I've described in good detail the outlines of Calico Pumpkin Village and Calico Pumpkin Ridge. But there are a couple of special places that I haven't yet described. These are the lands of Christmas and Easter.
If you would like to visit the Easter Village there is a special dirt path that you can take - turning sharply left on the northern most point of the cobblestone road at the mouth of Calico Pumpkin Ridge. As you take this dirt path, you find that the air gets a little bit lighter. Not much cooler, but you can feel the touch of autumnal summer lifting out of the atmosphere as you get closer to Easter Village. The trees become more green, losing the mix of vibrant colors previously described. Instead, you will find a beautiful mis of flowering trees amongst the bright green leaves. Sure, we have plenty of flowers of many sorts in both the Ridge and the Village, but here there are flowers that we do not have there, such as Hyacinth and Easter Lillies.
The delightful floral scent tantalizes your nose as your eyes are equally delighted by butterflies, flowers and shrubs of the most interesting kinds! You will find easter eggs in a variety of colors growing on the bushes. You will find flowers shaped like bunny heads growing in bunches or neat little rows. The buildings are white and pastel, each home surrounded by a sweet little picket fence. As you walk nearer and nearer to the center of Easter Village, you will see mainly private homes, spaced far enough apart for generous yards and fields of flowers, berries, candies (yes candies!) that grow on trees and bushes like fruit. The villagers will smile and wave to you as you walk by, or call you over to share news, swap stories and gossip (yes, gossip is quite the grapevine of info in these parts!) and will share candies and fresh baked goods as they invite you inside their homes.
The heart of Easter village is quaint. There are only a few shops, all around the main circle known as the Village Green. The villagers flock to the Center Green for fun times and festivals throughout the year. The village stores boast of a small library, a large general store - where you can get most of what you might need. There is a clothing store, a bakery, a couple of restaurants, a post office and a few more little adorable shops. If the Easter villagers want for anything else, they can take the walk from their hometown to Calico Pumpkin Village, where they are treated with the same friendly kindness that they treat their visitors with.
If you desire something a little more frosty, a little more snowy, then a visit to Christmas Village is just what they doctor ordered! There are 2 pathways there. The favorite method is to take the bright red trolley that you find by going all the way to the very end of Calico Pumpkin Village - which does require you to go through the dark winding streets of Banshee quarter. Once you have walked all the way to the very most remote back corner of Banshee Quarter, you will notice the air getting a whole lot cooler. You will see a set of tracks and a frost covered bright red sign that points North that says "Christmas Village - Unknown Distance." There is a metal bench for you to sit on and wait. Or a place to stand. A lone streetlight will come on if it gets too dark - the sun seems to set early in the far ends of Banshee corner. It's a strange illusion as the sun doesn't actually set early here. The street light's glow is a warming soft light in which there appears to be snow flakes peppering down right within the light! If you stand directly in this light, you will find the shoulders and collar of your coat began to gather some of those magical snowflakes.
You might have to wait a little while, or you might be there for only a minute when the Christmas trolley arrives on scene, suddenly appearing as if its magic! The trolley will stop in front of you, and the door will open. A kindly reindeer will step onto the steps and welcome you in a booming voice to the Christmas Trolley! He will usher you inside, where you can choose a comfy seat. The trolley is warm and inviting, light and airy. A music box plays Christmas tunes, as you settle into your seat. If you weren't prepared for this venture with your own coat, one will be provided to you. As well as a hat, scarf and mittens!
The scenery will blur by as you speed into Christmas Village. In a matter of minutes - its a magical ride that almost goes too fast! - you will stop. The trolley conductor will then welcome you to Christmas Village and will wish you a good time as you step into this strange new world.
The weather there is cold. Very similar to our unfortunate 2 weeks of winter, but there is also a dry comfortableness to the air. Snow often peppers down, but there are also bright sunny days where you don't have to wear a thick coat. The ground is usually covered in snow - the snow can range from a mere inch to a foot or more! The streets are clean and tidy - free from ice and any snow over a mere dusting. The cobblestones here are bright and festive - white and silver and glittery. The streets are also lit up with warm street lights gayly decorated with bows and holly berries, or bells that play a cheerful Christmas tune as you walk by.
The homes are all in the Christmas village. You will find homes above businesses, homes beside business, streets of homes and then streets of only businesses. Each home has a small fenced in yard, most of which are festively decorated. In the center of town there is a tall 12 foot Christmas decorated to the hilt! A scene of snowmen surrounds the tree.
Christmas Village has many more shops than Easter Village. Here you will find a multitude of sweets shops, restaurants, gift shops, clothing departments, music shops, toy shops, book stores, a library and many other delightful places. There are 2 Inns if you decide to stay overnight or longer. The villagers there are friendly and cheerful. They love having visitors and will be delighted to converse over many subjects. They themselves rarely venture out of the own village, so they are always excited to those who live beyond their snowy and cold, yet warm and cozy homes. When you are ready to leave the Christmas Village, you simply wait again for the trolley to arrive and deposit you back to the Stop in Banshee Quarter.
I did mention a second pathway to Christmas Village. It's a path one can take on foot. However, I don't recommend it. It's long and potentially treacherous. Adventurous souls have tried it in the past, and it was only with the help of a dedicated rescue team that these individuals were happily returned to their homes.
In between the way to Easter Village and Christmas Village, you will find Valentines Village. This feels like late Winter with just the onset of Spring. You will find pathways that looks like chocolate, lined on either side with late winter blooming plants as well as unique foliage covered in pink, red, purple and white heart shaped flowers. The trees have leaves in a lovely pale greens, chocolate browns and reddish pinks. There will sometimes be a sprinkling of snow, but usually here the weather is in the mid to late 50s, sometimes the lower 60s, and nights are cool enough for a fire in the fireplace, and a jacket out of doors.
Valentines Village is small but bustling. You will find candy shops, flower shops, bakeries, book stores, craft stores, cafes and coffee shops. Anything to keep the villagers well stocked and contented.
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