Destination:
The Berkshires
of
Western Massachusetts

Winter in The Berkshires is a magical time of year when the northern lights of soft hues shimmer of snow covered ground. The air is crisp and fresh and lights from villages sparkled in the night.

ANTIQUES:

While antiques and arts shops dot the entire Berkshire region, many can be found on Route 7 in the historic town of Sheffield, known as the “antiques mecca” of the Berkshires. From French country to Art Deco, American folk to English, plus classic heirloom jewelry, country dining antiques and art, there is plenty to satisfy one’s desires. In winter, shop schedules vary, so pick up the Antiques Map and Guide for Berkshire County at almost any area shop.

SHOPPING:

Main Street in Great Barrington offers a terrific mix of retail shops. Specialty stores include Catherine’s Chocolate Shop, Jack’s Country Squire and Tom’s Toys. A 20 minute drive north on Route 7 to the Main Street of Stockbridge is Williams & Sons Country Store (a definite step into the past), Yankee Candle Company and the Pink Kitty, located inside the famous Red Lion Inn. Also in the Red Lion is the Country Curtains Shop, part of the internationally recognized mail order company. Just a five minute ride from the Red Lion Inn on Route 102 East is the Prime Outlet Village (413-243-8186), Lee. Upscale shops here include 65 manufacturer direct outlet stores. In central Berkshire, the Berkshire Mall in Lanesboro features 80 national retail stores.

MUSEUMS:

The Norman Rockwell Museum (413-298-4100), Stockbridge houses the largest number of original Rockwell paintings in the world and also features special exhibits. Arrowhead (413-442-1793), the Pittsfield home where Herman Melville wrote Moby-Dick, is open by appointment and certain weekends during the winter months. Also in Pittsfield is the Berkshire Museum (413-443-7171), which is open year-round.

During the week of the Presidents’ Holiday in February, special family events include ice cutting, sleigh and hay riding, and other winter activities. In Northern Berkshire, don’t miss the Clark Art Institute (413-458-2303), Williamstown, an art museum and research center with French impressionist, Old Master and American paintings. Also in town is the Williams College Museum of Art (413-597-2429), with a collection emphasizing American, modern, contemporary and non-Western art. The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA, 413-664-4481), North Adams, is the United State’s largest contemporary art center, featuring a vast array of performances and exhibitions housed on a 19th century factory campus.

MUSIC:

Close Encounters with Music (518-392-6677/800-843-0778), Great Barrington, offers world-class musicians and chamber music programs. Chamber music performances also take place at Richmond Performance Series (413-698-2002), Richmond. In Stockbridge, the Lion’s Den at the Red Lion Inn (413-298-1654) has nightly entertainment, with never a cover charge. The Williams College Department of Music (413-597-2736), Williamstown schedules dozens of concerts each semester that are open to the public.

For additional information, check the Berkshire Visitors Bureau’s web site: www.berkshires.org. Call toll-free, 866-444-1815, for a free Visitors’ Guide and other materials or to place a lodging reservation.