Passport Magazine: The Berkshires

44 PASSPORT I DECEMBER 2012

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I am abandoning it all—the work, the dog, and the heavy air of city life and heading forthe Berkshires. This land of dance and drama, art and architecture, is like nowhere elsein the United States. Bucolic hills give way to villages dotted with boutiques and cafés,and sequestered amid the lush fields and restored mansions I am about to discover a gayculture that manages to seamlessly blend into the fabric of everyday life.

by Matthew Wexler

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For this New Yorker, getting to the Berkshires is a vaca-tion in and of itself. It’s just Edith (the name I have givento my GPS, christened after turn-of-the-century novelistand local resident Edith Wharton), me, and the highway.First settled by the English after the French and Indian

War in the mid-18th century, the Berkshires later blossomed as arespite for the elite during the Gilded Age. Summer cottages likeVentfort Hall (if you consider 28 rooms and 17 fireplaces a cot-tage) and The Mount were constructed as summer homes. It was anera of lavish recluse, but also of industrial turmoil—one that hasechoed through the decades. Meanwhile, the arts established aregional identity that keeps second homeowners and tourists comingback regardless of the political or economic climate.

Edith calls it Route 20, but she really means Jacob’s Ladder ScenicByway, the winding rural road that leads to the nation’s premier dancefestival and my first stop, Jacob’s Pillow. A visit to “The Pillow,” as it’scommonly referred, offers performances from an international array ofcompanies in a breathtaking natural setting. Director of Preservation,Norton Owen says, “From the 1930s until today, the Pillow has beenreaching out to individuals. Shawn would talk about his dance, thenmove into the realm of a lecture or demonstration without the formali-ty—there was a spirit of welcoming people in and we want to keep thisalive. It’s the secret to what people respond to.”

Owen is referring to Ted Shawn, founder of Jacob’s Pillow. Shawnestablished the dancers’ retreat center in 1930 with his wife and dancepartner Ruth St. Denis. It was a tumultuous relationship, and the cou-ple separated shortly thereafter. Shawn then established Ted Shawn andHis Men Dancers, with early performances that exhibited a deliberatehyper-masculinity through movement. “Shawn came here and starteddiscovering his identity as a gay man—but it’s more complicated thanthat,” reflects Owen. “He was grappling with and shifting the public’sperception of the male dancer. He was showing on a very basic levelthat you could be a male dancer and not be effeminate,” he adds.

I wander the grounds with Owen for hours, absorbing the creativeenergy that buzzes throughout the historic buildings and pouring overvideo archives and other materials that encapsulate more than 80 yearsof international dance history. I also think of John Cameron Mitchell’saward-wining film Hedwig and the Angry Inch and performance artistTaylor Mac who have capitalized on the freedom to push gender bound-aries. But it was Shawn, in his own way, who set in motion an environ-ment for performers of all types, ethnicities, and sexual orientations tofreely express themselves. “The history is embedded in the whole expe-rience here. It is integral to experiencing Jacob’s Pillow,” says Owen.

Jacob’s Pillow is but one of many performance venues that have astronghold in the region. Tanglewood Music Center is the summerhome of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and it recently celebrated

its 75th anniversary in the Berkshires. If you can’t waituntil next season, you can stream this past summer’s per-formances at the Boston Symphony Orchestra MediaCenter online. For plays and musicals, head in any direc-tion and stumble across Broadway-caliber talent for halfthe price of a show in New York City. Performers love tospend their summers in the countryside, and you canoften get up close and (platonically) personal with post-show discussions and symposiums with the artists. Bar-rington Stage Company presents a varied season ofclassics and new works including the Musical TheatreLab overseen by Tony Award-winning composer andlyricist William Finn. If iambic pentameter is more yourstyle, Shakespeare & Company delivers it impeccablyalong with a roster of cult favorites including this sea-son’s holiday production of The Santaland Diaries (Nov.30–Dec. 30) by gay humorist David Sedaris. Forget Cen-tral Park, Hollywood’s elite can often be found onstageat Williamstown Theatre Festival, where this past sea-son featured Bradley Cooper, Patricia Clarkson, andSusie Essman, among others.

Once my inner Baryshnikov is satiated, I head toLenox and settle into the gloriously restoredKemble Inn. The estate has been undergoing a

massive restoration since Scott Shortt purchased it in thesummer of 2010. It took months for Shortt to secure thedeal, and once finished, he found himself with eight daysto complete a temporary design-on-a-dime makeoverbefore welcoming a sold-out Fourth of July weekendcrowd. His only clue as to the solvency of the dilapidated12,000-foot property was two garbage bags full of reser-vation cards passed along from the previous owner.

