Rare woodland creatures and waterfalls in Royalston, MA

A couple of weekends ago, with the mercury rising and a swimsuit sitting neglected in my dresser, Josh and I decided we were overdue for a trip to some type of waterfront. Unfortunately, swimming holes in the suburbs are few and far between. Those that do exist come with steep admission prices and far too many screaming toddlers. So, what better opportunity to cross another town or two off our list for Wandering Massachusetts?

We drove about 90 minutes to northern central Massachusetts, and as soon as we got off the highway, felt like we'd crossed into distinctly quieter, more rural territory. Our destinations were three Trustees of Reservations properties, two of them well-known for their stunnning waterfalls.

But on our way, I must mention, we saw an unfamiliar piece of roadkill. Much to Josh's surprise, I immediately pulled over, stopped the car, and threw it into reverse to examine the animal more closely. After snapping a photo and observing a moment of silence, we hopped back into the car, and shortly after, another nearly identical creature scampered across the street. We were unsure of what these were, but after consulting with wildlife experts, have determined them to be mink. If only I'd known! I could have been wearing some very fashionable gloves come autumn!

 So anyway, we headed to Doane's Falls and Royalston Falls, traversing some steep trails to take in stunning views of the waterfalls. I also requested a stop at Tully Lake Campground, where we awkwardly shuffled among families setting up camp to find a place to take a dip. (We couldn't find a map to point us to the actual designated beach area.) But that's okay! A stealthy swimming session is ever more satisfying.

The day's stops also included Athol, where we enjoyed subs under the shade of a huge American Elm in the quaint town center. We searched for Warwick, but were too afraid to take Mother's car down the rural, dirt roads, especially when the only signs indicating Warwick lay ahead looked like relics from the 40s. So we're counting it, because we remain unconvinced this town is road-accessible/exists. Add it to the list!

Stockbridge and Great Barrington

Readers, I proudly present to you a first in Catherine the Greatest history-- a guest blog post! Many loyal readers have sent me subtle inquiries about a mysterious Josh figure who has been mentioned in several recent posts. He is a leading expert in small-town America, and exhibits a passion like none I have ever seen for the charming and quaint. What better way to debut him to my public than with a mandatory writing assignment! Without further ado, I bring you...

 Wandering the West
by Josh
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For most of us living in the Metrowest area, western Mass is anything past Worcester, but did you ever wonder what neat places exist in the great West of the Bay State?  For Catherine’s birthday, we took a trip to the southern Berkshires.  We were excited to celebrate and learn more about our great state.

Our trip started by visiting historic downtown Stockbridge which is famed for being the quintessential New England town.  I am undoubtedly a huge fan of small towns, and Stockbridge was no exception.  It has a wonderful blend of small stores to browse, bakeries, eateries, and cafes.  What delighted me the most was the balance between upscale atmosphere and classic New England charm.  Also, this town was also home to Alice’s Restaurant, the basis of the famed Arlo Guthrie song.  The restaurant is now named The Stockbridge Cafe.

After exploring downtown, we headed to a historic home and garden called Naumkeag, a property owned and managed by  The Trustees of Reservations for the enjoyment of the public.  The house served as a country “cottage” for the prominent Choate family.  This cottage is truly an impressive mansion.  The most dazzling part of the property is the gardens.  Much of the garden was designed as outdoor rooms by renowned landscape architect Fletcher Steele.  Miss Mabel Choate, who inherited the property from her family, took a strong personal interest in Naumkeag’s landscape and Fletcher Steele's expertise, working on a multitude of projects for 30 years.  The must-see garden element is the Blue Steps, which consists of a series of fountains flanked by stairs beneath a White Birch grove.

                                                      (the author, posing in front of the famed steps)


After our step back in time to the Gilded Age, we headed to the Norman Rockwell Museum.  I have always been a big fan of Norman’s Rockwell’s art.  I am constantly inspired by his ability to portray everyday life in a way that people of any age and background can relate to. So many of his works bring a smile.  They also bring home the idea of everyday heroes and a sense of community.  Although I had seen many of his paintings in books or online, I was excited to see some originals. I was amazed with how large and detailed most of his paintings were, which afforded me even more respect for my favorite artist.  I have to admit, I was holding back some tears when we viewed the Four Freedoms- this is worth the visit.


For Catherine’s birthday dinner, we visited Great Barrington.  After taking a driving tour we stopped at The Point Restaurant at Thornewood Inn.  One thing we learned about the southern Berkshires was that large hotel and restaurant chains do not exist; instead there are many Inns and unique local eateries. The Point was no exception.  After admiring the beautiful Inn, we sat down for an unbelievable meal.  During a heartwarming conversation with the owner, he talked us into a homemade chocolate ganache cake, that I am tempted to say might be worth the two-hour trip from Walpole to have again.  

Great Expectations: Advice for Young Professional Paupers

 A new feature on Catherine the Greatest! Let's face it kiddoes, the average American twentysomething has been a little slow out of the gate. We've not exactly joined the race to the top as quickly or efficiently as those who came before us. Some are still waiting on that masters, that first "real" job, and our student loan lenders own large portions of our souls. However, let's focus on the bright side. Overall, we're pretty lucky. We are well-educated, some of us have jobs we really like, and a lot of our parents welcomed us back into their basements with open arms. So what if we don't own property, have health insurance or um, money for lunch?

Which brings me to today's topic:

How to Act Like a Miser At The Salad Bar, But Still Get a Really Great Lunch

We've all been there. Lunch rolls around--you're stomach is rumbling but you have budget on the brain. Is there anything you can buy for a quarter and some pocket lint? Is the melted gum at the bottom of your purse legal tender? Is bartering a thing anymore, and if not, can you bring it back?

The outlook is grim, young pauper, but I have a solution. Head to your local salad bar. I hear you when you say, "But Catherine, those things can run six or seven bucks a pound!" I know, I know, but stick with me.

The trick is to make your salad up of all of the salad bar's lightest ingredients. These things are sold by weight after all, and the less of it there is, the more money you have for moonshine and tobacco.

Fill your salad container to the brim with baby spinach.Grated carrots and mushrooms are similarly weightless. A few thin slices of bell papers will get you Vitamin C, and add some bulk to the meal without adding too much cost. Dried cranberries and sliced almonds are also fairly light. Some sprinkled feta will only cost a few cents. Steer clear of heavy pickled beets, boiled eggs, and meats.That costs money, and you don't have much.

When it comes to dressing, use it sparingly. If you have the option of grabbing packets, do so. Sometimes I hold them in my hand at checkout and dare the cashier to ask me to let her weigh them. I almost always win the stare down, and save a few cents by keeping them off the scale.

I am so skilled at making nutrient-packed delicious salads that barely weigh a thing, that once the cashier thought the scale had broken; because how could such an amazing creation cost $3.06? What she didn't know is that the average young professional pauper is determined, crafty and truly knows how to stretch a dollar. Let's embrace it everyone. Let's get rid of those nicknames the media gave us--boomerang generation, generation whine--and all try to be somebody Dickens would be proud of.