Growing up, I never truly appreciated the place that made me who I am. After moving away, I've come to realize how truly amazing growing up in the Berkshires really was. Not only did it help shape me into the person I have become, but it gave me such incredible people, with an endless amount of memories with them, and I have my hometown to thank for playing a huge role in giving me all of those moments. I have come to appreciate the beauty of it so much, and the way it is unlike any other place in this world. Here are some of the best things about growing up in this beautiful place:
For those of us who have lived in the Berkshires for our whole lives, we all know that there are a lot of days when we are bored. However, on these days in this beautiful area, there is always something extraordinary to see. There is nothing in this world that beats a hike to the top of Mt. Greylock, Monument Mountain, Kennedy Park, Olivia's Lookout, through Canoe Meadows, or the infinite amount of others that give you such an incredible view. The best part is we are lucky enough to have these picture perfect mountains almost directly in our backyards.
2. Absolutely Nothing Beats Fall In The Berkshires
Although the weather in the Berkshires is beautiful year round, through all of the seasons, there is nothing is this world that even compares to a Massachusetts fall. Whether it be a drive down to Bartlett's Orchard to go apple picking and get hot apple cider, a hike up the Appalachian trail to see the bright red, orange, and yellow scenery, or a simple drive down East New Lenox Road, the colors of the leaves are breathtaking.
3. The Berkshires Has The Most Delicious Food Around
Not only do we have the most breathtaking views in all of the northeast, but the Berkshires has some of the best restaurants you will ever come across. Whether its a sit-down pub like Mascots with the absolute best burgers around or Hot Harry's where the burritos are to die for, no gourmet restaurant could beat these places. There is Olde Forge chicken wings and Octoberfest, the Marketplace paninis, or Dottie's Cafe lattes. There's the Starving Artist, with the best crepes you will ever eat, or Daddio's Diner, if you're looking for an amazing milkshake and home fries. No matter what the occasion and no matter what you are craving, there are always an endless amount of delectable places that will never disappoint.
4. Tanglewood Is The Best Place To Go In The Summer
On hot summer nights especially, Tanglewood is the perfect place to go with family and friends to listen to some of the best musicians in the world. There is James Taylor, who is also a resident of the Berkshires, along with stars like Lady Gaga, Train, Idina Menzel, The Beach Boys, Josh Groban, and of course, even Taylor Swift. For small town people like us, it is a huge deal to have people like this come to our hometown to play their music. And for those high school students who are lucky enough, they get to graduate on that exact same stage. It is a perfect play to sit down outside on the lawn with the people we love and eat dinner while listening to some of the best artists out there. Of course, it also has amazing views and it is a perfect place for photo shoots with your best friends.
5. Whitney's Farm Is Perfect All Year Round
Whether it is blueberry picking in the summer, choosing a pumpkin at the patch, going for a walk through the corn maze, picking flowers for your garden, picking up some homemade apple pie and fudge, or petting and feeding the animals, there is an endless amount of things to do at Whitney's Farm.
6. The Best Frozen Yogurt In The World
Not only does the Berkshires have the most amazing restaurants, but there is nothing better than the fresh, homemade frozen yogurt that comes directly from the farm. There's the Greek frozen yogurt at Ayelada, with new flavors every week, that is so good you will travel through a snowstorm to get to it. Or there's Berkshire Yogurt in Lenox when you're craving something sweet. Not to mention the endless amount of toppings and the amazing employees who make it feel like home. Every time you are there, there is no doubt you will run into half the town.
7. Perfect Mountains for Skiing
Although the Massachusetts winters can be harsh and extremely difficult to get through, what makes it better is the endless amount of amazing hills and mountains to ski, snowboard, and even sled on. Whether it be Jiminy Peak, Bosquet, or Butternut, people will travel from all over for these slopes, and there is no doubt that we are lucky to have these directly in our hometowns.
8. Lake Days Are The Best Days
For the hot summer days when you can't seem to find a break from the heat, the incredible lakes in the Berkshires prove to be an amazing place to spend the day. Whether it be tubing or wake boarding on Onota, kayaking on Pontussac, swimming in Loral Lake or spending a cool evening out on the speed boat listening to Live on the Lake every Wednesday with good friends and family, memories out on the water are the most incredible ones.
9. Coffee Shops and Cafes
In the spring and summer especially, the Berkshires is the perfect place to sit down outside with friends and enjoy a nice lunch and cup of coffee at a cafe. In the town of Lenox, the most delicious and homey cafes line up and down the streets, proving to be an excellent place to spend the day window shopping and creating great memories.
10. Roller Coaster Road
For the days and nights when all plans fail and there is truly nothing else to do, nothing beats a night out driving with your best friends down Roller Coaster Road, and blasting music while you sing at the top of your lungs.
11. Sense of Community
While growing up in a small town where everybody knows everybody can feel suffocating at times, we all know that if given the choice, we wouldn't have it any other way. The amazing place where we grew up has given us the friends that we have, taught us everything we know, and made us who we are, and for that, I could not be more thankful to be able to call this place my home.