With a striking combination of gay sensibility and sheertenacity, Shortt temporarily closed it in the spring of 2011to do a proper Gilded Age makeover ($1.25 million to

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We’re a few glasses in when Shortt confesses to me with a glim-mer in his eye, “It’s surprising to me that the Berkshires—givenwhat’s here—isn’t a bit gayer.” I know what he means. An onlinesearch reveals limited resources and references, yet everyone I’vespoken to prior to my departure speaks of how gay-friendly theregion is. Lee Scott Laugenour (who at press time is a Green Partycandidate for Massachusetts State Representative) says, “We werethe first state in the country to introduce marriage equality. Our innsand venues are all very welcoming and encourage people to choosethe Berkshires for their wedding destination. We put marriage equal-ity on the political map in this country.” But Laugenour alsoacknowledges the region’s challenges in attracting a younger demo-graphic—an issue that transcends gender roles or sexual orientation.“[The challenge is] keeping young people here—gay or otherwise.The prospect for good jobs is not particularly good and we have pop-ulation loss. For the political and civic leaders of our community, it’sa huge challenge as well as for the gay community.”

We opened during the time of the national referendum against gay marriage and“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and Massachusetts has made it really clear from the

onset that the state is committed to LGBT progress and the future.

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date) but is quick to say, “I didn’t want to recreate 1886, but instead paytribute to the era, which for me meant representing the best of what lifehas to offer.” He’s done it in spades: soaring ceilings, fresh flowersaround every corner, Art Deco accents, and a substantial homage toRalph Lauren including an RL-inspired breakfast room as well aslinens and fine china from the iconic designer’s collection.

Later that evening, I join Shortt in the dining room for a five-course dinner. Chef Jonathan Pratt appears from the kitchen wearinga crisply pressed chef ’s coat and cravat—it’s midseason, we’re theonly ones in the dining room, and I’m keenly aware that I’m about toembark on a culinary ménage à trois. From the seared sea scallopatop a toothsome wild mushroom risotto to a French-trimmed lambchop accompanied by eggplant provençal and potato galette, it’s clearthat Pratt’s training (top honors from the Culinary Institute of Amer-ica) and time in the kitchen under Daniel Boulud and Jean-GeorgesVongerichten have paid off. An intelligently curated wine list (most-ly European with a nod to California) rounds out the experience.

Sol LeWitt at MASSMoCA

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There are a handful of gay business owners who are making animpact one keratin treatment, drag night, or club sandwich ata time. Troy Mechek moved to the area with his husband to

raise their son and quickly established Rumpy’s Tavern as an LGBT-friendly hangout. A noise complaint snafu with a neighbor earlierthis year landed Mechek in front of the community board having todefend his entertainment license, but the resounding support (hepacked the hearing room with dozens of patrons) proved thatRumpy’s is here to stay, and the allegations were dropped. “Let’snever do that again. It shaved ten years off my life,” jokes Mecheck,“but it certainly strengthened our community. I think people are nowa lot more comfortable coming in than ever before.” With themednights ranging from karaoke and trivia to live performance, there isalways something unexpected to discover.

Celebrating their namesake anniversary, Maurice Peterson and hispartner Mark Johnson opened SEVEN salon.spa seven years ago,turning what was once a funeral home (Norman Rockwell wasembalmed there) into a popular destination for quality hair care, skincare, and bodywork in the Berkshires. It has been important for thecouple, who married at nearby Stonover Farm, to become an inte-gral part of the community by supporting a wide range of charitiesincluding the Berskshire Stonewall Community Coalition. After aquick walk-through of the bustling salon, which features originalworks by Pulitzer–nominated artist and activist Matuschka, I settlein for a men’s facial. My esthetician Nicole whips out an array ofproducts by Environ and Comfort Zone and goes to work. Eightyminutes of scrubbing, buffing, smoothing, and exfoliating later, Iemerge with a healthy glow and am ready for lunch.

The Berkshires is home to the country’s first CSA (Communi-ty Supported Agriculture), and, whether you’re picking up aquick sandwich or looking for a more elegant dining experi-

ence, every town has something unique to offer. New on the block,but with a 225-year-old history, is the Monterey General Store. Re-opened by Scott Cole, it features farm-fresh ingredients, importedcheeses, and staple items for the locals. Cole’s simple, honest food isa welcomed arrival to the town of 961 residents and another exampleof the region’s gay entrepreneurial spirit.

