What a sweet little swimming spot! I last went to Dean Pond when I was a wee one, and seem to…read moreremember a sad little swimming area, no facilities and a non-existent beach (think "muck" between your toes and slimy little pond plants!). So...I really didn't have high expectations for this outing, but the pond is less than 15 minutes from my parents' house, so....off we went. Clearly, things have changed! The beach is now well defined AND nice and sandy (no muck....and good quality "sand castle sand" to boot!). My son and I had a great time playing, swimming and generally goofing around. The entry fee (parking) is $5, but that buys you a nice picnic area, changing facilities, real bathrooms, and nicely cared for grounds with plenty of room for sitting under the giant pines or eating a picnic meal. We went mid-week, and while there was a bus-load of campers, they were gone by 1pm, and we practically had the place to ourselves. This will definitely be a "must-go" place for us whenever we visit the grandparents!

It used to be a nice place for a lunch but it needs work. Time has left it behind and it is a…read moredreary place. It is unfortunate that it has been so forgotten. Money needs to be allocated towards restoring this place so that it can be something the community can be proud of. Some trails where a few people walk dogs but not much else going on there.

I missed a turn to my mom's and saw this place and then looked it up online and came back the next…read morenext. Quiet spot in the winter with a few food items and good drip coffee (nothing fancy) and a fire place. Soups and sandwiches were good and gone before I thought to photograph but you've seen a sandwich before. Generally, on a quiet wintery day, this is a lovey place to linger. I imagine it's much busier in the summer with canoe and kayak rentals and the like... and there's way for space outside by the river and a fire pit but, again, it's winter as I'm writing this.... I'll have to do that in an update down the line, the summer bit. But for now.... Let's talk about pie. One chicken pot pie and one apple pie later and I can wholly say that this pie crust was the best I've had in memory. I don't like peas but if you're ordering in advance they'll put whatever you like in your pie (within reason, I'm assuming) and my chicken pot pie had potatoes and carrots and green beans. Delightful. Although, again, I could have just had the crust and been delighted. Also wonderful were rosemary scones and Christmas jam. I cut them in half and heated them in the toaster oven and then s good melty spread of some clotted cream (my own) and the jam and... chef's kiss. I also enjoyed the jam with some salty butter on a croissant for more than one breakfast over the holiday. Anyway the place it loaded with treats to grab and go and if you've got the time in advance, do call ahead and order something scrumptious to take to go.

Best day ever with my ladies. Jeff made the perfect hamburgers and jack of all trades was our…read morepontoon captain. He sailed us the Quabog and gave us a guided tour. Thanks Jeff we'll be back. I bought homemade muffins and what I thought was a coffee cake wad a delicious apple bread yum.

This is my favorite hike. The reasons being its close by and its a fairly easy quick hike when…read moreyou're short on time. The hike at Buffumville has a north side and a south side. This review is of the north side. It is approximately 3.25 miles and takes just over an hour without stopping. The parking is located at the boat ramp across the street if the park is closed for the season or you want to hike for free. If the park is open you will have to walk the trail clockwise because they won't let you walk in the park without paying. If the park is closed you can walk either counter clockwise or clockwise around the lake. This north side hike doesn't have a lot of hills to climb up or down. It is a typical marked trail that you must pay attention to rocks and roots and such. It's a beautiful trail with views of the lake most of the time, a bunch of foot bridges, brooks, stone walls etc. Most of it is well shaded except for a small section at the gas lines. If it's spring I'd definitely recommend waterproof hiking sneakers and if it's winter ice cleats help a lot.

I love taking my kayak here! The water is clean, calm and cool. There's a great island to paddle…read moreout to and circle. You can even rent it to camp on. The only reason it looses two stars is the parking. They have maybe 7 spaces for people with boats, and the rest is for hikers. I bring a van with no trailer because my kayak fits inside. I parked by the boat landing and when I came back I had a parking ticket for parking in the boat area. I was boating. I'm not carrying my kayak to the hikers lot for no reason. I'm not comfortable enough leaving my kayak alone at the Boatlanding to drive to the hikers lot by the entrance because the hiker lot is always full too anyways. So there's no where to park. The nature part is great! The part that the government handles like parking lot size and ticketing are the "meh" parts. I continue to paddle here because it's safe and hikers can see and hear you if you run into a problem on the water.

