Welcome to Monroe Bridge!
Restaurants
In Charlemont, MA. The Crazy Horse Bar and Grill is on the site of Berkshire East. There are other spots in Charlemont for lunch, pizza, etc.
Crazy Horse Bar and Grill
66 Thunder Mountain RoadIn Charlemont, MA. The Crazy Horse Bar and Grill is on the site of Berkshire East. There are other spots in Charlemont for lunch, pizza, etc.
Restaurants closest to the house can be found in Readsboro, VT.
‘Always Emma's’ Cafe is open during the weekend for breakfast, the Readsboro General Store offers some of the tastiest sandwiches you’ll ever have, and the Readsboro Inn is a great spot for drinks, pizza or a sit down dinner.
Readsboro General Store
6828 Vermont Rte 100Restaurants closest to the house can be found in Readsboro, VT.
‘Always Emma's’ Cafe is open during the weekend for breakfast, the Readsboro General Store offers some of the tastiest sandwiches you’ll ever have, and the Readsboro Inn is a great spot for drinks, pizza or a sit down dinner.
North Adams, MA offers the widest selection of restaurants.
There are also great choices in Williamstown, with a hot favorite being the Moonlight Diner & Grille for comforting lunches and all-day breakfast.
33 abantu bendawo batusa
North Adams
North Adams, MA offers the widest selection of restaurants.
There are also great choices in Williamstown, with a hot favorite being the Moonlight Diner & Grille for comforting lunches and all-day breakfast.
Berkshire Pizza, located in nearby Charlemont offers a variety of options. Pizza, of course, but also burgers – Black Angus Beef w/ Hand Cut Fries, Subs – Hot or Cold, Pasta Dishes, Chicken Fingers, Handmade Empanadas, Chili, Gyros, Freshly made salads, and a variety of Desserts.
12 abantu bendawo batusa
Berkshire Pizzeria
72 Main StBerkshire Pizza, located in nearby Charlemont offers a variety of options. Pizza, of course, but also burgers – Black Angus Beef w/ Hand Cut Fries, Subs – Hot or Cold, Pasta Dishes, Chicken Fingers, Handmade Empanadas, Chili, Gyros, Freshly made salads, and a variety of Desserts.
The newly opened Dirt Church Brewing Co. is located at 31 Main Street in nearby Charlemont. They offer an assortment of really delicious, high-quality sour beers, India pale ales, and other brews crafted at the company’s Vermont location. Wine, non-alcoholic beers, and homemade root beer will also be available to customers.
Dirt Church Brewing Company
The newly opened Dirt Church Brewing Co. is located at 31 Main Street in nearby Charlemont. They offer an assortment of really delicious, high-quality sour beers, India pale ales, and other brews crafted at the company’s Vermont location. Wine, non-alcoholic beers, and homemade root beer will also be available to customers.
Grocery Stores
Monroe doesn’t have any stores, so the best option is to bring your own food in and out. The closest full-service grocery stores (Big Y) are in Greenfield and North Adams respectively.
A small market for basics is a 10-minute drive away - the General Store in Readsboro, VT - where they do amazing sandwiches if you don’t feel like making lunch.
13 abantu bendawo batusa
Big Y World Class Market
237 Mohawk TrailMonroe doesn’t have any stores, so the best option is to bring your own food in and out. The closest full-service grocery stores (Big Y) are in Greenfield and North Adams respectively.
A small market for basics is a 10-minute drive away - the General Store in Readsboro, VT - where they do amazing sandwiches if you don’t feel like making lunch.
A classic general store where you can find anything from fresh fruit to a screwdriver.
9 abantu bendawo batusa
Avery's General Store
127 Main StA classic general store where you can find anything from fresh fruit to a screwdriver.
The House
There is parking for 3 cars at the back of the house, and of course on-road parking at the front if that suits you better.
You are welcome to use anything you see. There's tea, coffee and basic cooking needs (oil, herbs and spices etc.) for you to use at your convenience.
