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Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Visit Massachusetts: The Berkshires

Welcome to the Visit Massachusetts series. Previously, we looked at the capital city:  Boston, and the areas of Central Massachusetts and Cape Cod

Today, we head out west, to the Berkshires.

The Berkshires 
The Western region of Massachusetts is known for their mountains, the Berkshires, and for the multitude of cultural opportunities provided by a vibrant theater and music scene. 

In the summer, driving west on route 2 is like driving through a head of broccoli. In the fall, it is a spectacular sight, as the landscape is set ablaze by autumnal color. 

Museums, such as Mass MoCA Museum of Contemporary Art, the Norman Rockwell Museum and the Eric Carle Museum, draw art aficionados, and music lovers bring blankets and picnic baskets with cheese and beverages to enjoy the Boston Symphony Orchestra and national stars like James Taylor under the stars at Tanglewood.  



Tanglewood also offers events, such as the Wine and Food Classic featuring "wines from around the world, regional chefs, and locally sourced foods, enjoyed in an incomparable setting on the Tanglewood grounds."


Visit the Hancock Shaker Village or 
Channel your inner yogi at the Kripalu Center in Stockbridge, where you can also take classes and attend workshops on all things related to holistic health.



The Big E, the New England regional agricultural fair, features the best of the six New England states and draws thousands every fall. From giant pumpkins to deep fried everything, this fair has something for everyone. 

If shopping is your thing, check out the outlets in Lee, or get your game on at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts’ 3rdlargest city.



In December, visit Stockbridge for a recreation of a Norman Rockwell painting. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Stockbridge Main Street Celebration, consisting of house tours, caroling, holiday readings, horse-drawn carriage rides, concerts, vintage cars, and of course, a visit from Santa. 



Other Berkshire area attractions include the Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, home to award-winning theatre, and numerous international festivals, including the Berkshire International Film Festival and the Jacob's Pillow Dance FestivalThere is so much to see and do in the Berkshires any time of year.  

Have you ever been to the Berkshires? Please share your experience. 



16 comments:

  1. Hi Kelly, interesting post and I've never been to the Berkshires but it seems a fun place to visit with much variety. The Big E looks fantastic. Reading your post also provided the opportunity to swing back on your Cape Cod a place I've been contemplating re-visiting lately. Thanks for sharing. Also, I love your moving Instagram feature! Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Hi Peggy. The Berkshires are fun all year round. The Big E is fun; it's huge. I love going through the Avenue of States, which showcases the best products of each of the six New England States. The farm animals and 4H shows are fun to watch too. :-) Sounds like you're ready for a New England vacation.

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  2. I've been wanting to visit the Berkshires - they've been on my travel list for forever. Thanks for the overview!

    Sarah
    aroseinthecity0.blogspot.com

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    1. Hi Sarah,
      The Berkshires are fun all year round...there's always something to see or do, in every season. I hope you get to visit soon. :-)

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  3. I've never heard of that region but it definitely sounds interesting!

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    1. Hi Van,
      Massachusetts can be quite provincial...even for a small state. People from Boston think the Berkshires are practically in NY...they do border NY, but still...
      In truth, the Berkshires are fun all year round...there's always something to see or do, in every season. I hope you get to visit soon. :-)

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  4. Oh, good advice! We moved to MA a year ago, but haven't explored the region properly!

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    1. Anna Belle, you're in for a treat. The Berkshires are fun all year round...there's always something to see or do, in every season. I hope you get to visit soon. :-)

      PS--I'm in central MA. :-)

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  5. The Berkshires are definitely a really nice place. I've enjoyed the times I've been there.

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    1. Hi PJ,
      One great thing about New England, and the Berkshires in particular, is that they are fun all year round...there's always something to see or do, in every season. I hope you get to visit again soon. :-)

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  6. I am in the MetroWest and I never think to go west. I really need to check it out. Thank you for all the ideas.

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    1. Hi Kerry,
      It definitely is worth a trip out west. The fall is spectacular, but there's something to do all year round. And Tanglewood in the summer is a bucket list item, for sure. :-) Enjoy!

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  7. I love Massachusetts, it has so much to offer! I'm always amazed by all the different things it hides, the beauty, the coastline, the city, the history. Thanks so much for sharing :)

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    1. Thank you, Camila,
      The Berkshires...and really, all of Massachusetts, are fun all year round...there's always something to see or do, in every season. I hope you get to visit again soon. :-)

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  8. I've lived in MA my whole life, but have never been to the Berkshires! I'll need to make a point of it soon :)

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    1. Hi Kristen,
      It is definitely worth the trip in any season. We usually do a fall shopping trip out to the Lee outlets, not so much for the shopping, but for the views on the way out on route 2. And this year, we're going to Christmas on Main Street in Stockbridge. And you can't beat Tanglewood. When we went, it was a tribute night to John Williams...spectacular movie scores and special appearances by Steven Spielberg and the lady from the Indiana Jones movie...I can't think of her name right now. But so, so fun. And if you pack a picnic for the lawn, it's truly a bucket list destination. Have fun! :-)

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