When winter swipes away the crowds that make the Berkshires such a bustling summer arts hub and autumn leaf-peeping playground, this hilly region falls less dormant than you initially might perceive. Like Wite-Out painted over oopses, a coating of snow gives the Berkshires a fresh, clean start, but a careful look reveals it’s merely masking what lies underneath. Dark nights and cold snaps can’t erase the Berkshires’ cultural vitality, beauty, and recreational possibilities. When your inclination to hibernate peaks, run away, instead, to the Red Lion Inn, and—like an artist who sees each blank canvas’s inherent potential—shift your viewpoint on the season. Sure, rooms at this historic hotel on Stockbridge’s Main Street—particularly the spacious, serene retreats at Maple Glen guest house just steps from the lively main inn—seem ideally designed for a long winter’s nap. But the Red Lion Inn is at the heart of efforts to make the Berkshires an active four-season destination. A place where traditional winter sports are just the start of a vibrant line-up of outdoor and indoor activities so physically and intellectually stimulating, even cold and snow haters will feel inspired and recharged. Read more

Posted on September 15, 2017

By Margaret D. Kerswill

So, maybe you live locally and you drive through Stockbridge frequently on your way to other places. In the summer, maybe it even frustrates you a little with traffic, pedestrians everywhere, and the seeming lack of parking (hint: the Town Offices at 50 Main Street provide both additional parking and public restrooms). But when is the last time you stopped, spent time, and really explored the wonderfully unique shopping that Stockbridge has to offer?

Autumn is the perfect time for a stroll through town, wandering up and down the small alley ways to explore, shop, and snack your way through Stockbridge. Each of the small retail shops is still independently owned and offers a unique shopping experience. Get a head start on your holiday gift giving with handcrafted artisan gifts; jams, jellies, and sundries; antique and contemporary jewelry; vinyl records, CDs and vintage posters; women’s clothing; books; gourmet chocolates; and so much more. There’s something for everyone.

Leave your daily routine behind, take a day trip, and rediscover Stockbridge. Walk the streets. Browse the shops. Have a bite to eat and just enjoy the day. Come see why our quintessential New England town is a destination for travelers from all over the world.

Posted September 15, 2017
By Margaret D. Kerswill

Looking for a festive way to celebrate Halloween with your family? Stockbridge offers a few opportunities to scare up some fun and frights for all ages.

About three quarters of a mile from downtown Stockbridge you’ll find Naumkeag, a Trustees of Reservations property and the former country estate of noted New York City lawyer Joseph Hodges Choate, located at 5 Prospect Hill Road. Creep through the woods at night during the annual Pumpkin Trail on October 13 & 14 as 200 carved jack-o-lanterns light your way. Listen for the woodland creatures on the trail who will greet you and regale you with funny and informative stories of their nocturnal activities. Ideal for kids under 12.

Feeling a little more daring? Ready to be frightened in grand Berkshire style? Visit Naumkeag October 20 & 21 and 27 & 28 for their recently resurrected Annual Halloween Haunted House. Be prepared to be scared as you stroll the gardens and tour all three floors of the Gilded Age “cottage” where ghosts and ghoulish creatures await you. Recommended for ages 12+ (parental discretion). You can contact Naumkeag at 413-298-3239 to learn more about house tours and events.

For more traditional fun, the Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Halloween Parade & Party on October 27. Those looking to participate in the parade should gather in costume at Main & Pine Streets prior to 6 p.m. ready to march up Main Street to the Town Offices where cider and donuts will be served. This event is open to area children and their families. In case of rain, all activities will take place at the library.

Immediately following the Halloween Parade, the Stockbridge Library Association will host the 7th Annual Pumpkin Walk-About in the Stockbridge Library gardens. If you are carving a jack-o-lantern, drop it off at the Library between 5:00 & 6:00 p.m. When you come back after the parade the path will be lit by all the pumpkins carved by local businesses, your neighbors, and you! There will also be some spooky stories and a Halloween treat.

Come out and join in the traditions, both old and new in this quintessential New England town!

#1 Stockbridge, MA….Stockbridge inspired the classic paintings and illustrations of Norman Rockwell so, of course, it’s going to have one of the most charming main streets in the state. Browse the shops, stop by the historic Red Lion Inn, and grab a tasty meal at Once Upon A Table. See all

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

Our area is not only a summer cultural paradise that lure tourists from all over the world, but being only an hour or so drive to the Berkshires of Massachusetts permits us to be tourists ourselves. The cultural riches of that area multiplies the bounty found at home.

The Berkshires offers great theater, wonderful classical, chamber, and the Boston Pops with great pop guest artists. There are a number of great museums like the classic Clark Institute, the contemporary MassMoCA, Norman Rockwell Museum and others. The Boston Symphony Orchestra is the resident orchestra and the 2017 season opens On July 7 with Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, Resurrection. It closes on Aug. 27 with Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. BSO artistic director Andris Nelsons will be on the podium for both. In between those events there will be music by the world’s best composers and guest artists and conductors. Read more