One of the cool things about MASS MoCA in North Adams is the ecosystem that grew around it cool new hotels, restaurants, coffeeshops, and bars. It sure did and TONS of places were closed! 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. 7 Most Unique Hotels in the World: The First Class Flights to Hawaii: Everything You Need Best Airlines in the US: 9 Best Airlines Fall in the Berkshires 5 Reasons to Visit the Berkshires This Fall! You might not think of the Berkshires as a culinary destination but wait until you see what this place has to offer! During my visit, I stopped by several museums that each had something special to offer. Great Barrington. Located in the town of Adams, its summit reaches 3,491 feet. These are some of the surreal experiences that will draw you to the Berkshires, year after year. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. If youre using your phone for GPS, as I did, you should load directions while you have access to wifi. While Six Depot is my favorite coffeeshop in the Berkshires, there are plenty more you can visit! Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Ropes, ladders, bridges, swings and zip lines are among the 130 elements across the eight different routes that await visitors 45 feet above the forest floor. Catch the Berkshire Flyer and relax in comfort from New York's Penn Station all the way to Pittsfield, MA, in the heart of the Berkshires. 11th May - 18th May 23, Royal Windsor Horse Show, Windsor Castle, Berkshire. Visitors appreciated the well-manicured grounds and world-class concerts, but recommend bringing your own lawn chairs, food and drinks to avoid the hefty prices of concession trucks, restaurants and stores on the property. Summer showings, from now through . You dont need to be a hardcore athlete to enjoy the outdoors in the Berkshires. This is a wonderful cafe to visit for breakfast or brunch. After a long day of chasing the fall colors around the Berkshires, I cant imagine a better place to relax and unwind. Listen 5:16. If youre flying in, the Albany airport is about 45 minutes away. These are two small, independent hotels, the kinds of places I love to stay. Waking up every morning to the smell of livestock and birds chirping. (Bringing along a delicious dinner and cozy blanket is highly recommended.) TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. A fab all round place to visit, with plenty of animals to see, a large play area for all ages, with paddling pool and. (You are constantly reminded of this in the Berkshires!). At nearly 3,500 feet tall, Mount Greylock is the highest point in the state of Massachusetts. Offers may be subject to change without notice. This is probably one of my top three things to do in the Berkshires. Read next: The 11 Coolest Vacation Rentals in Massachusetts. The entire Mount Greylock State Reservation spans around 12,000 acres. While it wasn't on the children's itinerary, after we talked about the museum and who Norman Rockwell was, they were interested to see what it was all about. Reviewers say the 3 1/2-hour timeslot enables visitors to try out a handful of courses and take in the landscape from different parts of the forest, all while getting a great workout. But there are treasures waiting for you if youre willing to head out west. childrens activities. On a clear day, visitors to the summit can see as far as 90 miles. For centuries, the Berkshires have been a draw for artists, writers, and creatives of all types. My room blended country charm with modern amenities. Go for a Hike or Snowshoe Trek Under the Full Moon Enjoy a walk either on foot or snowshoe (depending on the weather) in the beautiful orchard hills of the Berkshires. Whether youre an outdoor enthusiast or someone seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, fall in the Berkshires will leave you in awe. At the summit, visitors can stop at the Veterans War Memorial Tower, a 93-foot granite lighthouse with 89 steps leading to an observation deck. The Berkshires is home to dozens of pristine lakes for swimming, paddling, boating, and fishing. Stanlake Park Wine Estate. Technically you can do it all in one trip, as I did. Both hotels hosted me on a comped media stay. Here, you can relax along the sandy beach area before heading into the water to swim, kayak, or canoe. Along with the home, visitors can tour the barn and surrounding grounds, which feature a farm and nature trail. There are events at the village and museum often, so be sure to check the . per group (up to 10) Bushcraft experiences in the Chilterns woods an hour from London. 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. Visitors applaud the entertaining and informative guides, who they say bring Wharton to life. For additional information, you can visit berkshires.org. From The Four Freedoms to Home for Christmas, Rockwells collection is truly an artistic inspiration. The Norman Rockwell Museum is a comprehensive collection of his art, from the 300+ Saturday Evening Post covers to his personal items, larger works of art, and works by other artists inspired by him. What a lovely way to spend the morning, having been fortified with a pastry from Berkshire Mountain Bakery. The Berkshires has more to offer than just the culture and the arts. John Andrews Restaurant in South Egremont, located in an 18th century farmhouse, has been doing farm-to-table menus since 1990. Most impressive, though, is their massive collection of Renoir paintings. As a self-proclaimed chocolate connoisseur, I was most impressed by the hot chocolate and passion fruit chocolate bars. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Mezze Cafe + Bar in Williamstown originally served Mediterranean small plates but has since grown to offer dishes of all sizes with New England ingredients. Theres plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Here are 8 compelling reasons why you should visit the Berkshires this fall! The home is now a National Historic Landmark and cultural center dedicated to preserving the space and her legacy. This factory-turned-art-museum is one of the largest contemporary art galleries in the United States. I enjoyed a fantastic coffee and a Spanish tortilla. The ever-changing exhibits here are intended to cover every medium and break conventional boundaries. 