Knitting up a Storm

Photo courtesy of Seemann

What better time to get away from it all for a weekend or a midweek trip with some of your knitting  and quilting buddies, there are some great local shops and a few a few minutes further away that provide a wonderful selection of yarns, quilting supplies, gifts and large variety of classes. Bring your materials back to the inn and pub and enjoy a glass of wine in front of fire and knit up a storm.

Sweet Brook Farm (4 minutes from the 1896 House Inn)

580 Oblong Road, Williamstown, MA

413-884-4246

10am - 6pm, seven days a week

http://www.sweetbrookfarm.com/

https://www.facebook.com/SweetBrookFarm

https://twitter.com/sweetbrookfarm

For fiber enthusiasts, they have an extensive collection of yarn, both from their alpacas and other U.S. alpaca breeders and from designers such as Debbie Bliss and Louisa Harding. Roving from their alpacas is available for spinners as well.

A Stitch In Time (20 minutes from the 1896 House Inn)

Rte 8 45 Commercial St, Adams, MA 01220

413-743-7174

Monday - Saturday: 8:00am to 5:00pm

http://www.astitchintimema.com

A Stitch In Time has been offering its quilting and knitting lessons and materials to the Adams, MA community since 1995. They specialize in helping you make the best quilted items and gifts for your friends and loved ones. A Stitch In Time Offers: Materials,

Learning Resources and Gifts.

Colorful Stitches (35 minutes from the 1896 House Inn)

48 Main St # 2, Lenox, MA 01240

413-637-8206

http://www.colorful-stitches.com/

https://www.facebook.com/colorfulstitchesyarns

https://twitter.com/maryknits

They offer the finest natural fiber and novelty yarns for the hand knitter and crocheter from Rowan, Rowan Classic, Jaeger, Colinette, Debbie Bliss, Noro, Jo Sharp, Berroco, Koigu, Classic Elite, Manos, Gedifra, Filatura di Crosa, S Charles, Tahki, Prism, Mountain Colors, Muench, Artyarns, Alchemy, Karabella, Lana Grossa, Misti International Alpaca, Blue Sky Alpacas, The Fibre Company, Malabrigo, Jacques Cartier/Windy Valley Muskox, Buffalo Gold Premium Fibers, Debby Ware and Hanne Falkenberg

Handknits (45 minutes from the 1896 House Inn)

617 Vermont 100, Wilmington, VT 05363

802-464-7887

http://www.handknits.net/store/pc/home.asp

https://twitter.com/HandKnits

Fine knitting and crochet supplies.

Metaphor Yarns (50 minutes from the 1896 House Inn)

623 Mohawk Trail, Shelburne, MA 01370

413-625-9191

http://metaphoryarns.com/

A six-room shop, filled with yarns, patterns, books, needles, a comfy classroom and Knitting Circle lounge

A Touch of History

Photo courtesy of mzacha

For those visitors to the 1896 House Inn looking for a little history of the area while they are visiting, visit

The Williamstown Historical Museum

413-458-2160

http://www.williamstownhistory.com

1095 Main Street, Williamstown, MA 01267

Monday-Friday, 10 AM – 3 PM and the second Saturday of each month from 10am – 12pm. Appointments can be scheduled at other hours. Please call.

They also offer historical exhibits and public programs.

The Williamstown Historical Museum is less then 5 minutes from the inn.

And

The North Adams Museum of History and Science

413-664-4700

http://www.northadamshistory.org/

Western Gateway Heritage State Park

North Adams, MA, 01247

November through April: Saturday 10-4, Sunday 1-4

May through October: Thursday through Saturday 10-4, Sunday 1-4   

The North Adams Museum of History and Science is located in a restored historic freight yard with over 25 exhibit areas on its three floors. It also includes hands-on-discovery rooms

The North Adams Museum of History and Science is less then 15 minutes from the inn.

