Weekend in Berkshire Hills
BUDGET
Getting there
The drive from Boston to the Berkshires in western Massachusetts is a bit longer than two hours. During sales, one-way flights to Boston start from $94. Regular one-way rates from $150 with a 21-day advance purchase notice.
Stay
The family-owned Yankee Inn offers seven guest room types, from economy to luxury. The property offers a weekend lounge, pools and mountain views. Main lodge rooms with a deck from $119, including deluxe continental breakfast; www.yankeeinn.com, 461 Pittsfield Road, Lenox, 800 835-2364.
Eat
The local favorite at The ‘6 House Pub are Maine Crabcakes with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce ($9.96). A wide ranging menu with choices from $8.46-$21.96; www.6housepub.com, 910 Cold Spring Road, Williamstown, 413-458-1896.
Experience
A highlight of the Norman Rockwell Museum is the studio where America’s favorite artist last painted. The museum holds the world’s largest collection of his works. Adults $15; www.nrm.org, 9 Route 183, Stockbridge, 413-298-4100. Visit Mount Greylock, the highest mountain in Massachusetts (3,491 feet), and view into five states and up to 70 miles. The mountain has vast hiking trails, including the Appalachian Trail; www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/mtGreylock, 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, 413-499-4262.
MODERATE
Getting there
The Berkshires are about a 90-minute drive from Hartford, Conn. Round-trip rates start from $464 with a 21-day advance purchase notice.
Stay
Special touches such as fresh breakfast eggs from the house hens, crisp artesian well water and line-dried Egyptian cotton sheets are found at The Inn at Sweet Water Farm. Choose from six guest accommodations (each with private bathroom) ranging from $165-$225 per night, including a specially prepared breakfast; www.innsweetwater.com, One Prospect Lake Road, Great Barrington, 413-528-2882.
Eat
A romantic 17th-century farmhouse is the setting for The Mill on the Floss. Elegant yet simple French country dishes are prepared in an open kitchen and patrons dine by candlelight under a beamed ceiling. Entrees $26.50-$34; www.millonthefloss.com, Route 7, New Ashford, 413-458-9123.
Experience
Hancock Shaker Village is 1,200 acres of farm and woodland with 20 restored village buildings that depict simple Shaker life. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1968, this high quality living museum invites visitors to take self-guided tours to watch artisans make crafts, gardeners tend herb and vegetable gardens, and farmers show off their livestock. Adults $17; $8 ages 13-17; www.hancockshakervillage.org, 1843 W. Housatonic St., Pittsfield, 413-443-0188.
SPLURGE
Getting there
The closest airport is Albany, N.Y. Expect a one-hour drive. Round-trip rates from $473 with a 21-day advance purchase notice.
Stay
Blantyre was voted the finest small hotel in the U.S. in the 2009 Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards. This grand castle sits on over 100 lush acres and features a heated outdoor pool, tennis courts, croquet courts, a spa, hot tub, steam room, sauna and walking trails along the estate’s lawns and woodlands. Rates start at $675; www.blantyre.com, 16 Blantyre Road, Lenox, 413-637-3556.
Eat
The Mezze Bistro & Bar of Williamstown creates unique dishes with fresh, organic and locally produced goods. This chic urban hot spot has a touch of New England charm with exposed brick walls, hardwood floors and white tablecloths. Entrees average $30; www.mezzerestaurant.com, 16 Water St. (moving to 777 Cold Spring Road on June 1), 413-458-0123.
Experience
The Tanglewood Music Center, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. The season runs from June 26 to Sept. 5 with ticket prices ranging from $11 to $115. Don’t forget your gourmet picnic and blanket; www.bso.org, 297 West St., Lenox, 413-637-1600.
