Some of our favorite things to do, see, eat, etc. (OK, mostly eat...)
Down below are some of our personal local favorites, but first - here is a link to Michael Aptman's (very comprehensive) guide to the Berkshires (thanks, dad!) which includes tons of info on museums, attractions, shopping, hikes, walks and more. Also, here's a link to a recent NYT article titled "36 Hours in the Berkshires" and an Edible Manhattan article about Berkshire Mountain [Culinary] Majesty. Lastly, it's Coaching Weekend - find a spot on the carriage route to watch old horse-drawn carriages and people in full Gilded Age dress pass by. It's a real treat!
Apple Picking:
- Hilltop Orchards (Richmond) - Apple picking, fresh cider donuts, tractor ride up to the top of the hill and wine tasting all in one place. It’s the best.
- Windy Hill Farm (Great Barrington) - More apples. On tress. That you can pick. And then eat.
Hikes:
- Monument Mountain - It’s a climb, but worth it! You can see three states from the top.
Great Barrington:
- Rubi’s Coffee & Sandwiches - Our regular stop for coffee, sandwiches, pastries, etc.
- Rubiner’s Cheesemongers & Grocers - Stock up on cheeses, meats, snacks, etc.
- Baba Louie’s - Delicious, fresh, seasonal pizza. Even by NYC standards. The BBQ chicken is our go to move.
- Farmer’s Market - Saturday, from 9 am to 2 pm. Get a falafel or a sausage for lunch, and just taste your way through the local vendors.
- Prairie Whale - Brooklyn folks: this is the same owner as Marlow & Sons. Great food and cocktails. Solid option for brunch, lunch.
- Guido’s Fresh Marketplace - No, not a super PC name but the best organic supermarket in town. Pick up snacks or lunch here, and then head out for a picnic.
- Rawson Brook Farm - Just outside of Great Barrington in Monterey, this farm makes the best goat cheese known to man. All of the goats are named after Julia Roberts movie characters.
- Route 7 - Drive south past Guido’s on Route 7, and for the next few miles, from Great Barrington through Sheffield, stop in to all of the great little antique shops on this stretch.
Lenox:
- Nejaimes Wine Cellars - Our favorite wine/cheese shop.
- Lenox Coffee - Get your caffeine fix here, and sit in Lilac Park across the street to enjoy.
- Tanglewood - This is the summer home of the Boston Symphony orchestra, but a really lovely lawn to picnic on in the Fall.
- Undermountain Farm - Jess took horseback riding lessons here in the summers; you can sign up for a trail ride through the Fall foliage.