unique things to do in the berkshiresunique things to do in the berkshires

And if you really miss the bread, they deliver within the US. (Rockwell lived in the town from 1953 until 1978, when he died.) The restaurant, the pub, and even the front porch feel like a gathering place in Stockbridge, with interesting people passing through. You can expect big crowds and high prices with both peaking on the Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Columbus Day. Unique Attractions. We help people connect with the world and each other by stepping out their front door and embarking on journeys big and small. In addition to 24 acres of gardens, be sure to check out the indoor galleries, and plan an outdoor picnic. When dinner and a movie just won't do, it's time to check out Greater Lansing's One-of-Kind attractions. You can walk into the rooms and experience the space rather than peering into a roped off room (the library is the exception, understandably). (And if youre here on a Tuesday, you can take advantage of free admission!) A post shared by Jiminy Peak (@jiminypeak). Naumkeag is such a unique place. The Berkshires in western Massachusetts draws in countless visitors every year, thanks to its fascinating history, ample outdoor activities, burgeoning food scene, and incredible shopping. Where to Stay in Boston: Best Neighborhoods and More, Best Day Trips in Massachusetts and Beyond, Best Time to Visit Boston (and Massachusetts), Hudson, New York: A Beautiful Small Hudson Valley Town. But I bet youll be satisfied even without a dip in the river. The four-story haunted house that was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records as the World's Largest Walk-Through Haunted Attraction in 2005. It is a place of sophisticated small towns and college towns, great performance art and fine . Even if quintessential New England isnt your thing, its worth checking out if only to understand the appeal of such a lovely visual clich. Youve got your music, youve got your theater why not add some dance into the mix? The gift shop is wonderful. The 36-acre campus is home to 10 galleries, the artist's beloved Stockbridge studio (which was moved here in 1986), and an impressive collection of 100,000-plus items that range from personal calendars to fan mail. Theres lots to see and do in the Berkshires, including lots of low-key activities and youre only a few hours from either New York or Boston. Situated on the Grand River, this historically preserved home is more than a museum. The rural landscape makes the Berkshires an ideal road trip destination. The orchard in spring is majestic. Weve got lots of ideas! Wander through the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. Dont be afraid to try the pig head rillette. Spring hits later here than many parts of the US. (if available) and house tour as well as t , you'll love Mass MoCA (Massachusetts Museum of, The sound system is great and the shows we attended - Josh Groban and, An informative and enjoyable house tour provided insight into the. Grab the chance to meet people from different cultures and broaden your horizons. Where: Lower Basildon, Berkshire. Top Things to Do in Berkshires, Massachusetts: See Tripadvisor's 107,781 traveller reviews and photos of Berkshires tourist attractions. Other craft breweries worth visiting in the Berkshires are Berkshire Brewing Company in South Deerfield, Shire Breu-Hous in Dalton, Big Elm Brewing in Sheffield, and Barrington Brewery and Restaurant in Great Barrington. Enjoy fun activities like apple picking, orchard walks, and wine tastings. 3. Melville moved to Pittsfield in 1850 to write in solitude; he lived at Arrowhead for 13 years. You can enjoy sumptuous flower gardens, quintessential Berkshires views over the countryside, and even a Chinese-style garden. Next, head to West Stockbridge to wander around TurnPark, which features 16 acres of outdoor art installations and exhibitions surrounding an old marble quarry. 10 Great Things for Kids to Do Posted on April 01, 2015Written by Lindsey Schmid Here are ten opportunities for fun your kids won't want to miss! The Porches Inn at MASS MoCA in North Adams has an outdoor pool, and its close to all of the fun things to do in North Adams, including Mount Greylock. Things to Do in: Cambridge, Salem, Provincetown, Rockport. While the lush grounds and expansive lawns are open all year round (free of charge), you'll want to plan your trip during the summertime, when you can listen to music under the stars. Let us know in the comments below! Check out therailway's websiteto see what's available when you visit. One of the more stunning hikes in the Berkshires is up Monument Mountain in Great Barrington. We opted for a guided tour through the museum and the studio and grounds. See the full schedule of Shakespeare and Company performances here. See the full hiking guide here. Here are some notable ones worth visiting: The Prairie