4 fun ways to get a taste of the Berkshires this autumn

The Berkshires is beautiful all year round, but this region is at its peak during the fall foliage season. This time of year, most people plan trips around jaw-dropping views of leaves so vibrant they look like a movie set, but the Berkshires has plenty of other treats in store for visitors. Read on for four different ways you can get a taste of the Berkshires this autumn.

1. Pick your own fall fruit adventure.

Fall hasn’t officially arrived until you’ve visited an apple orchard or pumpkin patch to pick your own fruit – and snap some photos. The Berkshires is full of picture-perfect farms and orchards that offer family-friendly activities and homemade seasonal treats in addition to you-pick opportunities.

If you’re all about apples, head to Hilltop Orchards. In addition to picking your own, you can sample their cider, wines and, of course, cider doughnuts.

At Bartlett’s Orchard in Richmond, you can pick both apples and pumpkins – and be sure to take home some of the local jams for sale. If you’re near Hancock, head to Ioka Valley Farm and bring a cooler. Their farm store is stocked with local beef, pumpkins, and all the maple products you crave this time of year. Plus, they offer fun activities for families.

Still have energy and hours in the day? Don’t forget that the Berkshires is home to superb outdoor activities.

2. Pack the ultimate picnic for foliage tours.

All that leaf-peeping can work up quite an appetite. Before you head out for the day, pack a picnic to avoid having to cut your adventure short. Consider grabbing freshly prepared foods at Wild Oats Market – a staple for locals since 1982. Pick up fresh salads, baked goods, and delicious finger foods at the Berkshire Food Co-op, the one-stop shop for organic produce. Or stop by Lanesborough Local Country Store for made-to-order sandwiches, fresh baked goods and other local products. In the mood for a filling bowl? Check out the Marketplace Cafe in Pittsfield for vegetable-packed salad or wrap, and don’t forget to grab a specialty latte to sip along the way. For cheese lovers, the creamery at High Lawn Farm in Lee can’t be missed. Stock up on farm-fresh milk and farmstead cheese; whether you love brie, blue or cheddar, they make a variety you’ll love.

Make your picnic location as memorable as the food. Head to one of the region’s numerous historic sites and gardens to enjoy your al fresco eats.

3. Indulge your sweet tooth.

The only thing that rivals the views in the Berkshires is the food, especially the sweets. Head to Great Barrington to relive the feeling of being a kid in a candy store at old-fashioned Robin’s Candy. They carry all the classics you remember from childhood. Or visit Shire Donuts in Lenox to watch your dream donut come to life – they’re all made fresh and served warm, with hundreds of build-your-own topping combinations. Guido’s Fresh Marketplace in both Great Barrington and Pittsfield is known for making the best caramel apples – sweet and gooey on the outside, and perfectly crisp on the inside.

The Berkshires is home to dozens of specialty retailers and food markets, so there’s no shortage of ways to treat yourself after a long day of hiking or biking. 

4. Uncork while you unwind after your adventure.

As the day turns to night, kick back and relax with local beer, wine, or spirits. In North Adams, Bright Ideas Brewing serves up creative craft beers. Their original tap room is on the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) campus, so stop by after visiting the museum. Just north, in Pittsfield, Hot Plate Brewing is another hot spot for hops lovers. If you’re into wine, visit the tasting room at Balderdash Cellars in Richmond. In addition to local wine, they have food trucks and games. Berkshire Mountain Distillers in Sheffield is worth a visit, too – they describe themselves as an “authentic, regionally focused maker of small-batch, award-winning craft spirits.”

You could make an entire weekend out of sampling the local bars and restaurants, as well as wineries, breweries and distilleries.

The Berkshires in fall is a delight for all senses, from the beauty of the changing leaves to the crisp autumn air or the taste of all things cider. Start planning your next adventure now and make the most of this magical season.

Plan your next getaway at berkshires.org. 

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

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