unique things to do in the berkshires

Admission to Mount Greylock State Reservation is free; parking is $5 for Massachusetts residents and $20 for those from out of state. Find the best things to do across the Berkshires Arts & Culture Museums, Historic Sites & Gardens While here he wrote some of his best works, including Moby-Dick. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. NOTE: This page is updated every Wednesday afternoon. With just under 44,000 residents, Pittsfield is the largest city in the Berkshires, and another city that is experiencing an inspiring renaissance thanks to a renewed focus on art, culture, and economic stability. Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. If you know anything about the Berkshires, youve probably heard of Tanglewood! I recommend pausing to get a beverage while sitting in Adirondack chairs looking over the landscape. Set on the idyllic Williams College campus, the Williams College Museum of Art features exhibits by emerging artists from all over the world. And I know its human nature not to visit whats right in front of you. Some of my friends go to the Berkshires to get away from busy city life. Visit one of the many quaint small towns or villages in the Berkshires. It is Speciality Museums Architectural Buildings, Points of Interest & Landmarks Religious Sites. You'll also find several hiking trails, including a stretch of the famous Appalachian Trail. Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Lansing - Atlas Obscura Oh, and did I mention that Pittsfield is one of the most dog-friendly towns in the Berkshires? Take a scenic hike or bike ride through the picturesque Berkshire mountains. If youre bringing your bike to the Berkshires or even your skateboard or rollerblades this would be my top recommendation for you. Come explore its permanent and rotating exhibitions, and if you have some extra time, don't forget to marvel at its spectacular 140-acre campus grounds, too. Canyon Ranch, the fancy spa. I really like this museum. (That doesnt always happen, though. If youre using your phone for GPS, as I did, you should load directions while you have access to wifi. The rooms are really cute and not at all corporate, theres a fire pit out front, and you can walk to Monument Mountain for your morning hike. 2. Parking is $5 for Massachusetts residents and $20 for those from out of state. A peek into the life and work of one of America's great sculptors!! It's dog friendly too. 10 Things to Do in Massachusetts Berkshires, Pioneer Mohawk Valley Run by the Audubon Society, this is home to some of the best wildlife watching in the region, from beavers to birds. Guests can come to tour the gardens, the home's interiors, and a rotating list of exhibits showcasing both literature and life during the early 20th century. 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. Looking for a New England destination that is culturally rich and overflowing with pastoral beauty? If you are looking for a specific type of activity or event, check out the filtered events calendars on the following pages: Performing Arts events in the Berkshires Visual Arts events in the Berkshires Things to do in the Berkshires | The Berkshires What are the best outdoor activities in Berkshires? Admission to Natural Bridge State Park is free. A wonderfully interesting stop on our roadtrip! We headed up the Hickory Trail (yellow) and down the Mohican Monument Trail (blue). . cafeADAM in Great Barrington not only makes use of local producers and dishes they also feature locally foraged ingredients, like mushrooms from Chef Adams secret spot. The museum is currently closed due to COVID, but we hope it will open soon. Find even more in our must-visit Berkshires museum post. Berkshires Attractions - Tripadvisor What's the best time to visit the Berkshires? That impresses visitors with farm-to-table extravagance while maintaining a small-town New England vibe? (One of the most popular events is John Williams night, which some of my friends go to see every year!). What a lovely way to spend the morning, having been fortified with a pastry from Berkshire Mountain Bakery. Lots of seating and a good area for working, if you need to. Looking for a New England destination that is culturally rich and overflowing with pastoral beauty? 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. Want to walk to restaurants and shopping? In addition to 24 acres of gardens, be sure to check out the indoor galleries, and plan an outdoor picnic. There are several wonderful ski resorts in the Berkshires, smaller than their more northerly cousins, but also easier to navigate and more affordable. The Berkshires experience a four-season climate typical of New England. Can you do the Berkshires without a car? Bash Bish Falls State Park has the highest waterfalls in the Berkshires, plus great views. What are the most popular things to do in Berkshires with kids? Sad that the lodge was closed on Monday and Tuesday and the campground was not open at all. Per Airbnb, it's the most popular destination in the Berkshires, and the pandemic has actually stoked its appeal. Other nearby favorites include Mielke Confections and the Parisian-inspired Pixie Boulangerie. Its an interesting look into a group that gets little attention outside history classes. ), and you can learn about how they lived self-sufficiently on this farm, growing food, raising animals, and producing crafts. Monument Mountain Reserve in Great Barrington, MA: Herman Melvilles Arrowhead in Pittsfield: visiting the Berkshires for a spring vacation, Pittsfield is one of the most dog-friendly towns in the Berkshires. The museum's website explains, its founder, Zenas Crane, was inspired by the American Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and decided to combine all their best attributes into one space, making it possible to see fine art, natural science, and history exhibits under one roof. With breathtaking nature trails, waterfalls, mountains, quirky museums, and welcoming farms dotting the region, the Berkshires offer something for all kids, especially ones who appreciate the outdoors and the arts. I was very lucky to have a clear day. Make sure to watch the crafts people. 