Suggested Itineraries
GENERAL Shopping in the Berkshires—It's beyond your expectations!
Put the Berkshires at the top of your shopping list! From the Vermont state line south to the Connecticut border, you'll find an unbelievable array of quaint and cutting edge Berkshires shops to suit just about anyone's wish list. Collectables such as antique toys, heirloom jewelry and rare books; bronze sculptures and contemporary art; custom-made fabrics— even Shaker woolen cloaks and Rockwell prints are displayed throughout the Berkshires. While you're here, be sure to take some respite inside a European chocolate café or sample fresh apple cider and a cider donut at a Berkshires' orchard.
Looking for more ideas? Visit the Berkshires, where the shopping is as colorful as the changing seasons!
MORE SPECIFIC Shopping in the Berkshires…It's uniquely uncommon!
You want what? You can't find it anywhere?! How long was the line? Come to the Berkshires for your specialty shopping—where old fashioned New England charm delights visitors as well as locals. Often times, it's all in the name….the more unique a shop's name, the more intriguing! Begin your conquest in the northern Berkshires at Where'd You Get That?! in Williamstown. Search their aisles for gifts for the curious. Or try the southern Berkshires. Wind your way into The Mews, just off the Main Street in Stockbridge. This cluster of unique shops includes many local artists' designs. Different Drummer's Kitchen, JazzySadie's Polish Pottery, Animal Crackers Unlimited, A Stitch in Time, Grape Finds, Pine Cone Hill Outlet, Chocolate Springs, Persnickety Toys and theBrowns…. They all sound great, don't they?
Looking for something really unique but you aren't quite sure what? Try rose water and heirloom seeds at Hancock Shaker Village, educational puzzles at the Berkshire Museum or the novel, Moby-Dick purchased at Arrowhead—the farm where Herman Melville wrote this masterpiece. How about a Rockwell print from the Norman Rockwell Museum or upside down maple syrup sold only at MASS MoCA. Need more ideas? Why not fill a basket of gift certificates from the Berkshires and include a fly fishing trip on a Berkshires lake, a scenic flight from Pittsfield Municipal Airport with Lyon Aviation, a golf lesson from a pro from Cranwell Resort, a season's pass to Ski Butternut or a snow-shoe trek with the staff from the Arcadian Shop in Lenox. Sounds tantalizing, doesn't it! It's all in the Berkshires!
Recreational Tours in the Berkshires:
Walking and hiking tours in the Berkshires are appealing just about any time of the year. Part of the fun is discovering a new haunt. In Williamstown, explore Sheep Hill Trails, two scenic walking loops that are historic trails along Stone Hill behind The Clark or Hopkins Forest behind Williams College. Roads to the summit of Mount Greylock will be closed to cars until 2009, foot traffic is not only welcome—it's the only way togo!. Stop at the Greylock Visitors Center for a trail map listing mountain hikes and vistas.
Hiking is also popular along Shaker footpaths at the Hancock Shaker Village, wooded trails inside the Pittsfield State Forest, Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary and Kennedy Park both in Lenox.
Walking tours are a great way for the whole family to observe nature at its best. On Monument Mountain's peak, in 1850, Herman Melville, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Oliver Wendell Holmes shared verse and vigor. Hikers today can choose from two trails to the summit commemorating this event.
When was the last time you rode horseback along a trail in the woods or across an open field? Several horse farms in the Berkshires offer rides from half to full-day. Berkshire Equestrian Center is a full service boarding and training stable, where pleasure riding is also available. Undermountain Farm and Harmony Trails Horseback Riding offer guided trail rides—a real adventure for the whole family! Eastover, the Berkshires only all-inclusive resort, has stables on property. Guests don't have far to go to enjoy riding in the country. Don't let the thought of sore muscles keep you from this sport. A day of riding presents the chance for a nice finish—visiting one of the many day spas in the Berkshires and relaxing with a deep body massage.
