Neighborhood highlights
Top Rated Attractions
Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum: Within the grand hallways of Ventfort Hall Mansion, each architectural detail and artifact echoes the voices of the Gilded Age. This striking Jacobean Revival-style mansion is a testament to the luxurious past, with meticulously carved oak paneling and grand archways. It houses an incredible collection of artifacts, which paint a vivid portrait of a time when the American elite thrived.
Peek into the past through an extensive collection of historical photographs. Among them are the rare shots of Sarah Morgan, the original owner of the mansion, and her illustrious guests, including financier J.P. Morgan, her brother. A striking photograph shows the mansion's grandeur during the infamous Lenox Gilded Age balls.
Appalachian Trail: Becket also serves as a gateway to a section of the Appalachian Trail, one of the most renowned hiking paths in the U.S. Take on the "Becket Woods" section, a moderately challenging 10-mile stretch that offers the reward of stunning views over the Berkshire Hills. At the trail's highest point, the aptly named "Eagle's Perch," you're rewarded with panoramic views that stretch for miles, offering a breathtaking vista of rolling hills blanketed in thick forests. On clear days, the peak of Mount Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts, can be seen on the horizon, a sight that will inspire awe.
Shakespeare & Company: Dedicated to the works of William Shakespeare, this resident company also produces the work of prominent authors, from Bard's contemporaries to modern masters, on two stages. Shakespeare & Co. also presents new work by emerging playwrights, author talks, and free family-friendly performances on an outdoor stage throughout the summer.
Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival: The nation's oldest summer dance festival brings acclaimed artists worldwide to dance on two barn-like stages on this historic, rural mountaintop campus. Families flock to free performances on an outdoor stage with a verdant valley as a backdrop.
Tanglewood: In the heart of the lush Berkshires, Tanglewood, the illustrious summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, exudes a unique blend of natural beauty and musical excellence. The season usually runs from June to Labor Day in September, with the annual Tanglewood Music Festival often taking place in August, drawing notable musicians from around the globe. In the past, this prestigious festival has hosted luminaries such as Yo-Yo Ma, Andris Nelsons, and Renée Fleming. Special performances have ranged from the traditional compositions of Bach and Beethoven to the contemporary notes of John Williams and Keith Lockhart.
Mass Audubon's Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary: Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is where wildlife thrives, and nature's magic is palpable. Covering 1,142 acres of undisturbed beauty, the sanctuary's seven miles of trails guide you through dense forests, serene wetlands, and open meadows. Watch for beavers, foxes, or the 150 bird species that call this place home.
The Mount, Edith Wharton's Home: The Mount is not merely a house but an intimate portal into the mind of Edith Wharton, one of America's greatest writers. Wharton's country estate reflects her sophisticated design sensibilities, from the three-storied white mansion with French and Italian influences to the formal gardens bursting with seasonal blooms. The 35-room mansion holds a significant collection of European and American antiques and offers stunning views of the Berkshire Hills and Laurel Lake. Some items inside include 18th-century French furniture, such as Louis XVI armchairs, ornate giltwood settees, and European paintings from the Italian Renaissance and French Romantic periods.
Berkshire Museum: The Berkshire Museum is a mosaic of intriguing exhibits where creativity meets education. It showcases a rich array of art, including American and European paintings and sculptures dating from the 18th to the 20th centuries. The museum's "Window on the World" exhibit, a 30-foot tall installation, houses more than 200 specimens and artifacts from the museum's natural science and cultural collections. It's a hub of knowledge that invites you to explore and learn.
Naumkeag: Naumkeag, an exquisite 44-room Gilded Age cottage, exemplifies timeless charm. The gardens, designed by the pioneering landscape architect Fletcher Steele, burst into color with seasonal blooms, their beauty amplified by the estate's location overlooking the picturesque.
Housatonic River Valley. The Blue Steps, a famous series of deep-blue fountain pools, is a must-see. Naumkeag is a slice of the past where you can almost hear the laughter echoing from the grand Gilded Age parties.
MASS MoCA: A sprawling historic mill and factory is home to the nation's most prominent contemporary art museum.MASS MoCA regularly presents cutting-edge film, music, dance, and theatrical performances in the expansive Hunter Center and the cabaret-like setting of Club B-10. A courtyard stage permits audiences to enjoy events outdoors inclement weather.
• Lee Premium shopping outlets
• Chester Theatre Company
• Norman Rockwell Museum
• The Clark Art Insitute
• Bousquet Ski
• Jiminy Peak Ski
. Butternut Ski
• Barrington Stage
• The Colonial Theatre
• Bousquet Water Park
• Audobon bird sanctuary
• Kripalu, Zen retreat house
