Cool Off Inside and Out

Most of the year we crave those long, hot summer days full of celebrations, cookouts, family, and all things Berkshire. Having days that last into the evening is amazing, but with temperatures rising into the 90s some days, it’s essential to find ways to cool down.

The Berkshires offer an abundance of lakes, ponds, rivers, and small beaches to cool off in, but if you’d rather enjoy the pool life, there are indoor pools at the Berkshire Family YMCA branches in Pittsfield and North Adams, the Dalton CRA, Berkshire South Regional Community Center in Great Barrington, and the Kilpatrick Center at Bard College. Outdoor pools can be found at Berkshire Community College and for a membership fee, a heated pool at Berkshire Hills Country Club.

Another entertaining and cooling escape is a matinee show at any of the theaters or cinemas in the Berkshires. Barrington Stage Company, Berkshire Theatre Group, and Williamstown Theatre Festival all offer afternoon shows throughout the summer months, with a few family-friendly options. The movies are always another great way to escape the hot summer sun. The Triplex Cinema, Phoenix Theatres Beacon Cinema, and the Berkshire Museum’s Little Cinema all have matinees every day that they are open. 

What if you’re looking to relax and escape the heat for more adult fun? The Berkshires has become an exciting place to craft beer, wine, and spirits. Breweries like Bright Ideas Brewing, Big Elm Brewing, and Wandering Star are open for tours and tall, cold beers. Balderdash Cellars in Richmond opens their tasting room at 1 p.m. on weekends and Berkshire Mountain Distillers offering tours and tastings starting at noon on Fridays and Saturdays.

There are so many ways to enjoy a Berkshire summer, but make sure to take time to cool down before these long summer days disappear. 

Darcie Sosa is a Berkshire marketing/PR professional, who when isn’t working loves being outside hiking with her dogs, going to live music and theatre shows, networking, trying new restaurants and volunteering for local nonprofits. She is an alumni of Berkshire Community College, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, and University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Photos (top to bottom):

• Pontoosuc Lake, Pittsfield, MA. Photo by Kara Thornton.
• “Ragtime” performed at Barrington Stage Company, Pittsfield, MA. Photo by Daniel Rader.
• Photo of Bright Ideas Brewing, North Adams, MA.