Whale in Great Barrington, a funky and welcoming restaurant in the Brooklyn of the Berkshires, serves products from their farm in nearby Monterey. Types of Attractions Nature & Parks Sights & Landmarks Museums Boat Tours & Water Sports Fun & Games Classes & Workshops Water & Amusement Parks Traveler rating & up & up Good for Good for Kids Budget-friendly Good for Couples Free Entry Such a cool mix of vintage and modern accessories, a vibrant color palette, homey and comforting. Pose with Lady Justice. The Berkshires experience a four-season climate typical of New England. It didnt hurt that it made a peaceful retreat that wasnt too far from both New York and Boston! The soft play area at Jungle Mania is specifically designed to provide a safe and stimulating environment for children. It was designed to be very whimsical and have lots of surprises, and the grounds and gardens definitely do. Lots to do. While here he wrote some of his best works, including Moby-Dick. I visited the Berkshires in mid-May and it was a surprisingly good time to visit. Summers are mild, with some hot days that are perfect for relaxing by a mountain lake. I particularly enjoyed the Northern Lights, made with an unexpected ingredient taiheke from New Zealand! You can buy a combination ticket to MASS MoCA, the Clark Institute, and the Williams College Museum of Art for $34. We've got everything from putt putt that mimics a full size golf course to axe throwing, ThrowBowling, pocket soccer, combat karting and so much more! In my humble opinion, the best time to visit the Berkshires is between May and October, when you can spend lots of time outside hiking, swimming, paddling, and enjoying outdoor patios. The cafe on the terrace has a great view of the gardens, but the food is just okay. (Yes, they call themselves WTF!). Start your journey at Berkshire Botanical Garden in Stockbridge, one of the oldest public display gardens in the Northeast. Take a ride at the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum. Her home in Lenox was christened The Mount, she spent many of her most prolific writing years here, and today its one of the most stunning historic homes in the region. The gardens are open daily, 10 am to 5 pm, from April to November, and are free to visit. For a true treat, make a reservation at Number Ten, which serves up all sorts of steaks, poultry, and seafood, plus mouthwatering sides like creamed spinach, mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes. Youll see the Housatonic River winding throughout the Berkshires, but perhaps its best segment is in Great Barrington, where theyve created the Housatonic River Walk. This regional Tony award-winning festival features all kinds of shows and events in this little northwest corner of Massachusetts, from educational workshops to late-night cabarets. You may not know artist Daniel Chester French off the top of your head, but you definitely know his work he created the Lincoln Memorial. Such a great experience! Its remarkable seeing how the water carves around the stones. that goes through several towns and passes wetlands and ponds and a lake. Popular things to do City Tours Half-day Tours Libraries Transfers & Ground Transport Top Picks Luxury & Special Occasions Ports of Call Tours Likely to Sell Out Outdoor Activities Multi-day & Extended Tours Holiday & Seasonal Tours Sporting Events Special Offers Art Classes Water Tours Theme Parks Sightseeing Tickets & Passes Water Sports Better yet, make a loop of it, for a spectacular 2-hour drive with endless opportunities for exploring this tiny slice of the Berkshires. The region is loaded with short, exciting hikes that will stimulate kids, but we have two favorites. To find a list of all things to do in the Berkshires this weekend and every day, check out our Events Calendar. Hope it helps you get the lay of the land. Im not going to tell you that the Berkshires are a hidden gem because visitors have been succumbing to this regions charms for several hundred years, and more than 2.5 million travelers pass through the region annually. Its best to figure out before you go how much you want to spend and what your biggest priorities are. If barreling down a mountain at full speed isnt your speed, check out some of these great spots for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the Berkshires. , a chair zip line, small-ish rock wall, and other things for the kids incl We recently had a chance to see a production at the New Spruce. Can you do the Berkshires without a car? They have plenty of skiing. Welcome To The Berkshires Choose your own adventure! Here at Day Out With The Kids we've found 1508 fun things to do in Berkshire for you and the family to discover. We also were able to go on a garden tour. This waterfall is in Bash Bish Falls State Park in the southwest corner of Massachusetts but you can actually hike there from either the Massachusetts side or Taconic