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

What Happened to Fall Ya’ll?

Photo courtesy of missyredboots

I am definitely NOT in Florida anymore, Toto! We woke up to snow AGAIN this morning! Okay, so it might not officially be winter, but it certainly feels like it here in Williamstown, MA. We won’t be seeing anything over 50 degrees all week! There was probably a little humor in last week’s blog about snow gear, but this weekend, I’m not kidding, there will be a chance of snow every day. So the joke might just be on you if you forget to pack warm clothes for your visit to Williamstown this week! J

Never the less, there’s always plenty of things going on in the area for you to stay both toasty and entertained during your visit. Many musical events will be taking place in the Berkshires this week that will be appropriate for all visitors including performances at the ’62 Center in Williamstown and various places in Pittsfield and Great Barrington, MA. There are also numerous art events happening and various family activities to enjoy in the surrounding areas as well. So plan and book with me at the 1896 House this week!

Arts and Activities

The Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, MA will be presenting, “Festival of Trees: Today, Yesterday and Tomorrow” on Saturday the 23^rd. Travel through time at the Berkshire Museum during Festival of Trees 2013: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow and celebrate the Museum’s 110th anniversary! Dazzling decorated trees will take visitors to the nostalgia of years past, the excitement of today’s fast-paced lifestyle, and the endless possibilities for the future.

Create your very own fused glass at 413 Glassworks in Cheshire, MA! Choose from a variety of projects: ornament, pendant, sun catcher, coaster, and more. Sessions are 1 hour long. Ages 4+, all skill levels and groups are welcome.

The Norman Rockwell Museum will be hosting, “Family Day: Trains!” in Stockbridge, MA on Saturday, the 23^rd! Celebrate trains and the wonders of rail travel during this afternoon inspired by the Museum’s current exhibition, Wendell Minor’s America. Artist Wendell Minor will join to sign copies of such train-inspired books and the day will also include readings from Larry Lowenthal, author of “Titanic Railroad,” as well as stories about our national rail system from historians Jack Trowill, Curator of the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum, and Alden Dreyer of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society. Also coming along for the ride is author/musician Gordon Titcomb, who will sing songs about the railway.

Music

Three Dog Night will be performing in Pittsfield, MA at the Berkshire Theatre Group at 8pm on Thursday evening. This iconic band’s hits wind through the fabric of pop culture today, whether on the radio where they are heard day in and day out, in TV commercials or in major motion picture. songs like “Mama Told Me (Not To Come),” “Joy to the World,” “Black and White,” “Shambala,” and “One” serve to heighten our emotions and crystallize Three Dog Night’s continuing popularity.

Live Music at the Thornewood Inn will be starting on Thursday and continuing weekly, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until January 1^st. Come enjoy great food in a beautiful atmosphere with Richard Dagenais on piano and David Thorne on vocals every Friday and Saturday evening in Great Barrington, MA at the Thornewood Inn & Restaurant.

And some fun for the kids, “Milkshake” will be performing at MASS MoCA on Saturday the 23^rd. Grammy-nominated Milkshake is on a mission to create great rock music for kids. Led by singer Lisa Mathews and guitarist Mikel Gehl, they’ve popped up everywhere from PBS KIDS to Nick Jr. to the Emmy Award-winning cartoon ToddWorld, winning fans with their catchy, kid-friendly songs and electrifying live show.

Williams College Music for November

Williams CollegeDepartment of Music will be beginning the conclusion to their “Music for November” event this week, with a week’s worth of fantastic performances of great music. All performances will be held on campus at Williams College in Williamstown, MA.  Which by the way, is just a 4 minute trip from The 1896 House!

November 22^nd- Berkshire Symphony at Chapin Hall, 8pm. 7:15pm Pre-Concert Talk with conductor Ronald Feldman at Brooks-Rogers Recital Hall
November 22^nd- Zambezi and Kusika in Dance Department All Company Concerts at ’62 Center, 8pm
November 23^rd- Williams Gospel Choir at Chapin Hall, 7pm
November 23^rd- Zambezi and Kusika in Dance Department All Company Concerts at ’62 Center, 8pm
November 24^th- Williams Jazz Sextet at Brooks-Rogers Recital Hall, 2pm

We look forward to seeing you all this week and perhaps enjoying a frosty week in the Berkshires with you!