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. Greylock. The last remaining tollhouse in Michigan built during the 19th-century plank road craze. Discover the engaging Michigan Supreme Learning Center at the Hall of Justice. But some destinations blend culture and nature seamlessly! It was established in 1934 and features dozens of display areas with an emphasis on plants that thrive in the Northeast. I have been wanting to go for a while, so it was like a pilgrimage to finally visit. Things to do in the Berkshires this weekend | Berkshires In addition to stunning views of the rocky mountain and expansive landscape, you might see hawks or bald eagles! Welcome To The Berkshires Choose your own adventure! This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. Pack a picnic lunch, some towels, and a chair to lounge on the grassy lawns along the shore. This small bakery specializes in sourdough and high-end bakeries, and people from all over the region drop by to pick up loaves of bread. 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). The region is loaded with short, exciting hikes that will stimulate kids, but we have two favorites. There are shorter walkabout-style hikes within towns, too. Melville even dedicated Moby-Dick to Hawthorne. At Christine Kielpinski's studio or your own location choice learn how to do a new activity OR be guided on an outdoor excursion. The restaurant, the pub, and even the front porch feel like a gathering place in Stockbridge, with interesting people passing through. 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. Whats the weather like in the Berkshires, and when is the best time to visit? 38. You need a car in the Berkshires. CIDER DONUTS. But there are treasures waiting for you if youre willing to head out west. (Rockwell lived in the town from 1953 until 1978, when he died.) I found this disappointing, as I love a midafternoon coffeeshop visit when I travel. We earn a commission from affiliate links that may be included in this post. Both hotels hosted me on a comped media stay. Multi-day hiking trips are available, too. The cafe on the terrace has a great view of the gardens, but the food is just okay. Art museums and dance and live theater, all set on a mountainous landscape, evergreen forests crisscrossed with country roads. 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. 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. The lake is especially beautiful come fall, when the surrounding trees turn fiery red, orange, and yellow. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. You can hike through a white marble quarry also the only one in North America. Some coffeeshops are worth going out of your way and Six Depot Roastery and Cafe in West Stockbridge is well worth the visit. 1. 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. 25 Best Things to Do in the Berkshires, Massachusetts - VacationIdea.com Browse them all or check out these posts! Pick it up in any of the three spots. Cap off a fun-filled trip at one of the nearby breweries, wineries, or cideries. 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. The Old Inn on the Green in New Marlborough is a bit of the beaten path but well worth the stop especially for the Sunday-Wednesday-Thursday prix fixe menu, with three locally sourced courses for just $46. Mountain Monument Reservation draws visitors from around the world. Be sure to double-check the opening hours, because many places are closed Monday through Wednesday. By GLADTours. Decide a case in the model courtroom with interactive A Day in Court games. The guide working the ticket area was friendly and helpful! 10 Best Things to Do in the Berkshires with Kids - Mommy Nearest Even if quintessential New England isnt your thing, its worth checking out if only to understand the appeal of such a lovely visual clich. The owners are knowledgeable and friendly. A shopping or dining stroll in the downtown should include a visit to the adjacent Housatonic Riverwalk. Another stellar cultural institution in the Berkshires,The Clark Art Institute has been open to the public since 1955 and has a dual purpose. The estate is beautiful and well worth the visit. Both of our tour leaders were incredibly knowledgeable and interesting, with a dry wit. Berkshire County Fitness is dedicated to getting you healthy and strong while keeping you fit and independent. Often, planning a trip for these kinds of couples means someone is always compromising. Even so, culturally speaking, people from the north dont always go south and vice versa. You can even access the Appalachian Trail from Mount Greylock. The home is now a National Historic Landmark and cultural center dedicated to preserving the space and her legacy. Things to Do in: Cambridge, Salem, Provincetown, Rockport. property in the early 1890s and extensively enlarged and transformed to building into a typical, Has a maple sugar house where you can observe the, It was so nice to stop by and visit with George and see what a great job they are doing to give back to their. 