The craft beer revolution has made its mark on nearly every corner of the US – and the Berkshires are not immune. Berkshires breweries offer fresh and unique craft beers reflecting the flavors of the region. Come discover the craft breweries near our Berkshires B&B!

Do you tend to think of beer as just a pale, yellow, fizzy concoction that pairs well with fast food? If so, you owe it to yourself to give craft beer a chance.

The craft beer movement may look like just another wave of hipster mania – and there are definitely elements of that to it – but that’s hardly defines it in its entirety. Craft beer enthusiasm is really a move backwards to a time when beer, like so much else, had regional flavors and styles.

Beer, like wine, has more than one style. These varieties were developed, more often than not, due to the ingredients available at the time. The craft beer movement brings this concept – and then some – back to brewing.

Craft brewers, by and large, are an inventive, can-do breed with an interest in locally-sourced ingredients. This combination is what gives each craft beer its own, unique flavor and feel. This approach replaces the dull homogeneity of big beer with a constellation of new flavors and styles. Best of all, many craft beers are only available within their home region. This makes finding and visiting craft breweries that much more exciting!

As I say at the top, there are a number of Berkshires breweries crafting excellent beer close by our Lee, MA B&B, Applegate Inn.

Berkshires Breweries Near Our B&B

Barrington Brewery
420 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230 – website
Barrington Brewery is just 15 minutes from Applegate Inn in Lee, MA. They pride themselves in using solar power and locally-sourced ingredients where possible. Their brewery includes a full-service restaurant and nine beers on tap, including seasonals and cask-conditioned ales.

Wandering Star Craft Brewery
11 Gifford Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 – website
Wandering Star is a production brewery offering tours, tastings, and growler fills on Saturdays from 12 – 4pm. Wandering Star is only 25 minutes drive from our Berkshires B&B.

Chatham Brewing
59 Main Street, Chatham NY 12037 – website
Chatham Brewing, just 30 minutes from our Lee B&B, offers a variety of ales at their tasting room throughout the year, along with a full pub menu. Open daily, except Tuesdays.

Big Elm Brewing
65 Silver Street, Sheffield MA 01257 – website
Big Elm Brewing offers 9 taps in their Tap Room, Thursdays through Saturdays, with tours on Saturdays. Pints, six packs, four packs, and growler fills are available. Berkshire Mountain Distillers is just up the street and also worth a visit. Big Elm Brewing is only half an hour’s drive from Applegate Inn.

Berkshires Lodging
Whatever brings you to the Berkshires of Western MA, make your stay the best it can be by sampling the comforts of Applegate Inn. Our Berkshires B&B offers eleven beautifully appointed rooms and suites, all nestled on six gorgeous acres. Book your stay today at Applegate Inn!

The post Berkshires Breweries – Fresh and Unique Craft Beers appeared first on Applegate Inn.

Spring has sprung and now is the perfect time to get out and about exploring the beautiful Berkshires of Western Massachusetts! Let us help you make the most out of your getaway with the Applegate Inn Spring Fever Berkshires Lodging Special!

There’s never a bad time to visit the Berkshires – but spring is definitely one of the better times! Flowers and new, green leaves abound. Museums and historical homes are opening for the season. From March to Memorial Day, everywhere you look, there is fresh life and natural beauty galore!

Hiking the Berkshires
Getting out into the great outdoors is one of the best ways to soak up all the great spring beauty in the Berkshires. Luckily, there are a great many hiking and biking opportunities all around the Lenox area. Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is right here in Lenox and offers a variety of hiking trails with lots of wildlife viewing opportunities. The Berkshires also offer a number of great bike trails and paths.
Learn more about hiking and biking the Berkshires.

Waterfalls of the Berkshires
Speaking of hiking and the great outdoors – did you know the Berkshires are loaded with picturesque waterfalls? It’s true! While some are easier to get to than others – and a few are truly hidden – almost all are worth the effort to visit. We’ve told you about Bash Bish Falls before and it remains our area’s most iconic waterfall.
Visit www.newenglandwaterfalls.com for an extensive list of the Berkshires waterfalls.

Spring at Hancock Shaker Village
Come celebrate spring at the largest Shaker museum on the east coast. Hancock Shaker Village, in Pittsfield, MA, consists of 20 historic buildings with extensive gardens. Visitors are treated to Shaker craft demonstrations and a large collection of Shaker artifacts. In spring you also have the chance to and meet newborn piglets, lambs, calves, chicks, and kids!

The World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast – May 12, 2018
Every May, Springfield, MA holds the World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast. 3,450 pounds of flour, 800 pounds of eggs, 350 pounds of butter, and 450 gallons of water make enough to feed those who belly up to the 2,500-foot-long table. Or, at least they hope it will! The event also includes a parade, live entertainment, and much more.

We could go on forever about all there is to see and do during a Berkshires spring getaway. Instead, let us tell you how you can save some money on your springtime Berkshires getaway!

The Applegate Inn Spring Fever Berkshires Lodging Special

Stay in any room at Applegate Inn for only $189 a night when you book 2 consecutive nights or more between April 5th – May 13th, 2018.

The Spring Fever Berkshires Lodging Special must be mentioned when you call (413-243-4451) to book your room. You may also book this special online. Simply enter the code 189APR in the “Special Needs” box during checkout.

Some restrictions apply. Learn more and be sure to check out the other Berkshires Lodging Special offers on our specials and packages page.

See you soon!

The post Take Advantage of Our Spring Fever Berkshires Lodging Special! appeared first on Applegate Inn.

The Appalachian Trail stretches some 2,200, from Georgia to Maine – and right through the Berkshires of Western MA. In fact, it passes close by our Berkshires B&B, making hiking the Appalachian Trail in the Berkshires a snap!

People come from all over to experience hiking the Appalachian Trail. While many set out on multi-day trips and some hardy souls attempt the full length, many just want to set foot upon the famous track.

Luckily, there are a number of access points and day hikes available right here in the Berkshires. Ninety miles of the trail run along the ridges and valleys of Berkshire County, MA. Better yet, most require no fees or permits for a simple day hike.

We here at Applegate Inn, in Lee, MA love to help our guests realize the dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail. Let us help you to locate the vantage point or trail that’s right for you. If you plan a one-way hike, as many do, we’re happy to help drop a car off at one trail head and shuttle you to the other.

Below are the details of two popular day hikes on the Appalachian Trail, here in the Berkshires. These are shorter, round-trip hikes, so you won’t need to worry about dropping a car off at a trail head.

Day Hiking the Appalachian Trail Near Lee, MA

Cobble Hill
Cobble Hill is a 3.4 mile, round trip hike starting at Main Road in Lee, 5 miles Southeast of US 20. Park alongside the road and head South on the trail. after .1 miles, you’ll cross the Hop Brook bridge. At mile 0.8, you’ll pass through a lovely grove of hemlock and cross a small stream. You’ll cross Jerusalem Road some 0.3 miles later, and find yourself in Tyringham Cobble Reservation. Another 0.3 miles from the road crossing, you’l come to a side trail (the 0.3 miles) that leads to the top of Cobble Hill and rewards your efforts with an expansive view. Return home the same way you came.