The Berkshires entices beginners and experts alike to cruise along 11 scenic miles of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, a paved path from Lanesboro to Adams. Those seeking more intriguing adventures can bike the back roads of the Berkshires or be challenged with mountain biking in the county's state forests. Pack a lunch in your backpack, as most rides offer picnic spots overlooking spectacular views. If you need to rent a bike, try Berkshire Outfitters in Adams, Plaine's Bike in Pittsfield or the Arcadian Shop, Lenox. They also have the clothing and other accoutrements for suiting up. End the day enjoying a casual dinner—in a brew house or pub style, or explore the area's diversified ethnic restaurants where menus include fresh Sushi, baked Burritos or Quesadillas, Tandoori Shrimp and Coconut Soup, Spanakopitta or rolled Crêpes filled with cheese, asparagus, ratatouille and mushrooms.
If it's "wild and wet" that appeals to you, think about whitewater rafting with Crab Apple Whitewater, Moxie Outdoor Adventures or Zoar Outdoor. It's a trip that'll knock your socks off! Begin your excursion floating quietly along the Zoar Gap, but watch out! In a matter of time—minutes actually—bubbling white water picks up the speed and off you go—literally! Rafting will drench you with rejuvenation! Yeehah! Another water sport guaranteed for some woo-hoos is renting jet skis at Pontoosuc Lake. But, perhaps you prefer calmer waters. Rent a pontoon boar or canoe on Onota Lake. Early in the morning, there is no better way to star your day.
Great golf and the Berkshires are practically synonymous. Cranwell Resort, Spa and Golf Club features an18-hole Championship course and, great news—it's open to the public! They have golf carts with GPS, and folks at any playing level can also reserve golf lessons at the Golf Digest School. Another course to consider is the historic Pontoosuc Lake Country Club—a hidden gem maintained by the same family for three generations Of course there's also miniature golf where pretty much anything goes. Here, missed shots often make for great family entertainment!
Great fishing can be found throughout the Berkshires. Once you secure your license, some out of the way fishing spots include Berry Pond in Pittsfield State Forest; Thousand Acre Swamp, New Marlborough; aboard a flatbed boat with Berkshire Fishing Club in Becket; or fly-fishing with the Housatonic Anglers. Fishing can be both relaxing and exhilarating and it's something the whole family can do. But family members who don't get excited dropping lines into a lake, can bring along their favorite book, comfy chair and binoculars and absorb the great outdoors in their own individual style.
Touring with kids can be challenging—and weather dependent. So, here are several terrific touring options:
Sample Day 1 - Spend the day exploring the Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield. There's plenty of free parking, a great Welcome Center and the Café at the Village offers indoor and outdoor seating with homemade soups and sandwiches, often using Shaker recipes. Kids 12 and under are free at this family friendly affordable attraction. It's best to begin your tour with the video; it explains all about the Shakers. Next, check the printed schedule of working artisans for crafts, cooking and agricultural demonstrations. It's nice to know where and when special activities take place. No doubt your grandchildren will want to see the animals! From there, they can easily step inside the Discovery Room where they can dress-up like Shakers, learn how to milk a cow, weave a pattern on a loom, or play a Shaker game. When appetites are ready, the Florence Gould Café is the place to go with its durable Shaker chairs and tables. But, if you prefer to bring your own picnic, there are numerous outdoor tables too. Pathways from the center of the Village lead to the Gift Shop, whose shelves are stocked with everything from cool looking T-shirts and wooden tops to books, Shaker furniture making kits and food items.
Sample Day 2—Begin today with a visit to the Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield. Wally, the life-size Stegosaurus out front, will greet you on arrival. Inside, your grandchildren can put on goggles and dig for fossils in the "Dino dig" or get their hands wet exploring the touch tank filled with star fish, baby crabs and other underwater fish. Also, there are cool, life-size collections to look at—from North American animals and feathered birds to a mummy from ancient Egypt to the current special exhibit. In the afternoon, travel to Stockbridge and join one of the interactive workshops for youngsters at the Berkshire Botanical Garden or the Norman Rockwell Museum. They are directed at a variety of age groups, so be sure to call ahead to find the one that best suits your family.
