I wandered to Park Hill Orchard in Easthampton, MA with two goals:
1. to pick some apples for an apple crisp
2. to look at Mount Tom through the Big Red Frame
The Big Red Frame is a sculpture at the orchard that is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. Stand or sit in front of the big red picture frame and see a stunning view of Mount Tom in the distance. Or, you can stand in the frame to get in the picture with the mountain!
While apple-picking sadly wasn’t available this year due to poor apple crop season, we spent the afternoon delighting in the Big Red Frame as well as a multitude of other sculptures at Park Hill Orchard.
We happened to go during the bi-annual Art in the Orchard event, which takes place on odd-number years. This event transforms the orchard into a self-guided sculpture park with art from many local artists. For a small donation, visitors can follow a map and enjoy a multitude of pieces around the orchard. The art is up for about three months during autumn.
I was still able to get plenty of pre-picked apples at the farmstand. Lots of apple varieties were available, plus other fruits and autumnal treats. Even though it was a bit early in the season, I couldn’t resist getting an apple cider donut, and I had no regrets (SO good).
The next Art in the Orchard event will be in the fall of 2025. But the Big Red Frame remains an ongoing fun fixture when Park Hill Orchard is open.
Big Red Frame Location
The best address for GPS is 82 Park Hill Rd, Easthampton, MA. Park Hill Orchard is well-marked and there is plenty of free parking in a dirt lot. The Big Red Frame is right near the entrance and very obvious!