Cumberland Monastery

Former home of a Cistercian monastery, the grounds now surrounding the Cumberland Public Library provide abundant opportunity for outdoor fun. The numerous dirt trails are fairly flat and well-packed, enough so that you can easily push a child in a stroller. The grounds contain both woodlands and fields as well as a stream and a few ponds, and even during our pre-spring walk we saw numerous birds and ducks. Some of the trees are even marked with their types, so walks can be both fun and educational.

In front of the library there is also a large and well-equipped playground that even includes a small outdoor theatre. After our most pleasant walk we unleashed the kids into the playground and enjoyed watching them play while we relaxed.

The monastery was a true delight, even on a cool mid-March day. I look forward to exploring it when the trees are green and the air is warn.