|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Merry Month of May
The Merry Month of May is a great time to visit the Berkshires. First of all, guests of Brook Farm Inn, your Lenox, MA bed and breakfast, who arrive in May will receive a complimentary bottle of Prosecco or non-alcoholic sparkling beverage. It’s our Sparkling Spring Special.
Sparkling Spring Special
Here’s your guideline to what’s happening in the Berkshires in May.
May 3 – Meet Rockwell’s Models
At the Norman Rockwell Museum, people who posed for the famous illustrator will tell about their experiences.
May 10 and 17 – Music at the Dream Away Lodge
This restaurant has been a Berkshires legend for over 90 years.Featuring great food, a funky atmosphere and live music, it’s located in Becket. On May 10, enjoy the music of Bernice Lewis. On May 17th, Podunk Throwbacks will perform.
May 2, 3, 4 – TheatreFest@Saint James Place
Enjoy 8 works by 7 local playwrights. Be among the first to see original plays, works in progress and emerging artists. This is a new way to experience the exciting Berkshires cultural scene. It’s in Great Barrington, MA.
May 5 – Close Encounters With Music
The Luncheon Musicale features phenom cellist Hayden Idson. Celebrate in the Salon in the Gilded Age elegance of the Lenox Club, a venerable Berkshire presence since 1864!. Savor a superb lunch and support Close Encounters With Music. La vie est belle!!!
May 22 – June 8 – Barrington Stage Co.
“Hold These Truths ” is about unsung American hero, Gordon Hirabayashi. He refused to go to a relocation cam with other Japanese Americans during WW II. Journeying from college to courtroom to the Presidential Medal of Freedom, he’s the subject of this award winning play.
May 23 – July 14 – Shakespeare & Co.
Starting in the Merry Month of May, our local Lenox theater offers “The Waverly Gallery.” It was a Pulitzer Prize finalist, and tells of a NYC family matriarch. She was a lawyer and ran a gallery for decades, but now faces memory and hearing loss. It’s a touching play about how family roles are re-fashioned over time.
May 23 – June 2 – Mac-Haydn Theatre
This is a theater in the round, known for producing wonderful musicals. Starting Memorial Day Weekend, you can enjoy the classic “Camelot.” It’s the legendary show about King Arthur, Guinevere and Sir Lancelot.
May 24 – June 15 – Berkshire Theatre Group
At BTG’s Unicorn Theatre, see Edward Albee’s “The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?” This play won many awards and has been labeled “provocative,” “daring,” and “controversial.”
So you mustn’t lose the opportunity to visit the Berkshires in May, or any time, to experience the great cultural offerings. Hope to see you soon!
Merry Month of May
Enjoy a Day of Fun at the Berkshire East Mountain Resort
The winter season leaves a blanket of snow on the mountain slopes and peaks of the Berkshires. This time of year is ideal for cuddling up at a bed and breakfast retreat like Brook Farm Inn next to the fireplace with a good book. It’s also ideal for winter sports activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. The Berkshire East Mountain Resort is the perfect place to visit for all your outdoor winter sports! With 42 ski trails, you will have plenty of ground to cover as you make your way through the surrounding winter wonderland. Here are just a few things you will enjoy during a visit to the Berkshire East Mountain Resort.
Find out more about all of the exciting winter activities to enjoy Brook Farm Inn when you download our free Vacation Guide. It’s full of the best recommendations for things to see and do outdoors, like going skiing at the Berkshire East Mountain Resort!
Skiing & Snowboarding in the Berkshires
A favorite winter activity in the Berkshires is skiing. With pristine, snowy mountain slopes and gorgeous landscapes for miles and miles, it is the perfect place for a day in the powder. Whether you’re looking to show off your skills or learn a new sport, the Berkshire East Mountain Resort is a great destination. From winding beginner trails to daring descents, there is a wide range of ski trails for visitors to enjoy. Snowboarding is another great option provided at Berkshire East Mountain Resort. Bring your own equipment or rent it at the lodge! During January through March, there is also a special night skiing opportunity. You can hit the trails until 9 p.m. on Thursdays and until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Snow Tubing Park
If skiing and snowboarding aren’t quite your ideal winter activities, do not fear. The Berkshire East Mountain Resort also features a fantastic snow tubing park. This is a great option for those who are a little wary of the slopes. Here, you will get to make a much less drastic descent while still having fun with friends. You can even team up and ride together! You can secure a two-hour block for a morning or afternoon at the snow tubing park.