State Park on the New York side. You can drive to the top, have lunch, and spend the night if you feel the urge, or you can hike one of several trails to the top, only to discover a pile of tourists who paid to park and take in the views. Holy hell, these cider donuts may be the best cider donuts I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE. And even your pup is welcome along for the adventure. That impresses visitors with farm-to-table extravagance while maintaining a small-town New England vibe? Despite growing up in Massachusetts, Ive barely seen the Berkshires I went to summer camp in East Otis for a few years, but thats it. I should have gotten six for $5! Enjoy a glass of wine at the Lions Den pub, eat at the restaurant (one of the few places in Stockbridge open on a Tuesday, I learned! Great Barrington is lined with tasty eats that'll satisfy any craving. Another stellar cultural institution in the Berkshires,The Clark Art Institute has been open to the public since 1955 and has a dual purpose. Both of our tour leaders were incredibly knowledgeable and interesting, with a dry wit. There are even hiking trails with great mountain views. Credit: getreading. The entire Mount Greylock State Reservation spans around 12,000 acres. Its an interesting look into a group that gets little attention outside history classes. There are three trails leading to the summit, all under three miles. Lots of seating and a good area for working, if you need to. Coming in the winter? Frequently Asked Questions about Berkshires. Though if youre here for performances, you should try to time your trip for the summer months. I recommend pausing to get a beverage while sitting in Adirondack chairs looking over the landscape. Top 12 Things to Do in the Berkshires this Weekend Articles The Ultimate Berkshire Summer Bucket List is HERE! North Adams, is an artsy, revitalized ex-mill town that has risen phoenix-like from decay to reinvent itself. The beauty of the Berkshires is no secret today and wasnt a secret two centuries ago. Signs direct you between two private homes and suddenly youre on a beautiful path along the river. If youre up for a winter visit, the Berkshires have a lot of places to ski. Browse them all or check out these posts! Some coffeeshops are worth going out of your way and Six Depot Roastery and Cafe in West Stockbridge is well worth the visit. I loved the display sculptures in Maple Glen! Honestly, much of his life was similar to artists today like when he did a job for free because they promised him paid work in the future and then they gave him nothing. That can quickly add up when youre doing three or four in a day! Today its a fully furnished home that doubles as the Museum of the Gilded Age. Whether it is the perfect summer camp, cultural fun or outdoor activity your child seeks, all are plentiful in the Berkshires. 5. Thats a nice way to spend a weekend but the Berkshires are SO much more than a quiet place to unwind. Fun fact: authors Herman Melville and Nathaniel Hawthorne met while sheltering from a storm while hiking Monument Mountain and became friends for life. What a special find this place is. Plan your next trip to the Berkshires around a must-see show or festival, and then fill in the gaps with all the other fantastic things to do in the Berkshires. In the southern portion, popular towns to base in include Stockbridge, Lenox, and Great Barrington. Theyre on the small side, almost unfathomably moist, and covered with delicious cinnamon sugar. Its a different feel up here more urban, not quite as photogenic but still very much worth visiting. Art museums and dance and live theater, all set on a mountainous landscape, evergreen forests crisscrossed with country roads. If youre looking for a casual stroll while enjoying the beauty of nature, this is a great option. Often, planning a trip for these kinds of couples means someone is always compromising. Founded in 1969, the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge boasts an expansive selection of the artist's work almost 1,000 original paintings and drawings, to be exact. This was a FANTASTIC experience!! Theyre for everyone. I chose to try out two nights in the south at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge and one night in the north at Porches at MASS MoCA in North Adams. more, Ski & Snowboard Areas Beach & Pool Clubs. In addition to stunning views of the rocky mountain and expansive landscape, you might see hawks or bald eagles! And I enjoyed spending an evening at Bright Ideas Brewing! Looking for more New England getaways? One of the hidden gems of the Berkshires is the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary 1,000 acres of forest, meadows, wetlands, and mountain slopes, right on the edge of Lenox. Visitors can even come for a quick ghost tour of the property if they dare. