Tanglewood 2013 – 76th Season

By: Rebecca Simmons

After a spectacular 75^th anniversary season in 2012, Tanglewood promises not to disappoint in 2013. This year Tanglewood will offer music lovers a variety of performances including Boston Symphony Orchestra, Melissa Etheridge, Yo-Yo Ma, the Mark Morris Dance Group and much more that you just don’t want to miss!

 

Although the Tanglewood season doesn’t officially kick off until July 5^th, popular performances begin in mid June, which is right around the corner! Don’t wait another moment to plan your summer getaway to the Berkshires; with the line-up Tanglewood has to offer this year you won’t want to miss it!

Whether you come to the Berkshires every summer to enjoy Tanglewood or this is your first trip to the area, Tanglewood has many great programs that you can take advantage of. If you plan to visit Tanglewood several times you can take advantage of the Tanglewood Lawn Pass Book. There are tickets for Saturday Morning Rehearsals so you can spend an entire day at Tanglewood starting with the rehearsal,  then perhaps a tour of the grounds, maybe lunch in one of the cafés on property followed by the afternoon or evening performance.                                                                   

Are you a young adult and this is going to be your first Tanglewood experience? If so, you are a perfect match for a new program: Under 40, Tickets for $20! This offer is new at Tanglewood, but thousands of guests take advantage of this program every year at Symphony Hall.

Maybe you love the arts as much as you love music, if so then Tanglewood has the package for you! The Clark Ticket Package, this unique offer gives you one lawn ticket and a ticket to the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown.

Tanglewood also has several family friendly events throughout the summer that will entertain your children as well. On August 24^th, Tanglewood presents their Family Concert which will provide an engaging and educational music experience for you and your children!

As you can see, Tanglewood certainly has something to offer for everyone this year. For a complete listing of all of the events for 2013 you can visit their website for more details! And remember, it is never too early (or too late) to make your summer reservations, popular Tanglewood Events fill up fast, and you don’t want to miss your favorite concert! 

Mad Jacks Authentic BBQ in the Berkshires!

By Kaylah Slattery

 

Nothing gets you ready for summer like BBQ and now authentic BBQ has blessed the Berkshires! Finally a reason to live again! All right that might be a little extreme but that’s just how good Mad Jacks BBQ is! A local resident of Pittsfield has taken over North Street with the smell of all natural wood smoked pork, beef, and chicken and no one is complaining! Everything is rubbed vigorously with secret seasonings for a signature taste that will leave your mouth watering. 

With a list of perfectly prepared items it’s hard to choose where to start. I’m on a mission to try absolutely everything in due time. I will say that the pulled pork salad was phenomenal, and the chili was unlike anything in this world! It was a perfect meal for someone like me, looking to indulge while also maintaining a healthy diet. There are also many other great salads of epic portion size to choose from, along with a vegetarian section. Now for the rest of you, who just want to stuff your faces with the closest thing to southern BBQ, try the St. Louis whole rack of ribs with a nice thick slice of homemade corn bread for $17.95.  Just ten minutes north on route 7 & 20 from the Yankee Inn, order a complete dinner for the family to go and have a nice picnic by the pond at back at the Inn.  

Live music happens on a weekly basis, smooth jazz and soulful blues set the perfect atmosphere for dinner or brunch!

Upcoming this May

Starting Tonight, May 16^th  Blue Jazz featuring Dave Bartley  

Sunday, May 19^th  Blues Brunch featuring Gina Coleman & the Misty Blues

          

                                 

  

Saturday May 25^th the Zack Cross Trio

   

Located at 295 North Street in Pittsfield, open Tuesday through Sunday. Tuesday & Wednesday 11-9 Thursday & Friday 11-10 Saturday 12-9 and Sunday open from 12-7pm.

Follow the link below to Mad Jacks menu!

http://www.madjacksbbqonline.com/uploads/MADJACKS_MENU_2012__1_.pdf

Mother's Day at Ventfort Hall and Gilded Age Museum - Lenox, MA

By Kaylah Slattery

 

Ventfort Hall Mansion is a historical centerpiece for the quite village of Lenox Massachusetts. Built in the 19^th century, the Jacobean mansion celebrates a time unlike any other. The Gilded Age was a revival for America. Catching the attention of a million Europeans who hoped that one they day could have the American Dream. For the first time America was leading the race to Industrialization and had begun to reap our accomplishments. And why not? The Railroad Industry had catapulted us into a new way of life, with Factories, Mining, and Labor Unions all contributing to the enormous growth of our Country during the time period.