Non-Winter Fun
Winter isn’t the only time of year that you can have fun at this favorite outdoor resort! Berkshire East Mountain biking, the Berkshire East zip line, and more exciting activities are available in the spring, summer, and fall. Enjoy the Thunder Mountain Bike Park, Aerial Adventure Park, Berkshire Whitewater Rafting, and more!
After a Day at the Berkshire East Mountain Resort, Relax at Brook Farm Inn
Brook Farm Inn is the perfect bed and breakfast retreat after a long day on the slopes. Settle into one of our luxurious yet homey accommodations for a quiet evening relaxing. Or, enjoy our rejuvenating spa services to ease your tired muscles after skiing or snowboarding. After a peaceful night’s rest, wake up in the morning to a delicious gourmet breakfast. We hope to see you soon in the beautiful Berkshires!
The Berkshire Museum Festival of Trees is an Event You Need to See
The holidays are upon us, and festivities in the Berkshires abound. One of our favorite things to do around Christmastime each year is attend the Berkshire Museum Festival of Trees. This vibrant celebration lasts from mid-November through New Year’s Eve and spreads winter cheer. The Berkshire Museum Festival of Trees includes a collection of over 100 creatively decorated holiday trees that will wow visitors. Spend your holiday season escaping to the Berkshires and enjoying our local festivities! Here is more that you should know about the Berkshire Museum Festival of Trees.
Looking for more exciting holiday events to attend during your November or December stay at Brook Farm Inn? Download our free vacation guide and discover more annual festivities, such as the Berkshire Museum Festival of Trees. You will also find great attractions, activities, and cultural venues to enjoy year-round.
What is the Berkshire Museum Festival of Trees?
The Berkshire Museum Festival of Trees is an annual celebration of the holiday season. This fundraiser for the Berkshire Museum benefits educational programs and adds some holiday spirit into the hearts of those who visit. With over 100 uniquely decorated Christmas trees, the event draws in many eyes, alive with wonder. The trees are each sponsored by a local business, school, or organization. The branches are then decorated with whatever creative ideas that sponsor formulates. There is a wide range of decorations, from old photographs to hand-made ornaments to eclectic collections. Prepare to be surprised and dazzled by the variety of decorations. Also, prepare to be whisked away into a pure joy and magic that surrounds the holiday season!
Attend the Festive Premiere Party
If you are staying at Brook Farm Inn on opening day of the Berkshire Museum Festival of Trees, consider attending the premiere party! Always on the first day of the festival, this evening gala will give you a first look at the dazzling trees. The extravaganza includes a regal red carpet, wining and dining, and, of course, mingling with the crowd. Dress in your finest attire for this festive celebration, and enjoy an exclusive night at the museum. Medium-range tickets for this spectacular event include entry to the premiere party and recognition on the Festival of Trees map. You will also receive a Hollywood star with your name on it in the museum galleries and a professional photograph during the party on the red carpet. Lead tickets also include two return tickets to the Festival of Trees during the exhibition.
Plan a Holiday Getaway at Brook Farm Inn
The holiday season is upon us, and it’s time for a getaway before all the hustle and bustle is in full swing. Plan your holiday escape to Brook Farm Inn in the beautiful Berkshires for a snowy winter retreat. Enjoy our luxurious bed and breakfast in Lenox, MA, where you can cozy up by the fire with a good book and unwind. Also enjoy our rejuvenating massage services to relieve all your built-up holiday tension. Then, spend a relaxing evening in one of our 15 charming guest rooms. After a wonderful night’s rest, wake up in the morning to a delicious breakfast to begin your day right. We can’t wait to see you in the Berkshires this winter!
