What’s Your Berkshires Travel Vibe: Follow the Flow

You are a true explorer, ready to let the destination guide your journey, and open to any adventure you may encounter along the way.

Your willingness to Follow the Flow allows each path to become a new and exciting quest! 

Adventure and history go hand-in-hand throughout the Berkshires. Follow a path that follows history by checking out the Berkshire 18th Century Trail in the southern part of the county. Early English settlers encountered Sheffield in 1725, and incorporated it in 1733. Stockbridge followed in 1739, New Marlborough in 1759, and Berkshire County was established in 1761. You can follow this Trail and tour six of the earliest homes in the County, each of which is open for public tours, including Bidwell House Museum in Monterey and Arrowhead in Pittsfield. 

If nature is calling to you to explore outdoors, answer with a trek to Tamarack Hollow Nature and Cultural Center. Set out for a hike along one of the nature trails established to educate visitors about the environment, or take part in a nature program that might include wildlife tracking or tree and plant identification. Just north, follow the 7 miles of marked trails at the Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary to find the sights and sounds that accompany the fascinating natural surroundings. There is a route for all ability levels, where you can find beaver ponds, scenic views, and plentiful flora and fauna. You can also coordinate your visit to align with the many programs and classes available!

Berkshire Camino offers curated day hikes, multi-day hikes, and “Your Berkshire Camino, Your Way!” private event hikes, should you be looking for someone to take the lead in new territory. Choose from a Town Walkabout or Woodland Hike and explore the Berkshires in a fun and focused way! Follow up your daytime adventures with a refreshing stay at The Apple Tree Inn, a stunning boutique inn enveloped by the beauty of the Berkshires. Unwind and enjoy fine wine and a sumptuous meal at The Bellflower while deciding upon your next adventure, then cross through the welcoming, fireplaced lobby to enjoy live music and a signature cocktail in the warmth of the Ostrich Room, all on site.

Perhaps the path you wish to follow is through the amazing art collections available at The Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute in Williamstown. You can follow the flow of breathtaking American and European sculpture, paintings, and arts, and revolving exhibitions uniquely offered at the Clark. Be awed in your exploration of unmatched artistic talents! The grounds upon which the museum sits also invite you to explore outdoor trails. How about following an actual track – a train track! Hop aboard the Berkshire Scenic Railway for an exciting way to view  the Berkshires. The rides are roughly one hour long, and often tailored to a specific local event. Check ahead to see what may be available during your visit. 

The Berkshires is dotted with local treasures in terms of fabulous eateries and unique shops, and you can certainly create a path to explore as many of them as you like. Step through the door of Hoffman Pottery and into a world of color and creativity. Picture frames, dinner ware, collections of rhythm and movement – explore the decor! Or let your path lead you to Hoogs and Crawford Glass, where you can delve into displays of hand blown glass art, all original works! Garden ornaments, vases, wine glasses – follow your heart on this one! 

Hungry after all the exploring and trail hopping? Be it a late afternoon snack or a full on dinner you are seeking, pull up a chair at Xicohtencatl for authentic Mexican cuisine. Find all your favorite traditional dishes like Enchiladas Rojas, and discover some new ones like Salmon al Fuego or Shiitake Chipotle. As delicious to see as they are to eat! You say you still have room for something sweet? Let your path take you to Robin’s Candy Shop where you can indulge in the candies you loved as a kid, as well as hand-crafted chocolates, and even some imported sweet treats. Choose a few bites for now, and tuck a few away to sweeten tomorrow’s big adventures! 

We have a feeling you’ll want to stay a little bit longer to follow the vibe of another new path! Look here for even more ways to fill your days!

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