Dog Friendly Berkshires Adventures

Hanging with the Pups!

For those of us who adore our pups, leaving them behind when we travel can be rough, but it is often super stressful to try to plan a trip not knowing where they will be welcome and comfortable. If the thought of bringing your furry best friend along on your Berkshire vacay gives you paws (see what we did there?) never fear! We have lots of doggie-friendly suggestions. 

The Williams Inn. Credit Ryan Bent Photography.

Where to Stay?

The Porches Inn is known to many art aficionados as the homey, welcoming boutique hotel that sits across from North Adams’s world-famous contemporary art museum. This charming row of exquisitely restored 19th Century row-houses has porch views of MASS MoCA (a five-minute walk away), and offers a pool, hot-tub, a continental breakfast, and many other amenities. And they love pets! For a $40 per night pet fee, Porches will provide a dog0friendly room with special treats, available crates, and directions to the nearest community dog park! After checking out the museum, enjoy a local brew outside at Bright Ideas where you dog can chill with you.

Just down the road are two other options. TOURISTS welcomes up to two well-behaved pups per room for $40 a night. Both dogs and cats will stay in style at the Williams Inn where they will receive a welcome treat upon arrival. Be sure to make your reservations in advance as pet-friendly rooms fill up quickly. Other barktastic options include the historic landmarked Red Lion Inn, the hip Hotel on North (pup can ask EVERY staff member for a treat!), the boutique Berkshire Valley Inn (with dog park on site!), and the retro-inspired Little Lion, which doesn’t charge a pet fee for new bookings; other options include Shaker Mill Inn and 33 Main. Many of these lodging options off itinerary ideas, so be sure to peruse their sites in advance of arrival.

Barkshire Dog Trading Co. at The Mount

Get That Good Boy (or Girl) Some Culture!

Hang out in Stockbridge for the day, walk your (leashed) pup on the gorgeous grounds of The Norman Rockwell Museum and pack a lunch to enjoy at one of the museum’s many picnic tables. You can spend days museum hopping with your doggie if you want to. Head on over to The Mount in Lenox and walk a mile in Edith Wharton’s shoes before stopping by the Haven Cafe for some pet-friendly outdoor dining. Or frolic (responsibly!) on the grounds of Herman Melville’s Arrowhead in Pittsfield before heading over to the Pittsfield Dog Park. Your pup can experience outdoor art at your side at renowned Clark Art Institute in Williamstown. Pop into Roxie’s Barkery for homemade dog biscuits, pup cups, and more. And because humans also need treats, spend an afternoon at Balderdash Cellars overlooking Richmond Pond where you can sit in Adirondack chairs while sipping local wine. Dogs are welcome on the grounds.

Just for the Furbabies

Does your baby need a nail trim or a grooming? Are you looking to give the pup her own vacation away from it all? For over a decade, family-owned Shamrock Dog Grooming/Dog Day Care in Pittsfield has offered all breeds a whole range of affordable services. Also check out Barkshire Dog Trading Company which sports stuff for people who love dogs. It’s a great option to treat your pup and yourself to a souvenir bandana or custom pet portrait. Both will be pawsome reminders of your Berkshire trip together.

Travels with Charley (or Fido or Roxie)

Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, Bash Bish Falls State Park, and the Greylock Glen properties (along with countless other Berkshires hiking trails) boast dog-friendly policies and offer great outdoor adventures for you and your dog! Check websites in advance and read signs upon your arrival. Make plans to dispose of waste properly and remember to keep your pups on a leash to help protect wildlife and native ecosystems. Want more ideas? Check out BerkshiresOutside and filter by “dogs allowed” for dozens of more trails.

So, don’t leave the doggies behind! The Berkshires are twice as fun with a fine furry friend in tow! Explore more places to stay here.

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