Bird the Berkshires

Photo credit mensatic

The Berkshires is one of the best locations for bird watching. A low cost, easy and interesting pastime, bird watching gives you the opportunity to commune with the wildlife and see some of the most beautiful parts of the Berkshires at the same time. Most years and seasons over 200 different species of birds are visible including several types of warblers, flycatchers and thrushes.

All you need for bird watching is a good bird field guide and good set of binoculars.

Massbird.org is a great place to get information about suggested books to read, clubs in the area, blogs and more.

From December 14 to January 5, the North Berkshire Audubon invites area bird watchers

to participate in the 113th national Christmas Bird Count. The Audubon

The NBA Count will be held on Saturday December 15. The 24-hour count period begins at midnight Friday and extends to midnight Saturday.

There are four groups going out in the area; Adams, East Williamstown and North Adams, Central and western WIlliamstown and South WIlliamstown.

Teams of at least 2 armed with birdbooks, binoculars and checklists, will visit as many habitats as possible during the day, and also go out owling, to identify as many species and count as many individual birds as possible.

Audubon and other organizations use the data collected in this long running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations and to help guide conservation action. 

North Berkshire Audubon is an informal group that sponsors bird walks and trips throughout the year. For more information about the Christmas Count or NBA, contact Leslie Reed-Evans at 413-458-5150 or at lre@wrlf.org.  http://www.wrlf.org/

A couple of interesting related birding in the Berkshires links

Birds of Mt. Greylock http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/mtGreylock/downloads/birdsOfGreylockGuideList.pdf

Massachusetts bird watching

http://www.birding.com/wheretobird/massachusetts.asp

What to do this weekend! Get out your Skis!

Looking for some things to do while staying at the 1896 House? Get out and ski or stay inside and get your cultural fill.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Jiminy Peak Opens this weekend!

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort‎ (less then 20 minutes from the 1896 House)

37 Corey Road, Hancock, MA 01237  413-738-5500

Jiminy Peak will open at 9 am this Saturday Nov 10th for skiing and riding!  6 trails (hopefully 8) and 2 chairlifts will be operating Sat- Monday 9 am-4 pm.

Check out http://www.jiminypeak.com/ for more information and details as they have them.

Sweetwood’s Annual Craft Fair

Williamstown, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Sweetwood of Williamstown will hold its annual craft fair at its site on 1611 Cold Spring Road (Route 7) Williamstown. Local vendors include The Village Chocolate Shoppe of Bennington, Nicki Steel Photography, K&M Designs of Bennington Jewelry, Paws Boutique Pet Clothing, Quilts & Crafts by Sue Goodell, Sweetwood's Goodies and personally signed books by Vermont author Ellen Perry Berkeley.

http://www.sweetwoodliving.com/

The Met-Live in HD: The Tempest

The Clark, Williamstown

12:55 PM

British composer Thomas Adès and Robert Lepage’s innovative production recreates the interior of the La Scala opera house as the magical island venue for the otherworldly arts of Prospero, the exiled Duke of Milan. Tickets $25/$22 members/$18 students. Purchase online or at 413-458-0638.

http://www.clarkart.edu/visit/event-detail.cfm?ID=16683&CID=5

Concert Choir & Chamber Choir: La musica de España 

Williams College Department of Music, Williamstown

8:00 PM

Visiting director Katie Gardiner leads the Concert and Chamber Choirs presenting music about Spain or by Spanish composers: La musica de España. The program is the inspiration of visiting director Katie Gardiner who is using her residency to work with a large group of talented singers, “I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the Concert and Chamber Choirs at Williams College for the fall 2012 semester.”  Ms. Gardiner holds bachelors and masters degrees in music education from the Hartt School of Music and a master of music in choral conducting from the Eastman School of Music. The concert is free and open to the public.

