More challenging is finding outdoor adventures on a blustery winter day. I let my curiosity decide and went to the an Abandoned Fairy Village in Middlebury/Woodbury referenced in Atlas Obscura.
It may not have been my number 1 choice for excitement but I imagined Mr. Rogers coming out any minute to show me his neighborhood and suddenly the little village had more flair.
In researching this site there is uncertainty as to its origin but I came across what appears was the final answer. The larger structures were related to an old gas station and the miniature village to what was going to be a plant nursery. So much so that the village houses had electricity intended to light them up in its day. I admit the structures were clearly ornate with stone and iron fencing. Below is a link to a write up.
Deciding to find this abandoned fairy village, I stumbled upon a dedicated biking/walking greenway with amusements along the way. Thus below is my plan for a future adventure based on my drive but which made the trip worth while!
- Start at Maggie McFlys parking lot (parking permitted at upper lot for the trailhead)
- Start on the Middlebury Greenway and make a first right to cross over to Old Waterbury Road and walk into access road
- Go to the Abandoned Fairy Village highlighted above
- Return to the Greenway and continue to Bristol Park (named after William H Bristol who invented the “Bristolphone” for talking movies and later loud speakers.
- Bike through the town of Middlebury for food or drinks including a nice gourmet cafe (Vyne).
- Follow the trail to Meadowbrook Park which includes a lake and playground.
- Continue to trail end at Lake Quassy Amusement – free entry, pay as you play!
I look forward to biking this 4.5 paved dedicated trail out and back in a warmer season. Meanwhile I may try and make my own fairy village in my backyard based on some ideas I got today!
Won’t you be, please won’t you be, my neighbor! (Always loved Mr. Rogers and all he represented).
Pivot and Pause in New England 