This Week in the Berkshires!

Photo courtesy of mparkes

It’s been a while friends! I got a little caught up in the Spring weather we were having here in Williamstown, which unfortunately has left and Winter has returned! This is great news for all of you skiers out there! We’re currently awaiting another winter storm and should be receiving around 3 inches or so of new snow. We still have our discounted lift tickets here at the front desk, so if you’re visiting to ski, don’t forget to ask me about our lift tickets at check-in! If you’re not visiting for skiing, there is still plenty for you to do while you visit. It’s actually a very busy, yet very entertaining week in the Berkshires. Dance parties, show cases, kitchen science experiments and more! There’s an event for all of our guests, young and old, rich and poor, and active and lazy! J Whoever you may be, make the most out of your visit here!

January 23^rd

Four Freedoms Forum-Agent for Change or Flash in the Pan?

Join the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA for their latest “Four Freedoms Forum,” which examines the idea of finding common ground in today’s political climate. The forum will address A Nation Divided: Getting Past the Impasse in our society. Speakers to be announced. Community conversation at the Four Freedoms Forums is free and open to the public. 5:30pm.

January 24^th

Darlingside

Berkshire Theatre Group of Pittsfield, MA presents Darlingside! Darlingside is a Massachusetts-based indie folk quartet. With four distinct voices clustered around a single microphone, their tightly-arranged tunes draw from the unexpected, featuring strains of bluegrass, classical and barbershop. Accompanied by an arsenal of classical strings, guitars, mandolin and percussion, these four close friends swap instruments from song to song, keeping audiences across the country on the edge of their seats. At the Garage, 8pm.

January 25^th

Berkshire Collects Opening Reception

Come to The Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, MA for Berkshire Collects! Berkshire Collects showcases Berkshire County residents’ passionate pursuit of every imaginable kind of object from motorcycles to beetle specimens, antique toasters, guitars, Victorian purses, wind-up toys, Pez dispensers, cartoons, and a host of other artifacts and memorabilia. Come celebrate the opening and see collections of the exhibit at the opening reception. 5pm – 7pm.

Kitchen Kaboom

Perform exciting- and fun- science experiments at The Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, MA! All experiments are kid-safe and can be recreated using items found in almost any kitchen. Each session will feature different experiments. Adult must accompany child. Call for reservations. 11am – 12pm.

Retro Dance Party

Bousquet Ski Resort and Summer Family Fun Center in Pittsfield, MA will be hosting a retro dance party! Drink Specials, Great Food, Dance Floor, Rockin’ Music, Costume Contest, Fun Times! DJ BFG. Must be 21+. $10 cover. 8pm.

January 26^th

Leo Lionni’s Swimmy, Frederick & Inch by Inch

Come to the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington, MA for a fun event for the kiddos! The Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia Presents: Leo Lionni’s Swimmy, Frederick, & Inch by Inch. Founded in 1972, The Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia is a touring children’s theatre whose productions incorporate whimsical puppets. The show features an assortment of innovative puppetry styles and imaginative lighting techniques, as well as an original musical score. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Adults $20; Children $10. 2pm.

North County EATS! Restaurant Week

North Adams Chamber of Commerce of North Adams, MA presents, North County EATS! Restaurant Week!  Area restaurants will be offering a variety of prix fixe menus to please any palate and wallet. Participating restaurants have selected special menu choices ranging from price points of $5-$30 for breakfast, brunch, lunch and/or dinner. Click here for restaurants and menus.

Start planning for all of the events you wish to attend and be sure to book your rooms with me at The 1896 House! We’ll provide a cozy bed and the fun things to do, all you have to do is show up! And for those of you arriving today, be sure to plan accordingly to the weather, give yourself the extra time to travel and make SAFE decisions. We always prefer to see our guests in ONE piece please and thank you J As always, we’re looking forward to seeing you all this week! 

Holiday in the Berkshires

Photo courtesy of earl53

It is currently 15 degrees here in Williamstown and the snow continues to fall! For all of you skiers and snowboarders out there, this is THE PERFECT snow for hitting the slopes. I visited Jiminy Peak in Hancock, MA yesterday and their slopes are beautiful already and with lots of skiers enjoying the snow. For more information regarding Jiminy Peak trails and the snow accumulation there, you can visit their snow report site at http://www.jiminypeak.com/snow-report I also still have discounted Jiminy tickets available at The 1896 House Inn so start planning your winter vacations with me!

Aside from the skiing, there are lots of other events taking place in the surrounding areas for those of you staying with us for the Holidays. There are always plenty of things to do for visitors of all ages and of all interests here in the Berkshires and I know all about all of them! So feel free to ask me at check-in! Here is a calendar of some of the events that caught my eye that I thought many of our guests would enjoy during their visit.

Daily until December 29, 2013

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

Shakespeare and Company of Lenox, MA presents: It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, inspired by Frank Capra’s classic 1946 film starring Donna Reed and James Stewart, is filled with just the right hint of nostalgia, charm and straight-from-the-heart moments. In true old-fashioned radio style, Ware brings audiences this poignant, funny and unique play-within-a-play that will leave you believing in angels!

Weekly on Sun, Fri, Sat until December 29, 2013

A Christmas Carol

Berkshire Theatre Group of Pittsfield, MA presents, A Christmas Carol! Revel in the joy and redemptive power of Christmas as told in the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, the infamous miser who is reformed and shown the error of his ways by four spirits. Journey back to Victorian England and experience the classic story filled with terrific turns and infused with holiday music.

December 21

Winter Solstice Celebration

Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center of Windsor, MA presents their Winter Solstice Celebration with Gaia Roots world music in Brattleboro Vermont Saturday December 21st at the Stone Church 210 Main St – celebrate the winter solstice with ceremony and song, Gaia Roots will perform traditional West African & Caribbean drumming music and original pieces starting at 10pm. 

Starts December 23 daily until December 28, 2013

School Vacation Week Workshop: Picture Books!

Visit the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA with the kids for their winter vacation week workshop! Invent your own storylines, characters, plots, and settings inspired by the picture book art on display.

December 26 through the 31st

December Break for Art

MASS MoCA of North Adams, MA presents, “One-Minute Art-Making Festival” (December 26^th and 27^th) where the kiddos can make 15 art projects for 60 seconds each. Close out the year with their “Rockin’ Art Countdown” (December 30^th and 31^st), an art-making countdown of the top 10 hits from over 14 years of Kidspace art projects.

Whether you will be here at The 1896 House with us for the holidays, or at home with family friends, we wish you all a very happy, healthy and safe holiday! If you are traveling to Williamstown, MA this week we encourage you to travel safely and plan ahead as our winter weather tends to hinder travel plans! As always, we’re looking forward to seeing our guests and sharing the holidays with you J