Archive for the ‘outdoor activities’ Category
April 11th, 2013 by Katie Pate
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT) is a hiking path that runs 2175 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. Ninety miles of this long-distance trail are in Massachusetts, running along the tops of the ridges and through the valleys of Berkshire County.
The Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts provides diverse hiking opportunities for long-distance backpackers. However, there are also beautiful and accessible routes for the day hiker. The AT travels over Mount Everett in the south, Mount Greylock in the north and and through the Housatonic and Hoosac Valley’s small towns.
Appalachian Trail Day Hikes
These are some of the hikes closest to our Berkshires Inn, in Lee.
Click on the image for a PDF of the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts.
Cobble Hill. This a 3.4 mile round trip hike that starts at Main Road in Lee, 5 miles Southeast of US 20. There is limited parking along the roadside. Head South on the trail; after .1 miles, cross the Hop Brook bridge. At mile 0.8, pass through a hemlock grove and cross a small stream. 0.3 miles later, cross Jerusalem Road, which puts you in the Tyringham Cobble Reservation. Another 0.3 miles from the road crossing, reach a side trail (the 0.3 miles) to the top of Cobble Hill for a rewarding view. Retrace your steps to complete the hike.
Warner Hill. This is an easy 1.4 mile round trip hike originating in Pittsfield. Reach the trail by following Blotz Road 6 miles east out of Pittsfield or for 1.3 miles west from Massachusetts 8. From Blotz Rd. head South on the trail and climb .7 miles through a dense evergreen forest to the top of Warner Hill. A cairn that sits a few feet to the left of the Trail marks the summit. Retrace your steps to complete the hike.
Rest Your Feet On Our Hearth!
After a day of exploring the Appalachian Trail and the natural beauty of the Berkshires, head back to our bed and breakfast for a comfortable room with fireplace to warm your feet. Or perhaps a deep soaking tub is what you’d prefer. Either way, we have what you need!
Tags: Cobble Hill Appalachian Trail hike, day hikes on Appalachian Trail in Berkshires, day hikes on Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts, Massachusetts Appalachian Trail, Warner Hill Appalachian Trail hike
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February 7th, 2013 by Katie Pate
Visiting Butternut Ski?
Ski Butternut is regarded by many as the number one Massachusetts ski resort. Located on the East Mountain, ski Butternut provides 110 acres of skiing, spread across 22 trails. All of the trails are also supplemented with man-made snow as necessary.
Butternut is a friendly resort that also has many family – oriented ski areas, ideal for youngsters just learning to ski or snowboard. Ski Butternut is also affordable, offering bargain ski lift tickets and downright cheap season passes. Of course, they also offer ski and snowboard lessons and rental skis or snowboard packages.
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Tags: Berkshires ski areas, Butternut ski lodging, Catamount Ski NY, Catamount ski trails, Ski Butternut
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January 27th, 2013 by Katie Pate
Last post, we talked about places to cross country ski near the inn. For this post, we target those that live for the thrill and speed of alpine skiing!
Typically, our area of the Berkshires doesn’t get as much snow as the New England coast, but the snow stays longer. The first flakes fall before Thanksgiving and gets heavier in mid-December. By January the snow is building up as temperatures drop. A thaw at the end of January cleans the palate for the February storms. In March there are often early signs of spring, but the white stuff usually lingers into April.
That adds up to a four month ski season, give or take a few weeks. But that’s just the natural stuff.
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Tags: alpine skiing in the Berkshires, Berkshires snow season, Bousquet ski, downhill skiing in the Berkshires, Jiminy Peak ski resort, man-made snow
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January 12th, 2013 by Katie Pate
Come and enjoy the pristine, snowy trails of the Berkshire winter! We have a couple favorite places to cross country ski that are close to our Berkshire bed and breakfast in Lee, MA.
Canterbury Farm
With 22 Kilometers of groomed and tracked trails, you ski alongside beautiful brooks, beaver ponds, stone walls, lakes, fields and mountains. It is very picturesque! The trails meander through old wood stands and you really feel like you are deep in the wilderness. Other trails are wider for excellent ski skating.