The Kitchen - make yourselves at home! There are lots of tools to help you create a tasty meal, put in easy to find spots! Spatulas in the drawer next to the stove, ice cream scoop in the drawer next to the refrigerator, dishwasher tablets in the cupboard next to the machine itself etc. Extra tea towels are in the bottom drawer next to the washing machine. You can leave all clean recyclable items - paper, plastic and cans - in the blue bin, and there’s an option to compost if you’re comfortable doing that - if not no pressure.
Food - Monroe doesn’t have any stores, so the best option is to bring your own food in and out. The closest full-service grocery stores (Big Y) are in Greenfield and North Adams respectively.
A small market for basics is a 10-minute drive away - the General Store in Readsboro, VT - where they do amazing sandwiches if you don’t feel like making lunch.
Sheets/Towels/Bedding - the house is ready for your stay, with towels in the bathroom upstairs and in the closet in the downstairs bathroom. Extra blankets and additional bedding can be found in drawers in the bedrooms.
Television/Entertainment - in the living room there is a TV with an Amazon Firestick. Using this will require you to log in with your personal account(s). Please be sure to bring passwords with you.
On the second floor there is a TV behind the front bedroom’s folding doors which is connected to a DVD and VCR players. The middle bedroom has a TV with a built-in VCR player. A variety of movies are kept near these screens.
Internet - the house is serviced by wifi - the network name is CXNK00843C99, and the password is 79a3ecdebc06d641. Normally this works fine for streaming programs and regular mobile phone use. However bandwidth is limited as the house is so remote, so if too many devices are accessing wifi you can have problems - especially with streaming services.
Phone - there is no phone in the home and no reliable cell service. If you need to contact someone we suggest using a VoIP service like Skype, Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp.
Outside - firewood is available and is stacked beside the fire pit. Paper, kindling, and lighters are in a basket on the porch. Additional firewood is available in the dirt floor section of the basement. Chairs are in the porch.
First Aid/Hospital - hopefully there will be no need for either, but there is a first aid kid in the house, above the toilet in the downstairs bathroom.
History/Quirks - The house was built in the 19th century when the (now abandoned) paper mill at the bottom of the hill was the major employer in the town. In the early 20th century it was a two-family - which explains the kitchen-like landing upstairs! As with all properties of a certain age, 3 Depot Street has some quirky features it is best to be aware of, like how most of the lights in the hallways have pull chains instead of wall switches.
The light switch in the back bedroom is placed a ways away from the door you walk in by - next to the closet door.
The bathroom upstairs has a couple of quirks all its very own, and I’m not talking about the vintage wallpaper! We are planning a plumbing upgrade, but in the meantime please be aware that the water pressure from the sink taps is very low. Also if you feel like a soak in the remarkably comfortable bath, please do be careful not to turn the faucets too far as they are old and in need of replacement. Finally and MOST IMPORTANTLY please DO NOT try and lock the door, as it jams and can leave people stuck in the bathroom!
3 Depot St
3 Depot StreetThere is parking for 3 cars at the back of the house, and of course on-road parking at the front if that suits you better.
You are welcome to use anything you see. There's tea, coffee and basic cooking needs (oil, herbs and spices etc.) for you to use at your convenience.
The Kitchen - make yourselves at home! There are lots of tools to help you create a tasty meal, put in easy to find spots! Spatulas in the drawer next to the stove, ice cream scoop in the drawer next to the refrigerator, dishwasher tablets in the cupboard next to the machine itself etc. Extra tea towels are in the bottom drawer next to the washing machine. You can leave all clean recyclable items - paper, plastic and cans - in the blue bin, and there’s an option to compost if you’re comfortable doing that - if not no pressure.
Food - Monroe doesn’t have any stores, so the best option is to bring your own food in and out. The closest full-service grocery stores (Big Y) are in Greenfield and North Adams respectively.
A small market for basics is a 10-minute drive away - the General Store in Readsboro, VT - where they do amazing sandwiches if you don’t feel like making lunch.
Sheets/Towels/Bedding - the house is ready for your stay, with towels in the bathroom upstairs and in the closet in the downstairs bathroom. Extra blankets and additional bedding can be found in drawers in the bedrooms.
Television/Entertainment - in the living room there is a TV with an Amazon Firestick. Using this will require you to log in with your personal account(s). Please be sure to bring passwords with you.
