Josh Billings RunAground Triathlon 2019
August 12, 2019 by Corey A. Edwards
Come compete or spectate at one of the oldest continuous, annual triathlons in the country during Josh Billings RunAground Triathlon 2019! Sunday, September 15, 2019 – Great Barrington to Stockbridge, MA.
The Josh Billings RunAground is a bike/paddle/run triathlon, as opposed to the more common bike/swim/run event. The race involves a 27 mile bike ride, a 5 mile canoe/kayak/SUP leg, and a 6 mile run. The event was first held in 1976 and has been a Berkshires tradition ever since.
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Explore Greylock Glen Outdoor Recreation Area
July 29, 2019 by Corey A. Edwards
For those considering a visit to the Mount Greylock area during their stay, we suggest a stop by Greylock Glen, a new kind of outdoor recreation area in Adams, MA.
Mount Greylock is Massachusetts’ highest peak, with a summit of 3489 feet. The eye-popping vista from this point can reach as far as 90 miles away. The summit is an understandably popular destination, reachable by car in less than an hour from our Lee MA inn.
Greylock Glen is a 1,063 acre parcel of land just east of Mount Greylock. The acreage has seen a variety of development projects over the last decade or so but none successful – and none like this.
A Sustainable Outdoor Recreation Area
Where previous plans seemed in conflict with the natural environment, Greylock Glen is actively working with nature to minimize its impact.
Over 1,000 acres of the Glen will remain undeveloped. Plans for lodging, recreation, and education facilities will use up about half of the remaining acres. These plans incorporate green building designs, renewable energy technologies, and sustainable operating plans.
Outdoor Recreation at the Glen
An extensive trail system connects Greylock Glen directly to Mount Greylock State Reservation. Learn more about trails at the Glen.
The reserve offers a wide range of hiking, biking, and picnicking opportunities. Birdwatchers and other wildlife enthusiasts are encouraged to remember their binoculars and cameras.
In the colder months, Greylock is a popular destination for ice skaters, snowshoers, skiers, and snowboarders.
There’s simply no end of things to do at Greylock Glen, whether you’re looking for a real workout or just a pleasant outing.
More Than Just Trails
Plans for a future Outdoor Center detail a net-zero building with classrooms, a retail outdoor gear shop, and a cafe. The Amphitheater will host concerts, plays, festivals, and many other exciting cultural events.
Greylock Glen already hosts a growing number of annual events. These include the popular, fall foliage Greylock Ramble, the Thunderbolt Ski Race, M.A.G.I.Con, and much more.
Greylock Glen
Gould Rd, Adams, MA 01220
Learn more at the Greylock Glen website.
Nearby Adams MA is also worth your attention.
Adams is a picturesque valley town with many historic Victorian homes and buildings downtown. It is home to the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum, the East Hoosuck Quaker Meeting House, the Thunderbolt Ski Museum, among other points of interest.
Berkshires Lodging
After a day of exploring the natural beauty of the Glen, you’ll be glad you’re headed back to the comforts of your room at our Berkshires bed and breakfast. Our inn is a Select Registry property offering luxurious accommodations including private baths, fireplaces, and spa tubs to soothe away any aches and pains. Applegate Inn is a Gilded Age inn ensconced on 6 park-like acres located just a half mile’s walk from historic downtown Lee. Book your stay at Applegate Inn today.
Greenock Country Club – It’s Just Across the Road!
June 21, 2019 by Corey A. Edwards
Greenock Country Club is one of America’s first golf courses. The club features a classic, 9-hole, Donald Ross designed course, clay tennis courts, a restaurant, and more. Plus it’s literally just across the road from our Berkshires bed and breakfast!
We’ve mentioned the convenience of our Lee, MA location before. So much of what brings people to the Berkshires is very easily accessed from Applegate Inn: Tanglewood, Jacobs Pillow, the Norman Rockwell Museum, The Clark Art Institute, Mass MOCA, and so much more.
But … did you realize our Berkshires B&B is just across the road from golf, tennis, and more?
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Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival 2019
May 10, 2019 by Corey A. Edwards
Spring is whipping by and, before you know it, summer will be here, along with Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival 2019! This year’s event is scheduled to run from June 19th through August 25th, 2019.
Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival has been bringing talented performers and amazed fans of dance to the Berkshires for 87 years. Despite its age, America’s longest-running international dance festival shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, 2018 was one of the festival’s biggest and most popular years and this year’s event is looking just as exciting.
