We'll be spending a week in a big house in the Berksires with my parents, sisters, and future BIL to celebrate my parents' 50th anniversary. The Berkshires haven't been on my vacation radar at all, since we usually beeline to a coastal area like Cape Cod or Maine when we're vacationing close to home. To me, summer means either Europe or Beach. The boys have gone to a camp in the Berkshires for many years, but except for dropping off and picking up; and the occasional concerts at Tanglewood, we're Berkshire virgins.
We've rented this large place in Great Barrington. http://www.vrbo.com/125427
I'm looking forward to a week of relaxing, sitting under a tree with a book or my knitting; taking turns cooking; exploring, hiking or gallery-hopping as the mood strikes.
I put together a Google Map, because yes, I am compulsive.
View Berkshires in a larger map
Here's what I've got so far:
Saturday--tickets for Prairie Home Companion at Tanglewood, guest starring Martin Sheen and Steve Martin. Whoohoo!
Monday afternoon: Tanglewood--free brass concert
Museums:
Mass MOCA http://www.massmoca.org/
Williams college Museum http://www.wcma.org/
Eric Carle Museum http://www.picturebookart.org/Home
Performing Arts: my parents have tickets for Tanglewood and Jacob's Pillow; I'm looking at some local theatre and concerts.
Hiking: I've identified a lot of nice hiking spots, and put them on my Google map.
Swimming: Plenty of lakes and ponds, and some swimming holes I've read about in local websites. Also on the map.
Fishing: Some of the streams and lakes are stocked. Need to get fishing licenses and find the gear in the basement.
Art and Craft: the Berkshires is bursting with galleries. I've located some favorites of my parents, and also used Google Maps to locate more fine craft galleries and artisans.
Restaurants: Some nice choices in Great Barrington, including a very good Japanese one and a lovely inn with well regarded contemporary cooking close to the house, either of which would be good to celebrate the anniversary and birthdays.
Food Shopping: Farm stands, fancy food stores, and even a Trader Joe's. I don't think we'll starve.
For the Boys: There's a zipline in the Berkshires! The boys are very pleased. http://www.deerfieldzipline.com/
I'm also looking into kayak rentals and guided kayak trips through Zoar. I think they'll be very happy to sleep late; go on a hike, or kayak, or go on an excursion; and eat a big dinner. There's also a movie theater, bowling alley and mini golf course in town for rainy days.
Historic Deerfield http://www.historic-deerfield.org/
Northampton, a great old town crammed full of galleries and offbeat shops. http://www.visitnorthampton.net/
And, the best yarn store in the universe. Webs. http://www.yarn.com/index.cfm
Comments (3)
Amy it looks like a lovely place with lots to do for everyone. I envy you to spend this special celebration with your whole family and esp. your parents. 50 years...Congrats to them!
Posted by Barb Cabot | June 18, 2009 10:04 PM
Posted on June 18, 2009 22:04
What a fun time this will be!
My best wishes for your parents' 50th anniversary.
Posted by nancyhol | June 25, 2009 4:04 PM
Posted on June 25, 2009 16:04
This sounds like such a relaxing family vacation, best wishes to your parents - my hope is to be able to do something similar in 16 short years.
Posted by Marcia | June 29, 2009 12:11 PM
Posted on June 29, 2009 12:11