Warner Hill
Warner Hill offers an easy, 1.4 mile round trip hike. The trail starts off from Blotz Road, 6 miles east out of Pittsfield. From Blotz Road, you’ll head South on the trail, which climbs up .7 miles to the top of Warner Hill through a dense evergreen forest. A rock cairn a few feet left of the Trail marks the Warner Hill summit. When you’re ready to head back home, simply retrace your steps.

Learn more about hiking the Appalacian Trail by visiting www.appalachiantrail.org.

Hiking in the Berkshires

The Appalachian Trail isn’t the only trail for day hikes in the Berkshires.

When you stay at Applegate Inn, no matter how you’ve spent your day, you’re invited to put your feet up and relax with wine and cheese in our parlor. We also have a room with a deep-soaking tub available!

If you crave the fresh air and quiet of the great outdoors, you’ll find it right here. See you soon!

The post Hiking the Appalachian Trail in the Berkshires appeared first on Applegate Inn.

The opening date for America’s longest-running international dance festival, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, is just a month away. If you’ve not already made your plans, now may be your last opportunity to catch this year’s jam-packed season.

Anticipation for the 86th annual return of Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival is running high right now. It’s hard to believe how quickly the first quarter of the year has flown by and now the promise of summer is just weeks away.

Here in the Berkshires, June means Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. The annual festival is a treasure-trove of must-see dance performances. Debuts, world premieres, and collaborations drive the excitement. The festival also offers talks, exhibits, workshops, and more.

Highlights for 2018 include The Royal Danish Ballet, the U.S. debut of Compañía Sharon Fridman, and an artist-curated program by New York City Ballet’s Daniel Ulbricht.

2018 will also see groups like PHILADANCO!, Limón Dance Company, Houston Ballet, and ODC/Dance return to the Pillow after years away.

Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival Special Events for 2018 include:

Season Opening Gala – June 16th
The summer kickoff party features exclusive, one-night-only performances, live & silent auctions, dinner, and an after party.

Sunday Film Series – June 24th, July 15th, August 5th
Intimate film showings in Blake’s Barn: “Ingmar Bergman: Through the Choreographer’s Eye” (June 24), “The Dancer” (July 15), and “Gravity Hero” (August 5).

Inside/Out: Translucent Borders – June 27th
This three-day residency brings together more than twenty musicians and dancers from Cuba, Israel, Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, the United States, and Italy.

All Styles Dance Battle – July 1st
The second annual dance battle will feature Festival artists, participants of The School at Jacob’s Pillow, regional street artists, and surprise judges.

Gotta Dance: New Faces for Broadway – August 19th
Watch as the dancers of the Musical Theatre Dance Program of The School at Jacob’s Pillow perform in a joyous celebration of dance and live music, directed by Broadway’s Chet Walker.

Festival Finale – August 25th
Dance the night away with desserts, drinks, and more at this ultimate end-of-summer celebration on the Pillow’s Great Lawn.

Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival 2018

June 20th through August 26th
358 George Carter Rd, Becket, MA 01223
Visit www.jacobspillow.org for a full schedule, tickets, and other details.

Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival Lodging
Jacob’s Pillow Dance is just minutes away from our Berkshires B&B in Lee, MA, Applegate Inn. Our convenient location, incredibly comfy guest rooms, and a history of unmatched service and comfort, make us the obvious choice for lodging anytime you’re in the Berkshires. Book your stay at Applegate Inn today!

The post Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival 2018 Is Just Weeks Away! appeared first on Applegate Inn.

Berkshire County may not exactly be Napa Valley but we do have number of wineries producing some excellent wines. In fact, there are enough Berkshire wineries right near our Lee, MA B&B you could easily take a Berkshire Winery Trail day-trip!

Wineries trade on the uniqueness of their process, tradition, and region. Visiting a vineyard, seeing the process, meeting the winemaker, and sampling wine on its home soil can be a priceless experience. The experience not only enriches that particular winemaker’s wines but every wine you taste thereafter. It doesn’t hurt that most wineries not only welcome visitors but set up special tasting rooms or bistro-like areas for them!

As I said at the top, Applegate Inn is within easy driving distance of a number of excellent Berkshire wineries. With so many nearby, it’s a snap to lay out a Berkshire Winery Trail itinerary to make an afternoon or even a day of it.

Berkshire Winery Trail Stops Near Applegate Inn

Balderdash Cellars
502 East St, Pittsfield, MA 01201 – 413-464-4629
Balderdash Cellars is a boutique Berkshire winery that was founded in 2011. The wineries focus is ultra-premium wines from world-class California grapes. Balderdash Cellars tasting room is open from 1pm to 5pm on Saturdays.

Furnace Brook Winery at Hilltop Orchards
508 Canaan Rd, Richmond, MA 01254 – 800-833-6274
Furnace Brook Winery was established in 1995 as a traditional English cidery, then expanded into varietals. The wineries award-winning wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and others, along with ciders and apple wines. Furnace Brook Winery is open for tastings daily and year-round, from 9am to 5pm. They also sell a variety of farm goods from their Farm Winery Store.

Les Trois Emme Winery
8 Knight Rd, New Marlborough, MA 01230 – 413-528-1015
Les Trois Emme Winery opened its doors in 2004 and has since produced a wide variety of wines. These include Cabernet Sauvignon, Old Vine Zinfandel, reds, blushes, whites, and a variety of fruit wines. Their tasting room is open 12pm to 5pm weekends (Thursday and Fridays, too during summer) and they offer tours, tastings, and complimentary hors d’oeuvres.

Berkshire Winery Trail

All the Berkshires wineries listed above are just 20 minutes or less from Applegate Inn but these aren’t the only wineries in Berkshire County!

For those heading farther afield, there are the Hudson-Chatham Winery, the Land of Nod Vineyard & Winery, and others.

If you’re interested in visiting these or other Berkshire wineries when you stay at Applegate Inn, just let us know! We can help you to find one that fits your tastes or even help design a personal “Berkshire Wine Trail” day trip!

Whatever it is you’d like to do during your Berkshire County getaway, just let us know and we’ll give you all the insider’s info we can.

The post Travel the Berkshire Winery Trail Near Our Lee, MA B&B appeared first on Applegate Inn.

Bash Bish Falls may be the tallest and most famous waterfall in the Berkshires – but it’s not the only one! In fact, there are lots of waterfalls in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts.

There’s just something about a waterfall that is magical. From the sound of the falling water to the sight of it splashing its way down, waterfalls can be hypnotic. Science tells us that falling water releases negative ions into the air that have a positive effect on our moods.