Later that evening, I head to Brava for tapas and wine, thrilled tohave found an establishment bustling with customers past 9 P.M. TheBerkshires can be sleepy at night unless you’re visiting during thehigh season months of July and August, but LGBT-friendly businessowners like Brava’s Whitney Asher (as well as Mission Bar + Tapasowner Jim Benson in Pittsfield) understands the need to cater to ayounger clientele. I munch on pimientos (fried shishito peppers),beer-battered cod with remoulade, and smoky garbanzo beans. Thebold flavors hold up to Asher’s wine recommendations, that rangefrom a funky Chianti from Rufina to a food-friendly Sangiovesefrom San Gennaro. With a rotating roster of more than 40 wines bythe glass, Asher comes alive as customers inquire about the perfectfood and wine pairings.

The following day, I depart on a Sterling Clark–style mission todiscover the Berkshires art scene. Clark, along with his wifeFrancine, was a passionate collector of 18th- and 19th-centuryFrench art. Today, The Sterling and Francine Clark Art Instituteincludes more than 9,000 works including painting, sculpture, printsand drawings, photographs, and decorative arts. The campus isundergoing a massive expansion project that will includes a new vis-itor, exhibition, and conference center and a 1.5-acre reflecting pool

WILLIAM FINN

With a mantle full of accolades for his accomplishments inmusical theatre, including two Tony Awards for Falsettos (BestBook [with James Lapine] and Best Original Score), why hasWilliam Finn returned to the Berkshires and set up shop at Bar-rington Stage Company after graduating from Williams Collegemore than 40 years ago? “It started when Barrington was doinga production of Falsettos and the director called with an ideaon how to redirect the song ‘March of the Falsettos,’” saysFinn, “She wanted me to rewrite some lyrics and promised mea car for the summer, and I said sure!” Finn eventually estab-lished The Musical Theatre Lab as an incubator for the com-plex development process of such works and speaks bluntly ofthe rigorous honesty required to produce a good musical.“We’re nurturing but not gentle or coddling,” he says. “Falset-tos was all made up. It astounds people, but a lot of that cred-it belongs to James Lapine. A New Brain was totally real. [I tellstudents] it either better be autobiographical or sound autobi-ographical.” And as far as gay life in the Berkshires? Finn says,“I’ve been up here five or six years now I find the gay commu-nity immensely comfortable. There is a small but determinedgay community. Pittsfield has great possibilities, and it’s anideal town for development and still very affordable.” SpoilerAlert: For musical theatre groupies, Finn says to keep your eyeout for Southern Comfort by Dan Collins (book and lyrics) andJulianne Wick Davis (music), which explores transgenderissues and families of choice set in the back hills of Georgia.

—Matthew Wexler

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that will contribute to a water management system and LEED-NCsilver certification.

The Clark is still welcoming visitors during this construction phaseand has created a dynamic installation for the DIY curator. “ClarkRemix” is a salon-style exhibit of 400 of the museum’s signature works,configured in a compact multi-period mélange. “It is a very personalexperience for the viewer, replicating the feel of a Parisian apartmentand presenting it on a domestic scale,” says Director of Communica-tions, Victoria Saltzman. “uCurate” and “uExplore” bring the exhibi-tion into the twenty-first century with the integration of computerkiosks and iPads to further explore the works and create one’s own vir-tual customized exhibit. More fun that a box of 120-count Crayolacrayons, I spend an hour at the touchscreen TV and am confident I’velearned as much as an M.F.A. in art history could provide.

The next day, I head north for a completely different art experi-ence, one that draws inspiration from the industrial age. MASSMoCA encompasses 13 acres of factory buildings dating back

to the 19th century. Originally Arnold Print Works (1860-1942) thenthe Sprague Electric Company (1942-1985), business and politicalleaders spent the next 13 years campaigning, fundraising, and conduct-ing feasibility studies to turn the property into, according to the muse-um, “a center that would both present and catalyze the creation ofworks that chart new creative territory.” Two major exhibits currentlyon display include “Sol LeWitt: A Wall Drawing Retrospective” and“Oh, Canada.” The LeWitt installation includes 105 wall drawings thatrange from carefully measured black-and-white pencil sequences tobrilliantly colored acrylic shapes. As he battled cancer toward the endof his career, his late work returned to black and white scribble draw-ings. Jock Reynolds, Artist and Museum Director at Yale University,says LeWitt’s final drawings “...comprise a visual crescendo to one ofthe greatest bodies of contemporary art created in our time.”