I really do like this place and it's a great place to spend the day with family. My dad took me…read morehere often when I was my kids age and I kept on the tradition. No matter who has run this place it has always been kept clean and well maintained. Bathrooms can be an issue. Sometimes there are no restrooms. I have noticed a single outhouse there when siog was officially open. That would be my only complaint about this place is lack of bathroom facilities. The short hiking trail through the woods is lovely! You pass a swamp where you can observe wildlife. Lots a birds to watch. Bluebirds can be seen in the open areas and field there. I've seen rare species of turtles there. The beach is always nicely combed and maintained. There are geese there and they do leave land mines behind but I have seen staff attempt to clean it up too. They have picnic tables and pedestal type grills there too! You can go there any time of year but they are closed just like any other government run park in the off season. People are careful with their trash here for the most part. If they are closed , you can park on the road or the very limited parking spaces just before the gate with an easy walk in on the dirt road. I do have to warn you though. Once the weather warms up, the newly hatched northern water snakes do like to hang out in the dirt road going into the park. So use caution when walking. They can be grumpy little boogers. It's not uncommon to see a few dead ones there too from people driving in and out. Some of the animals/creatures we have seen here: beaver, mallard ducks, wood ducks, Canadian geese, buffing head ducks, crows, ravens, bluebirds, red wing black birds and other various birds, bass, pickerel, sun fish and kiver, catfish, northern water snakes, great blue heron, a very special and rare species of turtle that I will not name, snapping turtle, painted turtle, red ear slider and more. Noted: several different species of mushrooms and other different fungi. Blueberry bushes and clethera shrubs. Wild strawberry plants in the field. Tasty snacks in the springs and summer.

Spending the day with the familia at the lake. Barely anyone here today (yay) and our choice of…read morepicnic table and grill. The beach is always well maintained by onsite seasonal workers and raked nightly. The grills are emptied nightly and the grassy areas well maintained and mowed. The do have ports potties but no indoor bathrooms or changing areas so come dressed with bathing suits on or hold a blanket around you old school style lol This beach does not have lifeguards but they do offer free life jackets in varying sizes. Free entry and parking is available with a few handicap spots. Carry in, carry out

My wife and I found this gem while exploring around the area in the very mild winter that we had in…read more2015. We've been back to this area a few times but still only in the off-season. We can park close enough to the boat launch and then explore the woods and the area, or just sit by the lake and watch the fishermen. (I haven't gone fishing in years but I wish I had had such a great place to fish then.) I imagine that during the summer it can get a bit crowded but it won't lose the charm of the wooded acreage and trails. The place is well-maintained and definitely worth a return trip.

If I could leave no stars I would, DO NOT GO TO THIS LAKE!!!…read more First time going with my family, we drove in fine, $8 parking fee, and it was empty when we arrived. Our family brought a mix of wood chips and charcoal from Walmart and the park ranger ran up to us and splashed a full bucket of water all over the grill. Yelled at us that using wood is not allowed, no one at the entrance or beforehand had disclosed that to us. It was truly embarrassing and the park ranger was so rude, didn't even bother to explain to us or offer us a different alternative to cook our food with. We were so embarrassed and my baby nephews were really looking forward to the hot dogs that were now soaked with mud. They don't allow floaties, toys, or anything near the water.

Such a great little spot in Hampden County. Does not matter what time of the year you go, it is…read morenice to go on a little, or big, hike and take in the nature.

I love love love this particular hike. I would characterize the trails as intermediate with rocky…read moreareas that require you to pay close attention to what you are doing. The trails are clearly marked but I recommend you take a photo of the smaller trail maps posted throughout the mountain for reference. Because the area is so large with many loop- arounds, having a map photo will prove very helpful. There area several areas near the top with beautiful scenic overlooks you just won't want to miss. This is a dandy hike!

Celebrated a friends birthday on a cloudy Friday evening. Eight of us sat on the upper deck and had…read morea nice view of the lake and surrounding area. One and a half hour trip was just enough time to have a couple of drinks and enjoy the scenery. Our captain pointed out a few landmarks and items of interest along the way. No food was available and drinks were fairly inexpensive ($50 for 6 alcoholic beverages).

Indian Princess Cruises 100 FM The Pike Boat Scootin Boogie…read moreCruise hosted by Chuck Perks: July 15, 2023. You need to get to boat way early to get a seat on top in the air. Below deck WAS NOT air conditioned as advertised, it was a sweat shop. You can buy alcohol but there are no snacks for purchase. The lake is beautiful and a unique experience. The Pike gave away a couple t-shirts and concert tickets. Only first 12 people got a country boot necklace. Dumb.

We only paddled by, but this appeared to be a cozy and rustic Boat Club nestled in West Brookfield,…read moreMA. Approximately fifteen to twenty slips, boat ramp, beach and lawn area, and the Club House. The Club House has an open deck for members and other Club functions. Without going up to a window and peeking in, I would only be guessing, that there were a kitchen and bar. One can only assume so. I could see this being a great resource if you live nearby and don't like pulling your boat in and out every time.