Town Sort Filter Grid Map Family Friendly Groups and Bus Tours It will satisfy your yearning for the quiet, scenic countryside, yet also provide a treasure of culture and art. The extravagant 44-room cottage was built in 1884 to serve as a family summer retreat for the Choate family. "Cantina to us is just a watering hole," he told me. Summer in the Berkshires: 7 must-visit mountain towns in Massachusetts Consisting of the towns of Adams, Cheshire, Clarksburg, Florida, Hancock, Hinsdale, Lanesborough, New Ashford, North Adams, Peru, Savoy, Williamstown, and Windsor, all in the county of Berkshire. See more places to stay in Pittsfield here. More info about Berkshires Jazz events can be found at berkshiresjazz.org. Williamstown is a very small college town so more than any town in the Berkshires, time your visit to avoid move-in and graduation weekends! If you love the stories of cities that revitalize themselves for a new generation, youre going to love North Adams. If you strike out, both North Adams and Pittsfield are nearby and have more options. Williamstown, Massachusetts, in a nutshell: the tiny, immaculate, picture-perfect college town of the Berkshires. Today the partially restored mansion (which has 15 bedrooms, 13 bathrooms and several elegant reception rooms) is home to the Museum of the Gilded Age and is open to the public all year round. Stockbridge, Massachusetts, in a nutshell: Stockbridge is the beautiful, historic town brimming restored homes, endless green space, and an adorable downtown that looks straight out of a Norman Rockwell illustration. The popular ski area includes a large variety of down-hill skiing or boarding slopes for all levels of expertise, including a couple of really tricky slopes for experts only. One thing to keep in mind: Stockbridge is a dead zone for phone signal, which I found very surprising in 2021. In Western Massachusetts, the rolling hills of the Berkshires are perhaps best known as a remote hub for summering New Yorkers and Bostonians, with access to mountain hiking trails, skiing, a buzzy arts culture, and some pretty solid bouldering, too. Positioned in the rolling hills between two of the America's best cities - New York and Boston - the Berkshires area plays out the best of two worlds. Youre able to stroll from boutique to coffeeshop to dispensary with ease yet as soon as youre ready for nature, youre surrounded by woods and mountains. Muytjens recommended two restaurants in New Marlborough, a small village a 45-minute drive away, and Caleb and I visited them on consecutive nights. Massachusetts's 1st congressional district, League of Women Voters of Massachusetts former page on counties, List of Massachusetts locations by per capita income, Pittsfield Municipal Airport (Massachusetts), National Register of Historic Places listings in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, "Census - Geography Profile: Berkshire County, Massachusetts", Official Audit Report Issued December 16, 2011, Northern Berkshire District Registry of Deeds, "Registered Voters and Party Enrollment as of August 27, 2022", Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990", "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. The garden was started back in 1934 and covers more than 15 inspirational acres. Yeah, yeah, I thought. A wooden statue of a bear hides a Tesla charging station. Though the Berkshires enjoy a thriving jazz scene, the showcase aims to address a remaining weak area for local summer festivities: main stage jazz performances. Crew, and his partner, Scott Edward Cole, a former restaurateur, reopened the property as a bed-and-breakfast. A great choice for people with food allergies. THE 10 BEST Berkshires Hotel Deals (Jun 2023) - Tripadvisor What makes a town in the Berkshires worth visiting? TM 1996-2023 Mystic Media, Inc. & Visit New England. The full address of this building is 4201 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington, DC 20016. The Twisted Terrain Park offers a thrilling obstacle course run while the Cruiser Progression Park offers a toned-down course with smaller boxes, rails and jumps. The Berkshires MA | The Berkshires Top Resource Guide The Museum is devoted to involving the public in all art forms including painting, photography, sculpture, performing arts and just about anything else that could be classified as art. Berkshire County MA Real Estate & Homes For Sale - Zillow With a population of under 8,000, many of these residents working for the university, Williamstown is characterized by its tiny downtown (it feels like a single street!) Berkshire Museum, 39 South Street (Route 7), Pittsfield, MA 01201, Phone: 413-443-7171. As of the 2020 census, the population was 129,026. No steps back to the forest floor, nothing but empty space underneath us. Mass MoCA overwhelms. PITTSFIELD The fifth annual Berkshire Jazz Showcase will once again host some of the Berkshires' top musicians. Clark Institute This museum is home to one of the best Impressionism collections in the world particularly Renoirs! The Berkshires, throughout the seasons, presents an amazing world of contrasts. Please switch to a supported browser or download one of our Mobile Apps. The