Plenty of Fun to be Had During School Daze
By Ann Claffie
September 2007
September has arrived and it’s back to school for the kids! This is the season when parents suddenly rush to their favorite department store for new “duds” because the old ones—last year’s sizes—don’t fit anymore. My son’s “old” clothes give him the appearance of expecting flood waters and his sneakers are splitting at the seams, showing off the not-so-white cotton sox inside!
Where does one go in the Berkshires to shop? Our first stop is the Berkshire Mall, Lanesboro. It’s the closest arena of clothing, shoes and school supplies to our Pittsfield home. And, depending on what’s playing at the Cinema Center there, maybe we’ll enjoy a movie. Hmn, come to think of it, we still haven’t seen “Ratatouille.”
Our second jaunt is to Prime Outlets in Lee. It’s a little bit further from home, but definitely a “shopper’s destination.” If you’ve never been, it resembles a mini New England village: Clusters of pitched roofs cover clapboard styled buildings, with connecting walkways for shoppers.
“Mom, I really like walking through the sidewalk mazes (leading from store to store). Where’s the one that leads to the food court?” (Spoken like a kid with his mind on what’s most important.)
With school shopping completed, we’ll spend whatever free time we have outdoors – some of our best weather is in September with day temperatures mid-70s, and 50s at night. Feeling adventurous, we’ll head first to Harmony Trails Horseback Riding in Dalton. Trotting along a forest trail with the colors of fall foliage peeking through is a wonderful experience! Folks can also sign up for guided rides at Undermountain Farm in Lenox. For families who own their own horses and like to travel together, The Inn at Richmond is conveniently located next to the Berkshire Equestrian Center. Stabling one’s own horse next door to a family oriented, yet upscale inn offers the best of both worlds.
There are several other activities that I have in mind for our family: Canoeing on the Housatonic and sculling on Onota.
“What? Mom, are you sure you know what you are talking about? Sculling? Is that like bungee-jumping?” (My son is one who knows something about everything….sound familiar?)
Berkshire Scenic Treks & Canoe Tours are expertly guided by Hilary Bashara from Decker’s Landing, Lenox. Her peaceful trip, with wildlife sounds in the background, makes me think of how our forefathers must have maneuvered the waterways, searching for a new settlement or a safe haven from winter’s wrath.
“Ok, now Robert, let me describe sculling: Picture yourself in the early dawn of the day standing on the small beach in front of Cuyler’s Boathouse at Onota Lake. Our instructors have equipped us with ‘shell and paddle,’ life preservers— and humor. After two lessons, we have the opportunity to paddle across the ‘lake of the white deer.’”
“Onota,” meaning “deep/blue” in Mahican, is the site where Native Americans spoke of the legend of the white deer. It is said, that on these shores, a white doe would often appear and drink its water. This beautiful animal was so rare that it was deemed a good omen and the tribe prospered. Perhaps the doe’s offspring continue to quietly drink from Onota, as even today Onota is truly breathtaking with the morning mist rising—to an almost spiritual layer— between sky and water.
Every September, one of our favorite family things to do is to pick (pun intended) a Sunday afternoon to spend an hour or so picking apples - McIntosh, Cortlands, Gala, Macoun, Empire, Red and Golden Delicious. The best part follows our gathering— tasting freshly made apple cider and cider donuts. Yum! It’s your choice of sites— Furnace Brook Winery at Hilltop Orchards, Richmond close to NY border or Bartlett’s Orchard, Richmond, close to Pittsfield Municipal Airport. Both offer terrific fall foliage experiences!
So don’t sit home… get out there—and bring the kids!
P.S. Put this on your calendar—Saturday, September 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pittsfield’s Common will feature a cool project that involves the community, artists, merchants and kids! And, it’s a free event! Community scarecrow makingday will beled by the notable Mike Melle, a local artist and creator of life-sized, fully articulated figures using hay, sticks, clothing and other natural materials. These will not be your average scarecrows— they could quite possibly scare more than a crow!
About Ann Claffie
A Berkshires native, Ann grew up in Dalton as the oldest of five children who were encouraged to use their imaginations for fun and play. Today, married and living in Pittsfield, Ann and her husband enjoy family fun and adventure with their nine year old son. She has been on staff at the Berkshire Visitors Bureau for more than ten years.