Driving Trip Through the Berkshires

My wife and I are planning a trip to Massachusetts this May and would like some advise and recommendations on places to stay, eat and visit. We are in our 70%26#39;s and in good health. We like to see and visit older and historic areas of cities and interesting and unique small towns.

We plan to arrive in the Berkshires about the first of May and stay around a week or so. From there we plan to take the northern route to the Pioneer Valley and stay there for another week or so.

From there we plan to go to the central area and Sturbridge area, from there to Cape Cod for another week and finally to Boston. We will be staying north of Boston in Danvers and plan to take the train into Boston and tour Cape May.

I have already sent for and received information from all of the Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Bureaus. What I am looking for are special places that may not advertise in those type of magazines.

Watchmaker

Driving Trip Through the Berkshires

Hello Watchmaker!

You will be arriving about 1+1/2 months before tourist season, so you will miss the crowds. Unfortunately some of the tourist attractions like Tanglewood are not open yet. Weather that time of year can be unpredictable. Today it will be in the high 70%26#39;s, but a late snow storm has been known to occur too! I will keep my fingers crossed for you.

I would suggest finding a place to stay in the mid to southern Berkshires. I don%26#39;t know your budget and your tastes. Cranwell Resort in Lenox is very nice, but may be a bit pricey. There is a place called Patriots Suites in Pittsfield, just north of the Lenox town line. They are associated with a time share property farther north in Hancock and they put people up there. They do not rent to the public during the Summer, but I think you may be able to get a room in early May. There are many other hotels and Bed and Breakfasts to choose from too. I%26#39;d suggest Great Barrington, Stockbridge and Lenox for your search.

For your visit, you may want to start in Great Barrington. It is a nice town with a New England style Main Street, with shops and restuarants.

For things to check out in the southern Berkshires:

Chesterwood Museum Stockbridge

Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge

Bash Bish Falls, Mount Washington

The Mount, Edith Wharton%26#39;s Estate and Gardens, Lenox

Berkshire Theatre Festival, Stockbridge

Shakespeare %26amp; Company

Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Inc., Great Barrington

Central and Northern Berkshires:

Barrington Stage Company

Colonial Theatre (highly recommended if there is a show you see that you might like. Beautiful building. Just don%26#39;t take the top balcony though!)

MASS MoCA

Williamstown Theatre Festival

Hancock Shaker Village

Clark Art Institute

Williams College Museum Of Art

Through out the county...

Golf, Hiking, Canoeing, etc.

Also: Ashuwillticook Rail Trail

11 mile rail trail great for walking and biking. It runs from Lanesborough to Adams

Check out:

www.Berkshires.org

Have a great trip!

Westernmass

Driving Trip Through the Berkshires

I forgot to mention...

Since you like historic places, be sure to check out the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge. You may even want to stay there. Nice, well kept, well run, historic inn. It also has a nice historic pub and dinning room.

Westernmass

Westernmass,

Thanks so much for your posting. It is one of the most helpfull I have received to date for this trip.

Thanks again for you comments.

Watchmaker

Excellent list. Could you recommend a specific place or outfitter for canoeing or kayaking?

olay regenerist

Do you have to use a quilt in the cot bed