Skinner State Park. This is one of our favorite spots! You can drive up to the top, or you can hike all or halfway up. Please don't hike the whole thing on the same day as the wedding, you'll be tired and then no fun! Mount Sugarloaf State Park is another really great view. Again, you can hike or drive up to the top.
If you're up for living history, Historic Deerfield is just down the road. I've driven through (well, Todd drove); the houses are cute and very well maintained.
Interested in museums? You are in luck! The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is in Hadley, MA. Their mission is to inspire an appreciation for and an understanding of the art of the picture book. I haven't been yet, but expect to go this summer (and then will modify this post). I have high hopes for this place!
I am tiring on this subject for now, but will get back to it. My last thought here is to point out some of our favorite towns: Amherst, Northampton, Greenfield, and Turners Falls. Each has its own quirks and interesting sites. I recommend checking them out!
14 May 2007
Transportation
Montague, MA is a bit, um, out of the way. Depending on your travel plans, you might want to drive or fly in for the wedding.Boston's Logan Airport is about 100 miles from where we are getting married. The airport code is BOS.
Bradley International Airport is about 50 miles from the recommended hotel. The airport code is BDL.
Both airports have rental car companies on-site, which is convenient. Remember that the wedding is 8 miles from the hotel; having a car, or pairing with others who have one, is a great idea! There is a lot to do in the area (more to come on this topic), but very little of it is within walking distance.
I did some quick searching from the Bradley website and from the Logan website. I found the best rate to be at Budget, which is located at both airports. Alamo provided a comparable rate. Both companies provide unlimited mileage.
24 April 2007
Accommodations
Yay! You are coming to the wedding! Now, where should you sleep? It's western Mass; there are lots of places to try. We are recommending the Red Roof Inn in South Deerfield. It is the closest hotel to the wedding site, right off I-91, and (we've checked it out) new and clean. Also, there is a newly repainted pool.
Red Roof Inn #289, South Deerfield, MA
1-800-733-7663
Reference # B289-000387 and our last names
Rate $116+tax/night
More options to come...
What's in a name?
Quite a bit! Just in case you are wondering: there will be no changes, swaps, merges, or hyphens. Amy and Todd will be keeping their given names. Please do not reduce Amy to the "s" in "Mrs."; she will not be amused.
Thanks!
Thanks!
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