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. In addition to the performances, Shakespeare and Company does some of the best theatrical training in the region. The train tracks here fell into disuse in 1990, so they turned it into a 10-foot-wide paved trail, running from Cheshire to Lanesborough to Adams. Located right in Stockbridge, the Berkshire Botanical Garden is one of the oldest display gardens in the Northeast US. Belvoir Terrace - A Fine and Performing Arts Camp The museum is currently closed due to COVID, but we hope it will open soon. Admission to Mount Greylock State Reservation is free; parking is $5 for Massachusetts residents and $20 for those from out of state. For those over 54 inches, summer admission to Jiminy Peak is $59 for six hours and $39 for four hours. Prairie Whale is a dinner-only haunt known for its rustic-chic aesthetic, lively ambience, elevated American entrees featuring locally sourced ingredients, and creative cocktails. The 511-acre Pontoosuc Lake is among the region's most scenic, and its bright blue waters make it a . If youre looking to stay in the Berkshires, you should decide whether you want to concentrate on the south (Stockbridge, Lenox, Lee, Great Barrington) or north (North Adams, Williamstown, Pittsfield). You can access the state park from New York or Massachusetts. CIDER DONUTS. The 2.6-mile round trip jaunt up Spruce Hill in North Adams includes a rocky ledge where kids can get a gander at Mount Greylock, the highest peak in the state. And Porches is right across the street from MASS MoCA which meant I could enjoy two beers at Bright Ideas Brewing without having to drive! Even so, the Berkshires are small enough that you can base in one part and explore the whole region. (It also makes a great stop on the way to Bash Bish Falls, I found out!) If youre looking for some excellent baked goods, I recommend stopping at Berkshire Mountain Bakery in the tiny town of Housantonic. Pack a picnic lunch, some towels, and a chair to lounge on the grassy lawns along the shore. @2023 - Back Road Ramblers. See the full schedule of Williamstown Theater Festival performances here. To see the house itself, you go on a guided tour and learn all about Melvilles history and his life in the Berkshires. The museum, founded in 1984, aims to preserve the railway and its history by maintaining historical data and equipment. Admission to the Clark Institute is $20 and free for students with ID and children under 18. Porches calls itself whimsical frequently and they love the phrase granny chic. Personally, I loved it! Some of my favorite experiences in the Berkshires involved the fabulous local cuisine. Lots of people to tell you about how the Shakers lived. Keep in mind that early spring in New England is mud season and most if not all of April falls into this category. We earn a commission from affiliate links that may be included in this post. Here's a list of family fun things to do in the Berkshires to prove to those children just how many family- and kid-friendly activities and events there are in Berkshire County. For authentic Mexican staples like mole and margaritas, head straight to Xicohtencatl, which occupies a striking yellow house with a sprawling porch. Also in Lenox, Ventfort Hall is an imposing mansion built in 1893 for Sarah Morgan, sister of J.P. Morgan. There are a gazillion choices for lodging in the Berkshires, but wed be lying if we said we didnt have favorites. Alternatively, if you prefer cider, look no further than the Berkshire Cider Project. Weve got a separate post featuring the best hiking trails in the Berkshires, but here are a few of our all-time favorites. NOTE: This page is updated every Wednesday afternoon. But some destinations blend culture and nature seamlessly! Pick it up in any of the three spots. Theres a reason why everyone recommends them! The Berkshires are full of beautiful outdoor spaces with public art and lush gardens. She actually had a pale pink dining room with fuchsia and gold cutlery! There are several wonderful ski resorts in the Berkshires, smaller than their more northerly cousins, but also easier to navigate and more affordable. Things to Do in the Berkshires Our region is surrounded by picturesque mountains, lush green valleys, and crystal clear waters where you'll find numerous, unique recreational activities all year long. Each summer, you can experience the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops, the Tanglewood Music Center, and more. Updated May 11, 2022 The Berkshires region of western Massachusetts is known for its outdoor adventures like hiking and water sports, as well as cultural experiences. Munch O WOW! 4. Oh, and did I mention that Pittsfield is one of the most dog-friendly towns in the Berkshires? Here are some binge-worthy posts to inspire you! I found the guides here to be excellent, passionate and well-versed in the history and architectural quirks of this property. The lake is especially beautiful come fall, when