Highlights for Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival 2019 include world and U.S. premieres, new commissions, anniversary celebrations, and exclusive engagements. This year’s festival features a number of artists from around the world, including Cuba, Australia, France, and Canada.
2019 Dance Festival Special Events
Opening Gala & After Party – June 15
The opening gala features one-night only performances, auctions, and dinner on the Great Lawn. The After Party includes an open bar, delicious treats, and dancing into the night with the Silver Arrow Band!
All Styles Dance Party – June 30
Witness the spectacle of an all-styles dance battle between festival artists, School at Jacob’s Pillow students, and area dancers. What fun!
Pillow Pride – August 2-4
The Dance Festival’s annual LGBTQIA+ celebration is one of the most popular dance parties of the summer. This year’s event will be hosted by Tyler Ashley, The Dauphine of Bushwick, and includes exclusive tours and pop-up performances.
Gotta Dance – August 18
An evening showcase of choreography and improvisations created in just three weeks by tap students from The School at Jacob’s Pillow.
Summer Send-Off – August 24
Celebrate a fabulous Festival season with this epic, final dance party of the season on the Pillow’s Great Lawn!
Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival presents more than 350 free performances, talks, exhibits, classes, and a variety of special events each year. The Jacob’s Pillow grounds are a National Historic Landmark. Tour the grounds, visit the School at Jacob’s Pillow, and enjoy a picnic on the lawn or a meal at an on-site restaurant.
Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival 2019
June 19 though August 25
358 George Carter Rd, Becket, MA 01223
Visit www.jacobspillow.org for a schedule, tickets, and other information. You can also follow the festival on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Berkshires Lodging
Planning on visiting the Berkshires for one or more Pillow Dance performances? Applegate Inn is just minutes away from Jacob’s Pillow! The convenient location, plush guest rooms, and history of unmatched service of our Berkshires bed and breakfast make us an excellent lodging choice. Book your stay at Applegate Inn today!
Bash Bish Falls and Other Magnificent Berkshires Waterfalls
March 22, 2019 by Corey A. Edwards
Bash Bish Falls
Applegate Inn is just down the road from Massachusetts’ highest waterfall, Bash Bish Falls. In fact, we’re surrounded by magnificent Berkshires waterfalls and spring is the perfect time to visit them!
There’s nothing like an active waterfall to refresh and rejuvenate your spirit. The soothing sight and sound of water cascading down over rocks and crags to splash in a receiving pool below can be almost hypnotic.
There are well over 30 popular waterfalls in Berkshire County. They vary in size and accessibility but all tend at their peak with spring runoff this time of year.
All 5 Berkshires waterfalls listed below are well within a scenic hour’s drive of Applegate Inn, our Lee, MA bed and breakfast. In fact, most are an easy half-hour away.
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Enjoy Lee MA Chez Nous at
Applegate Inn!
May 6, 2016 by Corey A. Edwards
The only thing bad about a great restaurant is that its popularity can keep you from being able to get into it! Our own, favorite, fine and perpetually booked local restaurant, the Lee MA Chez Nous Bistro, has found a wonderful workaround for this with their new “to-go” Ordering System!
Chez Nous Bistro is easily one of the best restaurants here in the Berkshires and absolutely our favorite, serving French country classic dishes and offering an extensive wine list, all in a cozy, romantic setting. We regularly suggest them when our guests ask who we recommend but with the caveat that, even with their outside seating, they are very often booked solid, so get there early!
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Plan Ahead to Enjoy the Fall Colors in the Berkshires
September 2, 2012 by
Fall foliage in the Berkshires…plan ahead for your fall viewing vacation at our elegant Lee, MA bed and breakfast.
Summer is coming to its end… which means the spectacular show of the Berkshires fall foliage is about to begin! Plan your relaxing stay at our Berkshires bed and breakfast during the height of autumn color in October.
There are so many ways to take in that beautiful explosion of red, yellow and orange! The cool crisp air of fall is the perfect time to be active. Take an easy nearby hike on the Appalachian Trail. A leisurely bike ride in town or country will reward you with scenic views of our lakes and hills. If you love to kayak, there’s nothing better than getting on a peaceful lake ringed by trees bursting with color. Go for pure nature by visiting our local parks or visit quaint Berkshires towns to see the harmony of New England historic buildings set against the backdrop of hills drenched in color.