Berkshires region, located in western Massachusetts, less than a three hours' drive from New York City, boasts hiking trails just as incredible as its antiquing scene, making it the ideal . There are some excellent museums and art galleries to admire and when you need some exercise you can head for the hills to enjoy great hiking, mountain biking and canopy tours. Mid-Range: The Red Lion Inn One of Americas oldest inns, this historic property is the see-and-be-seen place of Stockbridge. Visit the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. Things to Do in the Berkshires, Massachusetts Trip Ideas Discover Foliage, Farm-to-Table Dinners, and World-Class Museums in the Berkshires When the summer crowds pack up, the Berkshires turn. If youre looking to stay in Lenox, there are some good options. Did you know our ski resorts offer music, events, and food throughout the summer? A footpath leads across an impressive suspension bridge, then winds around the property, passing industrial relics and, at one point, intersecting with the Appalachian Trail. Thanks to a subtle overhaul, the original galleries are warmer and friendlier, with a special room devoted to my favorite Clark discovery, the 19th-century landscape painter George Inness. This is one of the best museums in the Berkshires, with lots of wonderful art and hiking trails outside. > Things to Do and See > 90 Great Things to Do in Massachusetts This historic region offers a wealth of memorable events and activities framed by breathtaking natural beauty. Get off the superhighway and tour the easy mountain roads that link our 28 quaint, historic towns and two welcoming cities. In 2018, a face-lift brightened its 23 rooms, and seasonal pop-ups, like a recent one with chef Daniel Boulud, keep things fresh. The museum is open from May to October. Check out dance performances at Ted Shawn Theatre and on the outdoor Henry J. Leir Stage. Right in the center of downtown North Adams, close to dining and a 10-minute walk to MASS MoCA. If you need a place to just kick back and relax, enjoy the outdoors, then this is the place to be. Where:The Common, 100 First St., Pittsfield, When: 1-5 p.m., July 8. Ski Butternut, 380 State Rd, Great Barrington, MA 01230, Phone: 413-528-2000, More ideas: Best Beaches in Massachusetts. Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. The floorboards creak, the Windsor chairs encourage good posture, and the tables are lit solely by candlelight. Saxophonist Paul Ostermayer will be leading a band at Berkshire Jazz Showcase. Everything is oversize, or superabundant, or subsuming. First-timers should consider using the 1.5-mile Indian Mountain Trail (the least steep and most interesting trail) while confidently fit hikers can opt for the 0.8-mile Hickey Trail which offers the most direct but steepest ascent. There were 68,508 housing units at an average density of 73.9 per square mile (28.5/km2). Pittsfield, like many cities in Western Massachusetts, fell into economic decline at the end of the manufacturing era. This destination attraction for wine and cider enthusiasts promises great memories as the scent of apple cider donuts will be the first thing to greet guests who walk through the door. And a pretty great place to visit on a tour of towns of the Berkshires. Of course, this was the town that Norman Rockwell called home for many years. However, in recent years there has been a significant investment in cultural attractions and the historic downtown. The Berkshires ( locally / brkrz, - rz /) are a highland region located in western Massachusetts and northwestern Connecticut in the United States. with cute shops and restaurants, many of them catering to the college crowd. Bousquet Mountain Ski Area, 101 Dan Fox Drive, Pittsfield, MA 01201, Phone: 413-442-8316. Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort is easily accessible from New York City or Boston is less than three hours, making this an ideal destination for a fun-filled family vacation at any time of the year. The median age was 40 years. In 2018, Frank Muytjens, previously the menswear director of J. 6 Depot, in West Stockbridge, serves excellent sandwiches and coffee. Great Barrington, MA https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Great_Barrington_1.jpg Great Barrington is the Southern Berkshires' "huge" city, however, it's just enormous in contrast with the numerous towns that encompass it. 10 Best Berkshires Hotels and Homes To Book For A Weekend Away There are three glass houses, an education center and several galleries. The Berkshires region of western Massachusetts is known for its outdoor adventures like hiking and water sports, as well as cultural experiences. 