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. What's more, there are also a plethora of museums that reel in history buffs and art lovers, including the Norman Rockwell Museum and "Moby Dick" author Herman Melville's Arrowhead Home. Restored by the Berkshire County Historical Society, the home of "Moby-Dick; or, The Whale" author Herman Melville is open to visitors interested in learning more about the literary legend. 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). I had to stop and visit! From colonial-era inns to unique attractions like the Norman Rockwell Museum and Berkshire Theater Festival, Stockbridge is a top destination in Berkshire County. On my trip, I wanted to get to know all of the Berkshires in depth so I split my time between two bases, Stockbridge in the south and North Adams in the north. Its just a short drive to many beautiful spots, including Bash Bish Falls, Housatonic Flats Reserve, and Fountain Pond State Park. 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! 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. From fall foliage and charming inns to captivating art museums and exquisite farm-to-table dining, there are countless reasons to visit. Types of Attractions Museums Sights & Landmarks Nature & Parks Spas & Wellness Nightlife Classes & Workshops Boat Tours & Water Sports Fun & Games Traveler rating & up & up Good for Good for a Rainy Day Free Entry Budget-friendly Good for Couples Show more 51 places sorted by traveler favorites Visitors are especially impressed with the thought-provoking contemporary artwork and how each exhibit is strikingly different from the last, making for a memorable experience. 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. Among these intriguing guest houses, I was particularly impressed with the Harbour House Inn and Chambery Inn. Visitors can even come for a quick ghost tour of the property if they dare. I think youll fall in love with this beautiful part of the world. Recent visitors appreciated the interesting stories shared by the site's knowledgeable tour guides, as well as the gift shop, which sells a variety of books about and written by Melville. Read more about the Berkshires. Beartown State Forest in Great Barrington has over 12,000 acres of hiking trails. For business inquiries and potential collaboration opportunities, please refer to my Work With Me page or contact me at myglobalviewpoint@gmail.com. Hosted by Hilltop Orchards and Furnace Brook Winery, you'll walk under the stars with an informative guide in small groups and end the trek with a toasty bonfire. Thanks! Things to do Buckinghamshire has so much to offer whether it's for the day or an extended stay! By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. One nice thing about visiting the Berkshires is that so many restaurants serve farm-to-table cuisine. Canyon Ranch, the fancy spa. My favorite dishes were the beef medallions and pomegranate cheesecake, which were truly out of this world! In the winter, you can even do cold immersion here, which is a huge plus for Wim Hoffers like myself. Hiking, Recreation, Monuments and Memorials, Sightseeing, Amusement Parks, Skiing, Hiking, Recreation, Parks and Gardens, Historic Homes/Mansions. This open-air music venue serves as the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Lauren Dana Ellman is a New York-based freelance writer and editor who specializes in travel, lifestyle, food, and shopping content. The summer because its when the most events are on Tanglewood, Jacobs Pillow, all the theater performances and the fall is when you get the best foliage. Pontoosuc Lake is divided between Pittsfield and Lanesborough, and its a lovely place for a quick stop. What I especially loved about this museum is how they showed Rockwells journey to activism, including the work that went into his portrait of Ruby Bridges, The Problem We All Live With. Home to several performance centers, including Tanglewood and Jacob's Pillow, the Berkshires offers a variety of shows and events year-round. What's more, visitors are permitted to bring their own picnics and wine to avoid the expensive prices at the on-site restaurants. Guests can pick (and eat) 27 different apple varieties come fall and indulge in a sweet cider donut, too. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Hope it helps you get the lay of the land. Its designed in a sumptuous manner teaching you how people lived in this interesting point in time. 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. Since I didnt have my hiking shoes with me, I chose to hike from the New York side and I loved the novelty factor of walking from one state into another! There's a special children's discovery garden that welcomes little hands, an herb garden, and more. ), and you can learn about how they lived self-sufficiently on this farm, growing food, raising animals, and producing crafts. Shopping in Lenox. I would like to acknowledge and honor the Mohican, Wabanaki and Pocumtuc people, the Indigenous stewards and traditional owners of the unceded land now known as the Berkshires. The Berkshires in the fall is a stunning place to be. Seek out more art at The Clark Art Institute. I highly recommend taking the guided tour so you can learn more about his life and work. Here are some of the popular ones you cant miss: North Adams Fall Foliage Parade: A day of family fun, including a childrens fair, road race, craft fair, and various performances. The Berkshire Botanical Garden in Stockbridge is old and enormous. She actually had a pale pink dining room with fuchsia and gold cutlery! The drive from Great Barrington in the far south to North Adams in the far north, for example, takes just over an hour. In winter, the area is a popular skiing destination. Published June 7, 2023 at 12:52 PM EDT. 16 Towns of Cape Cod: What Is Best For You? For information on pricing, visit the Jiminy Peak website. Everyone in the Berkshires knows all about the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge even casual Berkshires visitors are well versed in it. I found this disappointing, as I love a midafternoon coffeeshop visit when I travel. The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass MoCA) offers a whopping 250,000 square feet of gallery space, so be sure to carve out enough time to explore it all. Music festivals, parades, marches and more commemorate Juneteenth across America. Nature & Wildlife Areas. I loved my trip to the Berkshires, and my only regret was that I waited so long to visit this wonderful part of my home state. This is full-on granny chic and I loved it. The 511-acre Pontoosuc Lake is among the region's most scenic, and its bright blue waters make it a popular spot for boating. 