Top Five Places In Central Massachusetts to Take Photos During Quarantine

Second to a nationwide pandemic, one of the worst things about being in quarantine is the isolation that our communities are experiencing. Millions of Americans are still working from home, thousands of universities nationwide have switched to online learning, and hundreds of businesses remain closed to help stop the spread. As a result, being able to safely spend time with friends and family has been limited to very few activities. Quarantine has forced Americans to appreciate nature and the natural world around us, which is why I think a photoshoot is a great quarantine activity. In addition to exploring the land around us, a photoshoot allows for social distancing while giving you time and space to hang out with friends. Once it was safe to do so, I set out on a mission to find some of the prettiest photo locations in my area.

Here are my top 5 places in Central Massachusetts that are both photo-worthy and COVID safe:

1. Moore State Park

2. St.Joseph’s Abbey

3. Brookfield Orchards

4. Tougas Pumpkin Patch

5. Route 56 over the Worcester Airport

• Moore State Park: Paxton, MA

Moore State Park is a great place to take photos of any kind; whether that be engagement photos, nature pictures, or self-portraits, this park has the scenery that can turn an average photo into a professional-grade picture. Hosting approximately 5 walking trails, the area provides a diverse photo space as well as a scenic area for physical activity. Although the main bridge is currently under construction, the second bridge is a prime location for rustic-looking shoots. This same bridge overlooks a small waterfall and is adjacent to the old water mill building. In my opinion, the hill directly across from the parking lot has the best lighting at golden hour (between 5-6:45, depending on when the sun is going down). Relative to season, the trees and other plants in the park add a nice pop of color to your background. In terms of COVID safety, the parking lot is open from dusk until dawn, masks are required, and social distancing is easy since the space is so large. I had my senior pictures, as well as all 3 years of my prom photos taken here. Here are some sample photos:

• St. Joseph’s Abbey: Spencer, MA

St. Joseph’s Abbey is a personal favorite photo spot. Due to the topography of the location, I would recommend getting there about an hour and a half before sunset. This timing will ensure that you’ll have a decent amount of time to take well-lit photos. Past the gift shop to the left, there is an open field that is similar to the rolling hills I’d imagine out west. It is one of the only places you’re allowed to drive on the property, but the view and pictures from this spot are absolutely breathtaking. In addition to the field, the Abbey has very open roads that (when traveled on safely) can double as a great spot for empty street photos. In terms of COVID safety, there are never a lot of people in the area so social distancing is very easy. The only other people I’ve seen have been people walking their dogs and old friends having a picnic while the sun goes down. Just as a note, please remember to be respectful of the space and do not go anywhere you aren’t allowed to! The off-limits areas are visibly marked, but even then it is important to respect the space and the Monks who live at the Abbey. Here are some sample photos:

• Brookfield Orchards: East Brookfield, MA

Apple Picking photos have been all over my feed lately and I can understand why; with ripe apple trees and open lighting, this is a great setting for your next post. In particular, Brookfield Orchards holds a special place in my heart. With a fully functioning county-store and playground, this apple orchard is perfect for getting into the fall spirit at any age. I used to come to this orchard every year with my family and would most look forward to the five pieces of candy I got to pick out from inside the county store. Now that I’m older, I appreciate the apples the most, though the photo op is a close second! Open 9-5 year-round (besides Thanksgiving and Christmas), this location is available virtually any day of the week. Parking and admission are free, and masks are required. Here are some sample photos:

• Tougas Family Farm: Northborough, MA

Tougas Family Farm is unsurprisingly a favorite spot for families all over Central Massachusetts. Tougas’ fruit picking season starts with strawberries in early June to early July, continues with cherries from late June till mid July, blueberries from early July til late August, peaches/nectarines and blackberries from early august to early September, apple picking from late August to late October, and finished out with pumpkin picking from mid September til late October. With fruit in session from June- October, this farm is the perfect spot to visit multiple times. In terms of photo quality, because it is a farm there are a lot of cleared out areas as well as places to get the colorful harvest in the photo. Tougas is designed to be photo-friendly because of how spaced out it is. It is taking strict precautions with COVID by requiring an appointment for apple picking only, requiring hand-washing before entry, banning any apple-eating while in the orchard, and sticking to the state mandate of requiring masks and social distancing. The website says you need a reservation but also says that one is not required for the barnyard, county store, or pumpkin patch. Here are some photos:

Image on left was taken in 2018, before COVID-19

Image on right uploaded by the Tougas Farm facebook, linked here: https://www.facebook.com/tougasfarm/

• Route 56: Leicester, MA

Route 56 in Leicester is one of the best places to watch the sunset because of its location. This area is right over the Worcester Airport, which means that the space has been cleared out- a win for photographers and sunset seekers alike. The lights from the airport at night is a sight worth waiting for, so after you take your photos definitely consider hanging around and watching a couple planes come in. The best way to get here would be to put Hot Dog Annie’s into the GPS and head north for about 15 seconds/ until you see an area where cars can pull over and there is a fence in front of a field overlooking the airport (if you enter the center of Leicester, you’ve gone in the opposite direction).Parking along the street is never guaranteed, so I recommend getting here around 5:30-6 to ensure a good spot to take photos and watch the sunset. Since this is not a business or public area, the only regulations for COVID safety are the ones implemented by the state, which are currently to social distance and wear a mask around others. Here are some sample photos: (P.S. There are cows that live in the field across from the airport so be sure to lookout for them! They aren’t always around, but it’s always a fun surprise when they are).

While being stuck at home can be mentally draining, it is important to take the proper precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19. Photoshoots are a fun way to explore whats around in your area, but remember that it is only a realistic option if you and those who accompany you are responsible while taking part. By choosing an activity like photo taking, you are able to enjoy time with friends and get great images that capture this very odd time in our lives. Stay happy and healthy everyone!

Tag me on instagram @ericakturner if you take pictures in any of these locations! :)

---