More information at http://music.williams.edu/node/1670

Haunted Happenings around the 1896 House

Photo courtesy of  Karpati Gabor

Thursday, October 25

4:30pm – GHOULS IN THE GALLERIES: Williams College Museum of Art hosts “Ghouls in the Galleries: Exploring the Monsters of WCMA’s Collection.” Monsters in the museum will be rooted out by Deena Bak (’13) and she will aid participants in understanding what these monsters reveal about the nature of fear from a variety of cultural perspectives. Best for older students interested in art and cultural studies. 413-597-2376. 15 Lawrence Hall Drive. Williamstown, MA

http://wcma.williams.edu/

6-8pm – BOO BASH: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will host their 18th annual “Boo Bash” for children and families. Come in costume to the Berkshire Towers dormitory building for a costume party & trick or treating. Best for children ages 6-11yo. 413-662-5249. 375 Church Street. North Adams, MA (FREE)

http://www.mcla.edu/ (less then 15 minutes from the 1896 House Inn)

Friday October 26

PITTSFIELD HALLOWEEN PARADE

Downtown Pittsfield - Pittsfield, MA

7PM (less then 40 minutes from the 1896 House Inn)

HAUNTED HOUSE

Lanesborough, 6 - 8 p.m.

Haunted House at the Berkshire Mall. Returning for the third year Village Ambulance Explorer Horrors haunted house. Fri., Join us for some scary fun ;walk through the Haunted house for a screaming good time! All proceeds to benefit the Post 911 Explorer Group.  (less then 30 minutes from the 1896 House Inn)

Saturday October 27

SPOOKTACULAR COSTUME PET PARADE

Williamstown, 1 - 3 p.m.

Sweetwood of Williamstown, located on 1611 Cold Spring Road, Route 7, is hosting a Spooktacular Costume Pet Parade. There will be door prizes and prizes for costumes. Best Pet Costume - first place $200, second $125, third place $75. Owner/Pet Look-Alike prize $100. Registration runs from 1-2 p.m. Leashes are required.

Saturday October 27 and Sunday October 28

PUMPKIN FEST

Lanesborough (less then 30 minutes from the 1896 House Inn)

Bradley Farms and Healing Winds are coming together for three consecutive weekends in October to offer entertaining, educational and cultural activities fun and free for the whole family. This family oriented community event will be held at the Bradley Farm on Route 7 in Lanesboro, 545 N Main Street. There will be Native American storytellers, Native American and regional folk arts & crafts, the large Healing Winds tipi and a children’s tipi. Activities to enjoy include guided nature and riverside hikes, natural horsemanship demonstrations and rides, traditional eye & hand coordination games, pumpkin painting, cultural & historical presentations, local entertainment as well as Native American flute and social friendship dances. The Robbins-Zust Family Marionettes will perform. Please call Healing Winds at 413-443-2481 for more information.

HAUNTED HOUSE

Lanesborough, 2 - 8 p.m. (less then 30 minutes from the 1896 House Inn)

Haunted House at the Berkshire Mall. Returning for the third year Village Ambulance Explorer Horrors haunted house. Sat., Join us for some scary fun; walk through the Haunted house for a screaming good time! All proceeds to benefit the Post 911 Explorer Group.

http://www.theberkshiremall.com/

Monday October 29

HALLOWEEN SCREAMINGS

7 pm

Starring: Kåre Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson

In Swedish with English subtitles

The film screening will be followed by a discussion with Williams College faculty members Denise Buell, Lawrence Raab, Jim Shepard and Christian Thorne.

Lonely, 12-year-old Oskar is regularly bullied by his stronger classmates. A new friendship develops when Eli, a pale, serious young girl who only comes out at night moves in next door. Coinciding with her arrival is a series of inexplicable disappearances and murders. As Oskar becomes more aware of Eli’s tragic plight, he cannot forsake her. However, Eli knows that to continue living, she must keep relocating. But when Oskar faces his darkest hour, Eli returns to defend him the only way she can.

http://www.imagescinema.org/

50 Spring Street, Williamstown, MA

For more events and trick or treating schedules around the area please visit

http://hilltownfamilies.wordpress.com/2012/10/09/hf-576/

Crane and Company Old Stone Mill Rag Room

A great place to take a midweek tour into a slice (or a page) right out of history.

