Summer in the Stockbridge, MA area is a destination for enthusiasts of visual and performing arts, Gilded Age cottages, museums and history. The main street in downtown offers shops and galleries with trendy cafes and restaurants. Its natural beauty which surrounds the downtown offers recreational parks, hiking trails and beautiful lakes for the entire family to enjoy.
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Posted on June 1, 2022 Written by M.D. Kerswill
Stockbridge (and surrounds), Massachusetts – While Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer in many places, Tanglewood Music Festival is the harbinger of summer in Stockbridge. With more than 85% of its land in Stockbridge, Tanglewood has been the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra since 1937. Now for the first time since 2019, Tanglewood has a full season lineup of performances, including the BSO, Boston Pops, and the Popular Concert Series, kicking off with Ringo Starr on June 17th. Annual fan favorites include James Taylor, July 3-4; Movie Night—The Empire Strikes Back with conductor Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops providing live orchestral accompaniment for this classic film, July 15th; Tanglewood on Parade with conductors Thomas Adès, Stefan Asbury, JoAnn Falletta, Thomas Wilkins, and John Williams, August 2nd; and John Williams–The Tanglewood 90th Birthday Celebration. The season closes with eclectic classic rocker Van Morrison on September 4th. See the full schedule by clicking here.
The Stockbridge Library, Museum & Archives offer a free download that provides a glimpse into the town’s past. If you are staying in town, you’ll want to grab a copy of this self-guide tour by clicking here. Footprints of Our Ancestors: Mohican History Walking Tour of Stockbridge offers a history of the tribe known as the Stockbridge Indians, a population of primarily Mohican people, and guides you to important historical locations throughout town.
Now through October 28th, Berkshire Botanical Garden presents Symbiosis. Incorporating an exhibition in the Leonhardt Galleries and sculpture in the gardens, Symbiosis naturally melds the aesthetics of arts and botanicals. The various works espouse the interconnectivity of all life forms. It is a visceral experience of color, shape, and form. Click here to visit their calendar of classes and events.
The second Thursday of each month brings Naumkeag at Night, a live music series featuring some of the area’s most popular bands. This year’s lineup includes The Late Risers, Fiesta Del Norte, Kina Zoré, and Wanda Houston. Enjoy a night of local music culture and light refreshments at the outdoor Snack Shack while enjoying the spectacular backdrop of Naumkeag’s stunning views and lush gardens. You can even bring your own chairs or blanket and set up a picnic while enjoying the sites and sounds. Pre-registration is highly recommended. Click here.
Now, and continuing through September 4th, is Lincoln Memorial Centennial Exhibition: The Lincoln Memorial Illustrated at the Norman Rockwell Museum. In collaboration with Chesterwood, NRM curated this exhibit honoring the Lincoln Memorial’s centennial in May 2022. Illustrators’ and artists’ works incorporate the iconography of the Lincoln Memorial. The viewer construes meaning from this highly recognizable symbol through the context of the work and their unique personal life experiences. Intertwined are archival photographs, sculptural elements, artifacts, and ephemera.
For those of you who live for a day on the green, Stockbridge Golf Club is just a 10-minute walk from the Red Lion Inn. Guests staying at one of several local inns are welcome to inquire about enjoying the club during their visit. If you’re planning to stay for the summer, membership is open to locals, non-residents, and second-home owners. It’s a great way to get to know the community. If you decide you like our quaint, small-town as much as we do, pop over to Wheeler & Taylor Realty on Elm Street and start exploring new possibilities.
Up for a bit of forest bathing? Founded in 1853, The Laurel Hill Association is the nation’s oldest village improvement society. They maintain three Stockbridge trails and beautify our Post Office exterior with colorful seasonal plantings. Download maps for Mary Flynn, Laura’s Tower, and Ice Glen Trails here. If you don’t have time for a day in the woods but do enjoy nature, I recommend visiting Laurel Hill Association’s Resources for movie & documentary recommendations, books & articles, and local events. Get a glimpse of nature anywhere, anytime.