The arts and culture of the Berkshires will also enliven you during your fall foliage vacation in the Berkshires. Live theater, musical concerts and visual arts of the highest quality are part of the Berkshires landscape year-round. See our Things to Do page for more ideas on museums, performances and outdoor activities you can enjoy during your stay.
September 21-23, 2012 Lee Founders Day
A fall visit to our Berkshires B&B is also well-timed to join in Lee’s annual heritage celebration. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy local culinary delights at the Taste of Lee, plus a colorful parade, live music and other fun events and activities. For more information on the Lee, MA Founders Day, please visit TownofLee.com/Founders_Weekend.asp.
You can also relax at our stately Berkshires accommodations with its grounds and gardens putting on their own autumn show. You can take in the view from your luxurious room or sit in a comfortable chair on the spacious screened-in porch. If you love the fresh air and the sight of the fall leaves outside, you can have your full gourmet breakfast on the porch too.
Fall will soon be here…Be sure to book your room today and experience fall in the Berkshires and the warm hospitality of our Lee, MA B&B near Stockbridge.
The Pool is Open
May 30, 2012 by
The pool is open at our Berkshires Bed and Breakfast, and it’s a lovely 82 degrees. We encourage our guests to pack bathing suits, but if you forget yours, don’t despair. Several nearby outlet stores carry suits, as does the old fashioned department store in downtown Lee, Ben’s.
We keep our pool at the perfect temperature: 82 degrees.
Our gardens are in full bloom, with tree peonies and rhododendrons competing for the most colorful blossoms.
Isn’t it time you took a break from your routine? Come lounge by the pool at Applegate Inn.
Summer in the Berkshires
May 25, 2012 by Applegate Inn
Guests come to our Berkshires Bed and Breakfast during the summer to bask in the beauty of nature and enjoy outdoor recreation. They also come to immerse themselves in the extraordinary art and culture that’s found here.
Hike the Appalachian Trail this summer.
One day they can hike the Appalachian Trail. The next day they can visit world-renowned museums like The Clark and watch a performance by the Hong Kong Ballet. In between, they can dine in fabulous restaurants and lounge by the pool of our Berkshires Bed and Breakfast.
Each summer brings a plethora of festivals to the Berkshires. Tanglewood and Jacob’s Pillow Dance, the two most widely known festivals, draw audiences from all over the world. Other festivals, such as the Berkshires Art Festival, are smaller but also well regarded. Guests of our Berkshires Inn find there is plenty to do during the summer, and also plenty of space in which to do nothing.
The truth is, the Berkshire region of Massachusetts is a marvelous place for a summer vacation. Come see for yourself.
Historic Homes of Western Massachusetts
May 17, 2012 by Applegate Inn
Western Massachusetts is full of historic homes, many of which are beautifully maintained and open for public viewing. Guests of our Berkshires Bed and Breakfast have been known to pass many delightful hours perusing these old homes and their grounds.
Read on for a list of several favorite historic properties close to the Applegate Inn, a luxurious Berkshires Bed and Breakfast constructed at the end of America’s Gilded Age.
Naumkeag
This architectural masterpiece served as a summer retreat for three generations of the Choate family. Naumkeag has extraordinary views of Monument Mountain and amazing gardens filled with fountain pools and a grove of white birches.
Located on Stockbridge’s Main Street, the historic Mission House was home to the first missionary who lived among the Mohican Indians, the Reverand John Sergeant. Today it houses a collection of 18th-century American furniture and decorative arts.
William Cullen Bryant Homestead
The serene views of the Westfield River Valley seen from this National Historic Landmark must have inspired poet William Cullen Bryant, who lived here as a boy and summered here as an adult. Several trails lead through pastures, forests, and an old sugar bush.
Pack a picnic and spend a day at each of these lovely historic properties. Discover why the Berkshires captivated so many of America’s successful historical personnages.
Jacob’s Pillow 80th Anniversary
May 8, 2012 by Applegate Inn
One of the best parts of summer at our Bed and Breakfast Berkshires is the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. If you hope to witness it in 2012–the 80th anniversary of the festival–it’s time to start making plans.
The line-up at Jacob’s Pillow is always superlative. Highlights in 2012 include:
- Opening Dance Party, with performances by CIRCA, Mimulus, David Halberg, and others, and dancing by all.
