| Monterey, with a permanent population of about
1,000 people, is known for its beauty, commitment to conservation and as
a home for artists. Long a farming community, as demonstrated by The
Bidwell House's history, Monterey still boasts working farms including:
Rawsonbrook - making their famous goat's cheese, Lowland Farm -
producing wonderful maple syrup, and Gould Farm, whose produce is
available at their own Roadside Store and Cafe, open for breakfast and
lunch. |
Photograph, date unknown, reproduced from "Monterey"
A Local History |
Literally and figuratively at
the heart of Monterey is the Monterey General Store, in operation since
1780. It is a good place to stop for a snack when you are visiting the
town. Since 2004 it has sported a canopied deck overlooking the Konkapot and
peridically offers musical evenings. See the store's web site for details. |
| The town seal, based on a watercolor by
long-time resident Edith Wilson, appears on the fire trucks of the
volunteer fire company. Shown on the left side are buildings on Main Street, including the
Monterey Meeting House, the third in the town's history, the first
having being located near to The Bidwell House. |
| The right side of the
circular seal shows a portion of Lake Garfield. It is seen here
reproduced in the center of a quilt, now hanging in the town hall, that
was created to celebrate the town's 150th anniversary in 1997 by the Monterey
Piecemakers |
 |
| Peaceful recreation opportunities abound. Lake
Garfield, at the heart of the town's summer community, many of whose
families having been coming for generations, has a small town beach.
Another fine swimming location is Benedict pond, with life guards and
changing rooms, in the Beartown Mountain state forest. One can hike from
there on a section of the Appalachian trail through the state forest,
across the Tyringham Cobble, a Trustees
of Reservations property, and down into the valley. For
more gentle strolls, The Bidwell House offers many trails, Gould Farm
has Diane's trail and the Berkshire Fish Hatchery is open for
tours and also has extensive trails for hiking, nature walks and cross
country skiing. |
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