15 Best Hotels in The Berkshires | U.S. News Travel The Berkshires' jazz scene is stronger than ever, Bride said. The coach would lumber along the turnpike to the western end of Massachusetts, then follow a poky local route through the low-lying Berkshire mountains. The age distribution was 22.40% under the age of 18, 8.40% from 18 to 24, 26.40% from 25 to 44, 24.90% from 45 to 64, and 17.90% 65 or older. The museum is housed in the former home of the books author, Herman Melville and is sometimes also referred to as the Herman Melville House. "Sometimes you hug the chef.". Boston North of Boston South of Boston Interesting things to do fill your trip to the Berkshires, Pioneer & Mohawk valleys Massachusetts > Western Mass. The huge garden is divided into several separate areas each of which displays a different and unique seasonal palette. Arts and Culture summer Rockwell spent the last years of his life in Stockbridge and bequeathed his Stockbridge studio to the museum before he passed away; today you can visit the artists favorite studio which forms part of the museum to see where many of his best works were created. Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary One of the hidden gems of the Berkshires, this sanctuary has 1,000 acres of land covered with hiking trails (including universally accessible trails) and his home to lots of interesting birdlife. One thing that surprised me was how tough it was to find information on the best towns in the Berkshires. Governor who serves ex officio. Very safe, as are the rest of the Berkshires.) Walk into the Old Inn on the Green (entres $28$46), in New Marlborough, and you'll feel like you've been transported to the 18th century, but the exquisitely prepared food is of the moment. If I had to live somewhere in the Berkshires, it would probably be Great Barrington. The Berkshires' premiere shopping destination, Visit world-class museums: MASS MoCA &more, Berkshires' largest cityhosts top notch attractions, Picturesque town. The 12-year-old behind us offered to demonstrate"I've done this a bunch of times," he explained before clamping himself to the pulley and flinging himself backward. Additionally, Berkshires Jazz brings swing to schools with music educator Andy Kelly's Jazz Ambassadors. We completed two or three moderately challenging courses, and I said to myself, I've got this. The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art is a Mecca for patrons of the arts in the Berkshires and is really deserving of a place on your vacation itinerary. 2023 Adventurous Kate | Powered by Reggio Digital, Other Towns in the Berkshires Worth Visiting, Fairfield Inn and Suites Great Barrington. Thats what Great Barrington is all about the urban walkability in the middle of a rural region! Berkshire County has three districts and elected Representatives in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Celebrating the Jacobean Revival-style of architecture, Ventfort Hall is an imposing mansion which dates back to 1893, during the hey-day of the Gilded Age. Let your summer wanderlust take you to the Berkshires, where you will find every lush shade of green punctuated by bright, happy blooms, the bluest sky, and vibrant sunshine. Central Mass. The area is well known for great outdoor recreational activities as well as a thriving farm-to-fork restaurant scene and a good helping of arts and culture. Hikers can follow several trails to the top of the mountain the shortest route takes around 90 minutes but most people opt for a comfortable half or full-day hike. The Clark, 225 South Street, Williamstown, MA 01267, Phone: 413-458-2303. Fill your senses with theater, hiking, farm-to-table meals, and music under the stars. Stevens Glen Trail, West Stockbridge, MA. With their openhearted sense of fun and a menu that playfully mixes up flavors from different culinary cultures, they've made this quiet corner of the state feel emphatically connected to the rest of the world. City Venue Host Event Type Today Now List Map 28 Wed June 10 | 10:00 am - October 15 | 5:00 pm Clark Art: Edvard Munch - Trembling Earth Clark Art Institute 225 South Street, Williamstown, MA Trembling Earth features brilliantly hued landscapes, stunning figure portraits, and an impressive selection of prints and drawings. In addition, there are 16 miles of trails for off-road vehicles and in winter you can enjoy snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. To notice and appreciate the spectacular here and now. Tunnel City Coffee One of my favorite coffeeshops in the Berkshires! Its a lot more diverse. Remember to pay a visit to their Farm-to-table restaurant and store before you leave. I think that different kinds of travelers will prefer different towns in the Berkshires. That said, Lenox has some wonderful sites to visit and terrific restaurants, and you should absolutely prioritize spending time there! Berkshire County (pronounced /brkr/) is the westernmost county in the U.S.state of Massachusetts. In addition to a permanent collection that ranges from the fifth century B.C. Come explore the Berkshires and discover a sophisticated world where small town warmth and hospitality have made the Berkshires a favorite destination for year after year. 10 Things to Do in Massachusetts Berkshires, Pioneer Mohawk Valley The scent of burning wood filled the air. PUBLIC eat+drink Right by MASS MoCA, this industrial spot serves up American comfort food, craft beers, and fun cocktails. At 1,640 feet, the peak makes for a moderately effortful hike. If youre going to stay in Great Barrington, I highly recommend staying within walking distance of Main Street. [15], The median household income was $48,907 and the median family income was $64,783. It covers the must visit towns, cities, parks, museums, and landmarks. Lee. Berkshire County, the westernmost county in Massachusetts, has 33 towns altogether (31 towns, and Pittsfield and North Adams are considered cities). Length of trail: 1.2 miles (round trip) Berkshire County is part of the 8th District. The museum regularly hosts special exhibitions which showcase the different periods in the artists life. Newcomers include acclaimed pianist Ted Rosenthal, whose jazz opera "Dear Erich" was performed at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington in August 2022. 