“Less than three hours from New York City and Boston, the Berkshires offer culture and adventure year-round,” says Lindsey Schmid, director of marketing for 1Berkshire. “If you are a lover of theater, music, dance, fine arts and more, the Berkshires should be on your vacation bucket list.”
She highlights the following five cultural attractions across the region in western Massachusetts:
Tanglewood
One of the world’s premier summer music festivals, Tanglewood also has been the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra since 1937. The typical season, which goes from mid-June to early September, includes dozens of performances by the famous orchestra, chamber ensembles and the Tanglewood Festival Choir, as well as concerts by top rock and folk artists. Plans are in the works for a new four-building complex that is slated to open in the summer of 2019.
Norman Rockwell Museum
Founded in 1969, this Stockbridge attraction contains the largest and most significant collection of original art from its eponymous artist, including his enduringly popular Saturday Evening Post covers. Groups can explore 10 galleries, a gift shop and the beautiful 36-acre campus that features Rockwell’s original studio and sculptures by his son Peter.
The Clark Art Institute
Located in Williamstown, the museum is home to an expansive collection of European and American paintings, sculpture, prints, drawings, and decorative arts from the Renaissance to the early 20th century. Groups can take guided tours, enjoy gallery talks, see traveling exhibits and take part in special events.
Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival
Time magazine called Jacob’s Pillow Dance, which is visited annually by thousands of cultural enthusiasts from across the globe, the “hub and mecca of dancing.” Each summer the festival—and its outstanding list of dancers—presents more than 200 free performances, talks, tours, master classes and other community events. The 2018 edition of America’s longest-running international dance event will take place June 20–Aug. 26.
Hancock Shaker Village
The village houses an extensive collection of furniture, household objects, art, textiles, tools, photographs and manuscripts that document life in this New England Shaker community. In addition to tours, groups can enjoy performances during the Shaker Barn Music summer concert series, take part in the County Fair each September or book a hands-on workshop covering weaving, spinning or basic woodworking.
For more information, email Schmid or visit berkshires.org.
Top photo: Tanglewood
Photo by Hilary Scott
