Winter Trails and Shaker Tales01:03PM / Thursday, January 15, 2009
Hancock Shaker Village Offers Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing on its Grounds
PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Nature, history, and great exercise are rolled into one distinct winter experience at Hancock Shaker Village, which has opened its expansive grounds to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing again this year, offering a unique winter recreation alternative steeped in Shaker traditions.
Throughout the winter from 10am to 4pm daily, weather permitting, outdoor enthusiasts of all ages can tour the peace and beauty of the Village on their own, or trek the one-mile Farm and Forest trail, an accessible loop trail that includes signage detailing the features of the property as well as the importance of land stewardship to the Shaker way of life.
Used year-round for hiking as well as skiing and snowshoeing, the trail winds through hardwood forests that once supplied lumber for Shaker crafts and trades, past maple trees that were once part of the Shaker sugar bush, and up toward higher elevations with views of former Shaker quarries.
“What better way to enjoy and experience the scenic treasure of the Village and the history of the Shaker community,” says Ellen Spear, president and CEO of Hancock Shaker Village. “The property provides the visitor a greater view of Shaker life in the winter, beyond the barns, barnyards, and gardens.”
Spear adds that the woodlands, croplands, and fields on the Village grounds were not accessible to the public during the harsher winter months until 2007, but today, winter visitors of all ages are welcome to create their own culturally-rich outdoor experience.
Skiers and snowshoers can use the trails daily from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Members of Hancock Shaker Village ski and snowshoe for free, while non-members can purchase tickets for just $7.50 each.
Visitors may use the Visitor’s Center facilities to gear up, and later stroll through the Village Store, teeming with handcrafted Shaker reproductions, folk art, furniture, books, decorative accessories, seasonal items, heirloom seeds, and garden supplies.
Hancock Shaker Village is located in Pittsfield, Mass., on 1,200 acres of farm, field, and woodland. The fully restored Village has 20 buildings, 22,000 examples of Shaker artifacts, a café with a full menu and beer and wine service, and spectacular gardens. It’s also home to several heritage farm animals, and tours, crafts, cooking demonstrations, lectures, and a variety of activities for children and families are held year-round. For more information, call (800) 817-1137 or visit www.hancockshakervillage.org. |
