Kathleen Cooper, Broker, SRES, REALTOR®

100 DAYS OF CENTRAL MASS FEATURES WINTER

Winter in New England is probably one of the most famous seasons. You either love it or you hate it. Winters in Central Mass are beautiful. You can enjoy skiing at Wachusett Mountain. You're sure to see lots of snows in the Worcester hills and heading west. We enjoy a lot at our home in Brookfield. In fact, we've already enjoyed several days of snow and winter hasn't even begun!

Winters can vary from year to year. Some years we get tons of snow and then others can be mild and almost warm! Something tells me we're going to enjoy the first and not the latter this year. James is from Texas so he absolutely loves the winters here. He enjoys the cold temperatures and the big snow storms. I have to admit, they are beautiful, but by the time the end of the season is rolling around you will be dreaming of a tropical paradise.

Our children really enjoy those days off from school to play in the snow. In the winter months they can enjoy building snowmen, sledding and snow tubing. Below are some photos of them enjoying our winters.

100 DAYS OF CENTRAL MASS FEATURES FALL

One of my favorite times of year in Central Mass is the Fall. From apple picking to enjoying the many colors of the leaves as they change, there is much to like about this season. We are currently enjoying a roller-coaster of weather this Autumn. We've already had several days of snow and a few days later, 75 degree sunshine!

Plymouth Plantation and Salem, MA are great places to visit in the Fall, as well as Old Sturbridge Village. Afterall, when you think of Thanksgiving, you think of Massachusetts where our state bird is the Turkey.

If you're in the mood for apple pie or cider donuts, visit Breezlands Orchards in Brookfield, MA. Looking to soak in some nature? Visit the Quabbin Reservoir off of Route 9 in Belchertown. Publick House and Salem Cross Inn provide a quaint New England atmosphere with casual to fine dining. Fall brings many festivities to the area with Harvest Fests, Scarecrow contests, Apple Fairs and much more. Check out our blog often for local listings.

Don't forget about football season!
GO PATS!

100 DAYS OF CENTRAL MASS FEATURES WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE

Worcester Polytechnic Institute, WPI, is located in the city of Worcester and was founded in 1865. It is one of the country's earliest technological institutes and provides a unique approach to science and technology education. WPI ranks very highly among other national, doctoral universities. The campus is absolutely beautiful and centrally located in the city set on top of a secluded hilltop. It is an 80-acre, traditional New England campus. WPI is one of 13 colleges and universities throughout the city and is strategically located with good access to commuter rails that can take students into Boston in an hour. Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs with focuses on science, technology, engineering, management and humanities & arts.

Information from the WPI website: http://www.wpi.edu

A highly regarded institution

WPI is ranked No. 62 among all national, doctoral universities by U.S. News & World Report; No. 1 for student/faculty interaction in the National Survey of Student Engagement; and No. 9 by The Princeton Review for "best career prospects" for graduates of our MBA program. And that's just the beginning of the recognition we've received from a large number of institutions and individuals for our high quality and unique approach to education.

A community of diverse interests

The WPI community is alive with activity. Students participate in nearly 200 extracurricular activities, including music, theatre, and Greek organizations, 20 varsity sports teams, and more than 30 club and intramural sports. There are also fun campus-wide annual events, including Homecoming, Winter Ball, and QuadFest.

100 DAYS OF CENTRAL MASS FEATURES THE NEW THAI HOUSE RESTAURANT

Today I had the pleasure of dining at the new Thai House Restaurant in East Brookfield with my good friend Mike. I'm a big fan of Thai food, and this place was nothing less than exceptional. Thai House Restaurant is conveniently located on Route 9 in East Brookfield across from Lamoureux Ford. The atmosphere was casually elegant and authentic and the service was awesome. We were greeted by the young, hardworking owner, Annie, and everyone including the chef was all smiles.

Thai House Restaurant features over 150 menu items, there is sure to be something for everyone! Click here to view their menu online. Today I had the spicy noodle and some chicken satay with peanut sauce. Both dishes were well presented and tasted amazing. I would highly recommend giving them a try if you're in the area. They also offer take-out, and what could be better on a Friday "movie night" indoors than a bag of really good Thai food takeout?

Below is a photo of the outstanding chef, Noy, and the owner, Piyaporn Kemp "Annie" at their Thai House Restaurant in East Brookfield. Annie is a Thailand native who has lived in the US for just 3 years now and is already the proud owner of this fine establishment. Turning the young age of 30 tomorrow, this lovely young entrepreneur is truly living the American dream here in Central Mass. Make sure to stop by and show your support.

Thai House Restaurant
355 East Main Street
East Brookfield, MA
www.ThaiHouseRestaurant.net