The Berkshires are filled with many things to satisfy just about any temperament. Great Barrington is the hub of the Southern Berkshires and people flock to this wonderful small town nestled in the hills of New England to sample its many pleasures.

The Berkshires have been renowned for many years as a cultural mecca. More recently, Great Barrington has become a destination for those who are interested not only in the culture, but the dining, shopping, and recreational opportunities that this wonderful town has to offer. Listed below are some, but not all, of the many wonderful opportunities that the area has to offer.

RESTAURANTS

There are over fifty restaurants in Great Barrington with cuisine to satisfy just about any taste. They range from very simple to very posh. Whether it be small and intimate, or large and loud; fast and inexpensive, or slow, luxurious and extravagant, one can have a dining experience to satisfy both palate, stomach and pocketbook.

CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS

The Berkshires are home to numerous cultural attractions, all within a short drive from Great Barrington. Tanglewood is the summer home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra. In addition, it hosts many special performances from the jazz, folk, and pop worlds. Jacob’s Pillow has one of the foremost dance festivals in America. Dance companies from around the country and around the world perform here during its summer festival.

Great Barrington is also home to the “Helsinki Cafe” where top name performers from the rock, folk, jazz and pop scenes perform year ‘round in a wonderful intimate setting. The "Barrington Stage Company" in Great Barrington, “Berkshire Theatre Festival” in Lenox, “Williamstown Theatre Festival” in Williamstown, and the “Mac-Haydn Theatre” in Chatham, NY, all offer first-class theatre.

For lovers of art and sculpture there is MASSMoCA, in North Adams, one of the top contemporary art museums in the world. There is also the Norman Rockwell Museum in nearby Stockbridge, with a permanent collection of the famous illustrator’s original works, as well as visiting exhibitions. The “Sculpture Now” summer show at the Berkshire Botanical Garden is quickly becoming one of the more prominent sculpture shows in the country. “Chesterwood”, the home of Daniel Chester French, sculptor of the Lincoln Memorial, holds an annual sculpture show of contemporary sculpture every summer in addition to its permanent exhibit of French’s sculpture.

If it is culture you are interested in, the Berkshires has something for everyone...

SHOPPING

Great Barrington has become a mecca for shoppers of all types. Walking the streets of Great Barrington one can find shops of every description. Shops selling clothing, jewelry, art, culinary supplies, music, collectibles, antiques, and more fill the downtown area.

Within a short drive from the center of Great Barrington one can find over 80 antique shops. If malls are your thing, “The Outlet Village” in Lee has outlet stores representing many of the major companies.

OUTDOOR RECREATION

The Berkshires are a four-season wonderland for the outdoor enthusiast...

In the winter there are two ski areas within a ten-minute drive from Great Barrington. If one wishes to drive further there are many more ski areas available to satisfy every type of skier. If you prefer to snowshoe, the opportunities are endless, with numerous state and town parks and recreation areas available. For cross-country skiing there are both groomed and maintained areas as well as unlimited back country skiing for those so inclined.

When the snow has melted, many golf courses appear from under the snow, two of them within minutes of Great Barrington. If you like to bicycle, it doesn't get much better than the byways of the Berkshires. From flat rides, to strenuous mountain climbs, riders of every ability will find something to please.

With our numerous lakes and rivers, kayaking and canoeing opportunities for both flat water and white water paddlers can be had. Numerous tennis courts dot the area. If your outdoor activities are more sedentary there are many places to go for a quiet walk, be it in the open fields, in the woods, or beside a stream to a spectacular waterfall.

LODGING

Great Barrington has lodging for every taste. From a Holiday Inn to a quaint country bed and breakfast, and most things in between, lodging can be found to satisfy the most demanding tastes, some within walking distance of the airport.