On the second floor there is a TV behind the front bedroom’s folding doors which is connected to a DVD and VCR players. The middle bedroom has a TV with a built-in VCR player. A variety of movies are kept near these screens.
Internet - the house is serviced by wifi - the network name is CXNK00843C99, and the password is 79a3ecdebc06d641. Normally this works fine for streaming programs and regular mobile phone use. However bandwidth is limited as the house is so remote, so if too many devices are accessing wifi you can have problems - especially with streaming services.
Phone - there is no phone in the home and no reliable cell service. If you need to contact someone we suggest using a VoIP service like Skype, Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp.
Outside - firewood is available and is stacked beside the fire pit. Paper, kindling, and lighters are in a basket on the porch. Additional firewood is available in the dirt floor section of the basement. Chairs are in the porch.
First Aid/Hospital - hopefully there will be no need for either, but there is a first aid kid in the house, above the toilet in the downstairs bathroom.
History/Quirks - The house was built in the 19th century when the (now abandoned) paper mill at the bottom of the hill was the major employer in the town. In the early 20th century it was a two-family - which explains the kitchen-like landing upstairs! As with all properties of a certain age, 3 Depot Street has some quirky features it is best to be aware of, like how most of the lights in the hallways have pull chains instead of wall switches.
The light switch in the back bedroom is placed a ways away from the door you walk in by - next to the closet door.
The bathroom upstairs has a couple of quirks all its very own, and I’m not talking about the vintage wallpaper! We are planning a plumbing upgrade, but in the meantime please be aware that the water pressure from the sink taps is very low. Also if you feel like a soak in the remarkably comfortable bath, please do be careful not to turn the faucets too far as they are old and in need of replacement. Finally and MOST IMPORTANTLY please DO NOT try and lock the door, as it jams and can leave people stuck in the bathroom!
Sightseeing
Exploring the Area
The house may be remote, but only a few minutes away are some wonderful places to explore!
The No. 5 Dam on the Deerfield River - at the bottom of Depot Street is the Deerfield River - the starting point for fishing, river rafting, kayaking and more. During the river rafting season, when water is released from the adjacent reservoir, you’re likely to see a lot of activity in the area as enthusiasts arrive to enjoy the world-class rapids.
The Bear Swamp Hiking Trail - across the bridge is the entrance to the Bear Swamp Hiking Trail, a former rail line that provides opportunities for walking, taking your dog for a run, or even mountain biking.
Monroe State Forest - set your GPS for the Monroe State Forest. Quickest access to this is via Kingsley Hill Road - the steep road next to the Town Hall. The forest is served by a small parking lot, from which you can follow the river to some exquisite spots to wade into the water on a hot day, or hike up the shady marked trail.
Dunbar Brook Trail - take a left on River Road at the top of Depot street. A couple miles down the road on the right side is the Dunbar Brook Trail. This is signposted and served by a small parking lot near the trailhead where easy to moderate hiking is available. On the opposite side of the road is a picnic area and swing sets.
Swimming - for great freshwater swimming you can go west to the Savoy Mountain State Forest in Florida, MA. Another option is the Harriman Reservoir, which extends from Wilmington to Whitingham VT. A unique, private swimming experience can be enjoyed at “The Ledges,” which is part of the Harriman Reservoir. A great day trip would include lunch or dinner in charming downtown Wilmington.
Boating - from the top of Depot Street take a right towards Readsboro, VT. A few miles down the road along the right-hand side you will come to a small parking lot with picnic benches, BBQ pits, and a boat ramp providing access to the Sherman Reservoir.
Great Views - set your GPS for North Adams, which will lead you over the Hoosac Range past the very photo-worthy Whitcomb Summit with its resident stag. Carry on through Florida to the Wigwam, a general store offering amazing fudge, coffee, souvenirs and much more. It has a lookout platform to “America’s Switzerland” - offering stunning views of Vermont’s Green Mountains to the north, New York’s Taconic Mountains to the west, and the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts to the south. A short distance further is the famous hairpin turn and Golden Eagle Restaurant.