The Mansion itself is 1 out of 75 other Berkshire summer “Cottages” throughout Lenox and Stockbridge. Ventfort Hall was designed by well known Boston architects Rotch & Tilden who were responsible for at least four other summer cottages in the area. The 28,000 sq. ft Mansion is made up of 28 rooms, 15 bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, 17 fireplaces, along with a salon, billiard room and a bowling alley. It now sits on a plush and beautifully maintained 11.7 acres of land. For 1893, the house had the latest modern amenities such as combined electric and gas light fixtures, ventilated bathrooms, elevators, and even burglar alarms and central heating. Lenox became a popular Gilded Age resort that offered a quiet, serene cornucopia of Cultural Arts for those looking to escape from the busy hot cities during summer. The area would attract many wealthy philanthropists, quirky writers such as Herman Melville, and great big business tycoons. Roscoe Bonsal was no exception; in 1925 he and his wife Mary rented the mansion for seven years. Bonsal was known for having the first cross-state Railroad in Flordia.  Ventfort Hall was later on used for many purposes starting in 1945 as a dormitory for Tanglewood students, and later on Fokine Ballet Summer Camp. By the mid 1980 the property was threatened with demolition with plans of a Nursing Home for the future. Luckily a couple of locals were able to assemble the Ventfort Hall Association in 1994 to try and preserve this historic icon and by 1997 they succeeded with the help of many donors and a 5 year loan from the National Trust of Historic Preservation. The property, all 28,000 sq. ft was sold to the tune of $500,000.

 

 

Today Ventfort Hall has the complete first floor and many second floor rooms available for public tours. Renovations are still carrying on, but the mansion has come a long way and now is a home for lectures, exhibits, enthusiast, cultural performances and weddings.

A quick fun fact? Wondering why the mansion looks familiar? It was used for multiple scenes in Cider House Rules as the St. Clouds Orphanage.

 

 

 

 

 

This year for Mother’s day:

          Ventfort Hall and Gilded Museum has cordially invited all Grandmothers, Mothers, Daughters, and Grandchildren to attend an evening Victorian Tea Party and Ballet Celebration!

Saturday May 11^th will be a day of grace, beauty, and music for the girls that one shall not forget soon! The performance starts at 3:30pm and goes on until 5:30pm. The ballet shall be performed by the American Dance Institute Ensemble of Pittsfield directed by Sharon MacDonald and by the Albany Berkshire Junior Ballet Company and the Cantarella School of Dance directed by Deidre Duffin Swindlehurst. The company will be performing excerpts of classical Ballet.

Along with the Pink Tea Party and Ballet the popular collection Les Petite Dames de Mode (The Little Ladies of Fashion) exhibit will be on view offering 61 exquisite  29 inch mannequins draped in period costume from 1855-1914. Afterwards make sure to stop by the Museum Shop for anything Victorian!

 

The Ventfort Hall is located in beautiful Lenox and is approximately 6 minutes from the Yankee Inn. Tickets are $20.00 for non- members and $7.00 for children 5-17 years of age. Children under the age of 4 are free!

 

Please call 413-637-3206 for reservations and any further information. 

Cultural Arts in Berkshire County - MASS MoCA

MASS MoCA is unlike any art museum I have ever visited. If you are a fan of modern art and are searching for the next big thing then you need to head up to North Adams, MA on your next trip to the Berkshires.

Spring Activities in the Berkshires- Meet the Baby Animals

By Nicole Brooks

 

It’s that time of year again! Make some family memories with a special Behind-the-Scenes guided tour with the Baby Animals at Hancock Shaker Village! Available daily April 13^th through May 5^th at 2pm as well as 10am during the weekends. Families can get up close and personal by helping at feeding time and having special access to the newborns! Your private guided tour includes a fun-filled gift bag with goodies from the Hancock Shaker Village Store, and also includes a framed photo of your group to commemorate your visit. 

Baby Animals at the Shaker Farm is a fun and educational learning experience for children of all grade levels as well as adults. Following an introduction by one of the staff members at the Hancock Shaker Village, your family can watch artisans and gardeners at work, marvel at the sights and sounds of the 1858 water turbine, and delight in the heritage breeds in the Round Stone Barn. Hands-on activities in the Discovery Room include trying on Shaker-style clothing, weaving on a loom, and milking a life-sized replica of a Holstein cow. While making some family memories you can enjoy a nice picnic with your family in Hancock’s picnic area, as well as shared indoor seating. 

While you are enjoying your stay with us at the Yankee Inn, Make sure you stop on over to Hancock Shaker Village and make some memories with your family, and check out those Baby Animals! Space on each tour is very limited and it is encouraged that you ensure your spot by registering in advance. 

