Skiing during your visit to the Berkshires?

By Kaylah Slattery

 

It’s that time of year to get bundled up and hit the slopes with family and friends. Luckily, here at the Yankee Inn we offer discounted tickets to the largest Ski Resort this side of New England and it’s only a 20 minute drive through scenic Berkshire County. Jiminy Peak has an elevation of 2380 ft with a vertical rise of 1150ft. The resort has stunning acreage of 167.4 that gives its patrons 45 different trails to choose from. Whether it’s the first time or the hundredth time, this mountain will have a trail most suitable for you. (You can sign up for lessons as well)

 Jiminy opens their trails on the weekends at 8:30am and features night skiing until 10pm, during the midweek you can ski from 9:00am to 10pm. But be sure to stop at the front desk to check the Ski Report that gets sent to the Yankee Inn early every morning to make sure you are getting the best conditions.

Standard Adult lift tickets range from $62-$74.00 depending on holidays and weekends. But if you request tickets when you make your reservation we can save you $10.00 off per 8 hour adult lift tickets, and even if you wait until the last minute you can save $5.00 off when you purchase them a la carte at the front desk. The hotel does also offer a Ski and Stay package which include one 8 hour adult lift ticket and a $25.00 gift certificate to a nearby restaurant great for families! Please contact the front desk for more information. You can either email us at reservations@yankeeinn.com or call the front desk directly toll free at (800) 835-2364 for further information and questions! 

Hilltop Orchards Moonlit Hike

By: Kaylah Slattery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hilltop Orchards offers much more than apples, although there are plenty of apples to be found in various ways. Apple baked goods such as pies and cider donuts; Johnny Mash hard apple cider and crisp delicious Apple Ice wine are readily available for purchase or to just enjoy by the fire in the Barrel Room.
In addition to the famous wine and pies, what sets this orchard above and beyond from
others, is the devastatingly beautiful Full Moon hike that takes its hikers throughout the
astonishing countryside of the famous Berkshire Hills. The hike begins promptly at 6:30pm and is about an hour and a half long. The guided hike pays homage to Native American traditions regarding the moon, and with weather permitting, snowshoeing is available and highly recommended. Afterwards there is a bonfire and free wine tasting to relax and enjoy the winter nights. The hike is for anyone 21 and older with a love of nature and great tasting wine. The next and last hike for 2012 is Saturday, December 29th and spots are filling up so RSVP now! For just $10 you are able to see the Berkshires in its truest magnificence and even enjoy the fruits of toil. Not enough time to RSVP? Still make the visit to the Orchard between 9am to 5pm daily, fresh apple cider donuts are waiting for you!

Address: 508 Canaan Rd/Route 295 Richmond MA 01254 (approx. 15 mins from the
Yankee Inn) Website: www.Hilltoporchards.com
Toll free number to make a reservation for the guided Moon lit hike: 800-833-6274

Winter Break Fun For The Whole Family

By Dawn Wyrick

So the holidays are just about over and the kids are off from school. What better way to keep the kids busy than a trip to The Norman Rockwell Museum for the Heroes & Villains Exhibit by Alex Ross. It will bring back memories for you and put smiles on the face of your children. It’s an event that will keep the whole family talking.

One would never expect to visit The Norman Rockwell Museum to see Comic Book art but these images are truly exceptional.

About the Artist

Considered one of the greatest artists in the field of comic books, Alex Ross has revitalized classic superheroes into works of fine art with his brilliant use of gouache paint. Just as Andy Warhol elevated soup can labels into multi-million dollar artworks, Ross has transformed comic books. By building on the foundation of the great artists who came before him—Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, John Romita, Neal Adams, George Perez, and others—Ross's paintings have revolutionized the comic book industry and transcended the newsstand origins of his profession.

SCHOOL VACATION WEEK PROGRAM:

Comic Creations! Wed, December 26 through Sun, December 30. 1:00p.m. - 5:00p.m.

Envision your own story lines and design unique comic book characters during this lively series of drop in art workshops inspired by the work of comic book master, Alex Ross. Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and other favorite superheroes will be on view! Free with Museum admission, members free.

The Norman Rockwell Museum is located in Stockbridge, just 20minutes from The Yankee Inn.

Museum Hours: November – April Weekdays 10am-4pm,

Weekends and Holidays: 10am-5pm

Address: 9 Route 183 Stockbridge, Ma 01262

Telephone: 413-298-4100

Free Jazz Jam at the Lichtenstein!

By Nicole Shove

Every month on the third Sunday, you’re invited to join the monthly free jazz jam at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts in downtown Pittsfield’s Up Street Cultural District. So come and sit back and enjoy an afternoon full of great music! You can also bring your instruments and join in!

 

            Every third Sunday from 3pm-5pm located at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts 28 Renne Avenue. 28 Renne Avenue, is located just off of Fenn Street between First and North Street.     

            The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts is a community arts center that is housed in a historic building in downtown Pittsfield. It is also one of Pittsfield’s city owned community arts center, which features nine working artist studios, a ceramics studio, community room, and an art gallery featuring changing exhibitions, classes, and performances. There are also workshops, and artist’s studios, along with many more activities!

Art shows! The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts features current work of local and regional artists and craftspeople, both well known and emerging.

Events & Performances! The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts features performances and readings by a variety of musicians, dancers, actors and poets.

Artist Studios! Nine individual artist rental studios are housed in the Lichtenstein Center, joining over 40 other working artist studios in downtown Pittsfield to create a thriving creative community.

Classes and Workshops! Local teaching artists lead a variety of classes at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts. Some of the classes offered at the Lichtenstein are Afro-Drumming, Ceramics, Hip Hop, Watercolor painting, Jazz Jam on the third Sundays of every month! And so much more!

  So while you are staying with us at the Yankee Inn, make sure that you take the time to stop by at the Lichtenstein center for the arts and join a class, look at all that they have to offer, and if it happens that you are with us on the third Sunday of the month, be sure that you bring an instrument! You may just feel the urge to join in with some Jazzing skills!

Hungry in the Berkshires?

By Kaylah Slattery

Mission Bar and Tapas sets the perfect mood for a cool sophisticated night out on the town in Downtown Pittsfield. Located at 438 North Street, the bar is an approximate ten minute drive north and is easy to find.

Let the stress of traveling and the sting of cold melt off as you enter this cozy hole in the wall. Take in the sensation of amazing smelling dishes wafting from the kitchen and begin making your wine selections. Luckily, if you happen not to be wine savvy, the bartender is both knowledgeable and eager to help make your choice as what to pair your meal with. 

Both the wine and beer list change periodically to give the bar patrons something new and flavorful every time. All the wines served here are from Spain and the six different beers on tap are ready to set your standards higher for micro craft. One brand Mission is proud to serve is one of our very own, Berkshire Brewing Company.  If your taste buds haven’t had the pleasure of tasting one of these beers, my recommendation would be BBC’s Steel Rail.

The menu is made up of mostly tapas or “small plates”. Don’t let size fool you for the impact of such an artistic blending of flavors will not leave you disappointed.  Try the fried calamari as you never have before and prepare for your mind to explode.

Mission has live entertainment throughout the week with Jazz music every Monday evening, and open mic nights on Tuesdays preformed by local talented musicians/songwriters.

Mission is just one of the various unique bars that we have here in the Berkshires, one that encompasses it all. Open every day from noon to midnight all offering great dining, great wine and great atmosphere for relaxing and enjoying one another’s company.

Follow the link below to take a look for yourself at the renovated menu and decide for yourself!

  Regular Menu:  http://www.missionbarandtapas.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/mish_menu_fall_2012.pdf

The Susan B. Anthony Museum

The Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum in Adams, Ma

The last time you probably ever heard the name, Susan B. Anthony was probably in elementary school, BUT, this woman rocked the history books!

 

She never married because she was too busy protecting the rights of women and children. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree in this family. Susan B. Anthony’s Father, Daniel, believed in equal treatment for boys and girls. Most girls did not receive a formal education in the early 1800's yet Susan and her three sisters had the same opportunity for advanced education as her two brothers. Susan attended a private Quaker boarding school in Philadelphia. Her family had a long tradition in the Quaker Society of Friends, and she was raised to value the precepts of society, humility, simplicity, and in particular, equality. The Anthony family was very active in the reform movements of the day. They worked for temperance (the prohibition of alcohol), the anti-slavery movement plus both of Susan B. Anthony's parents (Daniel and Lucy) and her sister Mary signed the "Declaration of Sentiments" at the Second Women's Rights Convention held in Seneca Falls, New York in 1848.

 

Gee, do you think this gal was a little busy? You be the judge:

Susan B. Anthony dedicated her life to "the cause," the woman suffrage movement. The accomplishments of Susan B. Anthony paved the way for the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920 (14 years after her death) which gave women the right to vote. Her accomplishments include the following:

• Founded the National Woman's Suffrage Association in 1869 with life-long friend Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Together they worked for women's suffrage for over 50 years.

• Published "The Revolution" from 1868-1870, a weekly paper about the woman suffrage movement whose motto read, "Men their rights and nothing more, women their rights and nothing less.

• First person arrested, put on trial and fined for voting on November 5, 1872. Unable to speak in her defense, she refused to pay "a dollar of your unjust penalty."

• Wrote the Susan B. Anthony Amendment in 1878 which later became the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote.

• Helped found the National American Woman's Suffrage Association in 1890 which focused on a national amendment to secure women the vote. She served as president until 1900.

• Compiled and published "The History of Woman Suffrage (4 vols. 1881-1902) with Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Matilda Joslyn Gage.

• Founded the International Council of Women (1888) and the International Woman Suffrage Council (1904) which brought international attention to suffrage.

• An organization genius -- her canvassing plan is still used today by grassroot and political organizations.

• Gave 75-100 speeches a year for 45 years, traveling throughout the the United States by stage coach, wagon, carriage and train.

• Led the only non-violent revolution in our country's history -- the 72 year struggle to win women the right to vote.

  

After Susan B. Anthony's death in August 26, 1920 , the women's suffrage amendment to the U.S. Constitution finally was ratified, including women as full voting citizens.

So take a moment to pay homage to this strong woman who fought tirelessly for the rights of women.

Adams, Massachusetts is just under 30 minutes North on Route 7 from The Yankee Inn. 

Birthplace Museum and Gift Shop Hours

Fall/Winter (Columbus Day-Memorial Day):

10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday, Friday & Saturday
11:30 am – 4:00 pm, Sunday

Spring/Summer (Memorial Day-Columbus Day):

10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Thursday-Monday.

 

Admission: Adults $6 | Seniors $4
Students $3 | Children 6 & Under: Free

Black Friday- Where to shop in the Berkshires

Dawn Wyrick

Shop ‘til You Drop Friday!

That’s right Shopaholics, Black Friday, one of the BIGGEST shopping days of the year, is right around the corner. Now that you’ve had time to sleep off that Turkey dinner, put on those shopping shoes and get moving. The Berkshires may be filled with many outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and nature trails, BUT we have all you need to fulfill your shopping needs.

If you’re looking for high-end brand name stores, The Lee Premium Outlets will provide you with the ULTIMATE shopping experience, located approximately 20mn from The Yankee Inn. Take your pick!

For the ladies, they have stores like Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein etc. For the guys, check out Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, and Michael Korrs and more. Let’s not forget the kids so take a stop at the Gap Outlet-Kids and Babies or Carters. Hungry? Rest those tired feet and refuel at The Food Court where you can pick up a quick snack at The Snack Shop or sit down and enjoy a nice meal from Jonathan’s Bistro or simply a Subway sandwich. Ok, great! Now that you are
re-energized, it’s time to get moving because you still need shoes and accessories, so mosey on over to Nine West,  Cole Haan, Claire’s Accessories and Sunglass Hut for the latest styles. Ladies, we know our day of shopping is never complete without a little bit of pampering, so why not treat yourself to a new perfume or body lotion at The Fragrance Outlet and Bath and Body Works. Since you’ve been such a trooper, fighting tons of other shopaholics bumping into you to get to those one time sale items, I think you deserve something sweet and what better place to indulge yourself then with Harry and David and Lindt Chocolates. Good Job!! I’d say it’s time for a nice long nap!

Wait! I’m not done. If you’re not ready for that nap just yet and want to continue your shopping spree for holiday gifts, pick up a latte, drop off your bags at The Yankee Inn, and head North on Rt 7 for about 20 mins towards The Berkshire Mall in Lanesborough. This will provide with the complete Mall experience. You name it, they got it. Every store you can imagine is there, along with Target and Sears. As the saying goes, “The Mall Has It ALL”. Why not complete your busy, busy day with a night at the movies. You got it! They have that too. Oh My Gosh. I’m exhausted just writing about all the shopping. I think I’ll indulge in a treat for myself. See you at the Mall!

Happy Shopping to all and to all a good night!

Dinner in the Berkshires- Restaurants open for Thanksgiving

Kayla Hebler

Thanksgiving Dinner in the Berkshires

 The holiday of Thanksgiving is upon us this upcoming week, and although most people spend the entire day eating with their family and friends some people visiting us at the Yankee Inn in Berkshires might need a place to eat. Luckily there are many great restaurants in the area serving a special meal!

 

Route 7 Grill located at 999 South Main Street, Great Barrington, will be serving Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet from 12:30-5 p.m. Adults $35 children under the age of 12 will be $17.50. To reserve seats call 413-528-3235.

Trattoria IL Vesuvio located at 242 Pittsfield Road, Lenox right up the street from our hotel will be serving a traditional New England style Thanksgiving Dinner from 12-7 p.m. To call ahead the phone number is 413-637-4904. 

Wheatleigh located at 11 Hawthorne Road, Lenox will be offering a more fancy and upscale 5 course Thanksgiving Tasting Menu from 2-7:30 p.m. with seating every thirty minutes at $145 per person.

We hope that if anyone is looking for a special place to eat, that these suggestions will help in your decision, Happy Thanksgiving!

For more click here

Christmas in the Berkshires begins in November!

By Nataliia Riva

After Thanksgiving Day is over, all the families around the country start getting ready to the most magical day in the year – Christmas! Aren’t you waiting for this beautiful time..? Decorated streets and houses, Christmas lights, Christmas trees, Christmas songs… everything reminding us about that wonderful childhood! And during this special time of the year, we believe that our dreams will come true!

Good News! In the Berkshires, you do not have to wait until December 24^th to feel the ambiance of a coming holiday, because here it begins in November!

“The town of Stockbridge, made famous by Norman Rockwell's painting of the village during the holidays, becomes a magical New England setting decorated with holiday wreaths and festive lights, as the town celebrates the 23rd annual Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas, November 30th, December 1st and 2nd. The holiday celebration offers a full range of activities, with highlights including a holiday house tours, caroling, and a holiday concert.

Capping off the weekend is a recreation on Sunday of the scene depicted in Main Street at Christmas, complete with vintage automobiles parked in the spots occupied in the painting. The day's activities include horse drawn rides, a visit from Santa, Roger the Jester, lunch at the Christmas Food Booth and much more.”

Including Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas, there are many different Christmas events to appeal to everyone’s taste:

November 16, 2012 - January 21, 2013

Norman Rockwell Museum: Home for the Holidays
A special seasonal presentation of Rockwell’s enduring holiday images, including original drawings for Hallmark cards, paintings inspired by Charles Dickens’ classic story, A Christmas Carol, and costumes and props featured in Rockwell’s artwork. 

December 1 & 2, 2012

3rd Annual Holiday Craft Fair 

Stockbridge Town Offices, 50 Main Street, Stockbridge

Free Admission, Show Hours: Saturday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM & Sunday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Here you will find unique hand crafted gifts by Berkshire Artisans, such as semi precious stone jewelry, hair enhancements, photographs, silk pocketbooks and jackets, Christmas ornaments, dolls, handbags, jackets, hats, scarves, mittens, aprons, bibs, quilts, placemats, poetry collage and pillows.

December 1, 2012

Christmas at the Colonial with Mary Verdi, with special guest Tony Lee Thomas

Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield

Show hours: 2pm and 7pm

Tickets: $20 for adults, $10 for children 16 and under

 

December 15-30, 2012 
A Christmas Carol, Berkshire Theatre Group

Colonial Theater, Pittsfield
Revel in the joy and redemptive power of Christmas as told in the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, the infamous miser who is reformed and shown the error of his ways by four spirits. Journey back to Victorian England and experience the classic story filled with terrific turns and infused with holiday music.

If you have a chance to be in the Berkshires, you can’t miss these events that will bring you joy and feeling of upcoming Christmas festivity!

National Shrine of Divine Mercy-Peace & Tranquility in the Berkshires

By Dawn Wyrick

In Need of Some Peace and Tranquility?

Whether you’re on vacation, business or a local resident, The National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Ma is the place to be. The hustle and bustle of daily activities can slow us down. Take a breather and head on over to Eden Hill. This beautiful Shrine is located just 15 minutes from The Yankee Inn, in the back roads of Main Street, Stockbridge and sits on 350 acres of open land. Across from The Red Lion Inn, Pine Street will take you right up the hill to the Shrine.

As you approach the Shrine parking lot, you’re journey begins with the most beautiful mountain views. This is your one-stop shop to the peace and tranquility you are looking for. Nature, prayer, art, history and shopping. Walking the grounds and taking in the peace and quiet will calm your spirit. The Church, located in the center of the grounds, has a daily itinerary, which includes Mass at 2pm. The Shrine is open between 9am and 5pm. Here you will encounter beautiful architecture, artistic detail in the stained glass windows and paintings within the Church.

And what better way to end your day then by shopping at their gift shop. This is the perfect place to start your holiday shopping. It’s quite large so give yourself a good hour for browsing.

The Shrine has been run by The Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception since 1943. You will encounter Priests and Seminarians who have a very welcoming spirit, so if you need a good chat, feel free to talk with them. The Message of Divine Mercy is their main mission, bringing God’s love and mercy to all in need. They travel all over the world, speaking at Churches and schools. They are located all over the world and very dedicated in their vocation. 

The Shrine has many different events but the most prominent of them all is Divine Mercy Sunday, which is the Sunday after Easter, where people from all over the world travel to the National Shrine for a day of many spiritual and educational activities. It is open to all faiths.                                    

There is so much to know about the Shrine and The Marians, so I encourage you to visit their website at www.thedivinemercy.org and learn about Divine Mercy. It will truly change your life.

So give yourself a break and regroup. Many people go to the spa and get a massage; consider this visit a spiritual massage. You will leave the Shrine feeling relaxed and smiling because you opened your heart to God’s love. 

THEN, after The Shrine, head on down to Main Street for food and more shopping!