Exploring is the operative word in West Stockbridge . Clockwise from bottom right , Sandy Klempner is proud of all that her store has to offer . On Harris Street adjacent to The Foundry , SALA offers vintage and new clothing , original art , and Stephanie Iverson jewelry . Spice up your home décor with items from Flourish Market . Across the street is the newly opened Amici , a casual , authentic Italian restaurant .
tiful , and unique folk art , furniture and jewelry into the store that they are looking to sell . At Anderson & Sons Shaker Tree , patrons will discover striking handmade recreations of classic Shaker-era furniture . All of their works are commissioned by their discerning clientele , and are made to exacting specifications . Serendipity Waterside takes pride in providing a diverse assemblage of clothing , art , handcrafted jewelry , chocolate , organic soaps , candles , and art to their customers . This elegant shop also features vintage and contemporary accessories and furnishings , each of which is imbued with timeless character .
While walking down Main Street , be sure to pay a visit to the Old Town Hall building , which serves as the home of the West Stockbridge Historical Society . According to its president , Robert Salerno , the story of West Stockbridge has been defined by several distinct historical phases . In 1774 , the General Court granted West Stockbridge a separate charter from Stockbridge . In the 1800s , West Stockbridge became a booming quarrying center when large deposits of iron , marble , and limestone were discovered . After the extractive industries died down in West Stockbridge in the late-19th century , the town transformed into a quiet and sleepy hamlet that was populated by longstanding families and second homeowners . In recent years , West Stockbridge has experienced a significant period of commercial and cultural rebirth .
Over the past decade , the historic Old Town Hall has been lovingly rehabilitated by the West Stockbridge Historical Society . It now serves as a community hub that hosts a wide variety of well-attended events . In an effort to promote
their ongoing fundraising efforts , the West Stockbridge Historical Society has recently hosted a series of lectures , concerts , and artistic performances at the Old Town Hall Building . Upcoming performance highlights include a concert featuring Yoko Miwa sponsored by the West Stockbridge Historical Society at The Foundry on August 27 , and a concert with the Rick McLaughlin Trio at the Old Town Hall on September 24 .
For additional educational enrichment , stop by the West Stockbridge Public Library on State Line Road . The West Stockbridge Public Library offers library cards free of charge to any Massachusetts resident with valid identification showing a current address . A striking statue of Abraham Lincoln made by the talented sculptor , Leonard Wells Volk , can also be found at the library .
The West Stockbridge Public Library hosts many events and community programs , which are overseen and promoted by the staff of the West Stockbridge Public Library and the Friends of the West Stockbridge Public Library . Programs and events include local artist exhibits , book signings and readings by local authors , and lecture programs . All programs sponsored are free and open to the public . The outdoor park behind the West Stockbridge Public Library is open to visitors and residents for recreational use , and features a large playing field , basketball hoop , tennis court , playground , and skateboard park . As your stimulating afternoon of cultural exploration and retail therapy comes to a close , head back to your room or suite , drop your bags , and get ready to enjoy a fabulous evening of food , festivity , and frolic !
86 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE August 2022