“Oh, Canada” (on display through April 1, 2013) represents the largestcollection of contemporary Canadian art ever shown outside of Canada.

Curator Denise Markonish spent three years traversing the second-largestcountry in the world and has assembled a diverse collection of more than60 artists, including LGBT representation.

Kent Monkman explores the themes of Aboriginal culture andgender and sexuality throughout his work, while filmmaker, artist,and activist Noam Gonick is also pushing boundaries with his per-formance piece and film installation in collaboration with LuisJacob. Gonick says: “I think what Luis Jacob and I have done with‘Wildflowers of Manitoba”—bringing those types of hippie queercommunal ideals into the sacred space of the museum—has valueand, given the right viewing conditions, I’d hope it can transformviewers, or at least stir up something hitherto unknown inside.”

After visiting MASS MoCA, I arrive at The Topia Inn, an artist-inspired bed and breakfast owned and operated by Nana Simopoulusand Caryn Heilman. The couple has outfitted the property with aneco-friendly international aesthetic with each room designed by a dif-ferent artist. I settle into the Aloha room, equipped with an organicfloating bed, chromatherapy spa tub, and eco-timber AustralianChestnut flooring.

Sitting with the ladies the following morning over fair trade coffee andorganic granola garnished with elderberries from their yard, they arequick to point out the importance of LGBT support on a state level. “TheMassachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism is very committed to culti-vating gay travel,” says Simopoulus, “They’ve made it a big point to befocused and inclusive. We opened during the time of the national refer-endum against gay marriage and “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and Massachu-setts has made it really clear from the onset that the state is committed toLGBT progress and the future.”

As part of the Topia Inn’s environmentally friendly initiatives, I’mset up with a bike (gel seat included) to explore the AshuwillticookRail Trail, an 11-mile railroad corridor that has been converted into apaved universally accessible path. My ambition exceeds my fitnesslevel, and I make a U-turn after about three miles of unobstructedfoliage and mountains views. The Berkshires offers a wealth of other

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In an effort to hold on to the serenity that has swept over me sincemy arrival, I make one last stop at Cranwell Resort, Spa and GolfClub for a signature Grand Mosaic body envelopment. The epictreatment begins with a full body exfoliation. At one point I am con-vinced that my massage therapist Kacie has removed a brick from thehistoric mansion and is feverishly pummeling me with its rough exte-rior. Next, I am wrapped in a fleece cocoon and lowered into a dryfloatation system, increasing the absorption of essential oils by 300percent. The final stage of my Berkshires rehab session is a therapeu-tic deep-tissue massage. I have found that bodywork in a resort envi-ronment can often feel limp, but Cranwell, celebrating ten years ofservice, has earned its accolades by providing exceptionally trainedand intuitive professionals, and Kacie is no exception. The historicproperty also offers a variety of lodging options, from classic to con-temporary, and with enclosed walkways connecting several build-ings; you can enjoy a full day of spa treatments and lounging on thecoldest of winter days without ever stepping outside.

Dripping with melted Berkshire Berry ice cream from SoCoCreamery, I program Edith to guide me out of the idyllic woods andback to New York City. About five miles into my journey I see a signfor the Taconic State Parkway—a scenic route suggested by nearlyeveryone I’ve spoken to. Edith and I have our first fight as I ignoreher blaring at me to go left, merge right, and so on. I pull the plugand roll down the windows, taking in a last deep breath of fresh airas I follow the path of my own intuition, as so many artists and entre-preneurs have done here before me. I’ll be back though, Berk-shires—this is something I could get used to.

outdoors experiences at any time of year. Adventure seekers can headto Jiminy Peak for aerial courses, zip rides, mountain Segway tours,and family-friendly skiing. Hilltop Orchards boasts hiking and cross-country ski trails designed by Olympian John Morton along with fallapple picking and free hay rides. If calorie burning is your idea of agood time, hike to the top of Mount Greylock, Massachusetts’ highestpoint at 3,491 feet. Along the way, you can enjoy a rustic meal at Bas-com Lodge or even spend the night.

