Thanks to its lush green landscapes with majestic mountains in the backdrops, Berkshires serves as a rural getaway for city-dwellers coming from Boston and New York. Whether it’s about enjoying summer festivals such as the Williamstown Theater or attending music concerts, Berkshires makes for a better summer destination among out-of-towners. Nature lovers will also find ample things to do while connecting with nature. From art galleries to music events and museums check out our recommended things to do and places to eat when visiting Berkshires on a weekend.
Things To Do In Berkshire
Attend A Concert At The Tanglewood
Located in the beautiful town of Lenox, Tanglewood is a sublime music venue and a summer home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra since 1937. Classic music lovers will get to listen to the American orchestra known to be the second-oldest among the five major American symphony orchestras. Visitors will also have the chance to take a guided tour around the property which includes the well-manicured lawn area, a café to relish a cold brew iced coffee, and visit the Highwood Manor House for a buffet dining experience.
- Address: 297 West St, Lenox, MA 01240, United States
- Opening Hours: 12:00 p.m - 8:30 p.m
- When To Visit: June - August
Enjoy Watching A Dance Performance At The Jacob's Pillow
Berkshires is a land of creativity, where one can not only listen to great classic music but get to see great dance performances which have claimed fame. In Time Magazine Jacob’s Pillow is mentioned as a ‘hub and mecca of dancing’, and in The New York Times it was dubbed ‘the dance center of the nation.’ The dance center is designated as a National Historic Landmark and has been a recipient of the prestigious National Medal of Arts. It is known to be America’s longest-running international dance festival. In summer many come here to attend a dance festival, where about 500 free performances, talks, and events are organized.
- Address: 358 George Carter Rd, Becket, MA 01223, USA
Take A Tour At The Norman Rockwell Museum
Those who happened to be a fan of renowned artist Norman Rockwell can consider visiting the Norman Rockwell Museum, which is an art museum situated in Stockbridge. Visitors will have the chance to see the world’s largest original collection of Rockwell art which includes famous illustrations such as ‘The Runaway, Girl at Mirror, and Triple Self-Portrait.’ Most of his work revolves around the American culture. The artist has been creating works for The Saturday Evening Post magazine for nearly five decades.
- Address: 9 Glendale Rd, Stockbridge, MA 01262, United States
- Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m (Closed on Wednesday)
Spend A Day At The Mount Greylock
Looking to digital detox in Berkshires? Then spend a day or two at Mount Greylock, a 12,500-acre blissful wilderness where one can totally surrender to mother nature. Soak in the crisp air, and enjoy the sound of nature. Whether it’s about hiking or camping, this is the right place to be. The lush virgin forest, rugged hiking trails covered with moss, and vibrant butterflies flitting among the trees are things that one can expect to see. It’s a real feast for the eyes. It doesn’t take long to understand why creative authors such as Nathaniel Hawthorne or Oliver Wendell Holmes came here in search of inspiration. Right at the summit of Mount Greylock, there is a 93-foot-tall granite lighthouse that has been repurposed as the state’s Veterans War Memorial Tower. To see this feature one can hike up the summit by choosing several hiking trails. The shortest is the Thunderbolt trail which is also the steepest climb to the summit.
- Thunderbolt Trail: 4.8-mile trail (out-and-back trek). Start from Adams, M.A on the eastern slope of the mountain. One can also find a parking area at the trailhead. End the hike at the end of Thiel road.
- Visitor Center: Facilities include exhibits, restrooms, and a deck with majestic views.
- Opening Hours Of The Visitor Center: 9:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m
Berkshires Botanical Garden
Nature aesthetes might find Berkshires Botanical Garden a wonderful attraction to explore the plant kingdom. Created in 1934, Berkshire Botanical Garden is one of New England’s oldest public gardens which sprawled about 24 acres of land and is home to more than 3000 plant species including Berkshire's indigenous plants. One of its key features is the Lucy’s Garden which displays intricate sculptures. There are occasional workshops, exhibitions, and events. Its brand new Center House has a teaching kitchen, classrooms, and galleries as well.
- Address: 5 W Stockbridge Rd, Stockbridge, MA 01262, United States
- Opening Hours: 09:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m
- Daily Tour: From May to October
- Entry Ticket: Adults $18; Seniors $16 (from 60 years); and for children under 12 is free
Where To Eat In Berkshires
A-OK Berkshire Barbeque
While there are many eating options in Berkshires, we recommend A-OK Berkshire Barbeque for its excellent service and delicious cuisine. Tucked in the former guardhouse on the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art campus right in North Adams, the restaurant offers a range of good food. Its sandwiches are one of the favorites among the locals. The sandwiches are usually topped with fennel, and cheddar sausage, with lots of side options including baked beans, and potato salad. It is advisable to come early as the place can sell out quickly.
- Address: 2601 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247
Mezze Bistro
At Mezze Bistro, the food is not only a feature but the view is spectacular. Located on a serene hilltop overlooking the lush green surroundings, Mezze Bistro is suitable for couples and families looking to eat delicious local dishes. The place gets pretty crowded in summer when Williamstown Theater Festival takes place. Its menu includes steak with roasted onion, scallion pancakes, fermented squash-seed curry, and burgers.
- Address: 777 Cold Spring Rd Route 7, Williamstown, MA 01267