10 Reasons You Should Visit The Berkshires in Summer
The Berkshires, spanning Connecticut and Massachusetts, is one of the most beautiful areas of the United States. Thousands of tourists flock to this part of the world each year to experience everything that this area has to offer. This rural region has a vast range of things to see and do that will appeal to people with diverse tastes. Although there are almost countless reasons why you should consider taking a trip to The Berkshires, here are ten of the top reasons why you should consider visiting The Berkshires this summer.
1. The Mountains
The mountains are the most distinctive geographical feature of The Berkshires and is one of the main reasons why people visit the area at any time of the year. They are magnificent to look at, provide stunning views spanning miles, and are home to countless species of wildlife. They are also the perfect setting for many of the outdoor activities you can enjoy during your stay.
2. The Farm-to-Table Scene
The Berkshires are famous for their restaurants and sampling the local food is something that you should definitely consider as an important element of a visit to The Berkshires. There is a big farm-to-table scene in the part of Massachusetts, so almost all the eateries use fresh, seasonal, and locally produced ingredients in the creation of their dishes. This is something of which those who run restaurant businesses in The Berkshires are extremely proud.
3. The Clark Art Institute
Art is a big aspect of the culture in The Berkshires. If you are an art enthusiast, then one of the best attractions to visit is The Clark. This is now one of the most respected art museums in the world. It sits in stunning grounds and exhibits both American and European paintings. The works of many famous American artists are exhibited at this museum, including the works of John Singer Sargent, George Inness, and Winslow Homer.
4. The Mount
The Mount is the former home of author Edith Wharton who was the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize. It is now a National Historic Landmark where you can view sculptures and enjoy historic tours. During the summer, it hosts live music on the patio every Friday night. Throughout the year, local drama groups put on performances in the house.
5. Tanglewood
Tanglewood is one of the best-known landmarks in The Berkshires. It is home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra and is set in grounds of over 500 acres. It is also where you will find the Seiji Ozawa Hall and the Tanglewood Music Center. During the summer months, the Boston Symphony Orchestra performs live at Tanglewood.
6. Williamson Theater Festival
Also known as WTF, the Williamson Theater Festival is an annual event that runs from the end of June to the middle of August each year. This festival has a jam-packed festival with different events and performances taking place each day. It attracts some of the top actors, playwrights, and directors in the United States.
7. Mass MoCA
Another amazing venue for art lovers is Mass MoCA. Once an electric power plant this venue now boasts over a quarter of a million square feet of exhibit space. It is home to an exciting gallery of contemporary art that are too large to display in the more traditional museums. All forms of art are showcased at Mass MoCA, including photography, painting, theatre, sculpture, music, dance, and film.
8. Lake Mahkeenac
Lake Mahkeenac is also known as the Stockbridge bowl. This is a popular venue for a range of outdoor activities. Some of the most popular options in the summer are swimming and boating. Many people just enjoy sitting at the side of the lake and admiring their beautiful surroundings.
9. Hancock Shaker Village
Hancock Shaker Village is a recreation of a true Shaker village that allows visitors to enjoy an interactive experience of what Shaker life was like. There are historical tours, events, tasting experiences, a petting farmyard, exhibitions and galleries. This is an educational activity that combines learning with fun.
10. Bish Bash Falls State Park
There are many outstanding beauty spots to visit in The Berkshires, but one of the best is Bish Bash Falls State Park. This is home to the highest single-drop waterfall in The Berkshires. Its also a great place to climb the rocks, take a scenic walk, or enjoy a picnic.