NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The path for Bohemian Road pointed north as the gift and novelty traveled from Adams to the city's downtown Eagle Street last month.
"I live in Adams and I love the town ... It is a beautiful town but my girlfriend and I would come to North Adams and go to Mass MoCA and eat at different restaurants and we noticed there were always a ton of people walking around," owner Randy Cormier said of his decision move from Park Street. "That is not the case in Adams and this was just a business decision."
Cormier, who used to operate Brighter Daze at the Berkshire Mall, said his new location is just about the same size as his Park Street store but the ceilings are higher so he can hold more product.
Brighter Daze was closed in 2006, a couple years after he purchased the Depot in his hometown of Dalton. After selling the Depot, the singer-songwriter had concentrated on his music and run a landscaping business with his brother.
He describes his items as "hippy/bohemian," a mix of colorful "world" clothing and items.
"Clothing and gifts from around the world ... we do a lot of women's clothing. Whatever is in season," he said. "Crystals are big, tapestries, incense, and a lot of gifty stuff."
The store has a media section and Cormier, a musician, has a large selection of used CDs and vinyl.
Cormier said he also sells CBD oil, or cannabidiol, a non-pyschoactive compound from cannabis plants that's become popular as a natural remedy.
"We started selling it in Adams because it is such a health and wellness thing ... We sell a lot of it and I stand behind it," he said. "We don't carry anything that isn't federally legal to sell and we are not a dispensary. We are mindful — even though I don't have to I don't sell to anyone under 21."
Cormier is excited to be next to Bird Song Gallery and said there is a natural synergy between the two stores.
"We carry some of the same stuff but nothing is exactly the same," he said. "When there are more stores like you in an area that is packed full like Eagle it's better. People stop there and then come over here. You have to be cool with your neighbors.
"The more business the better."
Cormier urged passers-by to stop in his shop and said he likes to really get to know his customers.
"We have a great knowledge of our products and for 20-something years we have always taken care of our customers," he said. "If I have returning customers who come in and always buy multiple records they are going to get a discount."
Bohemian Road is located at 48 Eagle St. and is currently open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 to 4. Contact information: 413-841-0616.
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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.
In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.
Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.
The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.
"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."
Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.
In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.
The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.
"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.
The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.
In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.
"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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