How to Plan the Best Ski Trip to Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort
Winter is here, which means it is time for some outdoor sports and activities in the snow! The Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort is a wonderful place to visit for skiing, snowboarding, and more. Discover winter in the Berkshires with a trip to this mountain resort for a day of adventure on the slopes. Bring your own equipment or rent some at the lodge, and look forward to racing through the white powder. Just a half hour away from Brook Farm Inn, the Jiminy Peak Adventure Park is a fun way to spend part of your vacation. Whether you’re a beginner or expert, there is a place for you on the slopes!
Find out more about all of the great outdoor activities near Brook Farm Inn when you download our free Vacation Guide. It’s full of the best recommendations for great seasonal adventures, like skiing at the Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort.
Hit the Slopes at the Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort!
If you’re looking for an exciting outdoor expedition during your stay in the Berkshires, then head to the Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort. Here, you can choose from a variety of options for your winter sporting escapade. If you plan on skiing each day of your trip, then you can purchase a 2-day, 3-day, 4-day, or 5-day pass at the resort. You might be making a vacation out of it, because the skiing here sure is top-notch! You can also purchase a 4-hour or 8-hour pass if you only plan on skiing for one day of your vacation. Holiday rates apply Dec. 25 through Jan. 2, Jan. 14-16, and Feb. 18-26, so you can plan ahead if you want to avoid the heightened price. Once you’ve purchased your lift tickets, then hop on for the ride up to the top of the mountain. Rent your gear at the resort, and then it’s time to hit the slopes!
Rent Your Skis, Boots, and Poles
Though you are allowed to bring your own equipment, there is also rental gear available at the Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort. The rental shop is located in the Thatcher Building in the upper courtyard of Village Center, and carries top brands for skis, boots, poles, and cold weather clothing. Once you are all geared up, then you are officially ready to make your debut in the fresh powder!
More About the Mountain
Jiminy Peak Mountain has some impressive skiing stats. It is 2,380 feet in elevation and 1,150 feet in vertical rise. The ski area offers almost 168 acres and 45 trails for your enjoyment. There are even 9 lifts to take you to just the right points for your ski adventure. Be sure to check the snow report before hitting the slopes. You will want to know what snowfall awaits before you travel to the ski resort.
Stay With Us During Your Ski Adventures!
Make Brook Farm Inn your Berkshires retreat during your skiing escapades. If you plan on spending your entire vacation slicing through the snow at Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, then book your stay at Brook Farm Inn. Our charming bed and breakfast will be the perfect place to come back to at the end of a long winter’s day on the mountain. Relax by the fire, snuggle up in your comfortable bed, and fall asleep blissfully. Then, wake up in the morning to a delicious breakfast to give you energy for your next day on the slopes!
3 of the Best Places to Go Apple Picking in Western MA
Apple picking in Western MA is a favorite autumn activity. During October, apples are ripe for the picking here near Brook Farm Inn. We are surrounded by some beautiful orchards in every corner of our state, but Western MA really stands out as an apple picking destination. There’s no better way to get into the autumn spirit! This is a great date activity for a romantic vacation with your significant other. It is also a great place to go with friends and to indulge in your just-picked fruits right after either as a refreshing, juicy treat or as a warm cider. It will be so much more rewarding to enjoy those apples after you have picked them yourself! Here are a few of our favorite places to go apple picking in Western MA.
For all of our favorite places to go apple picking in Western MA, be sure to download our free Berkshires Vacation Guide!
3 Places to Go Apple Picking in Western MA
Hilltop Orchards in Richmond
There are so many great locations to go apple picking in Western MA. However, if you’re looking for a place very close to Brook Farm, then Hilltop Orchards is a great choice. Just over 15 minutes away, Hilltop Orchards offer 26 different types of apples, with most available for the pick-your-own option. There are also bags of apples on sale at the Farm Winery Store. To keep with the fall festivities, Hilltop Orchards also offers hayrides on weekends through the orchards. You can pick anywhere from a half-peck to a half-bushel for a price range between $6 and $18. After you’re done in the orchards, you can then come try a drink at the on-site Furnace Brook Winery. Many of the apples grown in the orchards are used to produce fresh pressed cider and the award-winning Johnny Mash hard cider. Try one of these varieties, or indulge in a fresh fruit pie, scone, or apple cider donut from the Farm Winery Store.