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! Visit our privacy policy to read more. Mwanner, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Check Out Bash Bish Falls Steve Heap / Shutterstock.com Bash Bish Falls is the largest waterfall in Massachusetts. 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Mass MoCA the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the most imaginative and stunning museums in Massachusetts, as well as an inspiring story of reinvigorating the former mill town of North Adams. The Berkshires are quiet during the week, especially outside high season. 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. In addition to the performances, Shakespeare and Company does some of the best theatrical training in the region. Thanks we had a wonderful guide at the studio who actually had met Norman. Winter in the Berkshires is something special, even if its not my favorite season. Visit The Berkshires | Official Guide to The Berkshires, MA The Clark Institute in Williamstown is a museum featuring American and European art from the Renaissance through the early 20th century. Most people say that the best time to visit the Berkshires is either the summer or the fall. (And if youre here on a Tuesday, you can take advantage of free admission!) If youre in the mood for some classic theater, Shakespeare and Company performs the Bards shows in Lenox all summer long, and other plays throughout the year. But in 2021, a time when people have been looking to closer, local getaways, I decided it was time to visit the Berkshires not only to have fun, but to research extensively, and eventually create guides like this one to help you plan your own trips to the Berkshires. I ordered two and somehow ended up with three in my bag. But even if youre just here to walk or run, its a lovely place to enjoy a bit of nature in between all your museum-hopping. The unique space is a former factory site with several buildings. Popular towns and places to go include Ascot, Bracknell and Maidenhead. Discover the Michigan Supreme Court Learning Center. The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail is free and there are several free parking lots along the trail. Absolutely! It fits North Adams perfectly. Thats how these hikes are structured you could start out in Housatonic and hike to Stockbridge, or maybe start in Lee and hike to Lenox. The Shakers believed in communal life, celibacy, confession of sin, racial and gender equality, simplicity, and pacifism. There were no performances going on, but the weather was absolutely glorious; it was actually much sunnier and warmer than Boston! Most people will tell you that The Mount is the best historic home in the Berkshires but I had so much affection for Ventfort Hall. This was my queen room with a fun mix of colors and patterns. If you want to hang out at Porches, there are plenty of rocking chairs on the front porches, as well as a pool area in the back. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Columbus Day is usually pretty solid for foliage. If youre looking for a bigger challenge, consider hiking Mount Greylock the highest point in Massachusetts! We've narrowed down our 25 favorite things to do in the Berkshires as a family. is incredible for finding religious articles at a very reasonable price. Great music and SO many laughs with Steve Miller Band, Bruce Hornsby and Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me. I was driving through Pittsfield and admiring a lake in the distance then I saw a parking lot leading to lakeside picnic tables. Admission to MASS MoCA is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and veterans, $12 for students with ID, $8 for age 6-16, and free for children under 6. Event programming is always rotating, but previous acts include performances from Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, James Taylor, the Juilliard String Quartet, and The Black Crowes, to name a few. She is the co-author of AMCs Best Day Hikes in Vermont and currently blogs at Back Road Ramblers and Vermont Explored, where she shares travel tips, adventure destinations, and vacation ideas for the wanderer in everyone. We had a great time in their large pool after climbing Mt. Credit: getreading. Check this guide. Enjoy fun activities like apple picking, orchard walks, and wine tastings. Ive broken it down into four categories: arts and culture, outdoor activities, historic sites, and food and drink. The museum is housed in the former home of the book's author, Herman Melville and is sometimes also referred to as the Herman Melville House. You always assume youll be able to do that someday, so why do it now? Head north to Williamstown on the Vermont border to experience one of Americas first college towns (1791). I particularly enjoyed the Northern Lights, made with an unexpected ingredient taiheke from New Zealand! It's got a state park feel with all the amenities and most pleasurable owner and staff. 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. Coming in the winter? Looking for things to do this weekend in the Berkshires with your kids? Loved every minute of it. Or for tasting the local artisanal cider from Jmash Cidery. 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! From craft brews to cultural hot spots, the Berkshires has it all. Riverwalk Is an Urban Treat Downtown Great Barrington is known for its many boutiques, art galleries, coffee shops, and gourmet restaurants.
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