Tune into our episode of “Eat Play Stay” in The Berkshires, Massachusetts, for an outdoor getaway just two hours from Boston.
EAT – RESTAURANTS IN THE BERKSHIRES
Xicohtencatl Restaurant
Xicohtencatl is cooking up authentic Mexican cuisine in Great Barrington. And it doesn’t get more authentic than mole (which is chef Angel Espinoza’s recommendation). This homemade dish, a childhood favorite of Espinoza’s while growing up in Mexico, features blistered poblanos, roasted tomatoes, chocolate and spices. Pro tip: it pairs perfectly with their delicious margaritas.
PUBLIC eat+drink
Just a short walk away from Berkshire Emporium & Antiques is PUBLIC Eat + Drink. Founded in 2011, this modern American restaurant is all about giving back to the community, right down to its name. With local deliveries coming in every day from breweries, distilleries, and farmers, PUBLIC Eat + Drink updates its menu daily, focusing on seasonality and fresh, local ingredients.
Shots Cafe
Get your European coffee and pastry fix at Shots Cafe in Lenox, a European cafe specializing in local ingredients. Founder and owner Liliana Arteaga previously lived in Europe and decided to open up her own tasty cafe in The Berkshires. Liliana sources local coffee, bread, ice cream and more, and recommends the “Diego Rivera” panini on your next visit. Bring your four-legged friends, too—one of Shots Cafe’s most popular items is the all-natural dog treats.
PLAY – THINGS TO DO IN THE BERKSHIRES
Berkshire Emporium & Antiques
From comics to clothing, there’s something for everyone at Berkshire Emporium & Antiques in North Adams. Built on the site of a former hotel that burned down in 1912, this eclectic spot has 25 rooms housing everything from records, furniture, jewelry and even real skeletons (and yes, there have been ghost sightings). We suggest ending your visit with a trip to their bakery for a much-needed coffee.
Berkshire Botanical Garden
With over 3,000 species of plants set across 24 acres, Stockbridge’s Berkshire Botanical Garden is the perfect spot for nature lovers. This outdoor oasis offers guided public tours every day from June 1 through Sept. 1. And if you’re looking to experience New England’s fall foliage, Berkshire Botanical Garden is especially breathtaking in the fall. Getting here from Boston? Take the Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway. Originally a Native American trade road, this drive is prime for leaf-peeping.
Tourists
Take in the sights and sounds of the great outdoors with a stay at Tourists. This hotel and riverside retreat, located in North Adams, considers itself to be a basecamp for your Berkshires experience—and that experience starts long before you arrive. Turn on the “One Hour To Tourists” playlist on Tourists Radio when you’re an hour away to truly immerse yourself in the trip to North Adams. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the aforementioned Tourists Radio playing in your room, as well as a field guide and art adventure program to let you in on the local activities, both inside and outside the hotel (including a 220-foot suspension bridge, taking you right into nature).
STAY – WHERE TO STAY IN THE BERKSHIRES
Berkshire East Mountain Resort
Start your getaway with a trip to Berkshire East Mountain Resort, offering skiing, adventure tourism and lodging. Catch a ride on the Thunderbolt Mountain Coaster, a short, 15-minute scenic journey up and down the mountain. Enjoy mountain life all year long with a range of activities, including zip-lining and biking at one of the biggest bike parks in the U.S., and river rafting (some of the best on the East Coast).
Looking for more Boston Area Getaways?
Check out the other episodes of Eat Play Stay for more great spots for day trips and weekend getaways near Boston.
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