Bike the Berkshires

All this coming week, the Williamstown area will be celebrating BIKEfest. It's supposed to be a beautiful week for weather in the Berkshires, so come and check out the area and participate in all the fun activities going on.

http://www.massmoca.org/event_details.php?id=749

https://www.facebook.com/NorthBerkshireBikefest

http://northernberkshiretransition.ning.com/events/bikefest-may-13-19-2012

May 13, 2012 to May 19, 2012

Bike North Berkshire is a grassroots coalition of citizens and organizations in Northern Berkshire working together to promote safe bicycling for recreation, physical fitness and environmentally friendly transportation.

BIKEfest 2012

MASS MoCA will be the venue for two of BIKEfests main events, a documentary Bike Film Night and a family Bike Rodeo.

BIKEfest Events Listing:

All of May

Bicycle History exhibit at the Milne Library, Williamstown. Free

Sunday May 5th

MCLA Bike Share Program Community Ride to celebrate the launch of the Bike Share Program!  We will meet in the Quad around 1:30pm and take a ride into downtown North Adams to Rock the Block!   http://rockintheblock.blogspot.com/

Tuesday May 8th

TALK/SOCIAL Biking and Community At the monthly North Adams Green Drinks  5:30 at the Freight Yard Pub Jay Walsh of BIKE North Berkshire and BIKEfest will give a short presentation about biking and bike infrastructure followed by Green conversations.  Bike related door prizes.  North Adams

Thursday May 17th

Bike Documentary Film Night at MASS MoCA, North Adams. Bike Commuter Salon/Social Gathering at 6:30pm, Selection of short Biking Films at 7:30 pm followed by a panel/audience discussion about Biking Locally. A few unique bikes will be on display, Door Prizes (T-Shirts, Bike Accessories and more.... will be given out at the end of the evening).  Refreshments will be avaiable for purchase.

Saturday May 19th

River Walk hosted by Hoosic River Revival starting at MASS MoCA  parking lot. 9:30-10:45am. Free

Buy a Bike for Kids North Adams Police Bicycle Auction, 10:30 am (preview 10am) at the Police Garage. Bikes and Assorted Bikes Parts and other items. Sold as-is, No refunds.

BIKEfest Family Bike Rodeo at MASS MoCA from 11am-2pm (Rain Date Sunday May 20th), Contests with Prizes, Bike Challenge Course, Helmet and Bike Safety Checks,  WIN a Kids Bike, and other Free Bike Related Stuff, Food for Purchase, FREE Admission to MASS MoCA Museum for kids and adults who come to BIKEfest, StoryWalk "Duck on a Bike",Bike Decorating with “Kids Space” and Bike Parade at 2pm. Event is Free and open to kids of all ages. Helmets are required to be worn by event participants.

10% off purchases at the MASS MoCA museum store  "Hardware". (cannot be combined with other offers)

Talk on the History of the Bicycle  at Western Gateway Heritage State Parkmuseum, North Adams at 3:00pm. Free for children and adults. Door prizes.

Wednesday May 23rd

Bike Trail Walk in Adams Parents will meet at the Berkshire Visitor Center at 11:15. Children will walk or ride along the bike trail to Russell Field Playground. Led by Shelley Daly . Child Care of the Berkshires, Inc.

www.ccberkshire.org

Thursday May 24th

FILM “With My Own Two Wheels”  With My Own Two Wheels weaves together the experiences of five individuals into a single story about how the bicycle can change the world—one pedal stroke at a time. IMAGES CINEMA, Williamstown,  5:30 PM. Film Trailer

For more information, visit: http://northernberkshiretransition.ning.com/profiles/blogs/north-berkshire-bikefest-2012

Check out the great midweek rates at the 1896 House http://www.1896house.com/innrates.htm

May Art & Dine Special

It's the last month to take advantage of the Clark ArtInstitute while it is FREE! While you are here, also visit Mass MoCA, Williams College Museum of Art, Berkshire Museum, Norman RockwellMuseum, & Bennington Museum.  Stay 2 midweek nights in any room, show us an admission ticket to any museum and we'll give you one $35 Gift Card per room to the popular '6 House Pub!