If you’re a beginner, ski instructors will teach you the best techniques and skills so you can quickly be off to enjoy the winter woods. The rental equipment at Canterbury is well maintained and their ski shop employees can help you with fitting or repairs to your ski equipment. They also have hot chili, soup, wraps, cold and hot drinks and snacks available.
Ice skating is also available, with with optional lessons and equipment rentals.
Canterbury Farm is located at 1986 Fred Snow Rd. in Becket, about a 15 minute drive from the Inn.
Hilltop Orchard
Hilltop Orchard has well groomed ski trails
The Orchard has lovely trails as well. In fact, Hilltop was called “The coziest place to cross country ski in the Berkshires” by Berkshire Magazine in 2012. 100% of trails are groomed for both classic and skating-style skiing – great for beginners and intermediates. The wooded country trails will challenge more experienced skiers. The scenic views into the southern Berkshires are breathtaking!
Trails Fees: $15 for adults, $12 children 12 and under. $1 off for seniors. Half days start at 2pm and are $12 for adults and $10 for children.
Hilltop Orchard is also a winery. If you’re traveling as a couple and skiing is not an interest for both of you, one of you can relax in the ‘Barrel Room’ on the comfy leather couches and enjoy a huge natural stone fireplace and LCD TV. Warm up with your sweetie upon their return from the trails with some hot chocolate, cider or a glass of wine.
Hilltop Orchard is on the border of Massachusetts and New York at Rt. 508 Canaan Rd. in Richmond, MA; about 20 minutes from our Inn.
Tags: Canterbury Farm Ski Area, cross country skiing at Hilltop Orchard, cross country skiing Berkshires, Hilltop Orchard, ice skating in the Berkshires
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September 28th, 2012 by Katie Pate
The fall foliage in Massachusetts peaks in October and draws many visitors. Fall foliage trips are a popular activity around this time of year and we hope that for your 2012 fall foliage tour you will pick our Berkshires bed and breakfast as your premier lodging choice.
Autumn Foliage Maps
Enjoy the stunning colors of fall in the Berkshires.
The state’s official Tourism site has a useful map describing foliage peak conditions in different areas of Massachusetts. The map indicates the Berkshires will be at peak color during the third week of October, and the eastern portion of the state by Nov. 6.
Berkshire Foliage Colors via Hike and Bike
Immerse yourself in the warm hues of fall! A favorite way to do this is via hiking, biking or running. There are a variety of organized excursions and independent treks to visit the fall foliage. Here are a few:
Housatonic Heritage Ride -Sun Oct 2, 9 AM – Sheffield Town Hall. Explore the 29 quaint towns of the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area.
Running Routes: Stunning routes through the small towns of Lenox, Great Barrington, Williamstown and Stockbridge will give you a chance to take your time observing the changing leaves. For something more rural, try going up onto Mount Greylock and over the Mohawk Trail, the same foot path Native Americans used centuries ago.
Berkshire Foliage Driving Tours
The Mohawk Trail Association offers five suggested driving tours in western Massachusetts that are perfect for observing foliage in Berkshires, Massachusetts.
Driving routes for observing fall foliage in the Berkshires.
Tour 1: Mount Greylock (26 miles)
On a clear day, Mount Greylock can provide wide views of scenic Massachusetts. Greylock is Massachusetts’ highest peak, at 3491 feet. Allow half a day for this tour. This route starts one mile north of Lanesborough on Route 7.
Tour 2: Mohawk Trail, Savoy State Forest (55 miles)
Williamstown, the home of Williams College, is the starting place for this foliage tour. This route covers most of the outstanding features in northern section of Berkshire County.
Tour 3: Mount Greylock / North Berkshire (33 miles)
This tour of scenic northern Berkshire County is on the western edge of the Mohawk Trail and starts in North Adams at City Hall at Route 8 and Marshall Street.
Tour 4: North Berkshire / Mohawk Trail (53 miles)
This scenic tour brings you north on Route 7 to The Mohawk Trail. Starting in Pittsfield, take Route 7 to Lanesborogh. Continue north on Route 7 to South Williamstown to the historic five corners. Here several walking tours to historic houses are available.