Roberts’ Hillside Orchard in Granville
One of the best places for apple picking in MA is Roberts’ Hillside Orchard in Granville. Here, you will have the chance to select over 25 varieties of apples, peaches, raspberries, and blackberries each fall. Apples include MacIntosh, Empire, Red Delicious, Honey Crisp, Gala, Macoun, and more! The best part about this orchard, however, is the family history. The land was granted by King George II of England back in 1740, and the Roberts family built the still-working farm that stands there today. Pick your own apples to become just a piece of that history!
Outlook Farm in Westhampton
Another great location for apple picking in Western MA is Outlook Farm in Westhampton. Though it is a bit more of a drive from Brook Farm Inn (about an hour), Outlook Farm is renowned for its great fall apple picking! Outlook not only boasts some beautiful orchards and land but also a year-round farm market with fresh meats. You can also sample some hard cider and craft beer during your visit, sometimes accompanied by live music! This homestead was built in 1781 and has served as a tavern, stagecoach stop, dance hall, and then farm. Now, surrounded by orchards and gardens and featuring a butcher shop, country store, and restaurant, Outlook Farm is quite popular. Enjoy picking your own unique, full-flavored apples on over 30 acres of orchards. Then, indulge in a few old-time recipes in the country store, including apple pie made from scratch!
Stay at Brook Farm Inn
Apple picking in Western MA is just one of many outdoor activities you can enjoy throughout the entire year! Here at Brook Farm Inn, we provide a retreat in the beautiful Berkshires, which offer so much to explore. For more to see and do in the area, download our free vacation guide. Hope to see you soon!
Why You’ll Love October Mountain in the Fall
What more fitting place for an autumnal hike than October Mountain? This beautiful feature in the central Berkshires offers a gorgeous state forest full of fall foliage during the autumn season. Glowing red, burning orange, and golden yellow hues light up the entire mountain range in a glorious display that will leave you short of breath. Here are just a few things you should know about October Mountain, including some great activities you can enjoy during the fall.
October Mountain History
The name for October Mountain is, in fact, attributed to American author and poet Herman Melville. In his Pittsfield home, Melville could view the stunning hills in the distance, and the scenery during the fall particularly impressed him. He first mentioned October Mountain briefly in a short story from 1853, titled “Cock-a-doodle-doo.” Later, he wrote another short story called “October Mountain,” in which the official name originated. The land itself once belonged to the estate of William C. Whitney, who was President Grover Cleveland’s Secretary of the Navy. It was purchased in 1915 by a group of individuals and donated to the state for preservation purposes. It was also the harboring grounds for Gideon Smith during the Revolutionary War. Smith was discovered to be harboring a British prisoner-of-war. He hid in a gorge until the end of the war that was later called Tory Cave.
Is October Mountain Haunted?
There are some folklore and ghost tales surrounding October Mountain. Whether this stems from its Halloween-centric name or the apparently haunted 19th-century cemetery among the trees, it is not certain. At this cemetery, visitors have been said to hear strange humming sounds and see a ghoulish girl in a white dress among the tombstones. The girl is thought to be Anna Pease, who died in 1829 at the age of 10 and is the only female child buried in the graveyard.
However, more than ghosts are said to haunt October Mountain. In 1983, two Pittsfield men were enjoying a picnic near an old boy scout camp site on Felton Lake when they saw a bizarre creature in the woods. It was described as brown, six to seven feet tall, and featuring glowing eyes. A similar sighting was later reported in 1989 when a hiker saw something large move among the trees about 100 yards away. He claimed to have seen the same type of creature covered in fur with a human face and very long arms and grubbing for roots and insects.
U.F.O.s have even made the list of bizarre sightings on October Mountain. In 1970, a boy scout saw two strange lights hovering in the sky. He claimed that they seemed to be checking a particular spot in the forest over and over again. After five minutes, they supposedly launched vertically into the sky at an extremely high speed. These mysteries are a part of the lure to October Mountain and part of its history.
