Winds of Winchendon
Location via Google Maps
Tucked away in Northern Massachusetts on the border of our neighbor, New Hampshire, is a piece of history I’ll bet you never knew. We found it by chance when a random truck passed us by while in Rhode Island. Not making this up ! The truck’s business logo caught our eye. It was from Winchendon ! Certainly had never heard or known about such a town, so research ensued. From what we read, our interest was peaked. So off we go in search of an adventure like no other !
A bit of history……
Late in the 1700s, manufacture of wooden shingles became the first enterprise. Hence the settlement was called… Shingletown. Manufacturing grew with wooden pails, tubs, clothes pins, bobbins and many other small wooden-ware products. Expansion included furniture and countless toys resulted at the turn of the 20th century, Winchendon proudly declared itself “Toy Town.”
The more we drove and walked, the more we felt as if we had just walked into “Mayberry.” Started looking for Aunt Bee !!
Do not leave Winchendon without a visit to Not Just Produced ! You will find unique gifts, incredible prepared food, assorted organic dairy products, yummy deserts, an assortment of spices and more ! Topped off by the sweetest, nicest, well informed, friendly owner and staff on the planet Earth (Or in this case, Mayberry) !
Our new friends at Not Just Produced recommended we visit Smith’s Country Cheese just five miles down the road. Before we left, we were able to sample this delicious farm made cheese. How could we refuse ? The adventure continues!
A stroll downtown uncovered cozy shops, unique restaurants, hometown Churches, and a real flavor of Winchendon. We even passed a local policeman walking his beat.
Hoping this gives you a taste of what we experienced in this wonderful New England city. Really need to be there to taste the “Mayberry.” I am still convinced that Aunt Bee is hiding somewhere here ! This would be at the top of my list for places to move that is still holding true to Old Time New England. I’m sure there is more to discover in the warmer seasons. Say hi to our new friends at Not Just Produced and Smith’s Country Cheese when you visit ! Please have as much fun as we did !