Women Owned Businesses Thrive in the Berkshires!

“True originality consists not in a new manner but in a new vision.” – Edith Wharton

For generations, businesswomen have come to the Berkshires to put down roots and set up shop. Case in point? Belvoir Terrace Summer Camp!  In 1954, Edna Y. Schwartz created a warm, supportive, summer arts camp for girls at the Belvoir Terrace estate in Lenox. Over 60 years later, the camp is still a family business co-run by Edna’s daughter and granddaughter, Nancy Goldberg, and Diane Goldberg Marcus. With original landscaping by Frederic Olmstead, the gorgeous great lawn and wooded paths have been carefully preserved, while the facilities are state-of-the-art. Belvoir campers study art, music, dance, and theater (and even enjoy sports!) while forming the lifelong bonds of sisterhood. Camp season may be over, but it’s never too soon to register your daughter(s) for Summer 2023! And if you’re a grownup longing to experience the magic of Belvoir, consider booking the venue for your wedding or corporate event. 

The fabulous boutique Hotel on North, run by Laurie Tierney (with her husband, David), is just a stone’s throw away in Pittsfield. So after you’ve dropped your girls off at camp, you can indulge in a night or two of luxurious accommodation right in the middle of the Berkshires (also a great wedding and events locale)! On your way out of town, stop by Soma Dinicola’s beautiful Soma’s Aromas candle shop and bring some Berkshire beauty home with you (multi-layered candle scents include “Black Cherry Cashmere,” “Amber Noir,” and “Cannabis”). 

Speaking of beauty, is there anything more lovely than an antique writing desk or a 19th Century chandelier? Owner Susan Silver’s passion for Georgian and Regency era antiques inspired her to open Susan Silver Antiques. Head down to Sheffield to shop for exquisite English and European formal antique furniture, lighting, ceramics, accessories and more! 

Up north, women business owners are representing big time in the food and beverage industry! Heather King made such a success with her mouth-watering-fresh-baked-made-to-order Shire Donuts in Adams, that she and her husband opened a second shop in Dalton. In North Adams, Colleen Taylor serves up a large variety of craft beers, hard ciders and lemonades, and satisfying pub fare at the Freight Yard Pub. Colleen is proud to welcome a huge cross-section of locals and visitors and make sure everyone feels at home. Make sure you stop in on a Saturday night to catch some live music!

Whether you’re looking for food, fun, antiquing, pampering, or a place for your daughters to blossom next summer, women-owned Berkshire businesses have you covered!

Photo credits: Belvoir Terrace; Susan Silver Antiques

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