The Rural Intelligence region offers a plethora of fitness and healing modalities, but it can be hard to know which is the one that fits your needs, your body type and your schedule. Enter Paula Boyajian, a yoga instructor certified in Interdisciplinary Yoga and Yoga for the Special Child, who has taken on the role of RI’s fitness contributor to sleuth out the details of the many health and wellness options in our area.
Right after the Fourth of July, I saw stores heralding “Back to School" specials. I thought, “Really? Let’s enjoy the summer – July’s just begun!" But now I must admit, summer is dwindling and while we may be shopping those sales and packing kids off to college, let’s not forget about outdoor activities we can enjoy with those who may not be available next month. Spending part of a day or even just an hour or so at Hilltop Orchards in Richmond, Massachusetts is just the ticket, because this lovely farm offers activities that combine hiking, fresh fruit and veggies and even some wine-tasting opportunities. You know what they say about a bit of wine a day: like an apple and exercise each day, it’s good for you.
What Is It? Hilltop Orchards offers self-guided hikes as well as the very popular Full Moon Hike. Recently, I took advantage of a sunny afternoon to venture out on my own. After strolling through a lovely apple orchard, I walked to Perry’s Peak (3.2 miles), one of a few trails to chose from: there’s also Pet Loop (.5 mile), Riesling Run (1.5 miles) and Johnny Mash I & II (2 miles). Each trail was designed by professional trail developer and Olympian John Morton. Activity LevelBeginner to advanced. An advantage to hiking at Hilltop is that anyone of any fitness level can participate, including those with little interest in exercise, those recovering from an injury and kids who may bore (or tire) easily. And when you’ve gone as far as you want on foot, the Farm Store there offers homemade preserves and pastries to peruse. Outside there’s a choice of Adirondack chairs, or tables and chairs in a screened porch to rest in; near the orchard there’s an open field where children can run and play. So, while you may want an adventurous hike, others can enjoy their own thing while still soaking up some fresh air.
BenefitsHiking is good for your heart and legs and improves balance since it requires maneuvering over pebbles, sticks and around curves. While I made my way through the quiet forest, glimpsing the Berkshire Mountains and carpets of wildflowers, I automatically breathed deeper, allowing the peaceful setting to clear my head. My favorite moment was when I saw a sign warning hikers that Sasquatch could appear at any moment. Alone in the woods, I heard my own guffaw swell over the buzzing bees and chirping birds and felt right at home. If you take the full moon hike, you’ll also experience a bonfire ritual to help release negative energy and soak in positive power. Instructor Information When hiking on your own, you are your own instructor, and as long as you listen to your body and wear the right shoes you should be just fine. Don’t forget water, bug spray and sunscreen; if you’re completely alone, bringing a cell phone is always a good idea. If you feel more comfortable with a guide, the monthly Full Moon Hike is led by Holly Brouker, an accomplished athlete and physical educator. During the hike, she points out wildlife and foliage of interest and shares stories of Native American traditions relating to moonlight.
Facility/AmbienceA driveway lined with apple tress, a cozy tasting room with an oversized stone fireplace, the natural beauty of the hiking trails -- well, it’s why we call it the beautiful Berkshires. As lovely as the surroundings are, the charitable nature of proprietor John Vittori [in photo, above] adds a deeper level of beauty to this charming venue. For instance, part of the hiking fee is donated to land preservation, and there’s an upcoming Housatonic Heritage Apple Tour during which you walk to spectacular vistas while learning how the farm is preserving many varieties of rare heritage-antique apples. Cost And HoursHiking fee: $5; Full Moon Hike: $10 Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 7 days a week, all year long. There’s plenty of free parking, bathrooms are available in the Farm Store, and picnicking is allowed. Hilltop Orchards Rt. 295 / 508 Canaan Rd., Richmond, MA (800) 833-6274
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A rendering of a proposed sign by Norm Magnusson.
- Norm Magnusson
Pam Ellis performs at the Bercshire South Community Center.
Alicia Johnson and Catherine Zack preside over a Buried Treasure workshop at Village Yoga. (Photos Provided by Alicia Johnson)
