MONSON – On May 22, Silver Bell Farm hosted the launch of Travelnitch’s new “World on Wheels” program from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Families who attended the event enjoyed free arts & crafts, story time around the world, and Travelnitch’s Capture the Flag trivia hunt. Silver Bell Farm also had their Barrel Train rides and ice cream truck.

Travelnitch Founder/ CEO Amanda Renna explained, “I’m a Monson resident, so having this event in my hometown was important to me. As a frequent visitor to Silver Bell Farm, I wanted to share the magic of this place with families who have never been. We had visitors come from all over Western Mass. Silver Bell Farm is a wonderful family-owned business and it’s an amazing venue for kids.”

Travelnitch is a nonprofit that works to inspire children through virtual and real-world travel; encouraging families to travel, learn and grow together through global exploration. World on Wheels is a mobile market offering discounted travel books, games and crafts for kids of all ages, though their focus is on explorers under 12.

World on Wheels has been a dream of Renna’s since the very beginning. She wanted a way to connect with and inspire young explorers in a tangible way. It wasn’t until Travelnitch transitioned from a for-profit publishing company to a nonprofit and received their very first grant that it became a reality, $1,000 from the National Military Family Association, followed by $2,500 from the Mass Cultural Council.

“Sunday’s event was a celebration of our hard work, and a way for us to introduce the World on Wheels and Travelnitch to the Western Mass. community,” Renna replied. “The World on Wheels is not just a retail shop. It’s a place where families can find inspiration for their next big adventure or spend time exploring the world through hands-on learning.”

Owner/ Event Coordinator Laura Moore of Silver Bell Farm was introduced to Travelnitch last year when the farm was one of the sponsors of Travelnitch’s Capture the Flag event. Their mission to inspire a love of travel in children is one that Moore wholeheartedly supports.

“I was excited when Amanda asked if we would host the World on Wheels launch party here,” Moore responded. “I think it’s a perfect fit for the active, outdoor, family-friendly environment that we’re trying to create here on the farm.”

Silver Bell Farm is a seasonal farm and event venue located on 305 Silver St. in Monson. Their main crops are pumpkins and Christmas trees. They are open on the weekends during the fall and Christmas seasons, and host several special events throughout the year. In the spring they host the “Easter Bunny Adventure” where families meet the Easter Bunny and then head out on a Story Walk around the farm, ending with an egg hunt in the Christmas Tree Forest.

They host their “Christmas in July” weekend in the summer July 16-17 with Barrel Train rides, goat viewing and feeding, Santa visits, Christmas-themed ice cream sundaes, Grinch slushies, face painting, and more. In September and October, Silver Bell is open for traditional fall fun. On opening weekend, they have a challenging 5K trail race at the farm. Silver Bell has an interactive theater show out on the moonlit trails of the farm every weekend in October, and are also planning to host a Trick-or-Treating event this year where kids will meet the characters from Moore’s husband, Mike Moore’s, latest book “Halloween on the Farm.”

Along with their Christmas trees and holiday greenery, the farm’s focus is on Santa visits. They have a few different options for visiting Santa, including our “Santa Story Time” sessions. In addition to their seasonal and special events, the farm hosts birthday parties on the weekends and field trips for many local schools in spring and fall.

Laura and Mike started planting Christmas trees in 2007 and they opened the farm in 2015. “Silver Bell Farm grew out of the desire to create a wholesome, fun family atmosphere for people in the local community,” Laura said. “We want individuals and families to have the opportunity to enjoy themselves in a rural New England open space.”

She went on to say, “Also, having kids of our own, we see how much they’re drawn to electronics and screens, and we wanted to make Silver Bell a place where kids can be outdoors and active. It’s so important that kids don’t miss out on that experience.”
When people come to the farm, they can pick a pumpkin, explore the Kids Activity Corn Maze, play on their playgrounds, enjoy outdoor games and activities, take a spin on the mini pedal tractors, ride the Barrel Train, take a hike on the trails, browse the gift shop and purchase baked goods or beverages in their bakery.

Travelnitch hopes to make travel a reality for more families, with an emphasis on those living in underserved communities. All proceeds support their ongoing work to inspire little travelers everywhere. “We can spark curiosity, encourage growth through virtual exploration and bridge the cultural divide through real-world experience,” said Renna. “Travel can provide kids with a greater appreciation for our global diversity, so that one day they will become kind and compassionate leaders.”

To learn more about Travelnitch, visit their website at travelnitch.org. For information on Silver Bell Farm’s upcoming events, go to silverbellfarm.com or call 596-4370.