This is an exciting time in the Berkshires. New business opening and renovating across the region are taking advantage of emerging trends in craft beverage, town revitalization, community gathering space and farm-to-table medicine. We are thrilled to welcome these new businesses as 1Berkshire members! We encourage the community to make a point to support each of these businesses, your enthusiasm makes a difference for our businesses, our economy, and the region.
In northern Berkshire, the Museum of Dog (M.O.D) is opening and is the newest addition to our extensive cultural scene. This museum founded by David York is a tribute to dogs everywhere. A dog enthusiast, David founded Barking Hound Village, a dog daycare, boarding and grooming company with locations in Georgia and Texas; all the while collecting an eclectic assortment of dog-specific artwork. Along with the gallery, M.O.D. will host special exhibits for artists who have included dogs in their collection.
Berkshire Roots is the largest grower of cannabis in the Berkshires and the first medical marijuana dispensary to open in Pittsfield. Opening this spring, their passion is serving patients who are confronted with chronic conditions and seek relief through the use of medical marijuana. For Berkshire Roots, safety and quality are of utmost importance. Situated at 501 Dalton Ave. in Pittsfield, Berkshire Roots has nearly 26,000 square feet, will be devoted to their operation and dispensary.
Location: Celebrate the Berkshires 2015 at The Stationery Factory, Photo Credit: Christopher Duggan
Craft beer enthusiasts have a new destination in the Berkshires, Shire Breu-Hous. Located in the Stationery Factory in Dalton, this brewery, which opened in August 2017, not only offers enjoyable craft brews but also delicious pub food in a fun atmosphere. Owners Andrew Crane and Nick Whalen knew each other growing up in the Berkshires. They met again, by chance, on Christmas Eve 2013 while last minute Christmas shopping. A few months later they met at a Brooklyn bar, and over a glass of Andrew’s home-brewed Golden Tripel, Shire Breu-Hous was born. With access to many local ingredients, they aim to source locally whenever possible, they even grow their own hops and use malt from South Egremont.
Mulberry Hair Company may not be new to the Berkshires, but they have recently opened a beautiful new space in Great Barrington. Caroline Crehan Becker, salon owner and founder, has created a modern, eco-friendly boutique studio next door to YogaGB. After moving to Great Barrington in 1998 and working out of a small Egremont salon, Becker and her husband designed and renovated this new larger space from the inside out. Rich in community spirit, the new rustic-chic salon has a full upstairs space for events and gatherings, a bar where people can sit and talk, and a backyard lounging area. Last summer, Becker launched The Mulberry Market in the front yard, a monthly pop-up gathering of artists and vendors offering jewelry, accessories, clothing, pottery and more in support of local artists and nonprofit organizations.
1Berkshire would love to help support your business, too. Whether you have a long history as a fixture of our landscape or you are just starting up a new venue, our goal is to connect you with customers, colleagues, and resources. Building on the history of the former regional Chamber of Commerce and Berkshire Visitors Bureau, our new blended organization 1Berkshire supports region-wide economic and creative development and promotes today’s Berkshires as a preferred place to visit, live, work and grow a business. For more information, please contact Erika Allison at eallison@1berkshire.com.