Few places offer more local color than the Berkshires in the Fall. Once the last notes of the Tanglewood season fade, the trees themselves come front and center to become the main attraction from one end of Berkshire County to the other. Sugar, red and moosewood maples; gray, white, yellow, black and river birches; oaks and sassafras — an astonishing mix of trees — dapple the landscape in dazzling reds, yellows, oranges and purples. But beyond the majestic trees adorned in their vibrant autumn colors, The Berkshires offers much more.
The Berkshires are consistently picked out as one of the prime fall destinations in the whole United States and only about 2 hours from New York or Boston. Between the arrival of peak foliage and a range of events throughout September and October, the Fall can be just about the best time to visit the county.
What awaits travelers in mountains of Western Mass this fall? Here’s a look ahead.
A Weekend About Apples
The nearby town of Lenox, best known as the home to Tanglewood Music Festival, where the Boston Pops take up summer residence, is all about apples later in September, as the Annual Apple Festival rolls into town. Over the course of the weekend, Lenox’s downtown area features rides, shopping, live music and all things apple, including pies, cider, and cakes.
Harvest Time in the Garden
The Berkshire Botanical Garden in Stockbridge hosts the Harvest Festival in early October, treating visitors to live music, children’s activities, a haunted house and plenty of other attractions.
A variety of vendors (over 75) are on site, bringing with them a collection of food, sampling of jewelry, pottery, ceramics, clothes and other crafts. Tickets are available at the door and parking is available.
Feature Films in November
The Williamstown Film Festival adds to the depth of culture already associated with the Berkshires. The festival has in a short period managed to established itself, and attracts thousands of visitors on an annual basis. This program runs early November, with the film schedule published later in the fall.
Lee Founders Weekend
Lee Founders Weekend provides a great way for visitors to sample some of the best foods in the area and appreciate all that the historic town has to offer. Visitors can browse through booths filled with handcrafted goods and sample food from several local restaurants. Vintage cars, swing bands, a Latino festival, and a parade all mark this celebration throughout Lee in late September. Other highlights include antiques and crafts sales and Revolutionary and Civil War displays as well as family-friendly activities and entertainment.
Whatever brings you to the Berkshires this Fall, come and say hello to us at the Devonfield Inn!