the surrounding trees turn fiery red, orange, and yellow. At 3,491 feet, Mount Greylock is the tallest peak in Massachusetts, but its not an imposing mountain. Because of the scale of the space (there are 28 buildings, not all used for gallery space), you should devote more than an hour to visit Mass MOCA. World-class museums are just the beginning. Here are some things you should know before traveling in the Berkshires: Phone signal is poor in parts of the Berkshires. Our party of four enjoyed a 2.6 mile loop. French considered the Berkshires his personal heaven and spent the six warmer months of the year living here, enjoying views of the mountains and creating smooth, sumptuous sculptures. Most people drive to the Berkshires, and you need a car to explore the area sufficiently. I loved the colors, those lamps, and the divider between rooms. Instead, Id like to make a case for why this popular New England region is 100% worthy of all the accolades it receives. These are two small, independent hotels, the kinds of places I love to stay. Whats the weather like in the Berkshires, and when is the best time to visit? We enjoyed learning about the beavers and looking at their handiwork up close. Head outside! If youre a hardcore hiker, Mount Greylock is calling your name! A lot of outdoor sites like Bash Bish Falls for free; the Berkshire Botanical Garden is free on Tuesdays; get the best $1 cider donuts of your life at Hilltop Orchards, explore the towns, check out cool coffeeshops like Six Depot Roastery. Each summer, Jacobs Pillow hosts more than 50 dance companies for live performances, as well as talks, workshops, and more. The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail is free and there are several free parking lots along the trail. And to my fellow Bay Staters, New Englanders, and tri-staters if you havent been to the Berkshires yet, maybe its time for you to make the trip! Add a sprinkling of snow to those weather-worn mountains and youve got a recipe for adventure. One tip: dont bring all your bags when you check in. Whether you want to explore its culture at an art museum, sample its refreshing local beverages at a brewery, or head out on a hike for some truly spectacular views, here are some of the best things to do in the Berkshires, no matter the season. Columbus Day is usually pretty solid for foliage. The adventure and excitement of soaring above timeless landscapes and taking in the beauty of the Berkshires from above is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that every thrill-seeker should . They rent a cabin on a lake, read books, hit up the farmers markets, and grill. There are rotating exhibits throughout the year, and be sure to leave enough time to explore the trails outside, many of which lead to even more sculptures. The most difficult thing about Naumkeag may be pronouncing it (hint: its nom-keg, and it helps to picture an animal nomming on a keg of beer). Looking to explore more activities and destinations in New England? The front porch of the studio looks out to a view of Monument Mountainit's quite spectacularand reinforces the reason that French and his wife bought this property in the wilderness. There are two segments of the River Walk you can see them on a map here and there are displays at the entrances that tell you more about what youre seeing. Full of imposing architecture, friendly residents, and streets teeming with young people, at least while school is in session, Williamstown has enough bustle to enthrall visitors for an afternoon. counterpoint to the Gilded Age cottage house tours that otherwise dominate the area. The last remaining tollhouse in Michigan built during the 19th-century plank road craze. Berkshire County is the westernmost county in Massachusetts; anything within Berkshire County is considered the Berkshires.. You'll also find several hiking trails, including a stretch of the famous Appalachian Trail. Paths meander through the woods, along the edge of the quarry, and across a small meadow with art everywhere you look. They serve original dishes from artisan producers and grow quite a bit in their garden. Enjoy nature-filled outdoor pursuits . Oenophiles will especially appreciate Balderdash Cellars, where you can lounge on a lawn overlooking a lake. 16 Towns of Cape Cod: What Is Best For You? 5. Admission to Natural Bridge State Park is free. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. It was an immersive experience. OH, IT DID! You might not think of the Berkshires as a culinary destination but wait until you see what this place has to offer! TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Loved every minute of it. You can hike through a white marble quarry also the only one in North America. Even so, culturally speaking, people from the north dont always go south and vice versa. I did, then I found out I had to schlep them outside and down the street to another building.