under Route 41 and come across a marshy creek that runs perpendicular to Flat Brook . To reach Mud Ponds , canoers will need to portage their boats to pass a beaver dam . Heading northeast , a long passage will open up to a large pond that is lined with marshy wetlands . After exploring Mud Ponds , you can follow the same path south and continue onward to Shaker Mill Pond . Visitors who choose to explore the ponds in the late summer should take heed that the water level will be low . The waters will likely be marshier , shallower and weedier in the late summer months , especially at Shaker Mill Pond .
A historical sign recently was installed on the grounds of what was once Keresey Field on Albany Road ( Route 41 ), a quarter-mile north of the village . According to the West Stockbridge-based Local Yokel , from 1934 to 1941 , Keresey Field was the home of the Troy ' s Garage semipro baseball team , known as the “ Garagemen ,” that hosted games against the Philadelphia Athletics , Cincinnati Reds , and Boston Braves , as well as the Negro League and other regional teams . Keresey Field is now part of the state-owned 290-acre Flat Brook Wildlife Management Area .
For additional family-friendly summertime fun , visit Card Lake Pond . Located just south of the Massachusetts State Turnpike Great Barrington Road , this old-fashioned swimming hole features a small , well-maintained beach that has
recently reopened after being refurbished with fresh sand and a new fence . Card Lake Pond is located just down the street from the Pleasant Valley Motel on Stockbridge Road , an affordable motel that offers continental breakfast , complimentary internet access , and has a guest barbecue area that is perfect for summer grilling .
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As your stay in West Stockbridge reaches its conclusion , head back to Amici on Albany Road one last time for an Amici Burger or some Eggplant Parmigiana . Afterwards , pop into Charles H . Baldwin & Sons on Center Street and browse through their collection of retro candies , greeting cards , and toys while basking in the rustic general store ambience . Charles H . Baldwin & Sons is located directly across the street from A W Baldwin True Value , a dependable hardware store that has faithfully served the West Stockbridge community for many years . While at Charles H . Baldwin & Sons , make sure to pick up a bottle of their rich and flavorful Baldwin ’ s Pure Vanilla Extract , which has been made using time-honored methods since 1888 , and their tasty Baldwin ’ s Table Syrup , which dates back to the 1920s . Their timeless taste and aroma will serve as a wonderful reminder of your West Stockbridge vacation . n
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Charles H . Baldwin & Sons is an 1800 ' s general store famous for creating extracts such as vanilla and other flavors , as well as featuring many nostalgic items .
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