St. Pattys in the Berkshires

 By Laura Curley

Delightful to some and with much dismay to others, winter is still in full effect in the beautiful Berkshires! Old Man Winter is still supplying fluffy, natural snow on all five of our local ski resorts; sledding, skiing, tubing, and snowboarding are still being enjoyed all over the county. With March fast approaching, (in two days!) one thing comes to mind: Spring skiing and boarding! Jiminy Peak, Butternut, and Bousquet all have fabulous and extremely entertaining St. Patrick’s Day festivities on their respective mountains. These fun filled, family days include all kinds of silliness, surely to bring the leprechaun out in anyone, Irish or not! Picture tray races on food trays down the entire mountain, a massive slush pool to be flown over by the bravest of Paddy's, delicious, authentic meals of corned beef and cabbage, Irish beers on tap at great prices, and the best part.. green snow! It truly is a spectacular time to visit the Berkshires, for great skiing and great fun. If being surrounded by snow is not your idea of a traditional St. Patrick’s Day.

            

The Berkshires are full of incredible, three, four, and five star restaurants to provide your taste buds with all of the comforting, unique, and delicious flavors of Ireland. The Yankee Inn, located conveniently on rt. 7 in Lenox, is less than twenty minutes away from all five ski resorts, and less than fifteen minutes from excellent shopping, dining, and world- renowned museums. We would love for you to join us during this festive time of year!

 

 

 

 

“Spirited Wines”

 

Are you in the ‘Spirited’ mood? Well for those of you that are 21 years of age or older, Spirited, Wine, Food and Spirits is the place to be.

Jim Nejaime, who is a long-time wine merchant & his experienced crew invite you to visit their premier shop in the Berkshires located at 444 Pittsfield Rd. Lenox. They take great pride in their extensive selection of wines and travel around the world to bring you only the greatest values, rare gems and the finest quality to satisfy your palate. To complement your shopping experience they also offer artisanal cheeses, specialty foods, discount liquors, craft beers and more.

Now a person that typically really only likes white wines and sparkling wines, I will be the first to tell you that Spirited, has a very nice assortment of wines that any pallet would appreciate whether you prefer whites to reds or reds to whites. But if wine isn’t something that pulls you this direction, then you should also check out their different types of beers! They have beers that range from an ale all the way to smoked beers. Now beer and wine isn’t the only thing that Spirited provides for their customers, they also supply an arraignment of aged single malt Scotch Whiskeys, Bourbons, Vodkas and so much more!

If you are in the Berkshires during the summer and on going to Tanglewood, but don’t have the right foods for the occasion, then Spirited is the place to go! At Spirited they make it easy for you and they offer many choices for your picnic that includes The Berkshire Classic for Four People, Picnic Mediterranean Tapas for Four, Picnic French Country for Two and so many more!

So if you are in the area stop in, because when and doubt I am sure they will have what you are looking for!!

Fine Dining on Valentine's Day

By: Kaylah Slattery

 

Valentine’s Day is tomorrow, and if you are anything like me, you are now last minute frantically trying to plan something memorable for your sweetheart. Good news! The Berkshires is not only a great getaway spot that is centrally located from both Boston and New York City, but it’s also bubbling with romance around every bend! Whether it is fine dining, gourmet chocolates, or even a romantic moon lit hike, this year’s Valentines will surely be one of a kind that only Berkshire County can offer. Stunning scenery already sets the backdrop for a night filled with love.  As you take in the fresh crisp air let yourself and your significant other relax in our romantic Fire Spa suites with wood burning fire places and a Jacuzzi bath for two with a luxurious King Canopy bed. If you really want to surprise him or her take advantage of our Romance package during your stay and receive wine 

 

 

and chocolates waiting for you in the room, dinner for two at the nearby Dakota Steak house and a $5.00 certificate to renowned gourmet chocolate café, The Chocolate Springs! A great addition for only $40.00 when you mention the package when booking!    
   

 

 

If looking to explore what the Berkshires has to offer, visit the Gateway Inn in Lenox for their simple yet exquisite Valentine’s Day Dinner. Enjoy a performance by Kathryn Stewart and Bob Shepherd as they celebrate the night with “Songs of Love and Desire”. Dinner and entertainment is from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Will need to call ahead for reservations at (413) 637-2532.   You can view the menu online at http://www.gatewaysinn.com/packages/valentines-2013.htm

Chez Nous in Lee is a warm and inviting French restaurant offering Valentine’s Day specials starting with $8.00 cocktails and an exclusively priced menu filled with seductive offerings. The quaint little town of Lee is approximately 15 minutes from the Yankee Inn. Reservations are recommended. You can call (413) 243-6397.  View their menu online at http://cheznousbistro.com/menus/dinner-menu     

 

Last but certainly not least Fiori Ristorante in Great Barrington is welcoming their guests with sensational Italian cuisine with an option of a Prix Fixe menu for $55.00 per person or order a la carte off the regular menu which changes daily. Enjoy being serenaded by light beautiful harp strings while dining. Every lucky lady is greeted with their own long stem rose as well. Call or make reservations online for convenience at www.fioriresturant.com (413) 528-0351.

