ANIMACTIONS
UNLIMITED
BEYOND THE BERKSHIRES
EXTENDED DAY TRIPS THAT CAN BE MADE WITHOUT LIVING OUT OF A SUITCASE
ENJOY A BREAKFAST SERVED IN THE BERKSHIRES TO BE FOLLOWED WITH A FULL DAY OF EXPLORING AND DISCOVERY
VERMONT AND THE GREEN MOUNTAINS
Immediately beyond Williamstown and North Adams lies Vermont and the Green Mountains (that's what "Vermont" means in French). If you are traveling on Route 7, one first arrives at Pownal, situated in a lovely valley surrounded by the first range of the Green Mountains. BENNINGTON is the first major town, where there is much to see, including the GRANDMA MOSES MUSEUM and the BENNINGTON BATTLE MONUMENT. Continuing north on Route 7A(using 7A instead of 7), arrive at the charming village of ARLINGTON, where HILDENE, the home of Robert Todd Lincoln is located. MANCHESTER, another town that truly defines "Vermont", lies shortly beyond. You might like to stop at THE EQUINOX HOTEL for a break or a fine dinner, and if time permits, MANCHESTER CENTER'S fine shops and outlet stores can add to your shopping needs. Back to your Berkshire address without unpacking.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK
Thanks to its accessibility via Interstate Routes I-90 and I-87, Saratoga Springs is an ideal destination for a day trip, which can be reached in about 2 hours. The city enjoys a rich and historical background back to the period referred to as the "Gilded Age", when the wealthy summered here to enjoy its spa waters. Many buildings, including the dowager Gideon Putnam Hotel referring to that time, still stand in good use and preservation. The Saratoga Race Track is internationally famous, and the Saratoga Festival, summer home to the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra, as well as other popular artist performances, enjoys a special recognition. There are plenty of restaurants to enjoy fine dining.
STURBRIDGE RESTORATION
Engage the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) at either West Stockbridge (Exit 1) or Lee (Exit 2), and go east to Sturbridge (Exit 9). In about 90 minutes later, arrive for a full day of exploring this famous recreation of 19th century New England. The admission charge is well worth the investment as one can spend an entire day reliving the past with numerous authentic landmarks to entertain and educate at http://www.osv.org/Welcome.html.
THE HUDSON VALLEY
Have an early breakfast. Within a two to three hour driving time range, there's a lot to see and to do. History, scenery, shopping...take your pick, or do them all. You might want to start by entering New York State via Route 20. The first town that is reached is New Lebanon. At this point, turn left (south) on Route 22. After a scenic drive, turn left (west) on Route 295. (NOTE: as an alternate, take Route 41 to Richmond, Mass., and then turn on to Route 295 to then enter New York State). Drive past the little village of CANAAN, continuing to time forgotten CHATHAM. At this point, Route 295 leads into Route 66, which will take you all the way to HUDSON. This is a paradise mecca for antique browsers. Warren Street, the city's main street has been restored to an earlier 20th century look, and it is lined with antique shops. If art and history are prioritized in your itinerary, you might like to drive up to nearby OLANA, the hilltop mansion designed by Frederick Church of the Hudson River School of painting. It's Persian like structure commands an imposing view of the Hudson Valley. 45 minutes south via Route 9 is HYDE PARK, where you can visit the VANDERBILT MANSION, or the HOME OF FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT. The Taconic State Parkway is a delightful alternate return route.
THE CATSKILL MOUNTAINS
This might be referred to as a "Journey Between Two Mountains", that is The Berkshires and The Catskills. After all, they are only separation by the Hudson River. Following the same route as described above leading to HUDSON, NY, one will be awed by the stark outline of these steep mountains. Crossing the Hudson River via the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, one arrives at the quaint village of CATSKILL. Following Route 9W south, take Route 23A, a very charming country road that goes through PALENVILLE. (NOTE: for those interested in seeing beasts of the exotic, the CATSKILL GAME FARM is nearby). Beyond Palenville the RIP VAN WINKLE TRAIL is the continuation of Route 23A, scenically leading past gorges and waterfalls as well as the rapids of Schoharie Creek. This is a scenic high point. HAINES FALLS and TANNERSVILLE are the next towns after reaching the trail's summit. HUNTER (famous as a winter ski resort), has many summer festivals that lend ethnic flavor and offers beautiful scenery. At JEWETT, there is a charming Ukrainian Church, which may deserve a visit. The seemingly sleepy little hamlet of LEXINGTON can appear deceiving, for it is a very active artist community. Follow Route 42 south to SHANDAKEN, where it junctions with Route 28. Turn right (west) via Big Indian and Pine Hill to HIGHMOUNT, and make a left turn to climb up to the summit of BELLAYRE MOUNTAIN for a sweeping panoramic view. If you love trains, proceed to ARKVILLE and take a ride on the DELAWARE & ULSTER RAILWAY. A return route can take you through the famous art village of WOODSTOCK, or if history is your preference, via KINGSTON. The Taconic State Parkway is a scenic return route back to your Berkshire starting point.
Wandering
further beyond? 