The Berkshires have long been a popular Western Massachusetts vacation destination for those looking for a quiet idyllic escape. Set amid verdant vistas, sprawling forests, and lovely lakes, the region is known for its outdoor recreation and relaxing tranquil vibes; but that’s only half the story, as the Berkshires has long been renowned as a cultural hotspot as well as a respite from big-city bustle—boasting more than 100 world-class attractions, the area is also famous for hosting some heavyweights in the world of literature, art, and music who were also inspired by the bucolic surroundings (Herman Melville wrote his epic “Moby Dick” here, and Norman Rockwell was a regular visitor).
Today, the Berkshires remains a bastion for travelers looking for a winning combo of nature and culture; however, in recent years it has begun to reinvent itself with a plethora of new and diverse attractions that add modernity to the perennially classic region. This, coupled with treasured mainstays and old favorites alike has cemented the region as one of the most popular New England getaways around.
Below are just some of the newest additions to the Berkshires that visitors can look forward to this spring and summer—an eclectic mix of updates and a sampling of new and exciting spots that all highlight the area’s reputation for local flair and homey (yet elevated) vibes.
Farm To Table Never Looked So Good
The Berkshires is known for its myriad of delish farm-to-table dining options; and the locally inspired, farm-fresh cuisine sets the table for a cuisine scene bursting with originality. The following restaurants are just some of the new fresh finds making a splash in the Berkshires.
- Opening in Summer 2022, Hot Plate Brewing Co. aims to bring the goods (and the hops) with their craft beer offerings in downtown Pittsfield
- Appropriately set in a Victorian building in Great Barrington, ExtraSpecialTeas is a great place to grab a mug of tea and enjoy the homey, eclectic, and inclusive vibes. Don’t forget to grab a tea-infused baked treat, too! 2 Elm Street, Great Barrington
- Sweet Dreams in Lenox is the place to score a delish treat—whether sweet or savory; ice cream or candy—it’s bound to be good. Bonus points for being house-made and locally sourced, as well 51 Church Street, Lenox
- Nudel may not be ‘new,’ but since they are constantly revamping their menu to reflect the seasonal bounty procured from local farmers and producers, it’s almost like walking into a different spot every time you visit 37 Church Street, Lenox
Show The Love At Locally Owned Businesses
The Berkshires are known for a myriad of locally-owned businesses that only reinforce the area’s famed reputation as a haven for creatives and locals looking to make an impact. Below is a list of some new and new(ish) spots to look for on a spring or summer sojourn to Western Mass.
- Though it opened in Summer 2021, the shine has not worn off the nostalgic toy and candy store The Norad Toy & Candy Company, whose old-fashioned charm is a backdrop for delicious candies, vintage games and toys, and unique boutique gifts 60 Roberts Drive, North Adams
- The ‘stylish and sustainable’ vintage thrift shop Terra is another (relatively) new kid on the block where visitors can browse secondhand goods 'til their heart’s content 18 Ashland Street, North Adams
- Visitors can view some epic vinyl at Rob’s Records & Audio, a cool spot for music lovers and album aficionados 70 Railroad Street, Great Barrington
- Home goods, accessories, jewelry, and more can be found at home love Berkshires, a new addition that opened in January 2022—a cool spot for handmade and eclectic gifts 7 Railroad Street, Great Barrington
Stay The Night At These New & Improved Lodgings
A slew of reinvented retreats have been added to the Berkshires’ accommodations roster since 2021—and while the properties themselves aren’t entirely new, they are bringing some welcoming and fresh vibes to a region already known for its sweet (or suite) lodgings.
- Described as a ‘retro harmonious retreat,’ Life House Hotels will open their new lodgings in Lenox in May 2022—and guests can look forward to a mashup of mountain lodge, writer’s retreat (complete with library and oodles of wood paneling), and a hip reimagining of indoor and outdoor synchronicity
- Chic, retro, and reminiscent of a mod motor inn, the Springs Motel opened its doors to the Berkshires in January 2022 and has been wowing visitors ever since with its playfully vibrant vibes. Guests can also get cozy in their uber-cool and cozily furnished cabins, too 94 RT 7 New Ashford
- Hotel Downstreet opened in December of 2021 in the heart of historic downtown North Adams, and its boutique style, welcoming vibes, and proximity to all manner of local attractions have made it one of the hottest new spots for visitors to lay their weary heads after a day of Berkshire adventuring 40 Main Street, North Adams
The Berkshires have long been a popular vacation destination in Western Massachusetts due to the area’s confluence of idyllic natural beauty and sophisticated cultural charm—and with this lineup of new and new(ish) spots, visitors will have even more reason to visit the beautifully eclectic and charming New England region this spring and summer.