VACATION AND TRAVEL
This next place in the city of Stockbridge is one residents are rightly proud of: the Berkshire Botanical Garden, with its 15 acres open to the public. The garden includes 25 display areas of different kinds of flowers and plants. Now, over in the city of Pittsfield is the highly rated Hancock Shaker Village. Hancock Shaker Village is a living history museum committed to bringing the Shaker story to life and preserving it for future generations. Called the "City of Peace" by the Shakers who lived here for 179 years until 1960, this community was the third of 19 major Shaker Villages located in New York, New England, Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. There are 20 historic buildings on this site. The values that the Shakers embraced —equality, pacifism, community, sustainability, responsible land stewardship, innovation, simplicity, and quality in work—still resonate here.
Anyway, the working farm is the oldest in the Berkshires. Visit the gardens and animals, meet the interpreters, see
demonstrations, hike the trails, immerse yourself in unique art exhibitions, and explore a farm-to-table cafe is on site.
This next place in Pittsfield is the highly rated Herman Melville's Arrowhead. Visit the home where Herman Melville and his family lived from 1850-1863. Melville wrote "Moby-Dick" here as well as many other notable novels and short stories. Main season is from May-October with daily tours, programs, hiking trails, and museum shop. See website for hours, prices, and details. And also over in the city of Pittsfield is the Barrington Stage Company. This is a professional award-winning Equity theatre presenting top-notch musicals, masterful classics, thought-provoking new work, cabarets, and youth theater on four stages from May through October. See such live productions as Driving Miss Daisy, A Chorus Line, and others.
cuisine in the main dining room or Olde English Pub. You can also enjoy delicious cocktails in the inn’s speakeasy.
This next place is Pittsfield State Forest. Start your weekend by heading to Pittsfield State Forest, a 65-acre park with miles of hiking trails, perfect for leaf viewing. The forest features everything from strolls to more challenging hikes. Take advantage of the Berry Pond Loop, which takes you to Massachusetts's highest natural body of water. Enjoy the brilliant foliage reflecting off the still waters—this is a must-see for any fall lover!