There are also great choices in Williamstown, with a hot favorite being the Moonlight Diner & Grille for comforting lunches and all-day breakfast.
Museums - MASS MOCA in North Adams is one of the largest contemporary arts complexes in the World. Based on the old Sprague Manufacturing campus it has some fascinating history too.
The Williams Museum of Art on the campus of Williams College in Williamstown is a great way to spend an afternoon - and it’s free entry!
The Clark Institute offers a collection of European and American paintings, sculpture, prints, drawings, photographs, and decorative arts from the fourteenth to the early twentieth century. It is also in Williamstown.
Monroe Bridge
Exploring the Area
The house may be remote, but only a few minutes away are some wonderful places to explore!
The No. 5 Dam on the Deerfield River - at the bottom of Depot Street is the Deerfield River - the starting point for fishing, river rafting, kayaking and more. During the river rafting season, when water is released from the adjacent reservoir, you’re likely to see a lot of activity in the area as enthusiasts arrive to enjoy the world-class rapids.
The Bear Swamp Hiking Trail - across the bridge is the entrance to the Bear Swamp Hiking Trail, a former rail line that provides opportunities for walking, taking your dog for a run, or even mountain biking.
Monroe State Forest - set your GPS for the Monroe State Forest. Quickest access to this is via Kingsley Hill Road - the steep road next to the Town Hall. The forest is served by a small parking lot, from which you can follow the river to some exquisite spots to wade into the water on a hot day, or hike up the shady marked trail.
Dunbar Brook Trail - take a left on River Road at the top of Depot street. A couple miles down the road on the right side is the Dunbar Brook Trail. This is signposted and served by a small parking lot near the trailhead where easy to moderate hiking is available. On the opposite side of the road is a picnic area and swing sets.
Swimming - for great freshwater swimming you can go west to the Savoy Mountain State Forest in Florida, MA. Another option is the Harriman Reservoir, which extends from Wilmington to Whitingham VT. A unique, private swimming experience can be enjoyed at “The Ledges,” which is part of the Harriman Reservoir. A great day trip would include lunch or dinner in charming downtown Wilmington.
Boating - from the top of Depot Street take a right towards Readsboro, VT. A few miles down the road along the right-hand side you will come to a small parking lot with picnic benches, BBQ pits, and a boat ramp providing access to the Sherman Reservoir.
Great Views - set your GPS for North Adams, which will lead you over the Hoosac Range past the very photo-worthy Whitcomb Summit with its resident stag. Carry on through Florida to the Wigwam, a general store offering amazing fudge, coffee, souvenirs and much more. It has a lookout platform to “America’s Switzerland” - offering stunning views of Vermont’s Green Mountains to the north, New York’s Taconic Mountains to the west, and the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts to the south. A short distance further is the famous hairpin turn and Golden Eagle Restaurant.
There are also great choices in Williamstown, with a hot favorite being the Moonlight Diner & Grille for comforting lunches and all-day breakfast.
Museums - MASS MOCA in North Adams is one of the largest contemporary arts complexes in the World. Based on the old Sprague Manufacturing campus it has some fascinating history too.
The Williams Museum of Art on the campus of Williams College in Williamstown is a great way to spend an afternoon - and it’s free entry!
The Clark Institute offers a collection of European and American paintings, sculpture, prints, drawings, photographs, and decorative arts from the fourteenth to the early twentieth century. It is also in Williamstown.
A great place to get out of the car, walk around, have a drink or a meal, and enjoy the traditional charm of a New England village.
77 abantu bendawo batusa
Ikhithi yezimbali
22 Water StA great place to get out of the car, walk around, have a drink or a meal, and enjoy the traditional charm of a New England village.
During September and October the Hicks Family Farm, in nearby Charlemont, hosts guests for a fun-filled experience including a corn maze, mini golf, and more. Beware, its Halloween corn maze experience is not for the faint of heart!
Hicks Family Farm Corn Maze
1299 Massachusetts 2During September and October the Hicks Family Farm, in nearby Charlemont, hosts guests for a fun-filled experience including a corn maze, mini golf, and more. Beware, its Halloween corn maze experience is not for the faint of heart!
Activities
Deerfield River