Posted on Thu, Jun 14, 2012 @ 01:11 PM
Mick Huska
When I’m on the hunt for a nice outdoor location to relax, I always try to find somewhere secluded and a bit out of the way. I love being at Onota, Pontoosuc or Laurel Lake but the summertime can be rather crowded at those locations. For me, it doesn’t get much better than Windsor Jambs located off Route 9 in the Windsor State Forest in Windsor and parts of Cummington.
The Jambs are approximately a 45 minute ride from the Yankee Inn, but well worth the trip. The ride through Dalton and into Windsor provides some great scenery in The Berkshires as well as being able to see a few small towns. With a little luck, you may be able to see some of the wildlife The Berkshires have to offer!
The Jambs themselves are never really heavily trafficked in my experiences there, unlike Wahconah Falls or Pittsfield State Forest. There are plenty of locations for one to hike, swim or just relax. Trails and old dirt roads that wind through the "The Bush" are favored by hikers, cross-country skiers and snowmobiles (winter time). If you decide to visit there, you should bring a camera for taking pictures of the beautiful 25 foot with 80 foot high granite walls and the beautiful waterfalls flowing through there. There is also a 100 foot long sandy beach where guests can enjoy swimming. Make sure to bring some food because picnicking is allowed and encouraged!
So If you’re looking to add a unique, outdoor experience during your visit to The Berkshires away from some of the hustle and bustle, I highly encourage a day trip to Windsor Jambs. It’s the ideal location for relaxing, unwinding and getting in touch with nature during your vacation.
Posted on Thu, May 31, 2012 @ 08:15 AM
Shawn Leary
July 4th weekend is a popular, fun time in the Berkshires. I was surprised to see that we still have plenty of availability at the Yankee that weekend. In town is one of the more popular artists at Tanglewood every year, James Taylor. Taylor will be performing on the nights of July 2nd 3rd and 4th. If you've never stayed with us before, our hotel is close to Tanglewood, about a 10 minute drive.
A personal vacation suggestion would be to come, stay at the Yankee of course, pack a picnic dinner, grab a lawn seat for James Taylor on the 2nd or 3rd, and then catch Pittsfield’s 4th of July parade on the morning of the 4th.
The parade will begin at 10:00 and usually lasts about two - two and a half hours. If you’re an early bird, you can catch the 5k road race before the parade. After milling about for a few hours, maybe checking out some of the local venues, or catching up with relatives and friends in the area, head to Wahconah Park to watch the Pittsfield Suns take on the Seacoast Mavericks at 7:00 that night. After the game, watch the large fireworks display from a seat on the field. It’s a celebration that I enjoy seeing, year in and year out.
Posted on Wed, Apr 18, 2012 @ 09:30 AM
PLANNING YOUR SUMMER VACATION IN THE BERKSHIRES?
Shawn Leary
Though winter is over, and there wasn’t enough snow to go drifting in my car, I can still look forward to the warm weather. I look forward to where I’ll drive to, windows down, my dog, Lizzie in the passenger seat, driving around town, and wondering what’s in store for the busy Yankee Inn this summer.
I wondered what I would do if I was a tourist coming to the Berkshires. I came up with a large list, much too big to fit in this blog post. I ended up creating a page similar to the Family Fun in the Berkshires downloadable paper, but this one is for much more than just families and includes spring and summer activities, from hiking, to museums, to waterslides, to roller coasters, you name it! I would suggest going hiking at Wahconah Falls. It’s a great place for couples to have a nice picnic, or for kids to play in the pools in the brook. It offers a great place to just hang out, and cool off.
I personally will be rollerblading the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail a lot more often this summer, and I’m sure you would enjoy it as much as I do, it is set right on Cheshire lake and offers a great 12 mile stretch to burn some off some of that cabin fever accumulated during winter. For more information on what to do, and where all the great activities are located, let us send you our Spring & Summer Getaway Guide:
Posted on Mon, Mar 12, 2012 @ 09:06 AM
Sean W.
Wahconah Falls
Approximately 30 minutes from The Yankee Inn, is a great hiking spot called Wahconah Falls State park. Any time of year, a short walk will bring you to a beautiful waterfall and hiking trails. Located in Dalton MA, Wahconah falls is a popular outdoor spot for hiking, picnicking and photography for locals and tourists alike. Open from sunrise to sunset, this state park in the heart of the Berkshire Hills is a great way to spend an afternoon in the Berkshires. For directions and more information, check out http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/western/wahf.htm, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation web page.