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The Berkshires
Massachusetts
The Berkshires offer a wonderful mix of history, culture and recreation. There is an abundance of all these qualities here in the hills of western Massachusetts. Whether you're looking to feed your mind or your body, this is the perfect vacation destination. Winter in the Berkshires is home to numerous ski areas such as Ski Butternut, Jiminy Peak, Bousquet Ski Area, Blue Hills and many more within driving distance. Summer also hosts a wide array of outdoor activities for the mountain enthusiast, as well as educational site-seeing and rich New England history. Historic Sites The area is rich with ways to learn about early colonial history. A number of homes still exist from the 1700s. Many offer tours and special events and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A visit to these early homes is truly unforgettable. Tour a number of historic sites, including the oldest house in the Berkshires, the Colonel Ashley House in Ashley Falls. In the town of Lenox, visitors can see the house and gardens of Pulitzer-prize winning novelist Edith Wharton and hear her works performed. Another famous author, Herman Melville, wrote Moby Dick right here in the Berkshires in Pittsfield at Arrowhead. This is now the headquarters of the Berkshire County Historical Society. The Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum in Lenox offers a look at the trains and their history. Located in the restored 1902 Lenox Railway Station, attractions include a museum, caboose and model trains. Short train rides are available. The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge has changing exhibits and the largest collection of the artist's original paintings. The museum also features special exhibits by other world-renowned illustrators. Visit Rockwell's personal studio on the 36-acresite. Enjoy the Outdoors Even with fascinating history all around, it's impossible to miss the scenic beauty of this region. Forested hills, gentle streams and inviting lakes offer an abundance of recreational opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, golf, tennis, rock climbing, sailing, in-line skating, canoeing and fishing. Hikers will find endless trails to explore this beautiful region, including part of the Appalachian Trail. Your exploring could turn up many scenic finds. The Berkshires have 10 waterfalls to see, including Bash Bish Falls in Mount Washington. A variety of trails ranging from easy to strenuous, short to long, can be found throughout the area. Climb Mount Everett, Mount Greylock or Monument Mountain, where Nathaniel Hawthorne first met Herman Melville. Mountain bikers will find numerous trails as well to explore the many forests and parks. Fifteen challenging courses await golfers. These greens offer a variety of spectacular scenery and provide something for golfers of all skill levels. Courses include the Berkshire Hills Country Club in Pittsfield, Forest Park Country Club in Adams and Waubeeka Golf Links in Williamstown. White water rafting, canoeing and kayaking on the Deerfield River offer excitement and great scenery.  |
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