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Date: 02/01/2008, 09:44 am

For a memorable drive through the New England countryside, along the Quabbin Reservoir (which supplies Boston's water) and culminating in a fabulous dinner you might consider driving about an hour east via Rt. 2 and 122, to Picasso in Barre. www.dineoutpicasso.com

We happened upon this gem of a place last fall as we were leaf-peeping along the back roads of central MA, heading from Amherst to Worcester. Picasso Restaurant ended up being the highlight of our trip because rain the night before basically wiped out the leaves! The menu is varied and the food, at about 1/2 the price, is better than we found in Boston. Ari, the chef/owner, serves many organic meats, freshly cooked to order with a lovely presentation. On Thursday nights they have live jazz with 2 very talented young women singing the blues. Great fun! If you decide to spend a night in that area there are several B+B's to choose from. Take a look at the Inn at Clamber Hill in Petersham for a first class place to stay...it's only 15 minutes from Picasso Restaurant in Barre. Both Petersham and Barre have typical NE town greens in country village settings. Petersham has a very charming, old-fashioned country store. The Harvard Forest, adjacent to the Quabbin Reservoir is a great place to hike.