Sample Day 3—On weekends from the end of May to early October, Berkshire Scenic Rail operates train trips from the historic Lenox Station to Lee and Stockbridge aboard vintage cars. The shorter trip, 45 minutes, is to Lee and back and the longer trip is to the station in Stockbridge. A uniformed conductor narrates each trip. After the ride, step inside the historic Lenox Station, now a museum full of railroad memorabilia including a large model railroad display. If it's a rainy afternoon, a short drive to Main Street, Lee brings you to Animagic—Museum of Animation. Spend a couple of amazing hours learning how make your own clay animated film—complete with music and sub-titles! No kidding—you can even bring your new video home and return on another day to add more!
Or continue your outside adventure with a round of miniature golf… usually fun for kids ages five on up. Miniature golf sites are located throughout the Berkshires.
Sample Day 4—Did you know that the Berkshires offer theater programs for children as well as adults? For kids, there is Children's Theatre at the Berkshire Museum or Youth Theatre performed at Barrington Stage. Cinderella is onstage all July at Berkshire Theatre Festival; Shakespeare & Company offers free entertainment for families with their Bankside Festival; and Mac-Haden Theatre features children's musicals. Free concerts for the family also take place at Windsor Lake, North Adams and Springside House, Pittsfield.
Sample Day 5—In the Northern Berkshires, there is a very intriguing museum that is… free! The Visitors Center inside Western Gateway Heritage State Park, North Adams features a model rail display, a video re-enactment of the building of the historical Hoosac Tunnel and other railroad memorabilia. Stop for lunch at the Freight Yard Pub located in the same park. For one last burst of energy before the end of the day, take the grandkids to see the Natural Bridge in North Adams. It was formed from melting glaciers and a natural boulder-type arch remains for all to see. It is the only marble dam in all of North America.
Sample Day 6 Other fun things to do with little grandchildren include visiting Uncle Don's Barnyard at Ioka Valley Farm in Hancock—welcoming kids from one to 100! This working farm opens its doors to let children experience agri-entertainment from petting farm animals to riding a wooden tractor. Families are also welcome, for a nominal fee, to pick strawberries in June and pumpkins and Indian Corn in the fall. Early springtime, the Calf-A is the best place to be when Ioka Valley Farm serves pancakes with their own fresh maple syrup! You also learn about tapping the trees for sap and can sample different maple foods like maple popcorn and maple cream butter. Yummy!
Arriving in the Berkshires, you can almost feel relaxation and rejuvenation take hold. One experiences a sense of well-being, especially after being pampered with visits to Berkshires spas and health centers. Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires features 4-Day Programs focused on health and healing, as well as on lifestyle changes for reducing the causes of stress or lowering cholesterol. With more than 40 fitness classes to choose from, plus spa treatments to relax sore muscles or cleanse the skin, and gourmet dining in a Gilded Age mansion, Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires is worth the visit. Another Berkshires icon is Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. Classes here are offered for beginners to experts, including special instructor sessions for teaching the teachers. Guests can reserve a single day visit or multiple days, depending on the program's theme. Overlooking Stockbridge Bowl, Kripalu offers serenity in a spectacular natural setting.
Visitors might also consider Cranwell Resort, Spa and Golf Club, Lenox. Begin the day with a round of golf on their 18-hole championship golf course, followed by a relaxing lunch on the terrace of Sloane's Tavern overlooking golf greens. Perhaps even a nap is in store during the afternoon. At some point, reserve a spa treatment at the reception desk in Cranwell's Spa. Choose from their extensive list of massages and spa treatments and then dine that evening in the elegant Wyndhurst Dining Room in Cranwell's mansion.
The Berkshires also offers a number of day spas, known for their flexibility in scheduling and convenient locations. If you are looking for a good workout there are fitness centers throughout the Berkshires which often are open in the evenings.