October Mountain Hiking
The 16,500-acre expanse makes October Mountain the largest state forest in the state of Massachusetts.There are opportunities for camping, hiking, and more among the glorious forested expanse. An October Mountain State Forest trail map reveals a variety of paved and unpaved paths. There are also snowshoe and skiing trails available, as well as trails for multi-use, including snowmobiles. Some are even plowed in the winter time to make them more accessible. The Appalachian Trail also runs through the October Mountain State Forest and is available for foot travel only.
Stay in Lenox at Brook Farm Inn
Among your October Mountain hiking adventures and ghost-hunt explorations, you will need a place to stay. Indulge in luxurious accommodations at the Brook Farm Inn. From massages to soothe your aching muscles to a protein-filled breakfast each morning to jumpstart your day, relax. We have a variety of rooms to suit your particular traveling needs. For more information on what to do in the Berkshires during your visit, download our free vacation guide!
Snowshoeing, Cross Country Skiing in the Berkshires
Snowshoeing and cross country skiing in the Berkshires is at its best now! We’ve been enjoying the trails at Pleasant Valley, a MassAudubon property right here in Lenox, MA. It’s a stone’s throw from Brook Farm Inn bed and breakfast. The wooded trails of the Berkshires are pristine and beautiful, well marked and maintained. Here are some other favorite places:
Snowshoeing, Cross Country Skiing at Canterbury Farms
Canterbury Farms is in Becket, MA. This week’s report says that snowshoeing and cross country skiing is available there now on trails at all levels ranging from easy to most difficult. Trails there are groomed, and there’s also an outdoor skating pond, reported to be smooth as glass!
Snowshoeing, Cross Country Skiing at Notchview
Located in Windsor, MA, Notchview is a property of the Trustees of Reservations. For snowshoeing, cross country skiing in the Berkshires, this is very popular. It has trails for beginners and for experts and is well groomed. There’s also a cafe. Conditions there now are excellent.
Snowshoeing, Cross Country Skiing in Kennedy Park
For our guests at Brook Farm Inn, one of the easiest ways to start snowshoeing and cross country skiing is to rent equipment at nearby Arcadian Shop and enter Kennedy Park right from the shop’s parking lot. The park is a Lenox property with miles of wooded trails, very lovely. The trails there are not groomed, but it has the advantage of convenience to the inn and to Lenox Village.
Join us at Brook Farm Inn to enjoy all the Berkshires has to offer. After a day on the pristine snowy trails, come back for tea and scones by the fireplace.
Valentine’s Day in the Berkshires
Valentine’s Day in the Berkshires is always special, and the 2015 calendar makes it easy to celebrate, since Valentine’s Day occurs during the 3-day Presidents Weekend. Visitors will enjoy the natural beauty of the Berkshires, where beautiful snow covers the ground under sunny blue skies and crisp air. Go skiing, snowshoeing, shopping in our boutiques and galleries, or enjoy some of the indoor activities in and around Lenox
Clark Art Institute
Brook Farm Inn is central to all the Valentine’s Day and Presidents Day events. The Clark Art Institute offers special love-themed gallery talks and a Valentine’s Day Tea. It’s in Williamstown, a short drive from the inn.
Ventfort Hall
Ventfort Hall is also known as the Museum of the Gilded Age, right here in Lenox. You can walk there from Brook Farm Inn, and their contribution to Valentine’s Day in the Berkshires is a special Victorian tea and concert on the 15th.
Barrington Stage Co.
This acclaimed theater company, just a few minutes from Brook Farm Inn, offers its annual “10 X 10,” which is ten new 10-minutes plays. Always a hit!
Restaurants
Fine dining is one of the pleasures to be found for Valentine’s Day in the Berkshires. See the possibilities for the best restaurants in the Berkshires on our website.
When you make your reservation, we’ll help you find all the attractions, special events, and restaurants to enjoy a memorable Valentine’s Day and Presidents Weekend. Add specials like chocolate-dipped strawberries, and we’ll have it waiting in your room when you arrive.