Planning your vacation to the Berkshires

A hilly area in western Massachusetts, the Berkshires has been a favorite summer getaway since the 19th century. The Berkshires embraces over 30 rural towns and small cities, chief among these Stockbridge, Lenox, Pittsfield, and North Adams. Visiting the Berkshires is like stepping into a painting. Artist Norman Rockwell, a Stockbridge resident for 25 years, immortalized the charming New England town with his "Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas." Many people visit Stockbridge and its hotels every winter to see its Main Street adorned with lights, decorations, and antique cars reminiscent of the famous painting. Lenox was once a farm and mill town before its beautiful scenery and fresh air were discovered by the wealthy families of Boston and New York. These 19th-century clans built large mansions that they called "cottages" and changed the makeup of Lenox forever. Currently, the town is one of the hottest Berkshire Mountain getaways and a summertime epicenter for the arts. The Berkshires offer outdoor activities galore and a gorgeous backdrop to enjoy. Vacationers looking for both cultural and recreational pursuits will return to the Berkshires repeatedly and revisit its hotels.

Berkshires hotels offer their guests entrance to one of the loveliest areas of Massachusetts. Long considered an escape for the rich and famous, Berkshires hotels offer choices for everyone, no matter their taste or budget. Many Berkshires hotels are converted "cottages" built by wealthy residents of New York as summer homes. Thus, many Berkshires hotels and other accommodations hearken back to New England traditions with fine china, period décor, and small-town hospitality. However, Berkshire accommodations manage to slip in some modern-day amenities, such as whirlpool baths, gas fireplaces, and swimming pools. Most hotels also provide complimentary evening wine and cheese in addition to hearty morning meals. Summer remains peak season at Berkshires hotels, so be sure to reserve your stay early if you're looking to visit during this time.