The Berkshires Are So Much More Than Tanglewood
The Berkshires Are Much More than Tanglewood, and fall is the perfect season to go exploring.
We have discovered there is more to Lenox, Massachusetts and The Berkshires than Tanglewood. Don’t get me wrong, Tanglewood is a beautiful place to enjoy music and the outdoors; however, there is so much more to see and do in the Berkshires.
Image: By John Phelan (Own work), via Wikimedia Commons
Lenox is a wonderful New England town, with delightful shopping, and excellent restaurants. We stopped at the Haven Bakery and Café located at 8 Franklin Street, Lenox, MA. I had a salmon salad that was so fresh I thought the greens were just picked and the salmon recent caught. The day was perfect, and we sat outside. We could have sat there all day, and no one would have bothered us. We proceeded to walk through the town and found some beautiful items for purchase.
We heard about the vineyards in Berkshires and stumbled upon Furnace Brook Winery at Hilltop Orchards located in Richmond. This Orchard was the first winery in the Berkshires, opening in 1995. Just in time for apple picking season, they offer 28 different types of apples. From these apples, they make Harvest Ice Wine, exclusive to this winery. We had the chance to speak with Jose Markquez, who manages the winery. Jose told us the Harvest Ice Wine is unique to this vineyard and produced in limited quantities. My husband tasted the wine and immediately purchase two bottles.
During the fall and winter, they offer cider, amazing donuts (voted #1 donuts for the last eight years) and wagon rides. Eighteen wines are offered for tasting and purchase. The winery is open all year from 9:00-5:00. Live music every Saturday and Sunday during the season.
A few weeks later we visited Pittsfield, Massachusetts, on our way to Rocking Horse Ranch, an all inclusive family vacation resort. We were lucky to get a reservation at the well-known Mazzeo’s Ristorante. The night was beautiful and just a crisp in the air. We dined outside, and the food was fantastic. I ordered the small plate of Linguini with Clams, and it was the size of most regular portions. The service was wonderful, and the salads were extraordinary.
The following morning, we ate at Otto’s Breakfast and Deli, one of the top-rated breakfast places in Pittsfield. I can understand why it gets the rating. It is a small place, but packed with people and good food. I had a Greek Omelet, which was outstanding. Friendly staff and just plain great food put this one on your must do list for the Berkshires
The Berkshires is a place for all seasons, especially during the fall. The foliage is spectacular and worth the visit. Just plan ahead because accommodations book quickly especially in the fall.
