This week we shine our spotlight on Shelburne Falls. Why? Because, although we've been to many far-flung places, we'd never been to a town that doesn't actually exist!  That's right: "Shelburne Falls" doesn't appear on any official maps of Massachusetts. But Shelburne Falls is the name given to the vibrant village and commercial center shared between the towns of Shelburne and Buckland (both of which actually DO exist).   

Anyone who lives in the Pioneer Valley has already probably visited Shelburne Falls. After all, it is one of the most visited spots in New England. If you haven't been there, what exactly are you waiting for? 

"It's just a great place," says my friend Gerri Johnson, who has lived there for eight years. And it is! And we're jealous! But we put our petty jealousies aside and asked Andrew Baker, Executive Director of the Shelburne Falls Area Business Association. to give us a virtual tour of this Franklin County gem.  

"There actually are waterfalls in Shelburne Falls," Andrew assures us. "And right now is the best time to see them. The water really rips over the dam and creates a dramatic sight, particularly after a spring rain.  You can come back later in the summer to see the famous 'potholes' when they are not underwater." 

And there really is a Bridge of Flowers that spans the river separating Shelburne from Buckland. When it's in full bloom, it is an awesome sight. "Gardening is just getting under way now," Andrew reports. "But things are already starting to perk up." The Bridge promises to be pretty spectacular by May.  

Shelburne Falls is chock-full of galleries and artisan studios where you can watch (and buy!) glassblowing, pottery making, quilt making, weaving and more. Lamson & Goodnow Manufacturing Co. recently opened a factory store on Conway Street. Their cutlery factory has been at the core of Shelburne Falls, operating there since 1837.  

If you work up an appetite after all that browsing, shopping and walking around -- fear not. There are nearly a dozen eateries in town. Pubs, pizza, gourmet coffee and sweets -- you CAN have your cake and eat it too in Shelburne Falls. 

And Shelburne Falls lacks not for entertainment. The Pothole Pictures series brings classic movies to town in the classic comfort of a big-screen theater, recently refurbished on top of Town Hall. And there's plenty of live music courtesy of the 2nd Sunday Coffee House and Rural Renaissance.  OK, so I could go on and on about Shelburne Falls but you'd just get jealous and I'd get cramps in my fingers. So just check out their website at www.shelburnefalls.com. And plan a trip to Shelburne Falls. Trust me ... you'll like it. (Have I steered you wrong yet?)

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