Explore North Central Massachusetts

A personal blog

Bates Land in Groton

I have held off on walking the Bates Land in Groton because I was afraid of bobcats. That’s the truth. But I’ve wanted to go for a long time and I finally did this week.

What amazing views! As you walk, the view opens up over a field and the Groton Hill Music Center is across the street. It feels like you can see the full skyline from Wachusett Mountain towards New Hampshire.

This is a Groton Conservation Trust property and there is a small parking lot along Old Ayer Road. I didn’t see any wildlife and I was grateful because it was my first visit and I didn’t really know the property. But I went back the next day and I’ll go back again.

Learn more on the Groton Conservation Trust website.

Massachusetts Maple Weekend 2025

I took a ride to Kimstead Farm in Pepperell, along the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border for Massachusetts Maple Weekend.

This is a beautiful property and a fun place to visit. They had about 320 taps spread out across the property. The hosts were warm and welcoming. They showed guests their evaporator and I picked up a bottle of maple syrup, which I enjoyed later at home. I got the lighter blend and it was really delicious.

Maple Sugar Houses to Open for 2025 Maple Weekend

Maple Sugar weekend 2025 in Massachusetts

Learn about the Massachusetts maple sugar industry – and enjoy tasting the rich flavor of maple syrup and sugar treats. According to the Massachusetts Maple Producers Association, sugar houses will open across the state this weekend, March 8th and 9th.

Use the Sugar House Map. Find participating sugar houses near you using the association’s map.

Check out the Hollis Hills Farm website. If you live in North Central Mass, there are a few sugar houses within driving distance, including Hollis Hills Farm in Fitchburg and Rocky Brook Farm in Sterling. If you drive toward Pepperell, you will find three sugar houses in one town: Boggastowe Farm, Green Acres Farm and Kimstead Farm.

I went to Hollis Hills Farm in Fitchburg a few years ago and enjoyed a breakfast complete with the best maple syrup I’ve ever had. I took home a bottle and have since bought more at the Route 2 visitor center in Lancaster. Turns out I love maple!