The Top 5 Reasons to Visit New Marlborough, Massachusetts Now
BY 5 REASONS TO VISIT® EDITORIAL STAFF
November 2020 • 2 min read
Nestled within the southern part of the Berkshires lining the Connecticut border, New Marlborough, Massachusetts is a country haven inspired by its local roots. With its rolling hills and valleys, it prospered in the 19th century from its cider and gristmills, paper mills, limekiln and box factory along the Konkapot River. Enjoy a quaint village center, picturesque landscapes, stonewalls and historic farms.
1. THE HIKING
Umpachene Falls Park provides the perfect backdrop for hiking in and around the falls. You can drive right up to the falls, park your car and walk about 100 yards. You are rewarded with highly scenic (especially during autumn), tall cascades that roll into a natural swimming pool.
Umpachene Falls in New Marlborough, Massachusetts
This quiet, serene and unique waterfall is super easy to reach and most of the time you can have it all to yourself without the crowds. There are tables nearby to enjoy a picnic (please carry out what you carried in). Splash in the falls, enjoy the sun and the sounds of the singing birds or sit back on the many rocks around the falls and enjoy this hard to find gem of nature.
2. THE ART
Set amongst the backdrop of knolls upon historic farmland and within the rustic interiors of Gedney Farm is a collaborative exhibition of two contemporary artists—Peter Barrett, an artisan craftsman, and Susan Clinard, a sculptor in residence for the Eli Whitney Museum. Prominent sculptures include “Couple,” “Quetzalcoatl” and “Puer.” Many of the artistic structures across the landscape are constructed from reclaimed sections of rusted steel bridges. The farm itself, steeped in history of the Berkshire’s “Gilded Age” and modeled after the great Normandy barns of 19th century France, was built at the turn-of-the-century as a gentleman’s farm to showcase the prized Percheron stallions and Jersey cattle of the day. This is truly art that embraces the landscape.
In addition to these renowned artistic sculptures, the Meeting House on the Village Green is widely acknowledged as one of the finest art galleries in the area. There are three shows annually, one of them featuring the work of New Marlborough artists. For the upcoming show schedule, click here.
3. THE CUISINE & COCKTAILS
Tucked away in turn-of-the-century Gedney Farm in New Marlborough, Massachusetts, Gedney Kitchen is a local Berkshires favorite for delicious farm-to-table cuisine (with a revolving daily menu) and hand-crafted libations. For your artisanal cocktail fix, we recommend trying the Sloe Motion—concocted with Pasote blanco tequila, Atxa Pacharan, Comoz vermouth blanc and Zamaca.
Gedney Kitchen in New Marlborough, Massachusetts
Amidst the passion for superlative ingredients that span every inch of the seasonal, fresh menu—favorite dishes to indulge on include Pork & Ricotta Meatballs with a delectable pecorino tomato sauce, accompanied with grilled bread, Marinated Sweet Potatoes with curry yogurt, pickled chilis and dill, Fresh Papardelle Pasta with Maine lobster, saffron and parsley, as well as Roasted Duck Breast with black beluga lentils, braised cabbage, beets and parsley.
For those craving something sweet, indulge in one of Gedney Kitchen’s house-made desserts such as maraschino cherry panna cotta.
4. THE GARDENS
Located on the flanks of Leffingwell Hill, Questing is a landscape of returning forest, wetlands, remnant cellar holes, and stone walls that recall a long-abandoned settlement dating to early Colonial times. Discover extensive tracts of transitional hardwood forest, pockets of wetlands, small streams, and vernal pools. No formal, manicured gardens here—this 17-acre upland field of native wildflowers attracts a variety of dragonflies and butterflies.
Questing in New Marlborough, Massachusetts
A mowed path along the field edge connects to a forest loop trail that leads through the woods for two-thirds of a mile around the perimeter of Leffingwell Hill, a 200-year-old settlement where the first non-Native American children were born in New Marlborough.
5. THE ARCHITECTURE
Located on the New Marlborough Village Green, this classic Greek revival structure was built in 1839. The Meeting House was preceded by two earlier seventeenth century buildings on the same site.
The Meeting House in New Marlborough, Massachusetts
Promoted and restored by the New Marlborough Village Association, the Meeting House is widely acknowledged as one of the finest art exhibit spaces in the area. There are three shows annually, one of them featuring the work of New Marlborough artists. For the upcoming show schedule, click here.
WHERE TO STAY IN NEW MARLBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS
