Massachusetts (Mountains)/Berkshires
One of your first stops should be to the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge. Home to the world’s biggest collection of Rockwell’s work, the museum houses original paintings and drawings, as well as a collection of Rockwell’s personal items, like letters, fan mail, and business documents. You’ll also be able to see his last studio (open May through October), just as it looked in the 1960s.
For the hikers (and photographers) in your bunch, Bartholomew’s Cobble in Sheffield, a 329-acre preserve, offers five miles of trails. While there, you can make your way up Hurlburt’s Hill. It’s a bit more of a strenuous climb, but you are rewarded at the top with photo-worthy panoramic views of The Berkshires.
If retail therapy is more your thing, you have options ranging from antiquing to outlet mall shopping. For antique shops, check out North and South Main Street in Sheffield. Painted Porch Antiques on South Main Street has rooms of antiques and a barn in the back with even more. In Lee, there’s the Lee Premium Outlets, where you’ll find over 60 designer and brand name outlet stores.
When it’s time to eat, there’s no shortage of choices – Asian, French, Indian, Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican. But when you need a break from dining out, use the kitchen in your unit to make a home cooked meal. Head to Guido’s Fresh Marketplace – there’s one in Great Barrington and another in Pittsfield – to pick up the fresh ingredients you need for a resort-made meal.
