Scent-sational
The North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival markets itself as “the festival that stinks.” So really, how could we resist? But even if sniffing and hefting around bags of aromatic bulbs isn’t your idea of a fun time, there’s still good reason to hike up to historic Forster’s Farm in Orange — one of the most beautiful areas in Western Mass — and hang out for a day (or, hell, two). Here are a few: fresh-cooked cuisine and creative offerings from over 100 farmer and artist-run booths. Live music and spoken-word performances. Chef demos, classes, and family activities. Garlic games galore, including (careful) a raw garlic eating competition. Great views of changing foliage. Green-thumbed small talk with garlic wonks from all over New England. And new this year: a Portal to the Future area, which highlights projects that contribute to community-building and living local.
18th Annual North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival: Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rain or shine. No smoking; no pets. Adults $5 per day; $8 for a weekend pass; free for children 12 and under. Forster’s Farm, 60 Chestnut Hill Road, Orange. garlicandarts.org.
— Hunter Styles
