Kilmacrenan is a small village with one hotel (catering to fishing), a Tea House, a church and a school. In fact, the grocery store my great grandparents built is the big yellow building at the far end of the street in this photo and the largest building (aside from the hotel at the right in the photo) in the village.

Small and remote as it is, Kilmacrenan is about four times the population of Petersham, MA my current abode. Unfortunately, Petersham does not have any St. Patrick’s Day celbrations. But we are close to some major ones.

If you want an old fashioned Irish Pub with Irish Music, try the Old Timer in Clinton, MA. We went last year and had a wonderful time with my sister, her family and friends.

We have been to many different parades, including New York City, Washington DC, Savannah, GA and most recently Worcester MA.

But we have never been to the Holyoke parade. Holyoke is reputedly the second largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the US. The parade is this upcoming Sunday, March 21, starting at 12 noon. 250,000 to 300,000 people are expected so be sure to get there early. And the weather even promises to be good this year.

Hope to see both you and the sunshine there this year!

View Beer Lovers Map courtesy of Clamber Hill in a larger map

The map above highlights recommendations for seven local micro breweries and brew pubs. Some sell their own beer, some don’t. Some offer food, some don’t. Some give tours, some don’t. But what they all have in common is great beer.

So if you love beer, consider a March vacation or weekend getaway in central Massachusetts.

And if you’re in the area either the weekend before or the weekend after St. Patrick’s Day, there’s sure to be a parade.

And remember, sample responsibly — don’t drink and drive.