If you need a little motivation to take a break soon, let us share the top 5 reasons to escape to the Berkshires this summer. First of all, you deserve a little downtime. The Berkshires offers something for everyone: a vibrant cultural scene, magnificent estates and gardens, world-class museums, and an adrenaline junkie’s dream destination. But more importantly, the Berkshires bring together the best of all worlds.
“Summertime is always the best of what might be.”
—Charles Bowden
#1 Arts and Culture
Pack a picnic, or let us do it for you, and sprawl out on the rolling lawns of Tanglewood for an afternoon or evening concert. Visit the Norman Rockwell Museum and get lost in his world of Americana. Journey to Hancock Shaker Village and travel back in time to another era. Expand your horizons through music, dance, and theater. The possibilities are endless and limited only by your imagination.
#2 Food and Drink
When it comes to dining adventures, the Berkshires excel; brewpubs and breweries, vineyards, and tasting rooms, not to mention an abundance of eclectic cafes and bistros, tempt even the most finicky foodies. From fine dining establishments to casual bar food, there’s something to suit every palate. And when it comes to breakfast, no one beats the divine creations our own resident chef creates in the morning.
#3 Outdoor Adventure
Experiencing the outdoors in the rolling hills of the Berkshires entices adventurers of all persuasions. Hikers, bikers, kayakers, and whitewater rafters flock to the region. But you don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie to appreciate the area’s natural beauty. Waterfall hikes and tranquil walks along nature trails fit the bill for many. And those with a more diverse outlook on life may want to try hot air ballooning, horseback riding, or ziplining.
#4 Historic Estates and Gardens
A stroll through a magnificent botanical garden or the grounds of a historic estate soothes the soul and sparks the imagination. Fortunately, we are blessed with many. Naumkeag, Ventfort Hall, Edith Wharton’s The Mount, and Chesterwood are just a few of the historic homes and gardens open to the public for tours and special events. And an afternoon strolling through the outstanding Berkshire Botanical Garden inspires home gardeners of all skill levels.
#5 Retail Therapy
Among the delights of visiting the Berkshires, shopping may not be at the top of the list. But in reality, the lovely towns and villages tucked in the hills of western Massachusetts host a unique collection of antique shops, boutiques, and quaint gift shops. So, if you’re on the hunt for the perfect addition to your home or wardrobe, you could spend days wandering the main streets and backroads of the Berkshires. And you might even find a bargain or two at the Lee Premium Outlets right here in town.
Once you’ve learned the top 5 reasons to visit the Berkshires this summer, start planning your vacation. Even thinking about all the wonderful things you can see and do here will have you daydreaming about your next visit to our charming country estate.