Tour 5: Mohawk Trail / Pioneer Valley (55 miles)
This tour begins in Greenfield at the eastern part of the Mohawk Trail. Watch an early sunrise from the Poet’s Seat Tower by driving east on Main Street to High Street, then follow the signs to the Tower. Return to Main Street, Route 2A, go west and turn left on Route 5 which takes you through the meadowlands of the Deerfield and Connecticut Rivers, site of the Deerfield Massacre in 1704.
Tags: Berkshires fall foliage, fall foliage driving tours, Mount Greylock, Savoy State Forest, The Mohawk Trail
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March 19th, 2012 by Applegate Inn
Quite a few guests of our Berkshires Bed and Breakfast come here in order to be closer to nature. Many live in Boston, New York City, and Hartford. They crave the outdoors, the fresh air, the quiet, and they find it in the Berkshires.
A favorite activity is hiking, which can accommodate most all fitness levels. Intrepid hikers can summit the tallest peak in the region, Mount Greylock. Folks looking for more of an amble through the woods may prefer the Tranquility Trail in the Pittsfield State Forest, a gentle, half-mile trail through deciduous forest and hemlock stands.
Hikes in Western Massachusetts are plentiful. A few favorites are listed below:
Monument Mountain, just south of Stockbridge. Herman Melville spent many hours exploring Monument Mountain, sometimes with his friend Nathaniel Hawthorne. Conversations during those hikes helped inspire Melville’s great opus, Moby Dick. Just think what a hike here could bring out in you. There are three miles of trails around Monument Mountain. If you make it to the top of Squaw Peak, you’ll be rewarded with wonderful views.
Schermerhorn Gorge Trail in October Mountain State Forest. This 3.7-mile loop features some dramatic contrasts that make it truly lovely. It is considered difficult thanks to a few tricky and steep spots, though it only gains about 600 feet in elevation.
The Benedict Pond Loop, in the Beartown Forest. This 1.5-mile loop is pleasant any time of year. For the most part, it hugs the coast of the shallow Benedict Pond and gains little elevation. The trail can be a bit moist in areas, but the landscape is lovely.
The Appalachain Trail. The AT passes close to our Berkshires Inn, and some of our guests simply must get their feet on it. We understand, and we help many guests realize that dream. Since the Appalachian Trail is best done one-way, we help drop a car at one trail head and shuttle guests to another one.
At the end of the day, no matter how long the hike or how strenuous, we invite our guests to relax with wine and cheese in our parlor. It is a reward well earned.
Tags: Appalachian Trail, Berkshires bed and breakfast, Berkshires hiking, hikes in the Berkshires, Monument Mountain, Mount Greylock, Schermerhorn Gorge, weekend getaways from Boston, weekend getaways from NYC
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January 4th, 2012 by Applegate Inn
Jiminy Peak is close to our Mass Bed and Breakfast.
Now that the holidays have passed and the cold days of winter are stretching before us, it’s time to think about ski getaways in the Berkshires. Our Berkshire B and B is close to several terrific downhill ski areas.
- Ski Butternut, in Great Barrington, is about 12 miles from the inn.
- Catamount Ski Area, in Hillsdale NY, is about 20 miles from here.
- Jiminy Peak, up in Hancock, Massachusetts, is about 30 miles from our inn.
Although we haven’t received a healthy dose of snow since the Great Halloween Blizzard of 2011, all three ski areas are open, and all are making snow.
Ski Butternut is open weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and weekends 8:15 to 4 p.m. This area also offers snow tubing on holidays and weekends.
Catamount Ski Area is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m (it opens at 8:30 on weekends); night skiing is offered Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 3 to 10 p.m.
Jiminy Peak is open open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (opening at 8:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays). Live music frequently entices skiers to linger after leaving the slopes of Jiminy Peak. A full calendar of events is listed at Jiminy Peak.
Skiers who stay at our Mass Bed and Breakfast Monday through Friday will receive two free lift passes for Butternut Ski Area, or discount passes to Jiminy Peak. If you’d rather ski Catamount, take advantage of our three night, $50 Special Package and put the savings towards your ski tickets. Details about these and other specials are available on our Bed and Breakfast Berkshires Specials page.
Why not stay for several days and try all three ski areas? Folks who are traveling from New York City, Hartford, or Boston may find that stretching out a weekend makes the most sense; instead of driving out here every weekend, come out here every other weekend for three days. Less driving, more skiing. Wonderful.
