June 5, 2018
By Margaret D. Kerswill

Stockbridge (and beyond), Massachusetts – The season is upon us! Summer is just around the corner and the crowds of visitors to our glorious Berkshire Mountains’ communities grow a little larger each day.

For those of us living year round in The Berkshires, this is the time of year to check the calendars of our favorite seasonal cultural and outdoor venues and plan our outings. It’s also the time when free family and community days are announced; so, be sure to check in on your favorite institutions regularly to see what’s happening in and around Stockbridge.

View the calendar of Berkshire Botanical Gardens to learn more about topics like backyard beekeeping and landscaping or to sign up for their various field studies like the Foraging & Feasting Plant Walk.

Have you visited Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum or booked a train ride lately? Starting on June 9th and running on alternating Saturdays is the Cabaret Getaway Train, an adult only experience with soul soothing music, cocktails, and snacks. There is also a variety of family fun train ride experiences.

New this year to the Bidwell House Museum are The Family tour, offered twice a month on Friday, and the Guided Walk, offered one Saturday a month. Learn more about the various tours and museum history by clicking here. There is also a self-guided option for those who prefer to explore at their own pace.

Chesterwood was once the home of Daniel Chester French, sculptor of Boston’s Minute Man and The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. Carrying forward this rich history in the arts, find an artist-in-residence; permanent collection; historic home and studio; outdoor sculpture; a wooded trail; and many special events May-October. View their full calendar of events.

Coming to The Clark June 9th is the exhibition Women Artist in Paris, 1850-1900. This exhibition showcases the remarkable artistic production of women artists working in Paris during the latter half of the nineteenth century. Mark your calendar for FREE family fun day on June 29th. Visit their website to explore The Clark’s full summer schedule or art and culture. Plan now!

And don’t forget The Stockbridge Library Association with free children, teen, and adult programming that goes on all year long! If you don’t have a library card, sign up today.

Whether you live here year round or you’re visiting The Berkshires, plan now for your late spring and summer cultural activities. Summer will soon be upon us!

The museums, gardens, and cultural institutions listed above are proud members of The Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce.

maddashrev
In and Around Stockbridge, Massachusetts: The Quintessential New England Town

June 5, 2018
By Margaret D. Kerswill

Stockbridge (and beyond), Massachusetts – The season is upon us! Summer is just around the corner and the crowds of visitors to our glorious Berkshire Mountains’ communities grow a little larger each day.

For those of us living year round in The Berkshires, this is the time of year to check the calendars of our favorite seasonal cultural and outdoor venues and plan our outings. It’s also the time when free family and community days are announced; so, be sure to check in on your favorite institutions regularly to see what’s happening in and around Stockbridge.

The Mission House, a Colonial-era house and museum, tells the story of the Stockbridge Mohicans and missionary John Sergeant. Originally located on nearby Prospect Hill in Stockbridge, this National Historic Landmark was carefully disassembled, moved, and restored between 1926 and 1930 by Miss Mabel Choate at its present location on Main Street. This property, as well as Miss Mabel Choate’s former residence, are now maintained by The Trustees of Reservations.

Journey back in time to discover the life and passion of Edith Wharton through her estate, The Mount, and original personal library. Tour Wharton’s home and year round gardens; have lunch at the terrace cafe; enjoy free music on Friday and Saturday nights; or get your tickets for one of their special events. View the full calendar of events.

Turn Park Art Space combines a sculpture park, exhibition venues, and an amphitheatre for outdoor performances. This space invites both children and adults to explore and play while surrounded by contemporary architecture and sculpture set against a backdrop of the picturesque Berkshire mountains. Learn more.

Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum is an elegant, artisan crafted Jacobean-Revival mansion built in 1893 by George and Sarah Morgan (JP Morgan’s sister). It was the film set for John Irving’s 1999 Cider House Rules starring Michael Cane. The house and grounds are open year round, offering daily tours. Discover their full event schedule.

Whether you live here year round or you’re visiting The Berkshires, plan now for your late spring and summer cultural activities. Summer will soon be upon us!

The museums, gardens, and cultural institutions listed above are proud members of The Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce.

maddashrev

In and Around Stockbridge, Massachusetts: The Quintessential New England Town

The Town of Stockbridge Officials, Ameresco and Town Residents celebrated the completion of the Solar Farm at the capped landfill field with a ribbon cutting ceremony today. The Town partnered with Ameresco to develop the solar PV project under a long-term Lease and Power Purchase Agreement.“This exciting project demonstrates Stockbridge’s commitment supporting sustainable renewable energy solutions, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing annual energy costs and effectively utilizing Town-owned land,” said Steve Shatz, Town Finance Committee and former Selectman. Chris Marsden, Town Facility Manager and oversight manager of the project, thanked many for their guidance, sound advice and professionalism during the project with special thanks to the neighborhood for their support. Also present and speakers at today’s ceremony were Donald Chabon, Board of Selectman Chair, and Joel Lindsay, Ameresco Solar PV Project Development.

Kick things off with a visit to the Norman Rockwell Museum (the iconic painter spent much of his life in Stockbridge). Located on the edge of town, the museum maintains the largest single collection of the artist’s works — including every one of his Saturday Evening Post covers. Docents deliver an engaging presentation in the main exhibit hall every couple of hours. Afterward, your best bet is to take the self-guided audio tour, which allows you to hear insightful commentary on most of the displayed works at your own pace. Rockwell’s studio — which was preserved when he died — was relocated from his Stockbridge home to the museum grounds and is a highlight of the tour.  See what Westchester Magazine has to say about Stockbridge, MA