Ichoose to spend my last evening indulging in dinner at MezzeBistro + Bar, the crown jewel of the Berkshires farm-to-tablescene. Co-founder and proprietor Nancy Thomas has been com-

mitted to the local food movement since opening the restaurant in1996. My bartender, Kael (whose very name, although vegetally mis-spelled, seems inspired by the surroundings), offers me a Clark Remixcocktail, and I pour over Chef Joji Sumi’s menu. I begin with adobo-rubbed halibut ribs served with a poblano-avocado puree. While Iappreciate the nose-to-tail concept carrying over to the sea, I’m confi-dent that my ribs would be better utilized in a fish stock. The conceptis daring though and Sumi’s team executes the dish with great preci-sion. I stay true to theme for my main course, ordering an offal and for-aged mushroom ragu. The beef shank is tossed with braised leeks andhouse-made ricotta cavatelli. Just like mom used to make, not really,but it has that inexplicable comfort food appeal. Bjorn Somlo,chef/owner of Nudel sits several bar stools down from me. I take it asa sign more impactful than a four-star review that this is where such ahigh caliber chef chooses to eat on his night off.

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PLAN YOUR TRIPwww.berkshires.org is your online quintessen-tial planning guide for any time of year. Viewerscan search for lodging, food, culture, outdooractivities, and events as well as search by townand create a printable “Wish List.”

www.massvacation.com is a general resourcefor exploring the Berkshires and beyond.

LGBT RESOURCESBerkshire Stonewall Community Coalition,[email protected]. Tel: 413-822-7268.Founded in the mid 1990s by a group of localactivists, BSCC now supports LGBT-friendlycommunity events ranging from socialactivities to HIV/AIDS support, health care, legalissues, adoption, and youth programming.www.berkshirestonewall.org

LGBT Mass Vacations provides LGBT-spe-cific resources to help plan your vacation oreven your gay wedding, including a step-by-stepguide. www.lgbtmassvacation.com

ACCOMMODATIONS Cranwell Resort, Spa and Golf Club, 55 LeeRoad, Lenox. Tel: 800-272-6945. With stunningviews any time of year, the resort offers a range of114 rooms, suites, cottages, and townhouses alongwith a 35,000-square-foot spa and 18-hole historicgolf course. Rooms from $279. www.cranwell.com

The Kemble Inn, 2 Kemble Street, Lenox. Tel: 800-353-4113. Gay owned and operated, the GildedAge gets a makeover with Ralph Lauren furnishingsand art deco touches. Be sure to book a room orsuite with a mountain view. Rooms from $195.www.kembleinn.com

Maple Glenn, Main Street Stockbridge at thecorner of U.S. Rt 7 and Mass. Rt 102, Stock-bridge. Tel: 413-298-5545. This latest property tobe renovated by the owners of the historic RedLion Inn features a blend of contemporary andvintage aesthetics with �the traditional comfortsof a New England home. Rooms from $270.www.redlioninn.com

The Porches Inn, 231 River Street, North Adams.Tel: 413-664-0400. Inspired by the town’s artisticrevitalization and MASS MoCA, the 47-room collec-tion of Victorian row houses offer a retro-edgy,industrial granny-chic ambiance. Rooms from $130.www.porches.com

Stonover Farm B&B, 169 Undermountain Road,Lenox. Tel: 413-637-9100. Plan your wedding in themagnificently rustic hay barn then sneak off to a pri-vate on-site School House Suite for your own roll inthe hay. Suites from $325. School House from $395.www.stonoverfarm.com

Topia Inn, 10 Pleasant Street, Adams, Tel: 888- 868-6742. Leave your shoes and toiletries behind for astay at this gay-owned eco-inn featuring artist-designed rooms, rain showers, chromatherapy tubs,and complimentary organic bath products. Roomsfrom $210. www.topiainn.com

DINING, SHOPPING, NIGHTLIFEBascom Lodge, at the top of Mount Greylock.Tel: 413-743-1591. A casual prix fixe menuoffered at one seating per night is worth the pic-turesque views (open June – October).www.bascomlodge.net

Brava, 27 Housatonic Street, Lenox. Tel: 413-637-9171 Late-night tapas and wine bar featuring morethan 40 wines by the glass. www.bravalenox.com

Mezze Bistro + Bar , 777 Cold Spring Road (Route7), Williamstown. Tel: 413-458-0123. Quintessentialfarm-to-table cuisine that exemplifies a mastery ofculinary technique with some surprising internation-al flavors. www.mezzerestaurant.com

Monterey General Store, 448 Main Road, Monterey.Tel: 413-528-5900. Planning a picnic? Stop here for afine selection of prepared and gourmet items.

Nudel, 37 Church Street, Lenox. Tel: 413-551-7183.Dubbed a “creative American pasta bar,” Chef BjornSomlo uncompromisingly cooks what he feels likewhile showcasing local farmers, purveyors, andfood artisans. www.nudelrestaurant.com

The Restaurant at the Kemble Inn, 2 KembleStreet, Lenox. Tel: 800-353-4113. Intimate diningor a catered affair, Chef Jonathan Pratt mergesclassic technique with seasonal ingredients.www.kembleinn.com/dining

Rumpy’s Tavern at the Village Inn, 16 Church Street,Lenox: Tel: 413-637-0020. A lively spot for locals andtourists alike, stop by Rumpy’s for themed nightsincluding trivia, bingo, karaoke and live music.www.villageinn-lenox.com/tavern.htm

SoCo Creamery, 5 Railroad Street, Great Barrington.Tel: 413-528-9420. This micro-creamery producessmall batch ice creams and gelati like Berkshire Berry,Lavender Honey; and Dirty Chocolate. www.sococre-amery.com

CULTUREBarrington Stage Company, 30 Union Street, Pitts-field. Tel: 413-236-8888. Since its inception in 1995,BSC has produced 15 world premieres along withBroadway favorites. www.barringtonstageco.org

Jacob’s Pillow, 358 George Carter Road, Becket.Tel: 413-243-9919. An internationally renownedcenter for dance performance and education.www.jacobspillow.org

MASS MoCA, 87 Marshall Street, North Adams. Tel:413-662-2111. This turn-of-the-century factory hasbecome an epicenter for modern art, film, and live per-formance. www.MASSMoCA.org

Shakespeare & Company, 70 Kemble Street,Lenox. Tel: 413-637-3353. Celebrating 35years of classics and new works, the multi-faceted company relies on a team of morethan 150 artists and operates year round.www.shakespeare.org

The Sterling and Francine Clark Art Insti-tute, 225 South Street, Williamstown. Tel:425-458-0588. Still open during its expan-sion phase, the Clark’s collection includesexceptional European and American paint-ings and sculpture, Stone Hill Center for spe-cial exhibitions and conservation, andnumerous walking paths. www.clarkart.edu

Tanglewood, 297 West Street, Lenox. Tel: 413-637-5180. Experience the summer home of theBoston Symphony Orchestra. www.tangle-wood.org

Williamstown Theatre Festival. Tel: 413-397-3400. Top talent and young artists converge to

present reinterpreted classics, new plays, and musi-cals. www.wtfestival.org

GILDED INDULGENCEThe Mount, 2 Plunkett Street, Lenox. Tel: 413-551-5111. Only five percent of National Historic Landmarksare dedicated to women, and Edith Wharton’s TheMount is one of them, featuring classical revival archi-tecture and formal gardens. www.edithwharton.org

Ventfort Hall, 104 Walker Street, Lenox. Tel: 413-637-3206. Visit the Jacobean Revival-style mansion, includ-ing Les Petites Dames de Mode, an exhibit 59 miniaturemodels showcasing women’s fashion from 1855 to1914. www.gildedage.org

OUTDOORSAshuwillticook Rail Trail, Tel: 413-442-8928. An 11-mile paved trail that connects Lanesborough to Adams,passing wetlands, mountain ranges, and rivers along theway. www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/western/asrt.htm

Hilltop Orchards, Route 295 / 508 Canaan Road,Richmond. Tel: 800-833-6274. Hiking and cross-country skiing trails weave throughout the 200-acreproperty, where you can also pick apples, tastelocal wines, and purchase farm-fresh baked goods.www.hilltoporchards.com

Jiminy Peak, 37 Corey Road, Hancock. Tel: 413-738-5500. Enjoy an array of outdoor adventures any time ofyear, including skiing, mountain biking, aerial activities,and more. www.jiminypeak.com

Mount Greylock, Visitor Center, 30 Rockwell Road,Lanesborough. Tel: 413-499-4262. Wild and rugged yetintimate and accessible, Mount Greylock rewards thevisitor exploring this special place of scenic and naturalbeauty. www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/mtGreylock

SPASCranwell Resort, Spa and Golf Club, 55 LeeRoad, Lenox. Tel: 800-272-6945. Celebrating tenyears, the 35,000-square-foot spa and fitness facil-ity offers more than 50 services, including day pass-es. www.cranwell.com/spa-fitness

Seven Spa & Salon, 7 South Street, Stockbridge. Tel:413-298-0117. The premier destination for quality haircare, skin care, and bodywork in the Berkshires. Inaddition to exceptional hair and spa services, you canalso experience sensory re-pattering or intuitive coun-seling/tarot reading. www.sevensalonspa.com

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