Tags: Bed and Breakfast Berkshires, Berkshire B and B, Catamount Ski Area, downhill skiing, Jiminy Peak, New England Ski Areas, Ski Butternut, snowboarding, tubing
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November 23rd, 2011 by Applegate Inn
Bartholomew's Cobble.
The best antidote to a day of feasting is fresh air and exercise. Both can be found in spades in Western Massachusetts. After spending Thursday in the kitchen and around the table, head to our Berkshires Bed and Breakfast with hiking boots in hand.
Snow accumulation from the amazing October blizzard has melted, meaning that hiking trails across Western Massachusetts are open. The forecast promises a sunny Thanksgiving weekend. In short, hiking conditions will be perfect.
Favorite Hikes Near Our Berkshires Bed and Breakfast:
- Beartown State Forest. Hike the easy Benedict Pond Loop Trail; follow a stretch of the Appalachian Trail for a hike of moderate difficulty; explore one of the forest trails for a more difficult hike.
- Brace Mountain. The views from the top of Brace Mountain are glorious on a clear day. Bring a picnic, for you’ll want time to rest after this invigorating hike.
- Bartholomew’s Cobble. Explore five miles of trails and stand atop Hurlbut’s Hill. Visit the natural history museum to learn about the area’s fascinating geography, and historic Ashley House to learn about its history.
- Sages Ravine. The waterfalls should be roaring at this time of year. For a moderate hike, drive to the top of Mount Washington Reservation and then follow the trail down tot he ravine. A more strenuous trail leads from the Undermountain Trail.
To make a reservation at our Bed and Breakfast in the Berkshires, please call 1.800.691.9012 or visit our reservation page.
Tags: Bartholomew's Cobble, Beartown State Forest, Berkshires, Berkshires bed and breakfast, Brace Mountain, hiking, Sages Ravine
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September 25th, 2011 by Applegate Inn
The trees have started to turn here, but fall foliage is not yet peaking in the Massachusetts Berkshires. Now is the right time to plan a trip here during peak season. Our Berkshires Bed and Breakfast tends to fill in October, when the surrounding forests are decked out in dazzling reds, oranges, and yellows. Plan now to be here then.
There is nothing like autumn in New England.
Driving down country lanes is a wonderful way to see a lot of trees. Spreading a picnic blanket under a large maple is a delightful way to drink in an autumn afternoon. But those who can delve deep into a New England forest during the peak of foliage season are truly fortunate.
Berkshire Horseback Adventures leads trail rides through nearby Kennedy Park and up Lenox Mountain. To experience New England foliage from the back of a horse is magical. The scent of the horses mixes with the woody odor of fallen leaves. The crisp air magnifies the sound of the horses breath, his feet clipping along the trail.
Leave New York, Boston, and Hartford behind and drive west like a cowboy heading into the sunset. Spend a few days at our Bed and Breakfast in the Berkshires this autumn. While here, treat yourself to a trail ride. It is sure to be one of the most memorable events of the year.
More information about trail rides may be found at Berkshire Horseback Adventures.
Tags: Berkshires, Berkshires lodging, horseback riding, trail rides
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August 9th, 2011 by Applegate Inn
Relax with a drink by the pool after a long day cycling the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail.
The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail meanders through the Hoosic River Valley between Mount Greylock and the Hoosac Mountains. Ashuwillticook means “the pleasant river between the hills”, and the ride does indeed pass through some very lovely country. It has been enjoyed by many guests of our Berkshires Bed and Breakfast.
The trail runs just over 11 miles between the Berkshire Mall in Lanesborough and the Visitor’s Center in Adams. Cyclists pass Chester Reservoir (a good spot for bird watching and picnics), forests, and historic mill buildings on the other side of the Hoosic River. In Adams, the trail runs parallel to Main Street, where there are many good eateries and shops.
For a longer ride, cycle from our luxury Berkshires Bed and Breakfast in Lee, approximately 16 miles south of Lanesborough. You’ll find a dip in our pool and our wine and cheese hour extremely satisfying in the evening.
