You’re ready to plan your first visit to the Berkshires and you’re wondering what to do. Good news is – there are plenty of things to do in the Berkshires! Here are 7 things you should definitely do on during your first visit.
1. Chesterwood
One of the many interesting things to do in the Berkshires is Chesterwood. Chesterwood is the former summer home and studio of Daniel Chester French. French may be best known as the sculptor of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC. It’s pretty cool to see his studio where he worked and even his models of the Lincoln Memorial on display. Look at mini-Abe!
While his home is under renovation (as of 2023), you can still do a self-guided tour of the studio and the beautiful grounds on which the buildings sit in the town of Stockbridge.
The property also hosts many events and exhibitions throughout the year. Check their calendar to see what’s going on this weekend!
2. Berkshire Botanical Gardens
Any weekend in the Berkshires is a great time to visit the Berkshire Botanical Garden. This is one of the oldest gardens in the northeast and has been welcoming visitors since 1934! Situated on 24 acres, the Berkshire Botanical Garden is loaded with beautiful plants, flowers, and displays. This is also a wonderful place to enjoy a peaceful weekend stroll on their well-maintained walking trails.
3. Edith Wharton Estate – The Mount
I’m not going to lie. I had no idea who Edith Wharton was before I first came to The Berkshires. All I knew is that she must have been pretty darn successful to own a stunning property like this. Her estate, known as “The Mount” is a sight to behold and worthy of a visit to Lenox to explore the mansion and the grounds. The best part is the garden and the grounds are completely free to visit and are open from dawn to dusk.
Wharton, who was the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction, was an accomplished writer and designer. She wrote over 40 books in 40 years.
4. Enjoy A Theater Production
Weekend shows are usually available for The Berkshire Theater Group as well as Shakespeare & Co. You can view their respective online schedules and calendars for performances. The Berkshire Theater Group offers a nice variety of shows including musical tributes throughout the year in an intimate setting.
5. Norman Rockwell Museum
One of the coolest attractions in The Berkshires is the Norman Rockwell Museum and Studio. You can visit the museum that features rotating exhibits about Rockwell but also a really neat look at all of his Saturday Night Post covers on the lower level. There’s an informative video that gives some great background on Rockwell and just how beloved his art was.
You can also tour his artist studio which happened to be his last. An unfinished painting still remains on the easel. One of the museum guides will give an interesting overlook at why the studio was built the way it was and share some of Rockwell’s quirks and preferences.
6. Tanglewood Concerts
One of the most popular weekend activities in the Berkshires is a visit to Tanglewood. The venue is known as one of the best places to enjoy music in all of the northeast. During the summer, you can enjoy concerts from the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Even on non-concert dates, you are welcome to walk the grounds for free!
7. The Inn At Stockbridge
If you’re visiting The Berkshires for a weekend trip, you can’t go wrong with lodging at The Inn at Stockbridge. This place is absolutely wonderful! I had the pleasure of staying here in the summer of 2023 and couldn’t believe how awesome the property is. There are spacious and beautifully decorated guest rooms inside the main mansion. But, there are also separate suites adjacent to the main house and even a gorgeous barn that can be used for events.
Guests have access to a large swimming pool, wine and snacks in the late afternoon, and a beautiful outdoor setting ideal for relaxing. The owners are super cool and the location of the Inn is perfect to explore The Berkshires for a weekend of fun!