31.60% of households were one person and 13.90% were one person aged 65 or older. Greylock is the highest peak in Massachusetts and the Berkshires. The interior of the house has been carefully restored to reflect the daily life of the author when he was working on the book back in the 1800s. Provided you have a good head for heights you are in for an exhilarating aerial adventure which includes navigating the forest canopy on a series of 12 courses which have been set up between 170 aerial platforms, linked by a series of cables, ropes and zip-lines. The Mount, 2 Plunkett Street, Lenox, MA 01240-0974, Phone: 413-551-5111. I heard a train pass in the distance. (Herman Melville and Nathaniel Hawthorne first met when they picnicked with some friends there in 1850, which led to one of American literature's great man-crushes.). The Berkshire is currently renting between $1713 and $4240 per month, and offering 6, 9 month lease terms. 10 best Campgrounds in Berkshires, Massachusetts The Berkshires are for everyone, and theres way more to do than just fancy things. Mass MoCA has strong ties to the music world, in part due to its close relationship with Wilco: the band curates and performs at a biannual festival held at the museum called Solid Sound, inviting along such friends as Courtney Barnett and Cate Le Bon. I may have never felt so far from my everyday worries. 25 Best Things to Do in the Berkshires, Massachusetts - VacationIdea.com Besides admiring the remarkably preserved single-shingle home which still contains all the original furnishings and dcor, you can also tour the superb gardens, which were laid out over a period of thirty years. The rooms have a camplike sparseness, with white walls and plywood furniture. The Mount Edith Whartons home may be the most famous historic building in the Berkshires, still decorated beautifully to this day. I came to know the journey by heart. Our second-floor room was painted a dark, calming gray that matched a plush sofa, and was furnished with a white marble fireplace, a Finn Juhl chair that Caleb was so taken with he started pricing it online, and a pile of art books that included Fairfield Porter, Herb Ritts, and Edward Weston. The natural bridge or arch spans a remarkable 60-foot gorge through which you can see the Hudson Brook twisting and tumbling. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 946 square miles (2,450km2) of which 927 square miles (2,400km2) is land and 20 square miles (52km2) (2.1%) is water. [19][20][21], In the 2016 and 2020 U.S. presidential elections, Berkshire County was Massachusetts's third-bluest county behind Suffolk County, which consists primarily of Boston, and Dukes County, home to Martha's Vineyard. See all places to stay in the Berkshires here. Serene mountain vistas, lush forests, and clear blue lakes define the Berkshire landscape, an idyllic setting for your next family vacation, romantic escape, or weekend with friends. Bousquet Mountain Ski Area is a must-visit attraction for all winter visitors to the Berkshires. If youre looking for the best things to do in the Berkshires, check out my Ultimate Berkshires Guide here. Splurge: Chambery Inn Well, this place is definitely not budget! The Massachusetts Governor's Council, also known as the Executive Council, is composed of eight individuals elected from districts, and the Lt. Fuel Coffeeshop A really nice coffeeshop with delicious snacks and inventive lattes. This page was last edited on 21 June 2023, at 05:28. Have a question about your trip to the Berkshires? Charming lodgings, fine restaurants, excellent shopping and an endless events . But according to Bride, impresario of the local scene for decades, the jazz calendars haven't always been so packed: Ten years ago, you might not have said that.". In winter, the area is a popular skiing destination. We were clamped onto guide cables, so I never felt afraid. 