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Plan a Berkshire Vaca for a Happy 2022

Posted on January 04, 2022Written by Abby Leadbetter
Updated on March 17, 2023

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Ward off the doldrums of winter with a mood-boosting travel planning sesh. The perfect moment to do so is just around the corner! January 25th is National Plan for Vacation Day. Start your New Year off with an unforgettable experience in the Berkshires—there’s something fun for all ages, indoors and out. Here are a few ideas for your travel brainstorm.

Bring the Kids!

Plan your trip to the Berkshires around the region’s vast family-friendly opportunities for adventure, discovery, and play. Explore local history, wildlife, and unusual artifacts at the Berkshire Museum. See original artwork from beloved children’s books such as The Hungry Caterpillar at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. Visit the Kidspace at MASS MoCA for a hands-on art experience. Go to High Lawn Farm for ice cream after a walk on the grounds and visit with their Jersey cow herd. Stroll through Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory in South Deerfield and be amazed at the beauty of more than 3,000 butterflies of all sizes, kinds, and colors fluttering inside. Wherever you go in the Berkshires, you’ll find kid-friendly lodging and restaurants nearby.

Get Outdoors!

A trip to the Berkshires means beautiful scenery at every turn. Get out and experience it firsthand. Berkshire East, Jiminy Peak, Bousquet Mountain, Ski Butternut, and Catamount Mountain Resort offer year-round fun, from adventure parks to snow sports. Check out Notchview and Maple Corner Farm for nordic skiing. Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Lenox is perfect for discovering the natural flora and fauna of the Berkshires. The Arcadian Shop next door has all the gear you need for your adventures, plus access to hundreds of acres of public trails at Kennedy Park right from their parking lot. Visiting during the warm weather seasons? Rent a boat at Onota Boat Livery or take a scenic paddle with Berkshire Canoe and Kayak Tours. In north county, the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail runs 12.7 miles through the towns of Cheshire, Lanesborough, and Adams with 10-foot wide trails perfect for a walk, bike ride, or rollerblade. Pups welcome!

Taste Berkshires!

Did you know the Berkshires is home to several wine, beer, and spirit producers? Berkshire Mountain Distillers and Big Elm Brewing in Sheffield have tasting rooms inside their shops. Hilltop Orchards in Richmond has cider and wine tastings, perfect after a hike or snowshoe on their network of trails. Bright Ideas Brewing in North Adams is a great stop after a shopping trip to ROAM, an African art and photography shop and gallery.

You’ll find even more tastes of the Berkshires at local farmer’s markets, restaurants, and cafes, as well as the number of recreational cannabis dispensaries, located throughout the Berkshires.

Written by Nancy Mace

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