The Papermaking Museum at Crane's Old Stone Mill

40 Pioneer Street, Dalton, Massachusetts (about 1/2 hour for the 1896 House)

https://plus.google.com/117400291355767910907/about?gl=us&hl=en

(413) 684-7780

http://www.crane.com

This structure represents the oldest paper factory (c. 1844) in continuous operation at one site, and outstandingly documents the early development of the American paper industry through the 19th and into the 20th century.

The museum, first opened in the autumn of 1930, it is on the National Register of Historic Places, National Register Number: 83004376. The one-story building is situated on the banks of the Housatonic River, which supplied the water to wash the rags and drive the machinery of the early Crane mills.

The museum is open Monday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m., free of charge, from early June through mid-October. 

Some interesting facts about Crane & Co.

Crane and Co. has been making fine paper for over 200 years and is now in its seventh generation of being owned and operated by the Crane family.

Papers made by Stephen Crane were used to print patriotic newspapers and broadsides leading up to and during the war, and were even engraved for Colonial Currency by Paul Revere. Revere even pastured his horses at the Liberty Paper Mill, just in case he needed to make a midnight ride…

Franklin and Eleanor conducted the affairs of a nation on Crane paper.

The Queen Mum announced the celebration of her 100th birthday on Crane paper.

Paul Revere engraved banknotes for the Colony of Massachusetts Bay on Crane paper to help finance the American Revolution.

As early as 1806, local and regional banks began printing currency on Zenas Crane's fine cotton papers. This was quickly followed by official government proclamations, permanent public records and stocks and bonds.

In the mid 1800s. Crane’s began making 100% cotton stationary. Soon after that, it was discovered that trees could be made into paper. Crane stayed with what they thought and currently still use what they think the best material to make paper out of; cotton.

Bella Terra Festival this weekend and ideas for some things to do during the week

Bella Terra Festival, Stephentown, New York (less then 30 minutes from the 1896 Inn)

August 16^th – 19th, 2012

Bella Terra Festival is an outdoor music and arts festival that occurs over multiple days and nights and features several stages of performances, artists and other programming. Gardner’s Farm in Stephentown, New York will be home to the third annual Bella Terra Festival, located between Albany, New York and The Berkshires in western Massachusetts.

Bella Terra celebrates a positive and progressive outlook and lifestyle, grassroots organization and activism, consciousness and creativity, self expression through artistic mediums, and the pursuit of a holistic existence that balances body, mind & spirit. Music and art can be a great platform to promote awareness, consciousness and sustainability and unite a people to affect societal progress. Bella Terra Festival uses this platform to call attention to the need to reestablish a spiritual connection between mankind and the Earth and perpetuate an ideology of global unification.

Bella Terra Festival recognizes that changing one’s own life for the better goes hand in hand with improving the world around us. This is why Bella Terra advocates that each person pursue his or her own dreams, open their minds and realize their maximum potential. To help meet these ends at Bella Terra Festival, many classes, workshops, and lectures in music, art, nature, politics and beyond are offered, in addition to a host of other programs and entertainment to help deliver our message.

http://bellaterrafestival.com

https://twitter.com/TheBellaTerra

Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat until August 18, 2012

Impressions of New England

Bennington Center for the Arts & Museum of the Covered Bridge

Bennington, VT

http://www.thebennington.org

This annual exhibition will include over 60 scenes captured in paint and bronze. Seashores, rolling hills, foliage and New England wildlife will be depicted in over seventy fine works of art.

