What do four churches, an agricultural fair, a town hall, summer evening concerts, ice skating and a "Halloween Evening Rag Shag Parade" have in common? The Town Common in Belchertown, that’s what. It was very fitting that we met our Belchertown tour guides, Sandie Pirrello and Dori McCracken, at the Common since it has been commonplace for people to meet and gather there for centuries.

Located 11 miles (kind of) east of Amherst and just (kind of) south of the Quabbin reservoir (part of which is located in the town), Belchertown is the second largest town in land area in Massachusetts (no one seems to know what town is larger, although we've heard rumors that it's Plymouth). Today, the town has about 13,000 inhabitants, many of whom are employed by the five colleges. Those who don't work in Amherst or Northampton work in or around town for one of the area's many small businesses or shops, which accounts for the "town and gown" feel of the place.

But before we began our tour, we had one burning question. Just how did Belchertown get its name? Well, it seems that in 1727, a Harvard graduate (class of 1699) was granted a 60-square mile section of land in Massachusetts as part of the "equivalent lands" act. From 1730 to 1740, he was the governor of Massachusetts. From 1747 until his death in 1757 he became the Royal Governor of the Province of New Jersey. (While in New Jersey he granted a college in Newark its second charter and helped it move to its present home in Princeton – ring any bells?). In 1761, the area of Massachusetts known as Cold Spring was incorporated and named the new town after the land owner, Lord Jonathan Belcher.

"I wish it was called Cold Spring," Sandie told us. "It would be a lot less embarrassing than 'Belchertown'. Nevertheless, the name stuck and, for better or worse, the residents are stuck with it.

But don't get us wrong. Belchertown residents are very proud of their town, and well they should be. The aforementioned town common is one of the prettiest in New England (marred only by a large green water tower). The historical society is one of the largest, most active in the state. And with its horse pulls, animal judging and carnival rides, the town fair is an annual reminder of a simpler life and time.

"I like it here," commented Gene, a resident since 1974 and the proprietor of Cold Springs Wine & Spirits. "People mind their own business. You can do anything as long as you don't interfere with anyone else."

Sandie and Dori agree with Gene's assessment. They moved to Belchertown eleven years ago, though they're considered "pikers" by some of the town's older residents. They like the fact that Belchertown has a "country" charm, yet is so accessible to Amherst and Northampton (they just hop on a five colleges bus from the Common). They drove us up to Cold Spring Orchard (where the original settlement stood) for a fantastic scenic overlook of the entire town. On the way back to the town center, they showed us one of the other things they like – the different housing styles. "Development has taken place over a long period. There are houses dating from the revolution, the Antebellum period and the 1930s," Dori explained, "as well as homes built in the last few decades. I love the diversity."

An agrarian town from its beginning, Belchertown is still home to a variety of farmers, whether they raise Christmas trees or ducks (for their eggs). And let's not forget the dairy animals, particularly the cows that provide the milk for the scrumptious ice cream at Hawley's Family Restaurant. We sampled a flavor called "moose tracks," which combines chocolate, vanilla and tiny peanut butter cups. And though we didn't try it, "muddy sneakers" also sounded intriguing. Of course, they've also got all of the standard flavors for those less adventurous souls among us.

As afternoon turned into early evening, we left Belchertown with full bellies (that ice cream is filling!), smiles on our faces and many thanks for our wonderful tour guides. Driving away, we found ourselves wondering why it had taken us so long to explore this gem of a town. One thing's for sure, though. We will come back. Probably around the fourth weekend of September, to check out the Fair.

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