Favorite Things to Do in the Berkshires

Chances are that one or more of these attractions are what brought you to the Berkshires in the first place. Even if that’s not the case, no visit to the area is complete without experiencing one or more of these top things to do in the Berkshires. Tangelwood Music Festival and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival are annual events everyone should experience at least once and both properties are worth a visit even after the main events have passed. The Norman Rockwell Museum and Edith Wharton’s The Mount are similarly unparalleled and absolute musts. Fortunately, Applegate Inn’s convenient location in Lee, MA puts all of these attractions and more within easy distance, making exploring the very best of the Berkshires an easily achievable pleasure.

Tanglewood

Tanglewood, summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, has been drawing people to the Berkshires since 1937. Tanglewood Music Festival, held June through Labor Day, focuses primarily on classical music but also includes contemporary jazz and pop. The lovely Tanglewood Music Center campus, located less than 6 miles from our inn, is an excellent destination for a picnic or stroll.

bso.org

Jacob’s Pillow

Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival is the longest-running dance festival in the nation. The summer festival celebrates dance in all its forms, including ballet, modern, and tap. Dance troupes come from around the world to present over 350 free and ticketed performances every year. Jacob’s Pillow is also a National Historic Landmark. Tour the grounds, visit the school, and enjoy a picnic on the lawn.

jacobspillow.org

Norman Rockwell Museum

The Norman Rockwell Museum, in Stockbridge, MA, is home to the largest collection of original Norman Rockwell art in the world. Norman Rockwell loved the Berkshires, spending the last 25 years of his life here and bequeathing the contents of his Stockbridge studio towards the creation of the museum. Visitors will view original Norman Rockwell art as well as that of of other illustrators from around the world.

nrm.org

The Mount

The Mount is the historic house museum of Pulitzer Prize winning author Edith Wharton (1832-1937). Wharton designed the stunningly beautiful property in 1902 as her home and writer’s retreat. Now designated a National Historic Landmark, The Mount serves as a cultural center and historic house museum, presenting a variety of special events and exhibitions throughout the year making it one of guests’ favorite things to do in the Berkshires.

edithwharton.org

Photo Credit: all photos on this page are courtesty MOTT via Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0