Shopping From North to South

There’s always so much to explore in the Berkshires, especially during the warmer months, and those looking for a great day of shopping can find both unique and locally owned stores throughout the region.

In an age of buying everything online, the Berkshires still have local and long-standing toy stores. Who doesn’t love a little playtime? Where’d you Get That!?, located in Williamstown, boasts that they’re “here to help!” “birthday,” “holiday,” “just because,” and “for me” gifts for THE young, old, and in-betweeners, include brain teasers, puzzles, games, inventive educational and developmental toys, baby gifts, humorous books, novelties, gourmet candy, cards, and balloons. You can wander in here any time of the year and find all sorts of unique gifts. Another great shop (located just up in the road in North Adams) is MASS MoCA’s gift shop, where you can find all kinds of gifts related to the museum’s current exhibitions, suitable for all ages and eclectic tastes.

There are a number of other great specialty gift stores in the Berkshires. For the garden/nature lover in your life, head to Township Four in downtown Pittsfield, where you can find loose flowers, floral arrangements, plants, terrariums, hand-made aprons and unique home decor and bath products, all inspired by nature. Just up the street is Dory and Ginger, a full-experience gift shop whose motto is Live and Give. They have a beautiful array of gifts for your home, and a great selection of bath products, clothing accessories and jewelry. Just try to walk out without purchasing something for yourself! Interested in supporting community artisans? Local, located in Lenox, is the place to purchase unique, beautiful things, handmade in the Berkshires. Have an art lover in your life? Stockbridge is home to An American Craftsman Galleries, which showcases a wide variety of work created by talented emerging artists, alongside well-established artists working in wood, clay, fiber, metal, glass, leather and mixed media.

If you’re up for a day of clothes shopping, the Berkshires offers a variety of unique clothing boutiques. Kissy’s Fine Apparel in Pittsfield which carries a wide variety of clothing from boho chic to casually stylish. South County is home to a number of great clothing options, with Casa B Group stores located in Lenox and Great Barrington. Stores under this brand include Casablanca, Shooz, SWTRZ (all located in Lenox) and the contemporary clothing and shoe store GB9, located in Great Barrington. Also located in Lenox and Great Barrington is Twigs, a contemporary clothing and accessories boutique for women and children.

Looking to spruce up your home? We are fortunate to have Pine Cone Hill right here in the Berkshires! At this great outlet store located in Pittsfield and open year-round, you can find beautiful linens for the bed and bath, rugs, pajamas, and more. Do you enjoy a little international flair in your life? Asia Barong Gallery in Great Barrington calls itself a mix between a museum and a gallery filled with high-quality ethnographic art, some of which is almost impossible to find anywhere else. Just need the essentials? With two locations in both downtown Pittsfield and Great Barrington, Carr Hardware can provide you with ladders, paint, and more, with help from their knowledgeable and friendly staff.

With a wide variety of options and great service, shopping can be a relaxing, fun way to explore and enjoy your day in the Berkshires!

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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 theater 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.

Mass MoCA gift shop photo courtesy: Mass MoCA

Dory & Ginger photo courtesy: Dory & Ginger