Whatever the reason, waterfalls are almost universally loved.

Luckily, there are many waterfalls in the Berkshires of Western, MA. Some are big, splashing waterfalls like Bash Bish Falls in Mount Washington. Others are small, “horsetail” falls like Stevens Glen in Richmond. Some waterfalls can be seen from the road while others require a hike. While some falls are more seasonal than others, they’re all most exciting during the spring rains and run-off.

Rather than list all the waterfalls in the Berkshires, here are just a few of the more popular ones near our neck of the woods.

Falls on the Overbrook Trail

The Overbrook Trail Falls are a series of cascades along the Overbrook Trail, located in Mass Audubon’s Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. The falls are a 15-foot curtain of water flowing down over a mossy, stone cliff face. The hike to the falls is a less than a mile on a trail of moderate difficulty. The beauty of Overbrook Trail falls is dependent on the volume of water that is flowing over them. Consequently, they can be spectacular in spring and totally underwhelming after a dry summer.

Overbrook Trail is less than 20 minutes from our Berkshires B&B, Applegate Inn. Directions and information on the Overbrook Trail Falls can be found here.

Race Brook Falls

Race Brook Falls, near Sheffield, MA, is a stunning series of five waterfalls on the slopes of Mt. Race. The hike to the last set of falls is just over a mile and of moderate difficulty but well worth the effort. Some of the cascades drop nearly 100 feet and the second set of falls are particularly photogenic.

Applegate Inn is just a half an hour’s drive from Race Brook Falls.

Bash Bish Falls

Bash Bish Falls are the most iconic falls on our short list. The falls tumble through a series of dramatic gorges, fall to split on a massive boulder, then tumble some 80 feet down into Bash Bish Brook. Magnificent.

The trail to the falls is less than half a mile’s easy hike but the falls can attract up to 3,000 people a day during the summer. Visiting Bash Bish outside tourist season is definitely preferable – but seeing them, regardless, is recommended.

Bash Bish Falls are located in Mount Washington State Forest and just 40 minutes from our Lee, MA B&B. You can find directions and more information about the falls here.

Visit www.newenglandwaterfalls.com for a list, map, and information on more waterfalls of Berkshire County.

Applegate Inn loves to share the beauty of the Berkshires and all they have to offer with our guests. No matter whit is you’d like to do or see, we can help – just let us know!

The post Bash Bish Falls and the Waterfalls of Berkshire County appeared first on Applegate Inn.

Fans of the Bard (or just good theater) visiting the Berkshires should do what they can to catch a Shakespeare & Company production. The 2018 season is already in full swing and will be until December 16th!

The Berkshires are known for a great many things, not the least of which is our incredible theater scene. No matter the time of year, it seems like the Berkshires’ stage is alive with music, dance, drama, or comedy.

Shakespeare & Company, founded in 1978, is a Berkshires’ cultural institution and one of the largest Shakespeare Festivals in the country. The company puts on a full program every year, May through December. While the Shakespeare & Company focus is primarily that of their namesake, works by other authors are also regularly included in each season. The 2018 season features 6 non-Shakespeare plays.

More than just performances, Shakespeare & Company also provides actor training programs for professionals and students, alike. The internationally recognized curriculum helps actors with vocabulary, focus, and intuition. Past alumni include such stars as Bill Murray, Keanu Reeves, Sigourney Weaver, Richard Dreyfuss, and Andie MacDowell.

Shakespeare & Company plays are held in a variety of venues in Lenox, most on the company’s Kemble Street campus. Concession stands offer light fare both before and after the shows. Both the Tina Packer Playhouse and the Elayne P. Bernstein Theater offer outdoor spaces with tables for a picnic, snack, or drink.

Shakespeare & Company 2018 Season

Morning After Grace: May 24 – July 15 at the Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre
by Carey Crim | Directed by Regge Life | Featuring Steven Barkhimer, Corinna May, Kevin Vavasseur

Macbeth: July 3 – August 5 at the Tina Packer Playhouse
by William Shakespeare | Directed by Melia Bensussen | Featuring Jonathan Croy and Tod Randolph

Love’s Labor’s Lost: July 10 – August 18 at the Dell-Outdoors at the Mount
by William Shakespeare | Directed by Kelly Galvin

Creditors: July 19 – August 12 at the Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre
by August Strindberg, adapted by David Greig | Directed by Nicole Ricciardi | Featuring Jonathan Epstein, Ryan Winkles and Kristin Wold

As You Like It: August 9 – September 2 at The Roman Garden Theatre
by William Shakespeare | Directed by Allyn Burrows

Heisenberg: August 11 – September 2 at the Tina Packer Playhouse
by Simon Stephens | Directed by Tina Packer | Featuring Tamara Hickey and Malcolm Ingram

Mothers and Sons: August 16 – September 9 at the Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre
by Terrence McNally | Directed by James Warwick | Featuring Annette Miller

HIR: September 13 – October 7 at the Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre
by Taylor Mac | Directed by Alice Reagan | Featuring Elizabeth Aspenlieder and John Hadden

Pride and Prejudice: December 15 – December 16 at the Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre
By Jon Jory | Directed by Ariel Bock

Shakespeare & Company

70 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA 01240
A full schedule, tickets, and more information can be found online at www.shakespeare.org

Berkshires Lodging
The Shakespeare & Company campus is less than ten minutes drive from our Berkshires B&B, Applegate Inn. Our Lee, MA inn provides not just easy access to all the Berkshires have to offer, but also delicious breakfasts and uncommonly comfortable accommodations. Enjoy a one of a kind, Berkshires lodging experience – book your stay at Applegate Inn today!

The post The 2018 Season for Lenox’ Shakespeare & Company appeared first on Applegate Inn.

Looking for that perfect, unique item to offset a room or to give as a gift? You’re likely to find it at Berkshire Crafts Fair 2018! This annual, juried show draws master artisans from all over the country to exhibit their wares. August 10th through the 12th, 2018, in Great Barrington, MA.

The annual Berkshire Crafts Fair is not your typical arts and crafts show. Every year, artisans, from Washington to Florida, submit their applications in hopes of being accepted. Of the hundreds of applications received, only the very best are chosen. Making the Berkshire Crafts Fair as much an exhibition of fine art as it is an arts and crafts shopping opportunity.

More than 89 master artisans will be on hand at this year’s show, with unique and beautiful contemporary crafts and fine art. Traditional and contemporary jewelry, furniture, ceramics, textiles, glassware, woodwork, and more. You’ll see everything from the purely whimsical to the helpfully inventive – and all in between.

Berkshire Crafts Fair always offers a wonderful opportunity to get some holiday shopping out of the way early. The incredible depth of fine, handcrafted goods offered means you’re bound to find something. In fact, you shouldn’t be too surprised if you end up buying more than you intended!