Tags: Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, Hoosic River Valley, Mount Greylock
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July 19th, 2011 by Applegate Inn
One of the best ways to spend a warm summer day is on (and in) water. Guests of our Lenox MA Bed and Breakfast are always welcome to spend as much time as they like in our pool, and for some, a pool is all the water they need. Others crave something else.
Fortunately there are many ways to experience the water in the Massachusetts Berkshires. Read on to learn about a few options:
One of the more thrilling sections of the Housatonic River.
- Paddle the Housatonic River. Bring your own kayak or rent one at the Arcadian Shop in Lenox. The shop will deliver kayaks to the public boat launch at Decker’s Landing on the Housatonic River, and pick them up at Woods Pond.
- Canoe the Housatonic River. Guided trips lasting approximately 2 hours are lead by Berkshires Canoe Tours, departing from Decker’s Landing in Lenox.
- Float on Onota Lake in nearby Pittsfield. Onota Boat Livery rents kayaks, canoes, fishing boats and small motorized boats. Fish, float, or navigate the shores.
- Explore Cheshire Lake. Berkshire Outfitters in Adams rents kayaks and canoes and will transport folks to Cheshire Lakes and a few other areas.
Many guests of our Berkshires Bed and Breakfast travel with their own kayaks and canoes. In addition to the Housatonic River, they explore Stockbridge Bowl and the many lakes, ponds, and reservoirs of October Mountain State Forest. Our guests always have plenty of energy to fuel their activities thanks to the delicious, abundant breakfasts served each morning at the inn.
Tags: Berkshire Boat Rentals, canoes, fishing, Housatonic River, kayaking Berkshires, October Mountain State Forest, Onota Lake, Stockbridge Bowl
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May 26th, 2011 by Applegate Inn
We’ve put away our skis for the season and oiled our hiking boots. In the coming months, we plan to stretch our legs on the hike to Bish Bash Falls. Maybe we’ll walk a stretch of the Appalachian Trail, which runs through October Mountain State Forest and passes close to our Inn Berkshires. Perhaps we’ll also walk to Schermerhorn Gorge.
Hike the scenic Schermerhorn Gorge Trail this summer.
Many of our guests have enjoyed the scenic trail to Schermerhorn Gorge, in nearby October Mountain State Forest. It’s a 3.5-mile loop with a few fairly strenuous sections. We always suggest bringing a lunch, for there is an excellent spot to picnic along the way.
Cool off in the pool at our Berkshires Bed and Breakfast after your hike, and relax on one of our lounge chairs. Come evening, you’ll be ready for a drink in the parlor and dinner out in Lee, Lenox, or Stockbridge.
Tags: Appalachian Trail, hiking, Massachusetts Berkshires, October Mountain State Forest, Schermerhorn Gorge
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April 27th, 2011 by Applegate Inn
Walk among tulips at the Berkshire Botanical Gardens.
The Berkshire Botanical Garden opens for the season on May 1, 2011. Each year we know that spring has truly arrived once the Botanical Garden opens. We look forward to it – not just as a herald of warm weather, but because of the many fine events offered at the gardens.
The season opens with Out on a Limb: Tree Houses: Architects Take a Bough. The exhibition features six creative tree houses by the following architects and designers: Michael Trapp, Joseph Cho, Stefanie Lew, Robyn Sandberg, Gray Davis, Will Meyer, Mark Smith and Tim Smith, and James Odegaard. These tree houses redefine the treehouse that your father may have built in your backyard. They make the spirit soar with possibilities.
Berkshire Botanical Garden is comprised of 15 acres of meticulously maintained gardens and trails. The gardens are some of the oldest in the country, and focus on plants native to the region. Many guests of our Berkshires Bed and Breakfast enjoy visiting the gardens during their stay with us.
The Berkshire Botanical Gardens are approximately six miles from our Berkshires Lodging. We recommend stopping by Stockbridge Massachusetts on the way there or back for a bite to eat.
Additional information about the gardens is available at Berkshire Botanical Gardens.
Tags: Berkshire Botanical Gardens, Berkshires lodging, Stockbridge Massachusetts, Tree Houses
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March 1st, 2011 by Applegate Inn
There’s snow in them there hills!
Ski Butternut is a ski area located in Great Barrington, less than thirty minutes from our Lee MA Bed and Breakfast. Though spring is just around the corner, there should be snow for some time to come. In other words, plan a ski vacation in the Berkshires.