Any of these magnificent restaurants are sure to wow and captivate in flavor, hospitality, and atmosphere.

Hurry Up and make reservations for the Yankee Inn our romantic Fire Spas are selling quickly! You can do so by visiting our website, www.yankeeinn.com , or you can call the front desk directly toll free at (800) 835-2364. 

Berkshire County Presents The Colonial Theater!

In Downtown Pittsfield, the Colonial Theatre is one of the last of its kind. A true turn of the century classic theatre opened originally in 1903, has been brought back to life in August of 2006.

Now beautifully renovated, with original gilded art maintained, this ornate theatre has given Berkshire County a magical setting for Operas, Musicals, Ballets and Concerts.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Located at 111 South St in Pittsfield, it’s only minutes from the Yankee Inn and very easy to find. Parking is limited at the Theatre itself but nearby businesses graciously let theatre go-ers park for free! There are many treats to be found on South/ North Street. Art Galleries, live music, great dining options and quaint shops embellish the whole strip. Because of its great location, one can easily walk to many of the coffee shops and grab something delicious and hot to sip before the show, or just take a right out of the theatre and walk past the Berkshire Museum to Patrick’s Pub after the performance for a great dinner. Round the night out with a drink from their vast selection of Beer, Cocktails, and Wines. Of course, the Colonial also has a nice variety of concessions as well. Sounds like a perfect date night that will leave travelers feeling relaxed and fulfilled with a genuine night out in the Berkshires!

 

Coming Up Next:

Celebrate the 80’s in February for the upcoming concert sing along with Power Balladz! Reminiscing never felt as good as belting out the lyrics to favorites such as “Sister Christian” and “Every Rose has its Thorn” with hundreds of others in the audience! Bring on the spandex and hairspray and be ready to rock!  Tickets are just $25.00 and the show starts at 8:00 pm on Saturday, February 9^th,2013. 

 Ticket Office hours are Monday-Friday from 10am-5pm, and 10am-2pm on Saturdays. You can call the Box Office at (413) 997-4444 for advance purchases.

 

For the Devout Dunkers! Berkshire Biscotti

By: Nicole Shove 

            David’s biscotti, located at 11 Lombard Street in Pittsfield MA and are known for their biscotti that are baked in the Italian tradition and are known and loved by devout dunkers everywhere!           

David’s Biscotti is a specialty bakery, with a focus on producing fine Italian style 
biscotti cookies. They use traditional Italian biscotti recipes and methods, and are able to provide quality product that is becoming harder to find in the highly automated industries of today. David’s crispy biscotti are produced naturally, by bakers who are passionate about their trade, and who all agree, there's nothing else that they would rather be doing.

            A brief summary and history of the biscotti all began over a hundred years ago when Italian seafaring men discovered that twice baking allowed their baked goods to last longer at sea. Since they are very dry and crunchy, it made people want to dunk them. In Italy, for the most part are typically served as an after-dinner dessert with a Tuscan fortified wine called Vin Santo. Outside of Italy, they more frequently accompany by coffee, including cappuccinos and lattes, or black tea. In Spain, biscotti’s are usually served with a small glass of a sweet dessert wine, such asmuscat or moscatell.

            David’s Biscotti offers a variety of biscotti that come either individually packaged or in bulk. Some of their flavorings include; Classic Almond, Mocha Hazelnut, Chocolate Cherry Amaretto, Lemon Cranberry Pistachio, Double Chocolate Espresso, Chocolate Raspberry Almond, Coconut Macadamia, and Blueberry Vanilla Almond. For those vegan desirers, David’s also provides dairy and egg free biscotti’s that come in Cranberry Almond flavoring along with Anise Almond! David’s Biscotti makes it possible for you to look at their nutrition as well.           

            So stop at David’s Biscotti while you are enjoying what the Berkshires has to offer and try their famous Italian style biscotti! And if you are only staying for a short amount of time, and can’t make it to their store…NO WORRIES! You can place an order on their website (info@davidsbiscotti.net) and have their biscotti’s delivered to you at your home in your convenience. You never know, you may just become the next devout dunker!