To plan your trip better, check out the schedule of exhibits and exhibitions:

Clark Art Institute (5 minutes from the 1896 House)

http://www.clarkart.edu/visit/calendar-of-events.cfm

Mass MoCA (15 minutes from the 1896 House)

http://www.massmoca.org/search_results.php?st=2&search=11

Williams College Museum of Art (5 minutes from the 1896 House)

http://wcma.williams.edu/exhibitions/current/

Berkshire Museum (30 minutes from the 1896 House)

http://berkshiremuseum.org/exhibitions/

Rockwell Museum (50 minutes from the 1896 House)

http://www.nrm.org/category/current-exhibitions/

Bennington Museum (20 minutes from the 1896 House)

http://www.benningtonmuseum.org/exhibitions-calendar.html

Check out Chunky Move at Mass MoCA this weekend!

This coming weekend while you are visiting the 1896 House, check out the fantastic shows by Chunky Move at MASS MoCA. Have dinner Saturday night at the 6' House Pub before the show or catch lunch before the show on Sunday. Less then 15 minutes from the Inn, get directions at http://g.co/maps/5upp8

Combine your visit with a spin through the MASS MoCA galleries http://www.massmoca.org/. Special combo ticket Chunky Move + galleries just $32. Galleries open 11 - 7:30on Saturday and 11 - 5 on Sunday with lots of great art  

Australia’s leading contemporary dance company, Chunky Move, presents their newest work Connected, a collaboration of choreographer Gideon Obarzanek and visual artist Reuben Margolin who is known for large kinetic sculptures that move and morph. In Connected, the airborne sculpture made of wood, recycled plastic, paper, and steel is built in front of us as the dance unfolds, and has been described by dance critic Deborah Jowitt as “the most compelling presence onstage.”

On their last US tour under the direction of company founder and longtime artistic director Gideon Obarzanek, Chunky Move, Australia’s “biggest and most successful contemporary dance export” (Edinburgh International Festival) comes to MASS MoCA.

In 2008 Chunky Move received Best Dance Work for Glow and Best Visual or Physical Theatre Production for Mortal Engine at the Live Performance Australia Helpmann Awards. In 2009, Mortal Engine received an Honorary Mention in the Prix Ars Electronica awards in the Hybrid Arts category.

Buy tickets online http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?organ_val=2324&event_val=CHUN&schedule=list (show only)  $39 premium / $29 orchestra / $25 mezzanine at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, 87 Marshall Street. 413-662-2111 or call the Box Office at 413 664 4481.

Check out their website at: http://www.chunkymove.com/

Find them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/CHUNKY-MOVE/15467747194

Local Events at Mass Moca, Hopkins Memorial Forest Trail and area points of interest

September Local Events at Mass Moca

• I Love Vinyl Dance Party, Sunday, September 4, 2011
• Bureau for Open Culture: All Hands on Deck!, Friday, September 9, 2011
• Bureau for Open Culture: Bartleby's Pen - Gauthier & Sullivan, Friday, September 9, 2011
• Opening of The Speed Way, Saturday, September 24, 2011
• FreshGrass: A Festival of Art + Bluegrass, Sept 24 - Sept 25

For more information and details visit: http://www.massmoca.org/search_results.php?st=2&search=30

Hopkins Memorial Forest Trail and area points of interest

Only 4 miles from the 1896 House Inn

A quiet, easy hike through an old settlement area now managed as a research forest and a cross-country ski trail. The 2,500-acre Hopkins Memorial Forest lies in the extreme northwest corner of Massachusetts. Essentially a research forest belonging to Williams College’s Center for Environmental Studies (CES), its trails are well marked and open to the public.

On your way to or from Hiking on the Hopkins Forest Trail stop and check out some of the other local spots of interest, the Rosenburg Center, the Moon Barn, Buxton Garden and the Canopy Walkway. For more information about these attractions please visit http://web.williams.edu/ces/hopkins/researchacademics/resourcesfacilities.htm#buxtonpoint

For a trail map visit http://hmf.williams.edu/public/trail-map/