Mondays

Ghost Tours At The Mount, Edith Wharton’s Home

Lenox, MA

For over a century, The Mount has been home to writers, actors, wealthy families, hard-working servants, and teenage girls. Tour the most haunted parts of the estate to find out what spirits might still be lurking. Tours begin at 7:30pm, last 90 minutes and not recommended for visitors 12 years and younger due to mature content.  Reservations are highly recommended as most tours sell out. See website for more details.  http://www.edithwharton.org/

Mondays until August 28, 2012

Monday Lecture Series at The Mount, Edith Wharton’s Home

Lenox, MA

The 20th season of the Lecture Series promises to be one to remember! This year they are proud to offer an exciting mix of historians and biographers who will take you from the Romanov Dynasty, to the Gilded Age, to Paris and the Roaring Twenties. Lectures begin at 4 pm and are followed by a tea and book signing. For schedule visit the website. Seating is limited and early ticket purchase is highly recommended. $18 members, $20 non-members.

http://www.edithwharton.org

Weekly on Tuesday until October 3, 2012

Tyke Hike

North Adams

For children ages 8 and under with their parents/guardians. Take a short hike with the Park Interpreter to explore the nature around us. A great opportunity to introduce children to the outdoors. Wear sturdy shoes, bug spray and bring water bottle. Programs are free and start at the Natural Bridge Visitor Center with a $2.00 parking fee. 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm.

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/western/nbdg.htm

Wednesdays until October 4, 2012

Healthy Heart Walk at Natural Bridge State Park

Location: North Adams, MA

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/western/nbdg.htm

Easy 3/8 mile fitness walk on Healthy Heart woodland trail with Park Interpreter at 1pm. Bring sturdy shoes and water bottle. Programs are free and start at the Natural Bridge Visitor Center with a $2.00 parking fee.

Now is a great time to go berry and apple picking picking!

Right now is the perfect time of year to go fruit picking in the Berkshires! A great way to spend quality time with the family, stock up the pantry and get ready time bake up a storm or just enjoy them fresh with a little whipped cream.

The area abounds with farms and PYO farms, a lovely mouthwatering way to take home a taste of the Berkshires not far from the 1896House and great Saturday or Sunday bit of fun in the sun.

A great tip to hold your fresh berries and keep them fresh a little longer. Mix 1 tea. white vinegar with 1 cup fresh water, rinse the berries briefly and pat dry. Store in the refrigerator in a glass container. The berries don’t pick up the vinegar flavor but kill the mold spores on the berries.

The Apple Barn & Country Bake Shop (20 minutes from the Inn)

Strawberries, blueberries, Fall red raspberries

Rt 7 South, Bennington, VT 05201.

888-827-7537

Pick Your Own, Weather Permitting; Everbearing Strawberries - Mid June until October; Blueberries - Early July - Early August; Red Raspberries - Mid August to late September. Open: Call for PYO hours and availability.

http://www.theapplebarn.com/index.php

Lakeview Orchard (25 minutes from the Inn)

Sweet and Tart Cherries, Apples, plums, raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (black), Honey from hives on the farm, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises)

94 Old Cheshire Road, Lanesboro, MA 01237.

413-448-6009

Early July to October 31; Tuesday through Sunday 9 am to 5:30 pm; Columbus Day Monday.

http://www.lakevieworchard.com/

Mountain View Farm (25 minutes from the Inn)

Blueberries, strawberries

90 Old Cheshire Road, Lanesboro, MA 01225.

413-445-7642.

Open: Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm; Saturday and Sunday, from 8am to 4pm. http://mountainviewfarm.org/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mountain-View-Farm/106412962736471

Bartlett's Orchard (45 minutes from the Inn)

Apples, raspberries and flowers 575 Swamp Road, Richmond, MA. 

413-698-2559.  

PYO, call for hours; Stand open 8-5pm, 7 days a week

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bartletts-Orchard/146680312027115

Hilltop Orchard / Furnace Brook Winery (45 minutes from the Inn)

Apples

800-833-6274.

Open: Wed to Sunday, 9am to 5pm Labor Day until Columbus Day for PYO

Containers provided, children welcome, picnicking and free hayrides on weekends.  View cider mill and offer hard cider.  Year round stand and bakery

Kirchner's Farm (45 minutes from the Inn)

Blueberries and raspberries

131 Churchill Street, Pittsfield, MA.

413-443-7645.

