Thursday, January 26, 2012

Birding in a Winter Wonderland.


While wintertime may seem a strange time to go bird watching, there is nothing more beautiful then going on a cross country ski and seeing eagles and other non transitory birds or on a moonlit snowshoe hike and calling for owls and then returning to curl up in front of cozy fire and hot cup of cocoa or cider at the 6' House Pub,

Some activities of interest for bird lovers.

Taking Flight: Audubon and the World of Birds
January 21 – June 17, 2012

Berkshire Museum’s new exhibition Taking Flight: Audubon and the World of Birds centers on John James Audubon and his passion for birds, which drove him to create The Birds of America, a revolutionary work of science and art that launched Audubon’s reputation as the world’s most renowned wildlife artist.

More than thirty original Havell prints from The Birds of America paired with bird specimens from the Museum’s collection comprise the centerpiece of the exhibition. Learn how Audubon’s obsession drove him to extremes to produce the watercolors for the engravings that comprise the most valuable book in the world. Experience Audubon’s rugged wilderness existence while researching for The Birds of America. Understand the science of feathers and flight, the many different bird habitats, the highly-evolved senses of birds, bird intelligence, and bird behavior in a series of galleries containing a wide array of photographs and video, art, objects, specimens, and samples of birds, eggs, and nests.

Berkshire Museum
39 South Street (Route 7), Pittsfield, MA 01201
Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Also check out events going on at the area Autubon centers, Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Lenox is a short hop from the 1896 House.  http://hilltownfamilies.wordpress.com/2012/01/04/hf-341/
A bird banding demonstration and Eagle watch at Quabbin Reservoir is coming up in February as well as a Full Moon Snowshoe Hike - February 7 http://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/Pleasant_Valley/news.php?id=1833&event=no

Download and print a bird checklist http://www.massaudubon.org/PDF/birdchecklists/checklist_PValley.pdf After your visit, you can use your checklist to contribute to the sanctuary's knowledge of birdlife at their wildlife sanctuaries. Submit your observations at www.massaudubon.org/ebird.

Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
472 West Mountain Road, Lenox, MA 01240

Thursday, January 12, 2012

1896 House Inn Valentine Packages All Month of February!



In addition to the many Romance Packages listed on our web site, 
we are offering:

“Sweet Suite” Package
Treat Your “Sweetie”  to any night in a Luxury Suite with romantic king bed, Jacuzzi for 2, gas fireplace, gourmet hot candlelight breakfast, one intimate 3 course dinner for 2, French champagne, a fresh bouquet of flowers and delectable chocolate truffles!
$389 Weekends & Holiday Weeks        $339 Weekdays
Includes all taxes & gratuities!

“Be My Valentine” Package
Charm your Valentine with any night in a traditional Brookside or Pondside Room with a hot breakfast buffet, an intimate 3 course dinner for 2, French champagne, a fresh bouquet of flowers, and a box of Valentine chocolates.
$259 Weekends & Holiday Weeks.   $225 Weekdays
Includes all taxes & gratuities!

“Saturday Cupid”  Package
Take your Cupid on February 18th only to a traditional Brookside or Pondside Room with 2 beds, a full hot breakfast buffet, a $35 Gift Card toward an intimate dinner at the Pub, & box of Valentine Chocolates.
$169 Includes all taxes & gratuities!

"Affordable Amore"
Don't let this economy ruin your romance!  This affordable show of love includes a single perfect rose, chocolate truffles in a red martini glass, and a split of Korbel Brut champagne to help you celebrate!  $23 in addition to any room rate


President’s Week Ski Specials

In addition to the many Ski Packages listed on our web site, we are offering:

Stay 2 Midweek Nights, get a free $25 Gift Card the fun
& popular ‘6 House Pub!

Stay 3 Midweek Nights, get the 4th night ½ price!
  
Don’t forget our other Specials!

"January White Sale"
Second Night 1/2 Price Choose any room or
luxury suite, and the second night is 1/2 Price!
January 20-21 Only

“Play Hookey” Special
Stay any Friday & Saturday &
get the consecutive Sunday or
Thursday 1/2 price!
(Valid all Ski Season except Holiday weeks!)

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Get a taste of Spring in the middle of the Winter



And while you’re here take advantage of our “Play Hookey” Special
Stay any Friday & Saturday & get the consecutive Sunday or Thursday 1/2 price!
(Valid all Ski Season except Holiday weeks!)

In the chill of January most people start dreaming of warmer weather. Take a break from the cold and visit a touch of spring at Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory, under an hour from the 1896 House Inn, perfect for a short day trip and then come back and sit by the fire at the 6' House Pub for dinner.

Magic Wings has an online coupon for $2 off Adult Admission
*Effective Tuesday, January 3 through Sunday, February 5.

Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory
281 Greenfield Road (Routes 5 & 10)
South Deerfield, MA   01373
(413) 665-2805

Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens consists of an 18,400-square foot facility that includes a 8,000-sq. ft. glass conservatory filled with butterflies, moths and tropical vegetation.

The conservatory maintains an 80-degree tropical-like environment all year round. It features a Koi pond in the center with a waterfall. Some 3,000 butterflies of all colors, shapes, sizes and varieties are at the conservatory.

Regular Hours of Operation:
Closed Monday & Tuesday
Wednesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

While your at Magic Wings, check out their restaurant and browse their lunch menu here http://www.magicwings.com/index.php?id=126 and check out their cool Facebook fan page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Magic-Wings-Butterfly-Conservatory/106827612675357