Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

On your next visit, treat yourself to a bounty of Berkshire confections!

The Berkshires are the perfect place to delight your palate, rich with every kind of sweet treat your heart desires. You can satisfy a craving for a warm, fresh donut, a cool smoothie made from organic local fruits, or a soft, fudgy dessert that will become your new favorite. 

Road Trip Rewards: Eat Immediately

Sweet treats can be a fun way to recharge for the next leg of your journey – or get it started. Pop into the Smoothie Spot at Nature’s Closet in Williamstown to sip a Sunrise Smoothie made with peach, mango, strawberry, banana, and ginger while you shop for clothing and gear to outfit your Berkshire adventure. For hard-core coffee lovers, order the Bee Hill Buzz Smoothie, a perky blend of cold brew, coconut milk, bananas, cacao, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Yum!

For many, donuts are the stuff sweet dreams are made of, which makes Shire Donuts in both Adams and Dalton a must-eat destination. Prepare to be (slightly) overwhelmed with choices – all donuts are baked fresh and topped to order while you watch. Savor classics like Chocolate Iced and Cinnamon Sugar, or take it up a notch with Maple Bacon, Smores, and Blueberry Buckle. Bring the entire family for a fun experience – the array of sprinkles, crumbs, icings, and glazes are sure to delight.

A perfect summer treat is a trip to High Lawn Farm’s Farmstead Creamery Shop in Lee. Sit down at a picnic table, take in a view of the “Jersey Girl” cows grazing, and enjoy an ice cream cone. House made flavors include Mint Chocolate Chip and Strawberry Cheesecake. Or for some nostalgic fun, embark on a treasure hunt for childhood favorites among the multi-colored classic sweets in Robin’s Candy in Great Barrington.

Share Together: Sit-Down Desserts

Frankie’s Ristorante in Lenox offers a cozy setting and sophisticated interpretations of Italian classics. Try their Torta Della Nona, a lemon ricotta cake served warm with vanilla gelato, or their signature, “secret recipe” Tiramisu, for a bit of coffee-infused, creamy indulgence. Pleasant & Main in Housatonic crafts sweet dessert crepes that are delicate and smothered in fresh fruit. Or try a fresh take on dessert at the Prairie Whale in Great Barrington. The Poached Peach is made with pastry cream, ice cream, and rhubarb currant compote, and the Walnut Chocolate Torte is enhanced with Crème Anglaise and mint.

Savor Later: Extra-Special Gifts for a Sweet Friend (or Yourself)

To commemorate a great Berkshire trip, choose a gift that pays homage to the region. Maple Cream or Maple Lemonade, created from the bounty of the Berkshire sugaring season by Ioka Valley Farm, can be enjoyed while you’re here and then ordered online. Shaker Mercantile (on the grounds of Hancock Shaker Village) boasts exclusive, all-natural jams, apple butter, pumpkin butter, and organic maple syrup. They also offer Two Friends gourmet chocolate bars that are sure to delight in flavors such as Burnt Sugar & Coconut and Krackin’ Koffee.

Are you or someone you love a serious chocolate connoisseur? Pick up a gift box from Chocolate Springs in Lenox. Choose 6-54 pieces of uniquely decorated and flavored chocolates (in dark, milk, or white). Try Rose Tea or Milk Hazelnut Praline Crunch. You can even order chocolates with Tanglewood or The Berkshires printed on them!

Sample Orange Cream or Butterscotch Salted Caramel fudge at Mielke Confections and pick up some to go. Your creative friends will get a kick out of biting into a chocolate paintbrush with green or purple sugar “luster dust.” Mielke has stores in Stockbridge and Great Barrington, and if you’re worried about your chocolates surviving travel, you can order online. 

Instead of gift wrapping, put it all together in a fun, colorful tote bag (and future collector’s item) from Blue Q. Their saucy designs come in every style and use, from lunch and shopping bags to coin and small treasure keepers. How about a nod to your outdoor Berkshire picnic with a Snack Time with the Obamas tote?

Whatever you decide to savor and indulge in, you’re sure to remember the sweet time you had in the Berkshires for years to come – and we hope you crave a return visit! Explore more places to eat and drink here.

Photos: Shire Donuts; Robin’s Candy; Mielke Confections

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