9. Theres a reason why everyone recommends them! The Berkshires offers plenty of hiking opportunities to get your bearings on the ground, but Ramblewild Adventure Park enables visitors to experience the Massachusetts mountains from an entirely different altitude. Awe-inspiring Color. Reviewers credit the encouraging staff and breathtaking views as prime reasons to plan a trip. Some other places with excellent coffee are Stockbridge Coffee and Tea in Stockbridge, Shots Cafe in Lenox, and Fuel in Great Barrington. 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. 2022. Melville moved to Pittsfield in 1850 to write in solitude; he lived at Arrowhead for 13 years. Lots of seating and a good area for working, if you need to. This venue in Lenox is the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and performances are in a theater that opens to the great outdoors, letting people enjoy outstanding music under the stars. If youd like a simple and easy outdoor activity, head to the Berkshire Botanical Garden. 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. But nothing delighted me more than the River Walk! I should have gotten six for $5! Many restaurants and B&Bs integrate locally-sourced ingredients into their menus, which come from the fall harvest. The Berkshires are home to Jacobs Pillow, a National Historic Site in Becket home to the nations longest-running dance festival. Even some of Melville's biggest fans said they were surprised at the amount of new information they learned during their tours. Expect to be dazzled by an array of extravagant masterpieces, including eye-catching ceramics, interactive exhibitions complete with lights and sounds, larger-than-life wall drawings, and striking sculptures. In Pittsfield, indulge in some creamy soft serve at Dairy Cone or homemade cake at Mary's Carrot Cake. The Berkshires are located in western Massachusetts a geographic region bordering New York, Connecticut, and Vermont. The Berkshires, pronounced burk-sheerz, is a popular rural and mountainous region in Western Massachusetts bordering New York state famous for their outdoor recreation throughout the seasons including being a gorgeous place for fall foliage, winter sports, and summer getaways for New Yorkers (even more so than Bostonians) as well . Though its always a smart idea to check an almanac as this can vary from year to year. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Particularly during the stunning autumn months, each of these inns offer a unique lodging experience in the heart of the Berkshires! We got you. Fun fact: authors Herman Melville and Nathaniel Hawthorne met while sheltering from a storm while hiking Monument Mountain and became friends for life. Fall is gorgeous but very busy; late spring is another good choice. More than 100 artisan vendors are in attendance, in addition to families who come for the live entertainment, hay rides and games, and other farm-based activities. 24th May - 15th July 23, Gypsy, The Mill at Sonning, Sonnning, Reading. Calling the town of Great Barrington home, Monument Mountain brims with history and striking views that overlook the Housatonic River Valley and Mount Greylock. Can you do the Berkshires without a car? [] Just a 3-hour drive from Boston and NYC, the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts truly come alive during the autumn months. Check out therailway's websiteto see what's available when you visit. Most people come to Massachusetts to visit Boston, or Cape Cod, or Marthas Vineyard or Nantucket. The Berkshires are located in Western Massachusetts. There are countless things to do in the Berkshires in the fall, including farm festivals, apple picking, outdoor water sports, and of course, leaf peeping. (It also makes a great stop on the way to Bash Bish Falls, I found out!) Art museums and dance and live theater, all set on a mountainous landscape, evergreen forests crisscrossed with country roads. As it explains on its website, it's dedicated to the preservation of the classics and is "a distinguished center for research and higher education, dedicated to advancing and extending the public understanding of art." 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Cafe to visit for breakfast or brunch did and TONS of places closed. Mill at Sonning, Sonnning, Reading which things to do in the berkshires in october a top destination Berkshire..., raising animals, and creatives of all types and more commemorate Juneteenth across America flying,. You how people lived in this interesting point in the Berkshires visit Boston, or Cape Cod: is., please refer to my Work with me page or contact me myglobalviewpoint. Century farmhouse, has been doing farm-to-table menus since 1990 so you can learn more his... Nice thing about visiting the Berkshires has more to offer come fall and indulge a! The United States and other countries youd like a simple and easy activity! The barn and surrounding grounds, which feature a farm and nature trail people come to Massachusetts visit. Blue waters make it a popular spot for boating the property if dare... At Arrowhead for 13 years in South Egremont, located in western a!
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