- Morphoses World Premier. Arresting visuals, gorgeous dancing, and a new score. Fabulous.
- Mimulus. An exciting blend of samba, contemporary dance, and imaginative visuals design.
- Leesaar The Company. A “gutsy, brainy modern-dance troupe” (from The New York Times).
- The Men Dancers: From the Horse’s Mouth. A unique, extraordinary event.
- Jonah Bokaer x David Hallberg. A rare opportunity to see some of today’s most extraordinary artists in an intimate setting.
- Doug Elkins and Friends’ Fräulein Maria. An uproarious deconstruction of Rodgers and Hammersteins musical The Sound of Music.
As always, there will be free outdoor performances by the dancers of The School at Jacob’s Pillow every Wednesday through Saturday at 6:25 p.m.
It’s impossible to go wrong at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, for every performance is worth seeing. The setting is beautiful, the art extraordinary. It’s the perfect place to spend a summer evening.
The 80th Anniversary Festival runs June 16 – August 26, 2012. Visit Jacob’s Pillow for more information and tickets, then book your room at our Berkshires Bed and Breakfast.
Good Western Massachusetts Hikes
March 19, 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 Appalachian 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.
New England’s Mohawk Trail
March 12, 2012 by Applegate Inn
The Mohawk Trail became the first scenic road in New England in 1914, and it has been sharing great views, history, and culture with motorists and bicyclists ever since.
Long before it became a road, The Mohawk Trail was a well-worn foot path used by Native Americans and then colonists. Metacomet, called King Philip, traveled “The Trail” some time around 1676. Benedict Arnold followed in his footsteps nearly 100 years later. It is thrilling for American history buffs to travel The Trail today.
The current Mohawk Trail spans more than 60 miles and travels through 50,000 acres of state parks and forests. It stretches from the Massachusetts-New York border to Millers Falls on the Connecticut River; in between, there are over 100 attractions worth exploring.
The Mohawk Trail State Forest.
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Romantic Berkshires Getaways
December 12, 2011 by Applegate Inn
You’ve heard Johnny Mercy, Ray Charles and Buddy Clark all sing “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” so convincingly. When it’s cold outside, it’s best to stay inside with someone you love. That’s why the winter months are ideal for Romantic Berkshires Getaways at our Berkshires Bed and Breakfast.
Indulge in a Romantic Berkshires Getaway this winter.
The Applegate Inn is one of the “best places to kiss in the Berkshires.” Our grounds have many secluded spots where couples may steal a kiss during outdoor strolls. The parlor has a grand piano, for folks who like to woo their sweetheart with a song. Our fireplace rooms kindle romance.
The Romance Package of our Berkshires Bed and Breakfast is a fine way to enhance a romantic Berkshires getaway. It includes two nights in one of our fireplace rooms, chocolate, and a split of champagne. We have a room with a steam shower and a room with a two person whirlpool tub – you’re choice.
Plan a Romantic Berkshires Getaway this winter. Squeeze one in before the holidays, or offer one as a gift to the person you love most in the world.
Shop ‘Til You Drop
December 5, 2011 by Applegate Inn
Holiday shopping can be stressful, or it can be fun. It can be tiresome, or it can be entertaining. With the Shopping Getaway at our Berkshires Bed and Breakfast, our guests can complete all of their holiday shopping in a relaxing way while enjoying a few days in the beautiful Berkshires.
Need a gift idea? Try a gift certificate for Applegate Inn.
Western Massachusetts is known for its natural beauty and its strong arts communities. People travel here from Boston, Hartford, and New York City to admire fall foliage, hike, and ski. They come to watch world-class performances at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival and Tanglewood in a stunning natural venue. They come to breathe in fresh air and visit museums like The Clark and the Norman Rockwell Museum.
At this time of year, they also come to shop. It’s hard to find more aesthetically pleasing places to shop than the picturesque New England towns surrounding our Berkshires Bed and Breakfast. And it’s hard to beat the convenience of shopping at nearby Prime Outlet Village. We’ll even supply Prime Outlet coupons to guests here for a Shopping Getaway.
Downtown Lenox is filled with interesting shops and art galleries. Wit Gallery, Lenox Gallery of Fine Arts, Church Street Art Gallery, Sienna Gallery, and Concepts Art feature fine art, hand-crafted jewelry, sculpture, paintings, Judaica, and more. Shops such as Berkshire Classic Leather & Silver and B. Mango & Bird are also full of fun items.
