Welcome to the Berkshires! Emphasis on BRRRR!

Photo courtesy of JBTHEMILKER

We’ve been experiencing some CRAZY weather this week. The Berkshires might be one of the only places on the planet where you could get frostbite and sunburn in the same week! We’ve had some record lows this week coming in at -10 some nights only to be followed by a 40-degree day with rain that ultimately ended with a 5-degree evening with snow flurries! If you’re coming to visit any time this week, pack accordingly! This means bring clothes for all of the seasons because you just never know what you’re going to wake up to here! J

Rain, snow, ice or sun there are still many things to do in the Berkshires while you are visiting. Williams College music is up and running again this month, The Norman Rockwell Museum offers various events throughout the month as well as various hikes, workshops and family activities all over the area!

Williams College Music

January 8^th

Pre-Concert Talk with Brain Simalchik ’10 and Stephen Simalchik ’13 at 4:00pm

January 9^th

Festival of New Music: I/O Ensemble at 7:00pm

Festival of New Music: After Hours at 9:30pm

January 10^th

Festival of New Music: Counter induction at 8:00pm

January 11^th

Festival of New Music: Out of the Box at 12:00pm

Festival of New Music: Iota Ensemble at 8:00pm

January 10

Norman Rockwell: Humorous Tales and Little Known Facts

Come to the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA and celebrate Norman Rockwell’s unique brand of humor during this engaging, enlightening series exploring the artist’s adventures in illustration, with Curator of Education Tom Daly. Free with Museum admission, members free. 2:30pm.

January 11

Family Day: Dance!

Venture to the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA and discover the world of dance during this afternoon inspired by “Dancing Princesses: The Art of Ruth Sanderson.” Learn basic ballroom steps from Berkshire Ballroom, enjoy an illustrated look at dance courtesy of professional dancer/archivist Eugenia Kim, along with readings and art making opportunities. Free with Museum admission, members free. 1pm – 4pm.

Ring in the New Year Free Day

It’s your day at MASS MoCA in North Adams, MA! Enjoy free admission and brick-wall-to-brick-wall programming throughout the museum. Art-making, dance performances, roaming musicians, and gallery tours are available throughout the day. Elevator music (played live) and Lickety Split’s signature carrot cake are not to be missed!

Winter Trails Day at Notchview

Winter feels good, so come out and enjoy! Notchview in Windsor, MA is offering free lessons for people of all abilities- a great opportunity to learn or improve in a relaxed atmosphere. We’ll offer classical lessons, a wax clinic, and a winter snowshoe hike. Warm up with soup and sandwiches at our new café, and head back out for more fun. Trustee members & non-members: Half price trail fees, FREE hike & lessons. Snowshoes and Nordic Ski rentals with trail passes will be available free for two-hour periods for people to try; quantities of skis and snowshoes are limited. 10am – 3pm.

January 12

Hoosac Range/Savoy State Forest Winter Ecology Snowshoe and Hike

Join Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center in Windsor, MA and explore Savoy State Forest and the Hoosac Range, one of the highest elevation in MA, in winter on snowshoes (or hike if no snow) with naturalist Aimee Gelinas M.Ed. Learn about winter ecology, evergreen trees and animal tracks. Participants should wear warm, layered clothing, sturdy, waterproof boots, nylon pants and bring snowshoes if needed. Discounted snowshoe rentals available from hike leader. In the event of “no snow” this will be a hike. Directions sent upon registration. Please bring water and lunch. Email aimee@gaiaroots.com. Hike is FREE thanks to support from the cultural council of Northern Berkshires. 10am – 1pm.

Be sure to pack very warm clothes if you’re visiting us this week and especially if you plan to be outdoors during your visit because it’s SUPER cold outside! As always, enjoy yourselves while you’re here and look forward to your toasty room to come back to at The 1896 House and a warming meal at the ‘6 House Pub!