Best of all, proceeds from the Berkshire Crafts Fair go towards innovative initiatives and programs at Monument Mountain Regional High School. Consequently, you can feel doubly-good about any purchases you make.

Berkshire Crafts Fair 2018

August 10th through the 12th, 2018 – 10am-5pm
Monument Mountain Regional High School
600 Stockbridge Rd, Great Barrington, MA 01230

Visit the Berkshire Crafts Fair website for more information. You can also follow the event on Facebook for a preview of some of this year’s offerings.

Berkshires Lodging
Planning on attending the Berkshire Crafts Fair? Let Applegate Inn, in beautiful Lee, MA, be your home away from home. Our “gilded-age” inn is located on six park-like acres and features eleven plush suites. Enjoy supreme comfort and service during your stay at our luxurious Berkshires B&B, Applegate Inn. Book your accommodations now!

The post Shop Fine, Handcrafted Gifts at Berkshire Crafts Fair 2018 appeared first on Applegate Inn.

Those who hope to get some time in on the links during their getaway will be happy to hear that Applegate Inn is near a number of popular public, Berkshires golf courses.

Applegate Inn, in Lee, MA is surrounded by fun things to see and do. That’s the nature of the Berkshires of western Massachusetts: there’s a little something for everyone, no matter where you go.

When it comes to Berkshires golf courses, there are almost too many to choose from.  A full list of the greens within our area alone would be overwhelming.

Instead, we put together this short list of public Berkshires golf courses within easy driving distance of our B&B.

Berkshires Golf Courses Near Lee, MA

Greenock Country Club – Across the street from Applegate Inn!
Greenock Country Club offers a scenic, 9-hole, public golf course. The club dates back to 1895 and is one of America’s first golf courses. The course was redesigned by Donald Ross in 1927 and is a member of the Donald Ross Golf Trail. Greenock also offers tennis and a restaurant and lounge. 220 West Park Street, Lee, MA 01238 – www.greenockcc.com

Cranwell Spa & Golf Resort – Just 5 minutes from Applegate Inn.
Cranwell’s 18-hole golf course was designed in 1926 by Wayne Stiles and John Van Kleek. The carefully preserved fairways and naturally contoured greens offer spectacular views and a challenging game. 55 Lee Road, Lenox, MA 01240 – www.cranwell.com

Downswing’s Indoor Golf Center – Only 20 minutes from Applegate Inn.
Downswing’s has four golf simulators presenting 100 different courses apiece. Downswing’s is PGA recognized and an excellent alternative for bad weather days or just working on your game. 10 Lyman Street, Suite 7, Pittsfield, MA 01201 – www.downswingsgolf.com

Berkshire Hills Country Club – 25 minutes from Applegate Inn.
Berkshire Hills Country Club’s spectacular 18 hole course is the only A.W. Tillinghast design in the state. It offers a unique, challenging game and stunning panoramic views. Berkshire Hills Country Club golfcourse is semi-private with unaccompanied guests playing at the club’s discretion. 500 Benedict Road, Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201 – www.berkshirehillscc.com

Wahconah Country Club – Just 30 minutes from Appelgate Inn.
Wahconah Country Club is a semi-private, 18 hole course offering lessons, rentals, a driving range, and lounge. The course features rolling fairways, beautifully sculpted bunkers, and challenging elevation changes. 20 Orchard Road, Dalton, MA 01226 – www.wahconahcc.com

Berkshires Lodging

Applegate Inn makes the perfect home base for any and all of your Berkshires getaway plans. Our Berkshires inn offers 10 guest rooms and a Carriage House on 6 park-like acres. Let us pamper you with candlelight breakfasts, afternoon wine and cheese service, evening cognac and chocolates, and attentive service. Book your Berkshires getaway at Applegate Inn today!

The post Berkshires Golf Courses Near Our Lee, MA B&B appeared first on Applegate Inn.

The town of Lee, MA turns 241 in 2018 and our annual birthday celebration – Lee Founders Weekend – is scheduled for Friday, September 14th, through Sunday, September 16th, 2018. Come out and help us celebrate during this popular, annual Berkshires event!

Lee Founders Weekend is always a great time. Lee celebrates the town’s birthday with three days of fabulous food, music, and fun in the Berkshires – and YOU are most definitely invited! Come join in as we celebrate Berkshires style with a Founders Day Parade, Duck Derby, 5K Road Race, Taste Of Lee, live music, and lots more!

Lee Founders Weekend 2018 Schedule of Events

Friday, September 14
CreativeLEE XVIII at the Lee Library – 3pm to 5pm
Taste of Lee on Main Street – 5pm to 8pm
Balloon Rides at the Athletic Field – 5pm to 7pm
Fireworks Show at Lee Bank – Sunset
Vendors on Main Street – 5pm to 8pm
Tennis Clinics, Main Street – 5pm to 7pm
Johnny Mystic: Street Magician, Main Street – 5pm to 8pm
Live Music: Robin O’Herin, Main Street – 5pm to 6pm
Live Music: Housatonic Philharmonic, Main Street – 6pm to 7:30pm
Saturday Night Liv! Family Hour at the Spectrum Theatre – 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Saturday, September 15
5K Road Race Registration Opens, Lee High – 7am (or register online)
5K Road Race, Finnegan Course, Lee High – 8am
Founders Hometown Parade on Main Street 10am to 11am
Hellios Novelties at Greylock Federal Credit Union – 10am to 4pm
Lee Land Trust info table, Main Street – 10am to 4pm
Artisan Craft Fair at the Church Park – 10am to 4pm
Big Green Egg Cook-Off at the Gazebo – 11am to 1pm
Bowey the Magic Clown at the Athletic Field – 11am to 12pm
Children’s Activities at the Athletic Field – 11am to 3pm
Sons of Italy Grinder Sale at the Church Park – 11am to 1:30pm
Dogs on the Run hot dog vendor on Main Street – 11am to 2pm
Hilltown Rodders Classic Car Show in the DPW Parking area – 11:30am to 4pm
Terry ala Berry Sing-Along at the Athletic Field – 2pm to 3pm
Live Music: Moonshine Holler at the Church Park – 12:30pm to 1:30pm
Saturday Night Liv! Variety Show at the Spectrum Theatre – 7:30pm to 9pm
Live Music: James Walker at the Locker Room Sports Pub – 8pm to 9pm

Sunday, September 16
Vintage Tennis Tournament at Greenock Country Club – 10am to 11am
Duck Race at the Athletic Field – 2pm
Rally Day w/drumming by Cliff Madru at the First Congregational Church of Lee – 10:30am

Lee Founders Weekend 2018

September 14th through the 17th, 2018
Visit www.leechamber.org for more information on Lee Founders Weekend 2018.

Lee Founders Weekend Lodging
Applegate Inn is very proud to be a part of the Lee community. Our Berkshires B&B offers you 11 beautifully appointed suites, complete with private baths, fireplaces, and spa tubs. Treat yourself to some of the best in service and comfort in the Berkshires with a stay at Applegate Inn!

The post Lee Founders Weekend 2018 – Come Join In the Fun! appeared first on Applegate Inn.

Come discover a world of amazing flavors when you set out along the Berkshire Cheese Trail. Makers throughout the Berkshires, from Williamstown to Great Barrington, Plainfield to Old Chatham – produce exceptional, artisanal, small-batch cheeses, some of which you’ll find nowhere else!

The recent farm-to-table movement that swept the nation has helped to bring great, regional foodmakers to light. More people than ever, now, are eager for locally-sourced ingredients, regional flavors, and sustainable practices. What this translates to is healthier, more delicious foods and unique regional flavors.

The Berkshires are no exception. Independent farms, foodmakers, and local food scenes are flourishing here in the Berkshires and Hudson Valley.

In order to help you discover all the area’s great flavors, Berkshire Farm & Table has mapped out some Berkshire Taste Trails. There’s a Beer & Cider Trail, Charcuterie Trail, and – of course, a Cheese Trail.

Finding and sampling regional cheeses is an easy task when you’re on the Berkshire Cheese Trail! Whether you travel the entire trail, or only stop at a few locations, the Berkshire Cheese Trail will not disappoint!

Cricket Creek Farm

Cricket Creek Farm is a small, grass-based cow dairy producing raw milk, grass-fed beef, whey-fed pork, and 7 different styles of artisanal farmstead cheeses. Maggie’s Round, Maggie’s Reserve, Tobasi, Berkshire Bloom, Town Meeting, Town Hearth, Hillside, and Cricket Creek Fresh. Open 7 days a week, 7am to 7pm – 1255 Oblong Road, Williamstown, MA 01267
cricketcreekfarm.com

Sangha Farm/Goat Rising

Sangha Farm is a small family farm and goat dairy. Their Goat Rising brand goat cheeses include chevre, feta, brie, raw milk aged cheese, and goat cheese truffles. Please contact in advance for a visit: info@sanghafarm.com – 134 West Hill Road, Plainfield, MA 01070

Nudel Restaurant

Nudel Restaurant is an American bistro that collaborates with small local farms and food producers to source the best ingredients. Their cheeses include a house-made ricotta. Open every night at 5pm, last seating at 9:15pm – 37 Church St, Lenox, MA 01240
nudelrestaurant.com

Harvest Barn Bakery

Gould Farm is dedicated to helping adults with mental challenges to move toward recovery, health, and independence through community living, meaningful work, and clinical care. Gould Farm’s Harvest Barn Bakery offers a variety of farm-fresh products, including a delicious, mild cheddar cheese. Bakery and Cafe: Sat-Sun 9am to 3pm | Self-Service Retail: Wed-Fri 10am to 3pm – 54 Gould Road, Monterey, MA 01245
www.gouldfarm.org

Rawson Brook Farm

A small, family-run farm happens to be the birthplace of Monterey Chevre. Monterey Chevre is a soft goat cheese, made from the milk of Rawson Brook goats only, and available in original, thyme with olive oil, and chives with garlic varieties. Farm and self-serve store are open to visitors during daylight hours. – 185 New Marlboro Road, Monterey, MA 01245

Hawthorne Valley Farm

Hawthorne Valley Farm was one of the first dairies in the United States to be certified organic. Their creamery produces a variety of hard and soft cheeses, including Cheddar, Raclette, Alpine, Fern Hill and Mayhill. The farm offers public tours by appointment. Farm Store Hours: Daily, 7:30am to 7pm – 327 County Route 21C, Ghent, NY 12075
store.hawthornevalley.org

Old Chatham Sheepherding Company

Old Chatham Sheepherding Company produced some of the very first American sheep’s milk cheese and yogurt. Their Black Sheep brand cheeses and yogurts have won numerous awards. Varieties include include Nancy’s Hudson Valley Camembert, Ewe’s Blue, and Kinderhook Creek. Self-serve store open 7 days a week, dawn to dusk – 155 Shaker Museum Road Old Chatham NY 12136
www.oldchathamsheepherding.com

Berkshires Lodging

Whatever brings you to the Berkshires of Western MA, make your stay the best it can be by sampling the comforts of Applegate Inn. Our Berkshires B&B offers eleven guestrooms and suites nestled on six gorgeous acres. Book your stay today at Applegate Inn!

The post Come Travel the Berkshire Cheese Trail! appeared first on Applegate Inn.

“Keepers of the Flame,” the current exhibit at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, has been receiving rave reviews – but is only up for one more month. Fans of Maxfield Parrish, N.C. Wyeth, and Rockwell owe it to themselves to catch this exhibit before it comes down October 28th, 2018.

This recent exhibit at the Norman Rockwell Museum has been garnering even more praise and attention than usual. “Keepers of the Flame: Parrish, Wyeth, Rockwell and the Narrative Tradition” traces the connection between the three legendary artists and the roots of European painting.

Parrish’s lush fantasies, Wyeth’s exuberant compositions, and Rockwell’s humanistic portrayals make up the core of the exhibit – but that’s not all. “Keepers of the Flame” spans five hundred years with more than 60 works by 25 different American and European masters. 300 digital representations of work by 50 other artists round out the show.

Of course, the Norman Rockwell Museum is worth a visit even if you’re here after this amazing exhibit moves on.

Norman Rockwell in the Berkshires

Norman Rockwell loved the Berkshires. He spent his last years in Stockbridge and drew a lot of inspiration from the town for many of his later paintings. In fact, fans of Norman Rockwell may recognize parts of Stockbridge from the famed illustrator’s works. This is particularly true of Main Street. It was the focus of Rockwell’s famous “Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas,” and retains its look, despite having been painted between 1956 and 1967. There’s even an annual Christmas celebration/reenactment in Stockbridge around the painting.

The Norman Rockwell Museum collection includes nearly a thousand original paintings, drawings, and sketches – the largest collection of original Norman Rockwell art in the world. The museum archives hold even more – over 100,000 items! Photographs, letters, fan mail, and things from his studio, including some of the furnishings.

Upcoming Exhibits at the Norman Rockwell Museum

Frank E. Schoonover: American Visions – November 10, 2018 through May 27, 2019
Gregory Manchess: Above the Timberline – November 10, 2018 through February 24, 2019
Out of the Darkness: The Art of Frank Miller – June 8 to October 27, 2019

Norman Rockwell Museum

9 Route 183 – Stockbridge, MA 01262
For more information, hours, and current exhibits, please visit: www.nrm.org

Berkshires Lodging

Applegate Inn makes the perfect home base for your Berkshires getaway. The Norman Rockwell Museum, Tanglewood, Jacob’s Pillow, and many other Berkshires institutions are within easy distance. Our guestrooms are cozy and welcoming, plus we spoil you with candlelight breakfasts, afternoon wine and cheese, and evening cognac and chocolates. Book your stay at Applegate Inn today!

The post Norman Rockwell Museum – Parrish, Wyeth, and Rockwell Exhibit appeared first on Applegate Inn.

The Blue Steps at Naumkeag

Naumkeag, in Stockbridge, MA, is one of the Berkshires’ original gilded-age “cottages” and a National Historic Landmark. Come marvel at the Gilded Age splendor at the estate’s terraced gardens, landscaped grounds, and magnificent architectural details.

Naumkeag is a quintessential Berkshires country estate of the Gilded Age. It was built in 1885 as a summer estate for Joseph Hodges Choate (1832–1917), a New York City attorney and ambassador to England. The estate stayed in the family until 1958, when it was bequeathed in its entirety – lock stock and barrel – to The Trustees of Reservations. The Trustees of Reservations is a non-profit organization, dedicated to preserving natural and historical places here in Massachusetts.

Naumkeag – A Gilded Age Gem in the Berkshires

The mansion’s wood-shingled exterior features brick and stone towers, prominent gables and a large porch. Inside, fine wood detailing compliments the 44 rooms of original furnishings and an international art collection.

The main house is surrounded by 8 acres of gardens and landscaping. The most famous feature on-site has to be the Blue Steps. The Blue Steps is four sets of stairs and a series of fountains, overhung by birch trees on a gentle hillside. Other outdoor features include the Afternoon Garden, Tree Peony Terrace, Evergreen Garden, Chinese Garden, Arborvitae Walk, and Linden Walk.

Naumkeag’s terraced gardens and landscaped grounds are surrounded by 40 acres of woodland, meadow, and pasture. Panoramic views of Monument Mountain and the Housatonic River Valley round out the attractions.

Guided and self-guided tours will introduce you to this Gilded Age gem and are a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Naumkeag also features a gift shop of curated local crafts, jewelry, and unusual gifts. Naumkeag’s grab-and-go Oak Café will keep you from going hungry. They even offer loaner blankets for a delightful picnic on the grounds!

Since opening to the public in 1959, Naumkeag has proven to be a popular destination. More than 11,000 people come from around the world each year to tour and experience the house and gardens.

When to Visit Naumkeag

Naumkeag house and grounds are open from mid-April to early October. Exact days and times vary, year to year and season to season. Be sure to check the website for up-to-date details on current hours and prices

Upcoming Events at Naumkeag

Though seasonally closed, Naumkeag reopens for some special events between October and April.

The Naumkeag Pumpkin Trail – October 5-6, 12-13, 2018 – 5pm to 8pm
Haunted House at Naumkeag – October 19-20, 27-28, 2018 – 6:30pm to 9pm
Winterlights at Naumkeag – November 23-25, 29-30, December 1-2, 6-9, 13-16, 20-23, 27-30, 2018 – 5pm to 8pm
Christmas on Main Street – December 1, 2018 – 11am to 4pm
Learn more on the Naumkeag events page.

Naumkeag

5 Prospect Hill Rd, Stockbridge, MA 01262
Be sure to visit www.thetrustees.org for more information. You can also visit Naumkeag on Facebook.

Naumkeag Lodging

Applegate Inn is centrally located in Lee, MA, and less than 10 minutes from Naumkeag. Our Berkshires B∓B offers eleven, beautifully appointed guestrooms and suites, complete with private baths, fireplaces, and spa tubs. Book your stay at Applegate Inn today!

The post Visit and Explore Naumkeag Gilded Age Cottage and Gardens appeared first on Applegate Inn.

October is here and the scenery is bursting with color. When it comes to leaf peeping, nothing beats the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. Now is the time to come and enjoy the best of the Berkshires fall foliage!

October is THE month for viewing the peak fall foliage here in western Massachusetts. The Berkshires fall foliage season begins late September and typically peaks during mid-October, Columbus Day weekend.

If you’ve a love for forested backdrops of crimson, yellow, russet, and all tones in between, a Berkshires fall foliage trip is for you! Luckily, Applegate Inn is at the epicenter of some of the most striking autumn vistas around. It’s a simple thing to plan a lovely little drive or day trip from our Berkshires B&B for some gallery-hopping, antiquing, and lots of great leaf peeping!

Route 7 between Great Barrington and North Adams

U.S. Route 7 passes through Great Barrington, Lenox, Pittsfield, and some of the most gorgeous autumn scenery around. Route 7 is just a few minutes to the West of Lee, MA on I-90.

Traveling from Great Barrington to North Adams will take you past storybook farms, rolling hills, and other scenic panoramas. Attractions along the route include the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum in Lenox, The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge. You wont be sorry you stopped at either!

Richmond, MA’s Hilltop Orchard & Furnace Brook Winery is also worth a visit. The farm hosts numerous fall events and produces award-winning wines. Your first taste is free! You can also pick apples, go for a hike, or just relax and enjoy the view.

Leaf Peeping from The Summit of Mount Greylock

Speaking of views, if you’ve made it to North Adams on your Berkshires fall foliage drive, you may as well summit Mount Greylock. You won’t need any carabiners or crampons to make it, though – you can drive there!

Mount Greylock is 3,491 feet tall: the highest point in Massachusetts. From its peak on a clear day, you can see more than 90 miles away. That’s a LOT of leaf-peeping! Stop by the cafe at rustic Bascom Lodge for a prix-fixe dinner and vistas of four states and five mountain ranges.

To reach the summit of Mount Greylock from North Adams, take West Main Street to Notch Road. Stay on Notch Road until you reach Adams, MA and Mount Greylock.

Berkshires Fall Foliage

One of the best things about being in the Berkshires is you that don’t have to go anywhere to see beautiful fall foliage – it’s all around you! Book your Berkshires fall foliage getaway at Applegate Inn, today!

The post Berkshires Fall Foliage Day Trips and Drives appeared first on Applegate Inn.

There is never a bad time to visit the Berkshires but Applegate Inn’s collection of lodging specials sure makes taking a Berkshires getaway easier on your wallet!

Autumn may be one of the best times to visit the Berkshires. The summer crowds are gone, the fall colors are lovely, and there are still plenty of things to see and do in the area. Plus, with the end of the year holidays coming up, now may be your last time for a break until the new year!

It was with this in mind that we created our Berkshires getaway lodging specials.

Berkshires Getaway Lodging Specials

Our current collection of lodging specials includes:

• Two Night $75
• Three Night $50
• Mid Week
• Romance Package

 
Our Two Night Special gets you 2 nights at our Stockbridge B&B, with a discount on that second night: $75 off a King bedroom or $50 off a Queen room. Our Two Night Special is only available Sunday thru Thursday, November through May.

The Applegate Inn Three Night Special gives you three nights at our Berkshires inn with that third night for only $50! Can’t stay the full three days? The special also allows you to use that room for last day and enjoy a late check out! This Berkshires getaway lodging special is available both mid-week and weekend, November through May.