We have several Berkshires lodging specials to entice skiers to our inn:
Drop everything and take advantage of our Spur of the Moment Special. If you and your skis can be here within 24 hours, you’ll receive a 15% discount on your entire stay.
Book two nights in advance (Sunday through Thursday) and enjoy savings with our Two Night $75 Special. Pay for one night and receive the second night for just $75.
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Tags: bed and breakfast, Berkshires, lodging specials, New England Ski Areas, Ski Butternut
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February 16th, 2011 by Applegate Inn
New England has been hit with one snowstorm after another this winter. Inch by inch we’ve watched our driveways become narrower and our mailboxes become shorter. All this snow may have its disadvantages, but the view from the windows of our Lenox MA Bed and Breakfast is lovely.
Skiers in New England are, of course, absolutely overjoyed by the conditions. Guests of our Bed and Breakfast Berkshires arrive armed with snowshoes, skies, and snowboards. We feed them a breakfast fit for a day in the snow, and send them out the door. They return in the late afternoon or early evening, ready to warm themselves by the crackling fire and sip a glass of wine.
The trails at Canterbury Farms Ski Area.
We often refer cross-country skiers and snowshoers to the nearby Canterbury Farm Ski Area. The trails currently have a 36 inch base and are groomed daily. The fastest skiing these days may be in the morning, since we’re actually seeing temperatures rise a bit during the day.
Canterbury Farm Ski Area has more than 20 kilometers of trails that circle through woods and fields, past quintessential stone walls and around beaver ponds. It is New England winter at its finest – the stuff of dreams for folks who live in New York City, Boston, or Hartford.
Tags: Berkshires, Canterbury Farm Ski Area, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, winter
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January 11th, 2011 by Applegate Inn
There is snow on the grounds of our luxury Berkshires Bed and Breakfast near Lenox Massachusetts, and more is on the way. In fact, we’re expecting quite a winter storm here in a day or two; this will be a lovely time to hunker down at the inn.
Enjoy a winter wonderland - the Berkshires.
The best part of snow is being in it, enjoying winter sports such as skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding. There are a number of trails well-suited for snowshoes near our luxury Lenox MA Bed and Breakfast. Read on for a few favorites:
One of the prettiest trails is the one mile loop through the grounds of the Hancock Shaker Village;
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Tags: Berkshires, luxury bed and breakfast, snowshoeing, trails, western Massachusetts
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January 3rd, 2011 by Applegate Inn
Catamount Ski Area in Great Barrington, MA, is just 30 minutes from our luxury Bed and Breakfast Berkshires. As of this writing there are 24 out of 33 trails open and 4 out of 6 lifts carrying skiers to the top. A couple of the trails are not groomed and moguls are already forming. It looks to be a terrific season.
Skiing at Catamount Ski Area
The blizzard that ushered out 2010 up and down the eastern seaboard certainly whetted appetites for snow sports. While cross country skiers had a heyday in Central Park, downhill skiers and snowboarders could only dream of distant mountains. Well, now the roads are clear and the mountains await.
Catamount is a terrific ski area on the Massachusetts / New York border. Travelers who can be spontaneous may take advantage of $27 daytime lift tickets through Friday this week. In addition, we offer a discount to spur of the moment guests of our luxury Berkshires Bed and Breakfast; call within 24 hours of your arrival and receive 15% off your entire stay. A little spontaneity can go a long way towards making travel more affordable.
If you feel exhausted and worn out after a whirlwind holiday season, time spent at our Bed and Breakfast Berkshires may be just what you need. Ski Catamount and let the fresh air and powder invigorate you. What a wonderful way to begin a new year.
Tags: Bed and Breakfast Specials, Catamount Ski Area, escape from Boston, escape from Hartford, escape from NYC, Great Barrington, New England Ski Areas
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July 12th, 2010 by Applegate Inn
An hour south of our Lenox MA bed and breakfast in Connecticut, the Appalachian Trail follows the Housatonic River for several miles. We hiked it in May, and were astounded by the multitude of colorful wildflowers along the trail and the lovely views of the river and valley.