16 Towns of Cape Cod: What Is Best For You? Caleb and I have a long history with the museum. Hiking in the Berkshires: Southern Region. The Clark has 120 acres that fan out from the museum, with meadows scored by walking trails. An arrangement of vintage snapshots above our desk nodded to the region's history as a vacation mecca during the rise of automobile tourism in the early 20th century. Excellent coffee, and its worth perusing the extensive pastry display case too. 20 Best Massachusetts Airbnbs, Rental Cabins & Cottages - Field Mag We were pleasantly exhausted by the time we arrived at the Inn at Kenmore Hall. I'm the kind of person who can enjoy every bite of a meal but is still secretly just waiting for dessert, and I was rewarded with the best ice cream I've ever tasted. Worth a stop on your way out of Stockbridge, and dont miss Six Depot Roastery, one of the best coffeeshops in the Berkshires. For the Royal County of Berkshire in England, see, United States presidential election results for Berkshire County, Massachusetts. Arrowhead You may have pictured Herman Melville writing Moby-Dick from a seaside cottage but he actually wrote his most famous novel here in Pittsfield! The Berkshires are, in a way, western Massachusetts' answer to the Hamptons. The Hancock Shaker Village was established as far back as 1783 and today offers visitors a rare glimpse of how the original Shaker immigrants went about their daily life. The inn stands at a quiet intersection in the middle of tranquil farmlandthere's not much immediately nearby, but no other part of the Berkshires is very far away. A very special place. 1. From left: Aerial obstacle courses at Ramblewild; Cosmic Latte, an installation of suspended LEDs by Spencer Finch, at Mass MoCA. Cheshire is more of a residential town than a draw for travelers, but its home to a lovely stretch of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail and beautiful riverside scenery. Brewhaha This delightful coffeeshop and breakfast spot is part restaurant, part thrift shop, brimming with treasures in every direction. Due to their elevation, the Berkshires attract tourists and summer residents eager to escape the heat of the lowlands. That said, Porches at MASS MoCA is one of the most unique places to stay in all of the Berkshires, and you should prioritize it if you want something special! Haven Everyone raves about this cafe, which brings fabulous lunch and dinner specialties each day. The landscape was beautifulespecially in autumn, when the trees were on fireand the more popular tourist towns looked like they hadn't changed much since the 1970s, when James Taylor name-checked the Berkshires in "Sweet Baby James." As your confidence improves you can move to the more challenging courses which require greater balance and strength to navigate. The Clark is the custodian of a very impressive permanent collection of European and American art which spans the period from the Renaissance to the early 20th century. Perfect for families with differing levels of skiing prowess, Catamount Ski Area stands out as offering a very diverse network of skiing and boarding trails which vary from super easy to super steep and challenging. And I had a splendid time! You can bring along your own boat to launch at the free public launching area or rent a canoe, kayak or motor boat at the Onota Lake Livery on Pecks Rd. The center has achieved world-wide recognition as a premier center of dance which offers tuition in various dance forms and hosts an annual Festival which attracts thousands of people to the Berkshires. Lee, Massachusetts, in a nutshell: the Berkshires on a budget. It includes attractions such as Tanglewood, Berkshire Museum, the Norman Rockwell Museum, Mass MOCA, and Hancock Shaker Village. At Miraval Berkshires, mindfulness is always in season. Art enthusiasts can spend an interesting and informative couple of hours admiring the wonderful collections of one of Americas greatest artist/illustrators at the Norman Rockwell Museum. I loved my stay there. Visit berkshires.org for more information. Pittsfield, in fact, may be one of the big secrets of New England quite a decent place to live. Once Upon a Table This sweet little bistro serves American dishes in an upscale environment. Lee Premium Outlets You can find excellent markdowns on brands including Coach, Kate Spade, Polo Ralph Lauren, the Gap, Bath and Body Works, and more. Pittsfield is the largest city in the Berkshires and has gone through a lot of iterations over time. Back at Blantyre, I hunched over my phone, scrolling through listings of local restaurants we could try. In early June, the nonprofit presented its 10th Berkshire Gateway Jazz Weekend, attracting residents and tourists to Lee's downtown. At this reconstructed historic village, you can learn their fascinating history and see how they designed a new and modern community. Edith Wharton was one of Americas greatest woman authors and a great admirer of art and architecture. Youre best off staying in the nearby town of Lee. There is a variety of lodging options available including vacation homes and self-catering apartments. Located approximately 140 miles north of New York City and 120 miles west of Boston, Berkshire County is internationally renowned for its natural beauty, rich history, and picturesque New England towns. Positioned between New York City and Boston, The Berkshires is a rural region of western Massachusetts that is made up of 30 bucolic New England towns and villages. The museum has a large and eclectic collection of over 14,000 art works and at any one time you will be able to admire works from several different eras and in several different media. The two counties are also the only ones to touch both the northern and southern state lines. Mount Greylock Reservation, 30 Rockwell Rd, Lanesborough, MA 01237, Phone: 413-499-4262.
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