The Berkshires are full of wonderful businesses that encourage us to enjoy the changing of the seasons. This month, we’re featuring our members who encourage us to get outside to hike, bike, golf, and camp. If outdoor activity isn’t your scene, we’re also featuring our great collection of member orchards, farms, and wineries. There’s something in the Berkshires for everyone this time of year!
Photo Credit: Ogden Gigli
This September, don’t miss your chance to enjoy the cooler weather, perfect for some of our favorite Berkshire trails. Berkshire Natural Resources Council, Inc has trails from North Adams to Sandisfield and everywhere in between. Housatonic Heritage Walks is offering free guided walks across the Berkshires and beyond. If you’re staying in North County you can check out Hike Berkshire North and Bike Berkshire North which will help you plan your outdoor trip from Adams to Williamstown. Follow Route 9 from the Guest House at Field Farm in Williamstown to Notchview, perfect for not only fall but also winter adventure. Also in Windsor, Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center has a little something for everyone. Heading South? Stop by Mass Audubon’s Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Lenox. Great Barrington offers the Great Barrington Housatonic River Walk along the river’s edge.
Photo Credit: Ogden Gigli
September is also a great time to tune up your golf game. Start in Williamstown at the 18-hole public course at Waubeeka Golf Links, from there stop by Forest Park Country Club’s public 9 hole course in Adams. Next head to Donnybrook Country Club in Lanesborough for 9 holes, and then head a bit further down Route 7 and check out the views at the semi-private Skyline Country Club. Work on your swing at Baker’s Golf Center’s 300-yard driving range or take the pressure off with some mini golf. In Hinsdale, you’ll find the Bas Ridge 18 hole public course, and nearby in Dalton is the semi-private 18 holes at Wahconah Country Club. Heading into Pittsfield you’ll find two 18 hole private courses in Berkshire Hills Country Club and the Country Club of Pittsfield, both with breathtaking views. Lenox brings you to Cranwell Spa and Golf Resort’s 18 holes. Lee offers Greenock Country Club and their 18 hole course. Stockbridge Golf Club offers a private 18 hole course for their members. Rounding out our favorite Berkshire golf options is Great Barrington’s public 18 holes at Egremont Country Club.
What’s better in September than a crisp night by the fire and sleeping under the stars at a quiet local campground before winter hits? With 44 tent and RV sites on 115 acres in Hinsdale, Fernwood Forest is a wonderful option through mid-October. Mt. Greylock Campsite Park in Lanesborough is located at the base of Mount Greylock and has 90 family friendly sites, and Historic Valley Campground has 100 sites on picturesque Windsor Lake in North Adams.
Bartlett’s Orchard, Photo Credit: Ogden Gigli
September is also harvest time at our local orchards and farms! Berkshire Grown helps to support and promote our local agriculture and farms across the entirety of Berkshire County. Pick your own apples in Richmond at Hilltop Orchards and Furnace Brook Winery and Bartlett’s Apple Orchard, or check out their market stores. Lanesborough offers Lakeview Orchard and their pick your own apples, prunes, and other changing seasonal produce options. Cricket Creek Farm in Williamstown has raw milk, grass-fed beef and whey-fed pork, a variety of artisanal farmstead cheeses and welcome visitors. Broadlawn Farms also offers local dairy options in Adams. Jaeschke’s Fruit & Flowers has a farm stand and farm stores in both Pittsfield and Adams, with pick your own in Adams.
Lastly this September visit your local beverage crafters! Learn how wine, beer or bourbon is made, meet friends for a tasting or toast with a glass! Starting in New Marlborough, Les Trois Emme Winery offers tastings and winemaking instruction. Berkshire Mountain Distillers in Sheffield offers tours, tastings and a greenhouse where they grow their own garnishes. Also in Sheffield, visit Big Elm Brewing’s taproom for a pint or tour. Balderdash Cellars has moved to Richmond and offers live music along with their tasting room. In North Adams, Bright Ideas Brewing, on the campus MASS MoCA, offers unique hand-crafted beer, and DeMarsico’s Wine Cellar at the Norad Mill provides wine and sangria tastings. Follow the Hudson Berkshire Beverage Trail from Albany to Hudson for lots of interesting stops with handcrafted beer, wine, and spirits.
Still want more? Then check out our 1Berkshire Facebook page for videos, photos, and features on these great businesses throughout September! If you see one of these businesses you haven’t visited yet, now’s the time to check them out. Happy September from your friends at 1Berkshire!