Which of your favorite Broadway or television actors will turn up at Berkshire Theatre Group this year? Coming to the Unicorn Theatre June 23-July 9 is B.R.O.K.E.N. code B.I.R.D. switching, “a play about the choices we make and the unspoken lies we tell ourselves to make peace with those choices.” July 21-Aug 20 brings Songs for a New World to the stage. This is “the first musical from Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown (Parade, Bridges of Madison County), this moving collection of songs examines life, love, and the choices we make.” From Sept 29-Oct 23, experience Edward Albee’s Seascape. Join Nancy and Charlie as they journey through our human foibles and ecstacies as seen through the lens of Albee’s ironic wit and keen perceptions. Find BTG’s entire 2022 lineup here.
Join the Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce for its 30th Annual Summer Arts & Crafts Show Saturday, August 20th, and Sunday, August 21st. This is a rain or shine event boasting over 80 artisans and craftspeople. The show is located on the beautiful grounds of the Town Offices and Bidwell Park in Stockbridge, the town Norman Rockwell heralded as “the Best of New England, the best of America.” It’s a quick walk to downtown, where you’ll find specialty shops, boutiques, galleries, eateries, and the historic Red Lion Inn. Make a weekend of it by booking a room in one of Stockbridge’s inns or B&Bs, visiting our downtown businesses, exploring our Summers Arts & Crafts Show, and enjoying the John Williams 90th Birthday Celebration at Tanglewood!
Sign up for the Chamber of Commerce newsletter and follow them on Facebook to keep up on all the things to do in Stockbridge year-round.
Please call ahead to the places you will be visiting so you understand their COVID-19 protocols and safety requirements before visiting. Whether you live locally or are visiting, please visit mass.gov for the latest COVID-19 information and your responsibilities as a community member or visitor.
All businesses mentioned are proud members of The Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce.
Embrace winter in the Stockbridge, MA area. Hit the slopes and scenic winter trails. Explore our world-class museums. Treat yourself to local spirits and brews while enjoying a food lovers dream meal. Discover unique finds in our charming shops and galleries. Make a weekend of it or longer, with a stay in a cozy Inn or Bed & Breakfasts.
Visit StockbridgeChamber.org and plan your next winter getaway today.
June 14, 2019
By Margaret D. Kerswill
The new Linde Center at Tanglewood is a 6,000 square feet performance and rehearsal space, designed by William Rawn Associates (architect of Ozawa Hall), opening on June 28, 2019. The Center will also host the new Tanglewood Learning Institute (TLI).
Kicking off programming for The Linde Center for Music and Learning is The Big Idea speaker series which features such notable public figures as Madeleine K. Albright, Secretary of State (1997-2001); Doris Kearns Goodwin, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and presidential historian; and Daniel Shapiro, expert on negotiation and conflict resolution as well as founding director of the Harvard International Negotiation Program. Find a full list of programming here.
The Linde Center, a four-building multi-use complex for performance and learning, is the first major expansion of the cultural center’s programming since 1937 and is solar powered offering a climate controlled environment for year-round use. TLI will offer over 140 programs year-round for audiences. Additionally, The Center will be available to the Berkshire community for use throughout the year.
Tanglewood, the summer home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, is a proud member of The Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce.
June 14, 2019
By Margaret D. Kerswill
The Town of Stockbridge offers many different inn and B&B experiences to suit nearly every taste. If you want to feel as though you’re a pampered guest in someone’s beautiful home surrounded by a healthy dose of nature, The Stockbridge Country Inn is for you. That delightful remote feeling is purely an illusion, however, as this inn is just minutes from both The Norman Rockwell Museum and Chesterwood, both celebrating 50 year anniversaries in 2019.