Our 2-night, Mid-Week Special comes with a variety of exciting options. Choose from:

• A $50 Dining Gift Certificate for a fine, local restaurant
• 2 Butternut Ski resort mid week ski lift tickets
• Hilltop Orchards cross country ski package
• 2 passes to The Norman Rockwell Museum

 
Autumn is also a wonderful time to enjoy a romantic Berkshires getaway. Our Romance Package includes two nights lodging in one of our fireplace rooms, a 3-course dinner for two, chocolates, and a split of champagne.

Applegate Inn’s Berkshires Lodging Specials

If these or any of our other specials look good to you, all you need do is let us know when you book your room. Looking for something you don’t see? Let us know and we’ll do what we can to craft a special to your needs.

Be sure to visit our lodging specials page for a closer look at the details, prices, and restrictions on these and many other Berkshires getaway offers.

The post Berkshires Getaway Lodging Specials at Applegate Inn appeared first on Applegate Inn.

Come to the Berkshires this holiday season and step into a scene from one of Norman Rockwell’s most famous paintings! The 29th annual Norman Rockwell Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas Weekend is scheduled for November 30th through December 2nd, 2018!

Norman Rockwell loved the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, eventually settling in Stockbridge. Rockwell spent his last years here, leaving his collection in trust to the Stockbridge Historical Society who used it to establish The Norman Rockwell Museum.

The quintessential, New England ambiance of the Berkshires inspired many of the artist’s later works. This is most demonstrably true in his work “Home for Christmas,” also known as Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas.

The painting, though not characteristic of Rockwell’s other work, became one of his most recognizable pieces and has come to symbolize Christmas in America. The painting takes you along Stockbridge’s main street on Christmas Eve. You can see the public library, antiques and gift shops, the old town office, and the Victorian hotel, now the Red Lion Inn.

Stockbridge has changed very little since the painting was completed in 1967. Consequently, recreating the scene every year was an obvious choice – and one that you have to experience to believe.

Norman Rockwell Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas

Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas is three days of festivities celebrating the holidays, Rockwell’s famous painting, and the town, itself. Activities include holiday readings, house tours, caroling, and a holiday concert.

The reenactment of the Norman Rockwell Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas painting caps off the weekend on Sunday. Attractions include horse drawn rides, Santa, Roger the Jester, a Christmas Food Booth, and vintage automobiles parked as depicted in the painting.

Visit stockbridgechamber.orgfor tickets and more details.

Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas Events

Friday, November 30th –
Readings Around The Hearth – 5pm to 6:30pm
Held at the Stockbridge Library, Museum & Archives.

Saturday, December 1st –
Holiday House Tour – 11am to 4pm
Enjoy a self-guided tour of some of the area’s historic properties, including: Naumkeag, Whitney House, Windermere, Applegate Inn, Devonfield Inn, National Shrine of the Divine Mercy, and High Lawn Farm Museum.

Children’s Holiday Sing Along – 11am to 11:30am
A fun, winter themed sing along at the Stockbridge Library, Museum & Archives.

Caroling Luminaria Walk – 6pm to 7pm
Join the festive caroling with your candle or flashlight in front of The Red Lion Inn, followed by a Luminaria walk to the First Congregational Church.

Holiday Concert – 7:30pm
This joyful, holiday musical program at the First Congregational Church is so popular, it’s already sold out!

Saturday, December 2nd –
Norman Rockwell Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas Recreation ~ 12pm to 2pm

Berkshires Lodging at a Historic Inn

As mentioned above, our historic Berkshires B&B, Applegate Inn is part of this year’s Holiday House Tour. Get a jump on the tours by booking your lodging with us! Our convenient location makes exploring the Berkshires a snap – and our top tier amenities will have you feeling like royalty. Choose your guestroom at Applegate Inn now!

The post Norman Rockwell Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas 2018 appeared first on Applegate Inn.

Berkshire Museum Festival of Trees 2018 – Often Heard opens today, November 17th, and runs through January 6th, 2019. Come see more than 100 dazzling Christmas trees, each decorated to depict a popular song.

The annual Berkshire Museum Festival of Trees is a popular Christmas Tree decorating event. The festival sees local businesses, schools, and other groups competing to decorate their tree in innovative and original ways. They also have to follow each year’s particular theme. Past themes have included salutes to the silver screen, animal safari, and the future.

This year’s theme is pop music. Each tree in the festival has been decorated around a different, popular song. The genre could be hip-hop, blues, jazz, country, rock, what have you. Can you guess which song the tree’s decorations are hinting at?

Festival of Trees After Dark

One great way to experience the Berkshire Museum Festival of Trees is after hours.

Festival of Trees After Dark is held at night, with the rest of the museum unlit and the only illumination the trees’ twinkling lights. The uniquely decorated indoor forest offers a surreal and warming atmosphere in this setting. It’s also more of a challenge to guess the song title associated with each tree’s décor.

Festival of Trees After Dark runs from 5pm to 7pm on multiple Saturdays. The first is this evening, November 17th, followed by five more dates: November 24th, December 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd, 2018. Non-member tickets are $5.

Berkshire Concert Choir at the Festival of Trees

Another festive event centered around the Berkshire Museum Festival of Trees is the Berkshire Concert Choir.

Come join the Berkshire Concert Choir as they perform a program of Christmas music from early Renaissance to contemporary compositions. The repertoire ranges from traditional carols to holiday pop tunes and promises a great time for all.

The Berkshire Concert Choir at the Festival of Trees is free to the public and scheduled for December 9th, 2018, from 3:30pm to 4:30pm.

Berkshire Museum Festival of Trees 2018

November 17th, 2018 through January 6th, 2019
Berkshire Museum, 39 South Street (Route 7), Pittsfield, MA
Learn more online at the Berkshire Museum website. You can also follow them on Facebook.

Festival of Trees 2018: Often Heard complements another current museum exhibition: National Geographic Rarely Seen: Photographs of the Extraordinary.

Berkshires Lodging

No matter what the season or reason, your home away from home in the Berkshires is Applegate Inn! Our convenient location makes exploring the Berkshires a must, though our luxurious guest rooms and amenities may tempt you to stay in! Book your stay at Applegate Inn today!

The post Berkshire Museum Festival of Trees 2018 – Often Heard appeared first on Applegate Inn.

Ring in 2019 in style with a Berkshires getaway and save! Applegate Inn’s New Year’s Eve Berkshires Lodging Special is just our way of saying Happy New Year!

No matter the season, there’s always a reason to visit the Berkshires and our Select Registry inn makes an excellent home base from which to explore. We here at Applegate Inn pride ourselves in providing the very best in Berkshires lodging. Our New Year’s Eve lodging special is just one more part of that effort.

No matter how you plan to spend your New Year’s getaway – skiing, seeing a show, exploring the area – our lodging special will help to make it the best ever!