Start west of Cornwall Bridge, and join the Appalachian Trail at Breadloaf Mountain (where you will delight in the views of the Housatonic River and Valley). Head south along the trail, descending into the valley where you’ll walk along the west bank of the wide Housatonic River. There are many good spots to stop and enjoy a picnic while enjoying expansive views. Leaving the AT near the town of Kent makes a great day hike.
We love helping guests of our Berkshires bed and breakfast hike part of the Appalachian Trail. To facilitate your experience, we’ll escort you to your end point, where you can drop your vehicle and catch a ride with us to your starting point.
By evening time, you’ll be ready to relax with a glass of wine and a plate of cheese at our bed and breakfast Lenox.
Photo: The Housatonic flows away—
Originally uploaded by marklarson
Tags: Appalachian Trail, Berkshires, Housatonic River
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May 11th, 2010 by Applegate Inn
One of the best ways to feel thousands of miles from the city is to mount a horse and head into the Berkshires. There is something inexplicably regenerative about riding horses in the woods. Memories of sitting in traffic or standing in the subway fade away with each clopping step of the horse. Attention is devoted to controlling the enormous animal under you and appreciating the natural surroundings. Everything else disappears.
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Tags: Berkshires, equestrian, horseback riding, Lee, lenox, Stockbridge, western Massachusetts
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April 5th, 2010 by Applegate Inn
Spring is a fun time to mountain bike in the Berkshires. The trails aren’t crowded, the weather isn’t too hot, and the woods are shimmering with new growth.
Experience the Berkshires on a mountain bike
There are well over 100 mountain biking trails in the Central and Southern Berkshires. In fact, there are easily a dozen trails close to our Lenox bed and breakfast.
The Lenox Fire Tower offers a great challenge – the view from the top is worth all the effort it takes to get there, but we can’t say the ride down will be relaxing. October Mountain State Forest has 11 miles of rolling trails, while the trail up Lenox Mountain rewards your hard work with fantastic views.
You’ll be ready to relax with wine and cheese in the living room of our Lenox bed and breakfast, or soak in your generous jetted tub. After an excellent night’s sleep, we’ll provide a delicious, nourishing breakfast to help get you back in the saddle so you can explore more nearby Berkshire mountain bike trails.
Tags: Berkshires, biking, mountain biking
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March 27th, 2010 by Applegate Inn
Mount Greylock—
Originally uploaded by drummerboy1214
Temperatures are climbing and snow is melting. Spring is here.
You can hear the Berkshires calling to you from Boston, Hartford, and NYC. Your legs are yearning to stretch out along a trail. You want to hear birds, not traffic.
It’s time to take a break from city living. Come to our Lee bed and breakfast for a few days. There are many trails nearby, just waiting for you. You may also want to drive 20 miles north of Lenox to Mount Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts. From the top, you’ll feel your spirit soar.
Tags: escape from Boston, escape from Hartford, escape from NYC, Hiking the Berkshires, Mount Greylock, spring
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March 16th, 2010 by Applegate Inn
It’s true, there is still snow on the grounds of our Lenox MA bed and breakfast, but that doesn’t stop intrepid bikers from riding centuries in March.
A brevet is an organized, long distance bicycle ride. It is not a race, but is rather a test of each rider’s endurance. The designated routes are unmarked; there are checkpoints along the way with a varied amount of support.
The Berkshire Brevets serve as an introduction to the sport of randonneur cycling. Cyclists should expect to climb approximately 3000 feet in elevation for every 100km. In short, this is a sport for serious cyclists, many of whom hope to ride in the August 2011 Paris-Brest-Paris ride.
The Berkshire Brevets had its first 100km (62mi) event of the season just a few days ago, on March 14. There will be several more randonneur cycling events in the region throughout the spring and summer, including one quite close to our Lenox MA bed and breakfast, the BishBash 300K on May 8.
If you are heading to Western Massachusetts for any of these events, consider extending your ride with a stay at our bed and breakfast Lenox. We will pamper you after the event. Sink into a hot, deep bath. Sip brandy and feel it relax your sore body. Replenish yourself with a gourmet breakfast the next morning. It will feel good.
Tags: Bershires, bicycling, brevets, western Massachusetts
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Things to do in the Berkshires: Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Lee
Girls Getaway Ideas: Lee Premium Outlets
The Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts