Posted on Fri, Sep 21, 2012 @ 09:00 AM
Kayla Hebler
Many people come to visit the Berkshires in the summer but the fall season is the absolute best to visit here. When the leaves turn from green to orange, red, brown and yellow colors is called Fall Foliage here. It has been reported as one of the warmest summers ever for Berkshire County, it has also been one of the driest which stresses out the trees and land, which may advance the time that the colors change, but have no doubt about it that we will have an extended leaf season starting around Columbus Day.
Although it may be taking a little bit longer nature will do its part and have these beautiful leaves change in no time. Here is the chemistry behind Fall Foliage in BerkshireCounty: As summer daylight hours shorten and darkness lengthens, a hormone composed of a sugar-like substance travels down the stems of deciduous leaves to the point where they attach to the branches. There the hormone causes cells to stiffen; creating a ring that tightens around the stem, preventing the passage of water to the leaves. (That ring is visible at the end of a downed leaf stem.) Without water the chlorophyll cannot survive, so leaves stop manufacturing food and the green color that masks the yellow pigment of the leaves. In addition, in some species the hormone generates red but, contrary to the general perception, fall is primarily the time of unmasking rather than of adding color to leaves.
The entire process is so interesting; it only takes place in deciduous trees, those that drop their leaves all at once. In essence, the leaves are choked to death, yet with the golden promise that the trees themselves don’t die and will sprout new leaves profusely in the spring. While cold nights assist the deciduous miracle, the timing depends primarily on day length. So cool!
So come visit the Berkshires during the fall season, it is worth it and so romantic and magical to just go for a walk and observe all that nature has to offer!
Posted on Thu, Sep 20, 2012 @ 09:00 AM
Kayla Hebler
My favorite time of the year is finally here and one of the most special festivals to me is this next weekend. Apple Squeeze Festival has celebrated all good things that autumn has to offer in the Berkshires. This will be the 33rd annual celebration in downtown Lenox, same as every year full of food, fun, shopping and quality family time.
My Dad has taken me every year since I was little being that we are local, and I love spending the day eating great food, laughing and enjoying the fresh air. The little town is packed with food vendors, music, shopping, and much more, especially for kids! There is face painting, hair wrapping and all sorts of fun activities like the hay rides around the town!
My first thing I go for is the corn chowder stand because I am obsessed with it, the stand is there every year and it is the best chowder I have ever had! It warms you up and fills you up too. The second course is always a corn dog because that’s a classic and they taste so good. There are so many more vendors, I remember last year they sold tacos in a bag, you pick your favorite chips and they mix it up with fresh Mexican ingredients, very tasty.
The real reason you should go to Apple Squeeze is obviously for the food, but of course apples! There are all sorts of fresh apple deserts for sale at this festival andcarmeland candy apples are a huge seller. Don’t forget apple cider and apple cider doughnuts they go hand in hand!
So if you’re visiting this weekend go to down town Lenox and check it out! It’s a fun couple of days to enjoy with friends or family.
Posted on Wed, Sep 19, 2012 @ 09:00 AM
Nataliia Riva
Summer time is over with all its fun on the lakes, rivers, and beaches… Now, it’s time for the romantic and colorful Fall! But don’t think that you can’t have fun, because in the Berkshires there is always something to do!!!
Ioka Valley Farm is a great place for the whole family. From an Indian word ioka means "beautiful", and it really is beautiful if you love nature. “Ioka Valley Farm is the home to pure maple syrup and specialty maple products, natural hormone-free beef, outstanding sweet strawberries in summer, perfect pumpkins and squash during the fall, fragrant real Christmas trees in winter, and contented farm animal.” Mid-September through Halloween is the time of the pumpkin patch.
If you are looking for travelling with your children, you will definitely have to visit the farm's agricultural amusements. Weekends from mid-September through October you can take a free hayride on the “Giant Pumpkin” wagon, or in the “Haunted House” to the Pumpkin Patch, where you can found a fine selection of orange orbs. In fact, there are so many attractive selections, that it’s difficult to agree on the perfect pumpkin! Ioka Valley Farm also offers the chance to pick your own Indian Corn! If you don’t want to look for your own pumpkin or corn, you may visit their farm stand for a cornucopia of pre-picked pumpkins and other Fall specialties, such as decorations, gift, souvenirs, as well as homemade pies, cookies, Pumpkin Woopie Pie, cider, apples, and other snacks.
Ioka Valley has an outdoor farm-theme playground that does not look like a contemporary playground for kids. But I am sure they will have fun there just because it’s not what they’ve seen before. This will be a simple and a low-tech fun without all the Disney-like machinery. This is a place for you if you are not afraid of kids getting dirty or need seat belts for everything your children do. This is old-fashioned fun. A tractor pulling linked radio flyers around the field, a maze made of hay bales, tractor trikes in a barn, petting area, a slide made out of corrugated plastic pipe, and adult pedal-powered go-carts.
Come and check it out! You won’t be disappointed!
Ioka Valley Farm is located at 3475 Massachusetts 43, Hancock, MA 01237
(413) 738-5915
Posted on Wed, Sep 12, 2012 @ 09:00 AM
Kaylah Slattery
Looking for a way to stay fit and enjoy the scenic Berkshires without having to climb a mountain? Then I know you’ll enjoy the Ashuwillticook Rail trail. Approximately a fifteen minute drive north from our quaint Inn, you’ll find a newly renovated, smoothly paved biking trail that runs from Lanesboro to North Adams creating a perfect 22 mile stretch of warm Lake Fronts to cooling canopies overhead, of motivation. Now just because it’s a bike trail doesn’t mean that one must be accompanied by a ten speed. Actually there are all varieties of physical equipment to be spotted on the trail. I personally try and rollerblade at least five miles every other day. As long as there is no motor and you are moving at your own sweat and strength it’s allowed.
Great news for dog lovers! The rail trail is canine friendly! Pack up the pooch and set off. Sit back and relax on one of the many conveniently placed picnic tables/ benches while ol’ yeller chases geese or any other of the returning critters that have made the lakeside their home.
Ashuwill—What? I know, what a mouthful! Fun fact, the Rail Trail has been so accurately named since the word Ashuwillticook comes from an old Native American word for the south Branch of the Hoosic Valley River, meaning in today’s terms, “the pleasant river in between two hills”. Which as you see in the picture below there are some glorious views of the nearby Greylock Mountain and The Hoosac Range.
Whether it’s just you, or the whole family, I’m sure everyone will be able to find something to keep them occupied. Push the stroller, walk the dog, run your heart out, race your brother/sister to the end or lay out and soak up some sun while Dad goes fishing. Rent Kayaks marvel at the sights while you tone you arms. You’ll be surprised when you look down at your watch and see that it’s time for dinner already! No matter what you decide to do at the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail have fun! Come back to the Yankee Inn for a great suggestion for dinner and then hit the hay! So what are you waiting for?
Posted on Sun, Sep 09, 2012 @ 09:00 AM
Kayla Hebler
Tired of going to a local ice cream parlor for desert when on vacation? Lucky for both tourists and locals Barrington Bites has the perfect treats to savor after a nice dinner, or even if you just have a sweet tooth. Barrington Bites specializes in making gourmet mini cupcakes and is located in the Chef Shop at 31 Railroad Street in Great Barrington, Mass.
Bakers and friends Sherri Gorelick and Wendy Weinberg spent months on perfecting their recipes and getting feedback from potential customers, which resulted in 40 unique flavors that were keepers. They have flavors such as “Chocolate Stout” made with decadent dark chocolate, infused with Guiness buttercream, or how about trying and “Elvis” made with a chocolate banana cupcake with smooth peanut butter buttercream and topped with…BACON! Don’t knock it till you try it.
They also have many ever changing season flavors like Pumpkin, Eggnog, Maple, Gingerbread and many more. For the month of August try some summer flavors that are light and tangy like ”Pink Lemonade” or “Fresh Strawberry”. Stuffed flavors such as an “Almond Joy” is a dark chocolate cupcake stuffed with almond/coconut buttercream and topped with fresh shredded coconut, or a “Creamsicle” which is an orange flavor cake stuffed with Madagascar bourbon and vanilla whipped buttercream.
The flavors all sound so exciting and the proof is there, all you have to do it try one! And don’t be too sad if you’re not coming to the Berkshires, because you can go online and order them to be shipped to you wherever “home” may be.
Barringtonbites.com
Posted on Fri, Sep 07, 2012 @ 09:00 AM
Kaylah Slattery
Now that summer is just about over and fall is already whispering at our ears it’s time for a fun family tradition to begin. I’m talking Apple Picking! If you are planning a trip to come check out the foliage this year why not add this to your list? Hilltop Orchards is approximately fifteen minutes away from the Yankee Inn and has a plethora of activities to offer the family.
I’ll start with the most obvious, Pick your own apples. Can’t think of a better way to welcome autumn, oh wait yes I can. The next activity on the list is free hayrides on the weekend. Take a little tour while you sip some hot cider that’s made right at the orchard while you take in the scenic view! Need more physical activity? Well you are still in the right place. Hilltop offers a range of trails/hikes from easy to moderate. You can even sign up for a guided tour so you don’t miss out anything spectacular or if you are feeling adventurous sign up for the Blue Moon hike at night. There is one once a month and September’s is coming up. Hurry!
Before you leave the orchard you must stop in at the winery farm store for succulent pies and sweet warm baked goods to take back to the Hotel and of course share with the friendly Front desk Staff….just kidding, but seriously. The Lemon Blueberry pie is to die for. Honestly, people should be warned. Be advised to purchase enough to share equally...or else.
Now I’m sure some of you reading that last paragraph notice “winery” immediately. Stop talking about pies and get on with the wine...I hear you. Obviously you are going to want to at least partake in the free wine tasting of one wine at your choice. Yes I said Free. Because it is! If you would like to try five more, which is always a great idea it’s just an additional five dollars. What a deal.
If you are thinking that this place must be too good to be true, check out the website yourself, just click below!
Posted on Tue, Sep 04, 2012 @ 09:00 AM
Mick Huska
One of the more secluded areas of The Berkshires is the town of Monterey. Located south of Lee and just to the east of Great Barrington, Monterey is a great little town that’s away from everything. I frequently visit my friend who lives there and I am upset every time I have to head back home.
Monterey is not well known amongst tourists and well… even the locals since it’s so far off the beaten path. But it does have a lot to offer those who want to step away from Lenox or Stockbridge for a while. The first thing you should do is visit the Bidwell House Museum on Art School road.
Per the Bidwell House website:
“The Bidwell House Museum, set in the Berkshire hills of Western Massachusetts, is an elegant Georgian saltbox originally built circa 1750 as a parsonage. Authentically restored, filled with antiques and surrounded by 192 acres of beautiful grounds and hiking trails, the museum tells the story of the early settlement of the Berkshires. The museum is open Thursday through Monday between 11 am and 4 pm from Memorial Day to Columbus Day, with tours on the hour.”
After a trip to the Bidwell House, stop and relax at Lake Garfield located on Tyringham Road in Monterey. Lake Garfield is a perfect place for swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing or just sunbathing on the beautiful public beach. There are life guards on duty from June through Labor Day. I must say that the views at Lake Garfield are incredible. Make sure to stop there in early October when the trees are at peak foliage.
Finally, before heading back to the Yankee Inn make a quick trip to Mrs. Duryea’s farm stand located at 495 Main Road. Her farm stand offers are variety of homegrown, organic fruits and vegetables such as peaches, tomatoes, corn, zucchini and eggplant. There’s nothing like bringing home some delicious locally grown and sold Berkshires produce!
So head on down to Monterey! The trip is worth your time, especially if you really want to get away from it all… at least for a few hours anyway!
Posted on Mon, Sep 03, 2012 @ 09:00 AM
Nataliia Riva
Last weekend, I wanted to do something special. Shopping or even going out for lunch did not seem enough, so I offered to my family to go to the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Lenox, MA. None of us had been there before. What a wonderful and peaceful experience it was for us! It is a great nature center for the entire family.
Seven miles of trails that wind through hardwood forest, meadows, wetlands, and along the slopes of Lenox Mountain make this site an excellent location for hiking. We walked several of the easy trails enjoying the beautiful nature around us. The trails are very well maintained and marked. They have the broad variety of difficulty levels. They even have an "all persons" trail, which offers the opportunity for anyone to enjoy the great outdoors. We were fortunate enough to spend several minutes watching a beaver bask in the sun, before swimming away.
The educational programs are terrific. We have done canoe trips on the Housatonic River and a bat talk. There were children's camps going on while we were there. The counselors and the children were so polite and eager to share with us what they were experiencing out in the wilderness. My nephews also have done the day camp and they loved it.
It's a short hike from the main road to get the feeling you are deep in the woods. Be sure to check in at the office. There is a nominal fee to use the trails. It's free for Massachusetts Audubon Society members. See the white board outside the office to find out what kinds of critters have been spotted recently.
Their website is quite helpful and updated frequently to announce programs and activities at the sanctuary. I cannot wait to another weekend in October to try some of the other trails. It must be absolutely beautiful in the fall time!
Posted on Tue, Aug 07, 2012 @ 09:00 AM
Kayla Hebler
Family owned and operated Berkshire Canoe Tours take your family and friends for a fun guided canoe tour down the HousatonicRiver. Enjoy a fun and relaxing day floating in a river and looking at the beautiful Berkshires and all the nature around it. Make sure to bring a camera on this trip to capture the wildlife and plants that surround you as you canoe. Some things you might see on the guided trip are red-tail hawks, owls, Canadian geese; tall cottonwoods, sycamore, beavers, turtles and much more!
The trip lasts about 1 ½-2 hours. The guides are well trained and professional, so if you have never been on a canoe or paddled they can teach you everything you would need to know for the day. The cost is 50 dollars for an adult and 30 dollars for a child; it is suitable for both young children and adults. The price includes the safety gear; all they ask is that you dress appropriately for weather along with sunglasses, sunscreen and hats.
The trips are operated off of Deckers Landing which is located on New Lenox Rd. in historic Lenox, Ma, just a quick drive from us here at the Yankee Inn. They do recommend making reservations to schedule in advanced, the tours run several times a day. If you are interested in getting more information or booking a reservation with Berkshire Canoe Tours, call 413-442-2789.
Posted on Wed, Jun 20, 2012 @ 06:46 PM
Mick Huska
When you’re visiting The Berkshires, no vacation is complete without a trip to the highest point in Massachusetts, Mount Greylock. Standing at 3,491 feet, Mount Greylock is a half hour ride from the Yankee Inn and is accessible from the towns of Lanesborough and/or North Adams.
Mount Greylock is perfect for all sorts of people. Whether you want a challenging hike on one of the 70 miles worth of hiking trails or just want to drive to the summit to enjoy an amazing summer sunset then Mount Greylock cannot be beat.
As a wildlife enthusiast, my favorite part of Mount Greylock is obviously the astounding amount of wildlife. I’ve been fortunate enough to see all sorts of woodland creatures in my times spent up at Mount Greylock. I’ve gotten to witness porcupines, owls, bobcats, deer and more species of butterflies and birds that I thought I was at a zoo. I’ve still yet to achieve my lifelong dream of seeing a moose.
At the top of the summit is a monument which you can climb the stairs to the top. The top of the monument offers views of Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Connecticut. Also, while you’re at the summit, make sure to stop at Bascom Lodge for dinner and drinks before you head back down to the Yankee Inn.