From a pentathlon and ziplines to spa retreats and art experiences, find endless ways to explore and restore.

Wishing you could take a break this spring? This is a season for adventure, growth, renewal, and restoration. No matter what you’re craving, you’ll find it in the Berkshires of Western MA. 

Whether you plan a day trip, a weekend, or a more extended getaway, you’ll never run out of things to do, see, and experience in the Berkshires. Soar into spring with this round-up of top picks in the region where you can soar, explore, and restore. 

Ways to Soar

1. Tackle the Catamount Zip Tour. Called “one of the most exciting zipline adventures in the Northeast,” the Catamount Zip Tour is a must for anyone searching for a boost of adrenaline. Reach speeds of 55 mph – and soar for over a mile on the longest zipline in the US, dubbed the “Cata-monster.” 
2. Keep that adrenaline high at Ramblewild, the largest aerial adventure park in the Berkshires. Beyond traditional ziplines for all levels, there’s also a skateboard and sea kayak zipline. Learn more about adventure tourism in the Berkshires. 
3. Float above it all in a hot air balloon with Spirit Ballooning. You’ll feel weightless as you soar above the treeline for 45 to 90 minutes. Each adventure has a traditional champagne or sparkling cider toast and a light picnic. 
4. Twist and turn your way through the woods on the 3,600-foot Mountain Coaster at Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort. You’ve never experienced a roller coaster like this! Kids over 38 inches tall can ride as a passenger, and those age 9 (and 54 inches tall) can ride solo. 

Don’t miss the Daffodil and Tulip Festival at Naumkeag. Credit: Naumkeag by David Edgecomb.

Ways to Explore

1. Slow down the adventure but keep the good times going with a boat rental from Onota Boat Livery. Choose from kayaks, canoes, rowboats, fishing boats, pontoons, and pedal boats to spend an hour – or all day – exploring Onota Lake. Want more water sports? The Berkshires has you covered.  
2. Sign up for the Berkshire Highlands Pentathlon on April 6 at Berkshire East Mountain Resort. Compete solo or as a team in this all-day run, bike, paddle, obstacle, and ski adventure. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. 
3. Explore the trails less traveled with BerkshiresOutside.org. Pack a picnic and head to the woods for a spring adventure. Find hikes for all distances, terrains, and experience levels. 
4. Step back in time and experience what life would have been like during the Gilded Age. Many of the lavish local estates were the country homes of 19th and early 20th-century writers, artists, and business tycoons. Tour historic homes and gardens, including The Mount, Ventfort Hall, Chesterwood, and Frelinghuysen Morris House & Studio – or check out the Daffodil and Tulip Festival at Naumkeag. 
5. Gallery-hop your way through the region from May 17-27 for ArtWeek Berkshires 2024. Expect over 100 hands-on or behind-the-scenes events and open studios, with gallery shows, live performances, poetry readings and more. 

Tour historic homes and gardens, such as Chesterwood. Credit: Great Sky Media.

Ways to Restore

1. After all that adventure, treat yourself to some self-care and time to relax and unwind. Stop by one of the eight local cannabis dispensaries offering small-batch and grown on-site products, craft cannabis sourced globally, and more. 
2. Craving time to restore and rest? Experience immersive “wellness with purpose” at Miraval – a sanctuary atop 380 protected acres in the countryside. Choose from hundreds of activities, from nature walks and beekeeping lessons to chakra cleansing with sound baths and archery. Or spend your stay getting head-to-toe spa treatments at Canyon Ranch. The Berkshires is a hub for all things health and wellness.

Before you go, check websites for opening times and dates. For more information about spring in the Berkshires, visit berkshires.org, the quintessential Berkshire planning tool.

Funded, in part, by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

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