The inn is a Federal country house which dates back to 1856, and is nestled on several acres with lovely, lush gardens and an in-ground pool. Enjoy beautiful antiques of days gone by along with all the plush comforts of our modern world in the bright, well appointed rooms. Each guest suite offers a tasteful and private bath en suite, full bath amenities including soft cotton robes, and gourmet country style breakfast served daily… so bring your appetite! Your hosts are both gracious and accommodating making you feel more like old friends than guests.
Be sure to check out their special promotions and offers and book your stay today! The summer season is about to explode with activities.
The Stockbridge Country Inn is a proud member of The Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce.
June 14, 2019
By Margaret D. Kerswill
Stockbridge (and surrounds), Massachusetts – Summer in Stockbridge holds many offerings for visitors and residents alike. It’s advisable to plan ahead so you don’t miss out on the things that interest you the most. Whether you’re into the visual and performing arts; history, Gilded Age cottages, and museums; lazy strolls through our quintessential New England town; shopping and dining; or hiking and other outdoor activities, Stockbridge and its surrounds will keep you joyfully occupied for a day, weekend, week, or all summer long!
In addition to the usual goings on, The Red Lion Inn, The Norman Rockwell Museum, and Austen Riggs Center are all celebrating momentous anniversaries this year. The common threads running through each of these organizations is Norman Rockwell, himself, and The Fitzpatrick family.
Jack Fitzpatrick served in the Massachusetts State Senate from 1973 – 1980, and was fondly referred to as “The Senator” for the remainder of his life. In 1968, Jack and his wife, Jane Pratt Fitzpatrick, purchased (the now famous) The Red Lion Inn which had been operating as a tavern/inn since 1773. For the last 50 years, the inn has been under the stewardship of the Fitzpatricks, their daughters, and now granddaughter. Under the watchful eye of Sarah Eustis, the inn has taken on major renovation projects and is evolving to meet the current needs and desires of visitors and business people while continuing to offer the stellar New England hospitality that it is so well known for.
In 1969, the first Norman Rockwell Museum opened at The Old Corner House on Main Street. Not only did both Jack and Jane pose for Norman Rockwell, but they generously donated to the museum over a span of 40 years to help assist with its evolution and growth into the nationally recognized museum that it is today. Mrs. Fitzpatrick’s sentiment was that it’s easy to show up with a check. The hard work is putting it to proper use and getting things done. She was ever humble about showing up for her community.
During his time on staff at Austen Riggs Center (1950-1960), Erik Erikson, noted developmental psychologist, who himself had been a painter in adolescence and early adulthood, befriended Norman Rockwell. In the late 1980s, the idea was born for the Erik Erikson Center at Austen Riggs to promote education and research in psychodynamic thought and treatment. (Side note: You’ll also find the Fitzpatrick Lobby at Austen Riggs Center. No doubt when Mrs. Fitzpatrick heard of their need, she was ready with her checkbook to assist the community she so loved.)
Today in The Old Corner House, the first site of The Norman Rockwell Museum, you will find the centennial celebration exhibition The Hospital on Main Street: Human Dignity and Mental Health hosted by Austen Riggs Center
Stockbridge remains a close knit community of people even through the expansion of businesses and services. Daily you can find locals at the post office socializing with their neighbors and offering a friendly hello to folks walking through town.
Book your trip today to learn more about all the amazing people behind the modern evolution of Stockbridge, which remains a quintessential New England small town.
The Red Lion Inn, The Norman Rockwell Museum, and Austen Riggs Center are proud members of The Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce.
Another notable Stockbridge anniversary is Chesterwood, celebrating 50 years as site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Chesterwood is the former summer estate and studio of Daniel Chester French, sculptor of the Minute Man (Boston, MA) and the Lincoln Memorial (Washington, DC). Visit the museum and studio to learn more about French’s vast body of work and to see the working models that led to his most famous public works. Open daily, 10 am – 5 pm, May 25th through October 27th. Be sure to check out the calendar of events, and plan your visit today!
Chesterwood is a proud member of The Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce.
