WATCH: Step back in time and visit the small town that pays a yearly Christmas-time tribute to the man who made the town famous: Norman Rockwell.

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.

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