Bernardston

Bernardston is a small rural town, located in north central Franklin County, on the border between Massachusetts and Vermont. The town is 23.4 square miles in area, with a population of approximately 2100. The major roads through town are US Route 5, MA Route 10 and Interstate 91. Bernardston's many hills are eastward extensions of both the Green Mountains and the Appalachians. East and west of the town's center where the Falls River runs, the hills rise steeply.

Attractions

Bernardston Historical Society Museum, located on Church Street. The building once housed Powers Institute, which was founded in 1857, and includes memorabilia from the school. The collection also includes farm and household tools, textiles and a Luman Nelson collection of small animals and birds. Open the first Sunday of the month, April through October, 1 to 4 pm or by appointment. Call (413) 648-5311. See their facebook page.

Hoe Shop Mural, situated near the site of the former hoe factory, near the Falls River on Hoe Shop Road in the southern part of town. Painted on wood and protected by a frame and plexiglas cover, it depicts the Hoe Shop factory complex as it appeared in 1853.

Falls River, runs from Vermont south to the Connecticut River, traversing the length of Bernardston. The stream is annually stocked with trout and also has popular swimming holes.

Crumpin Fox Golf Club, on Parmenter Road, off Route 10, is an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. Open April through November. (413) 648-9101

Kringle Candle Company, 220 South Street (Rt. 5). Kringle Candle is a leading U.S. candle manufacturer in Bernardston, MA. The unique and lovely flagship store is currently open Friday-Sunday and select Monday holidays, from 11am to 7pm. The store features their wide selection of candle styles and scents as well as home décor, gifts for him and her, a gourmet shop filled with specialty foods, fine chocolates & fudge, oils & vinegars, a Christmas and toy shop and much more. 413-648-3077.

Bernardston Farmers' Market, seasonal variety of locally-produced fruits, vegetables, meats, baked goods, preserves, crafts and more. Held Saturdays from May to October. 10 am to 1 pm.

Annual Flea Market & Gas Engine Show, on Route 10. Held Memorial Day weekend. Activities include flea market and gas engine show, food booths, auction, ham and bean supper, and church service

Scarecrows in the Park, an annual contest presented by the Bernardston Kiwanis Club. Everyone is invite to center the contest and create a unique scarecrow to stand in Cushman Park. Event also includes food, live music and more. Held in October, see facebook page.

For more information, visit the Bernardston Town Website