Many galleries and shops line the streets of Stockbridge and West Stockbridge. Visit An American Craftsman Gallery, Schantz Galleries, and Hoffman Pottery. Browse an eclectic mix of fine antiques and jewelry at Heirlooms Jewelry, and a stunning variety of CD’s, Wee Forest Folk, and Norman Rockwell items at Seven Arts. Admire unique items at Hotchkiss Mobiles and Inner Vision Studio, and load up on delicious maple syrup and miscellaneous sundries at Charles H. Baldwin & Sons
Shopping can spark an appetite; fortunately, there are excellent restaurants close to our Berkshires Bed and Breakfast. In Lenox, try Alta, where fresh, simple dishes are enhanced by fantastic wines. Church Street Cafe is a good spot for lunch or dinner enjoyed with a local beer. Firefly features tasty tapas, late night dining, and a full bar. In Stockbridge, try Michael’s Restaurant, Once Upon a Table (a cozy bistro), and the always-tasty Red Lion Inn.
Shopping can be fun when incorporated into a Berkshires getaway.
Thanksgiving Weekend in the Berkshires
November 23, 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.
Berkshires Festival of Trees
November 18, 2011 by Applegate Inn
Come to the Festival of Trees at The Berkshire Museum.
It’s hard not like Christmas trees. They’re pretty. They sparkle. They smell good. Christmas trees evoke the best of the holidays.
Surround yourself with Christmas trees the next time you come to our luxury Berkshires Bed and Breakfast this winter. “Under the Big Top: Festival of Trees 2011” runs at the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield from November 18 to January 2, 2012. The more than 100 decorated Christmas are just part of the extravaganza.
The circus theme conveyed with “Under the Big Top” is underscored on November 18, during the Opening Night Party. As guests enjoy drinks and tasty appetizers, atmospheric aerialists, towering stilt walkers, and a nimble contortionist will move among them. Circus workshops take place the following day for children aged 8 to 16. Walls will be lined with circus posters, circus memorabilia, and circus photographs throughout the duration of the exhibition.
The circus comes to town again on December 31st for a Circus Spectacular at the Berkshire Museum. Acrobats, jugglers, and contortionists will take the stage at 11 a.m. What a cheerful way to bid 2011 farewell.
The Berkshire Museum has several interesting permanent exhibits as well. See toys created by Alexander Calder in 1927, walk through the Feigenbaum Hall of Innovation, and gaze at the wondrous underwater world of their famous aquarium, recently renovated by Raleigh Aquarium Maintenance, on the museum’s lowest level.
Plan an enchanting getaway at our Berkshires Bed and Breakfast sometime between November 18, 2011 and January 2, 2012, and stop by the “Under the Big Top: Festival of Trees.”
Christmas à la Norman Rockwell
November 10, 2011 by Applegate Inn
Soon Stockbridge will recreate the Norman Rockwell painting, "Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas."
Each December for the past 21 years, the town of Stockbridge has recreated the famous Norman Rockwell Christmas painting done of its main street. December 3 and 4, 2011 will be the 22nd year of this tradition. As in past years, guests of our Berkshires Bed and Breakfast will arrive from various cities to experience a Norman Rockwell Christmas.
Norman Rockwell lived and worked in Stockbridge for the last 25 years of his life. His painting, “Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas,” took more than ten years for him to complete. Year after year, he visited Main Street in the weeks before Christmas and photographed what he saw. The resulting painting captured the essence of an American small town during the Christmas holiday.
In just a few weeks, classic automobiles will take their spots in front of festively decorated shops on Main Street. They’ll reflect the decade it took Rockwell to complete his painting, just as they do in the painting itself. Look for the 1955 red Mercury with a Christmas tree tied to its roof, and the wagon with the spare tire on it’s rear door.
While much has remained the same in Stockbridge since the sixties, there are a few differences between today’s reality and the canvas. The streets will undoubtedly be more crowded on December 3rd and 4th than they are in the painting. People will not be dressed the same. The historic Red Lion Inn will be well lit and cheerfully decorated for the holidays, not dark and closed for the season, as it is in the painting.
Yet these differences are insignificant. The essence of this historic town in the Berkshires is the same, just as the essence of Christmas is the same.
Spend the weekend of December 3, 2011 at our Berkshires Bed and Breakfast, and step into a Norman Rockwell painting.