Berkshire County is nestled along the western edge of Massachusetts and borders Vermont, New York and Connecticut. Centered in Berkshire County are the beautiful Berkshire Hills. The area has long been a summer refuge of the wealthy from New York City and Boston and has boasted many famous residents, from Herman Melville to former New York Yankee iconoclast and author Jim Bouton.
As a former resident of the area, here are my top 10 things to do in the central part of Berkshire County in the Summer.
10. Visit the Crane Museum of Papermaking
Located in Dalton, MA, the Crane Museum of Papermaking traces the history of papermaking from colonial times to the present. Located on the property of Crane & Co., which makes all the currency paper for the federal government, the museum is free to the public and open 1 PM to 5 PM Monday through Friday throughout the summer and early fall.
9. Check out Bosquet Ski Area Skiing in the summer? Not quite, but this ski mountain located just south of Pittsfield continues to attract visitors long after the snow has melted. Offering a pool with a large slide, miniature golf, go cart adventure down the side of the mountain, rock wall climbing, chair lifts and more. Pricing is such that you can pick and choose what activities you want or buy a pass that covers everything.
8. Catch a show at the Colonial Theater Located in downtown Pittsfield, the Colonial Theater was opened in 1903 and saw much activity in it’s early days. When the city went into decline after many GE jobs left the area, the Theater wasn’t maintained. A movement in the 1990s to restore the theater came to fruition and it was reopened in August 2006. Shows this summer include a presentation of Cats. A must see for architecture buffs.
7. Visit Berkshire Museum
Also located in downtown Pittsfield, this museum will surprise you with a varied collection of art, history and animal life. The aquarium located in the facility is especially of interest. The upcoming exhibit on toys in 2007 should be a good one. Adult admission is $8 and kids 3 to 18 are $5.
6. Stroll through Hancock Shaker Village
Due west of Pittsfield on state route 20, Hancock Shaker Village is a well maintained Shaker site. Located on 1,200 acres of land, the site contains 20 buildings, including the trademark round stone barn of the Shakers. Guided tours are available in the summer for those who are interested in getting the most out of the experience. Adult admission is $15. Teens are $4 and kids 12 and under are free.
5. See where Moby Dick was written
Herman Melville wrote Moby Dick from his Pittsfield estate, known as Arrowhead. Melville resided there from 1850 to 1862. A view of Mt. Greylock out the window of his home inspired Melville’s most famous tome. Admission is $12 for adults and $4 for kids.
4. Paddle on Pontoosuc Lake
Located on the border of Pittsfield, MA and Lanesborough, MA, Pontoosuc lake features breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a great place to rent a canoe and paddle around for a while. Lakeside eateries provide a good place to grab a bite or you can pack a cooler and eat on the lake. A grassy beach and a shallow patch of the lack at the southern tip of Pontoosuc is a popular summer hangout spot for the locals.
3. Stand on top of the state
North of downtown Lanesborough is the long and winding drive way that leads to the top of Mt. Greylock, the highest point in the state. Unfortunately, the road is undergoing repairs and is closed to traffic for both 2007 and 2008. So, if you want to see the summit this year or next, you’ll have to climb. For those who are into hiking, the mountain, which peaks at 3,491 feet, is part of the Appalachian Trail and contains beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and valleys.
2. Catch a ball game at historic Wahconah Park
A Pittsfield city law dating to the 1790s is the earliest known reference to baseball. The law specifically banned the playing of the game close to buildings – yep, broken windows were troublesome back then. Wahconah Park was built in 1919 and has housed numerous minor league franchises ever since. Future baseball Hall of Famer Greg Maddux played in Pittsfield while in the minor leagues with the Chicago Cubs. The park was constructed before night baseball was common. As a result, the park faces to the west and, with modern games being played at night, sunsets often cause “sun delays” as the batter is unable to see a pitched ball. The city government, despite the protests of local citizens, has been trying for years to demolish the old stadium and build a brand new state of the art facility. Jim Bouton’s most recent effort, Ball Four, is about he and his partner’s efforts to save the old park and bring an independent minor league team to town. The park is now home to the Pittsfield Dukes of the New England Collegiate Baseball League. They play home contests throughout June and July. Kids under 10 get in for free. and seats are as cheap as $5 for adults. The park is located one block west of downtown Pittsfield.
1. Glide down Jiminy Peak
Just like Bosquet, a lack of snow doesn’t mean Jiminy Peak isn’t active. Located north of Lanesborough, Jiminy Peak brims with activity as it boasts a miniature golf course, jousting ring, bouncy-bounce and chairlift. Not to be missed are the alpine slide and alpine coaster that take you down the mountain on a track. Great fun. Pricing can be based on individual activities or you can buy a pass for multiple activities.
