The Berkshires, Massachusetts, Family Vacation

Lush mountains, fresh air, crystal clear lakes . . . what's not to love? The Zen of the Berkshires (legend has it that just-so rock formations give the place a sort of cosmic feng shui) has been drawing crowds since the Guilded Age, when rich folks arrived with their newly built family "cottages" (mansions to we common folk). Families still flock here, now to enjoy the mix of plentiful culture (much of which can be enjoyed casually alfresco) as well as more adventurous outdoor fun. It's a blend unique to the Berkshires, where families can hike the Appalachian Trail, ride horses, or whitewater raft by day and throw a Frisbee at an outdoor classical musical concert on the lawn at Tanglewood by night. Don't miss the plentiful shops, restaurants, and ice cream stores that dot the landscape of the cute little Berkshire towns—lapping up culture never tasted so good.

On summer weekends during the peak tourist season, quaint towns in the Berkshires hop with visitors taking advantage of the region's attractions, but there's really no bad time to visit. Visitors during the shoulder seasons (late spring and early fall) can still run the rapids or speed down the Alpine Slide, but without the high prices and large crowds. Fall brings crisp temperatures and New England's famous foliage, while winter finds families skiing the slopes at Jiminy Peak or Butternut or traversing the hills via cross country ski or snowshoe. Springtime is a delight, time to venture into the great outdoors without the searing heat of the summer months. Off season, make sure to check attraction schedules as many pare back hours or close entirely.

Cool mountain air and gentle breezes make summer a bit more comfortable than some other New England locales. Still, early July to mid-August gets pretty sultry, with soaring temperatures averaging in the 80s and humidity to match. On the other hand, fall beckons early; just ask an overnight camper about those brisk late-August mornings when sweaters (and sometimes even gloves) are a must. Winter is clear and cold, with average temperatures in the 30s and a lot of snowfall to complete the Norman Rockwell landscape. Springtime starts in earnest around April, with temperatures warming into the 60s and 70s, but look out for the rains that give this time of year the nickname "mud season." For many visitors, nothing beats the New England fall, with cool, crisp temperatures in the 60s and a lovely vista of colorful fall foliage.

Air travelers will find Albany International Airport the most convenient, but those coming from long distances may find better fares into Hartford's Bradley International or Boston's Logan. On Amtrak, the Lake Shore Limited line serves Pittsfield from Boston and New York, and many stops in between. Bus service is available via Peter Pan Bus lines.

Berkshire County is spread far and wide, making the family automobile the most practical form of transportation. A free trolley runs between the towns of Lee and Stockbridge on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day, making a stop also at the Prime Outlets.

Williamstown Jazz Festival (April)

Berkshire International Film Festival (May)

Berkshires Arts Festival (July)

Tanglewood (July-August)

Jacob's Pillow Festival (June-August)

Barrington Stage (mid-May-August)

Williamstown Theatre Festival (June-August)

Visit the Berkshires Visitors Bureau for more information about the area.

Check out the "featured deals" section on the Berkshire Visitors Bureau website, and look for brochure kiosks outside almost every restaurant and store. Many of the publications include coupons.

Herman Melville penned his fabled whale tale, "Moby Dick," at Arrowhead, his Pittsfield home.

The Southern Berkshires has its own currency: the BerkShare, which is designed to stimulate the local economy by having shoppers buy goods from local area merchants. To learn more, visit BerkShares, Inc.

Campsites in this nature's paradise abound. Local favorites include Tolland State Park and Beartown State Forest. Look for information about these and other campgrounds at www.mass.gov/dcr/ or www.campmass.com/berkshire.html.