New Year’s Eve Berkshires Lodging Special

Our New Year’s Eve lodging special is for two nights at our Berkshires B&B, starting at only $190 a night!

You’ll receive Champagne and Hors d’oeuvres Reception at 6pm at the inn to kick off your New Year’s Eve. The rest of the evening’s activities are up to you. Get out and enjoy one of the many New Year’s Eve events in the area or enjoy a quiet evening by the fire. You decide.

Whatever you choose, the next day you’ll be treated to a special, Candlelight Gourmet Brunch. And that’s not all.

The special also includes a Chocolates and a Decanter of Brandy in your room upon arrival. Non-holiday mornings include a Candlelight Breakfast served on crystal and china. Plus, you’ll enjoy Wine and Cheese every non-holiday evening at 5pm.

You can also extend your stay through any night during the Holiday period for our regular, off-season rates.

More Berkshires Lodging Specials, Packages, and Add-ons

Visit our Specials Page for more details on our New Year’s Eve Berkshires lodging special. While you’re there, be sure to take a look at some of the other offers.

Whatever you do, act soon. This special has proven quite popular and won’t last long!

Happy New Year!

The post Applegate Inn’s New Year’s Eve Berkshires Lodging Special appeared first on Applegate Inn.

The 2019 Tanglewood schedule has been announced and tickets go on sale the morning of February 10th. Now is the time to make your plans for Tanglewood season 2019!

The announcement of the Tanglewood schedule is always an exciting and eagerly anticipated event. As the summer home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) the annual Tanglewood Music Festival brings classical music’s biggest names to the Berkshires stage every summer. This year is no exception, with a cornucopia of returning and first-time stars, premiers, and special events on the calendar.

2019 will see the opening of the Tanglewood Learning Institute and a full-performance of Wagner’s “Die Walküre.” 2019 will also feature the world premiere of “The Brightness of Light,” Kevin Puts’ piece based on letters between Alfred Stieglitz and Georgia O’Keeffe.

2019 Tanglewood Schedule Highlights

The presentation of all 3 acts of Wagner’s “Die Walküre,” July 27th and 28th, is a first for Tanglewood. The opera will be performed in three sittings by the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra, Andris Nelsons conducting. All three acts will be presented as separate concerts. Act I is scheduled for July 27th; Acts II and III the 28th. Soloists include Christine Goerke as Brünnhilde, Simon O’Neill as Siegmund, and James Rutherford as Wotan.

July 20th will see the world premiere of Kevin Puts’s opera: “The Brightness of Light,” based on the correspondence between Alfred Stieglitz and Georgia O’Keeffe. Featured soloists are Baritone Rod Gilfry and 2019’s Koussevitzky Artist, soprano Renée Fleming.

July 23rd will see Tanglewood On Parade. BSO conductors for the program include Andris Nelsons, Keith Lockhart, John Williams, Thomas Wilkins, and James Burton – wow! The 2019 Tanglewood schedule also includes conducting debuts by Antonio Pappano, François-Xavier Roth, Rafael Payere and Yu-An Chang.

2019 Koussevitzky Music Shed stage soloist roster includes pianists Kirill Gerstein, Ingrid Fliter, Paul Lewis, and Jan Lisiecki. Trumpeter Hakan Hardenberger are also on the program, along with soprano Kristine Opolais, bass Ryan Speedo Green, and violinists Anne-Sophie Mutter and Joshua Bell.

Emanuel Ax, Yo-Yo Ma, and Leonidas Kavakos will present Beethoven piano trios together along with a variety of other performances. The 2019 season also includes the Knights with Gil Shaham, classical guitarist Miloš, and The Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra.

2019’s Popular Artists Series schedule already includes James Taylor on July 3rd and 4th, and the Boston Pops Orchestra will present Star Wars: A New Hope, August 18th. The season opens June 15th with “Live from Here,” hosted by Chris Thile. More additions to this popular schedule are imminent.

2019 Tanglewood Schedule

For a more comprehensive look at the upcoming Tanglewood schedule, be sure to visit www.bso.org.

Tickets for Tanglewood Music Festival 2019 go on sale to the general public at 10am, Sunday, February 10th, 2019. Applegate Inn partners with Tanglewood each year for an inside track on tickets for our guests. Our Berkshires B&B is less than 6 miles from the Tanglewood campus. We’d love to help coordinate your stay with a Tanglewood concert or three. Give us a call at (413) 243-4451 and we’ll see what we can do!

Tanglewood Lodging

Tickets for these concerts will go quickly, so plan ahead – but don’t forget lodging! Applegate Inn, in Lee, MA is mere minutes from the Tanglewood campus. Our Berkshires B&B offers 10 guest rooms and a carriage house surrounded by 6-acres trees, gardens, and manicured lawn. Book your Berkshires getaway today at Applegate Inn!

The post Highlights of the 2019 Tanglewood Schedule appeared first on Applegate Inn.

Enjoy a Berkshires romantic getaway this Valentine’s Day and save with Applegate Inn’s Romance Package lodging special!

The ageless and quintessential beauty of the Berkshires lend themselves to all manners of romance. Our quiet and friendly villages are filled with wonderful shops, galleries, museums, and theatres. Our dining scene provides a wealth of options, from brewpubs and wineries to more intimate settings.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, a romantic Berkshires getaway is a great way to share some time together. Our Romance Package lodging special makes it easy while saving you money.

Berkshires Romantic Getaway Lodging Package

The Applegate Inn Romance Package is a 2 night stay at our Berkshires B&B starting at just $545.00.

Along with access to all the amenities of a stay at Applegate Inn, the “best place to kiss in the Berkshires,” you’ll also receive:

• Two nights lodging in one of our wonderful fireplace rooms
• A sumptuous 3 course dinner for two
• Chocolate and a split of champagne

Book this special in a Queen Room with a fireplace for only $545 or upgrade to one of our King Suites for $715. King Suites include a steam shower, soaking tub, or two person whirlpool tub, depending on the room. Read more details here.

Spice up your Valentine’s Day getaway with romantic add-ons like champagne, fruit and cheese, fresh flowers, bath treats, and more.

Other Berkshires Lodging Offers

Our Berkshires lodging specials and packages page contains a variety of flexible offers.

Just as you don’t have to wait for February to enjoy a Berkshires romantic getaway,the Berkshires are an excellent destination year ’round, romance or not. Girlfriend getaways, shopping junkets, senior specials, and more.

In fact, we’re also currently offering a Post-holiday Getaway Special.

Did the holidays leave you feeling exhausted? Need some time to relax, unwind and recover from the holiday stress? Applegate Inn is just what you need! Enjoy 20% discount on your stay of one or two nights in one of our elegant guestrooms, now through January 27th. (Jan. 19 – 20 excluded)

Read more details here – and Happy New Year!

The post Enjoy A Berkshires Romantic Getaway This Valentine’s Day! appeared first on Applegate Inn.