Open: Mid July thru early September Call for appointment.

The Maple Connection/the Harvest Pride (45 minutes from the Inn)

Apples, maple syrup

Route 143, PO 565, Hinsdale, MA 01235

413-842-7592.

Crops are usually available in February, March, April, September, October, November. Open: year round please call ahead for times and crop we are picking and or boiling maple syrup; Please call ahead for PYO

Strawberry Acres Farm (45 minutes from the Inn)

Blueberries

370 Pittsfield Road, Hinsdale, MA 01235. Phone: 413-655-2672

Open: 9am to 5pm daily. 

Some Great Shopping Spots in the Heart of Williamstown

Photo courtesy of cohdra

Some ideas for the clothes horses and the outdoors folks, with a great shop for kids and adults to visit and see what’s new. All a short distance away from the 1896 House. Stay tuned next week when we feature some great local Adams shops, only a short hop away from Williamstown.

Amy’s Cottage

http://www.amyscottage.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TheCottageOfWilliamstown

24 Water Street * Williamstown, MA  01267

413-458-4305

An eclectic boutique in the center of Williamstown, the heart of the beautiful Berkshires. We feature a wide array of gifts and women's clothing, tons of beautiful Jewlery, Scarves, Baby Clothing and Gifts. Featuring PANDORA, Vera Bradley, Robeez, Zutano, Baggallini, Demdaco Willow Tree Angels, Horse Lovers gifts, and so much more!

the Browns

http://berkshirebrowns.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/theBrowns/47697204906

16 Water Street

Williamstown, MA

413-458-1618

Some of the brands they carry: Eileen Fisher, B.P. Studio, MaxMara, Majestic, AG jeans and knits, XCVI, Fabrizio Gianni, and Jerome Dreyfuss, Damask, Lisa b, Hannoh, Nuno, Matta, Rossopuro, Reptiles House, and Laviniatura.and some amazing vintage pieces.

Ruby Sparks

http://rubysparkswilliamstown.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ruby-Sparks/199012270155421

37 Spring Street

Williamstown MA

413-458-2226

Ruby Sparks is newly created by Harrison Gallery owner Jo Ellen Harrison, run by retail veteran Cindy Jeandell, with her fashion-mate Courtney Andrews. A unique, trendy business where shopping is enjoyable, Ruby Sparks offers an energetic, service-oriented experience with clever, upbeat merchandising and a full range of highly desirable products. Offering a store mix typical of boutique shopping, Ruby Sparks products are individually selected at market with flair and exclusivity in mind. We are selling a lifestyle driven by individuality and a playful spirit for the modern woman.

Where'd You Get That!? (For the Kids and the Adults)

http://www.wygt.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Whered-You-Get-That/287542295210

100 Spring Street - Williamstown, MA

413-458-2206

Where'd You Get That!? is a specialty toy store offering a wide range of ingenious games, brainteasers, puzzles, inventive educational and developmental toys, baby gifts, humorous books, flying toys, gizmos, novelties, gourmet candy, camp care-packages, customized party favors and gift bags, cards and balloons for any occasion. Hailed "Best Window Shopping" in Williamstown, The New York Times gives Where'd You Get That!? high marks.

The Spoke Bike Shop

http://www.spokebicycles.com/

250 Main Street

Williamstown, MA 01267

413-458-3456

All  types of bicycles for sale.. Children's bikes, adult mountain, road and hybrid bikes, touring bikes, cyclocross bikes, unicycles, tricycles, tandems. Offers bicycles tune-ups and bicycles accessories.

Mountain Goat Outdoor Shop

http://www.themountaingoat.com/

130 Water Street

Williamstown, MA 01267

413-458-8445

Since 1982 The Mountain Goat in Williamstown has been the area's premier outdoor specialty shop. In 1999 John Bryan and Jay Merselis, lifelong residents of the area and avid outdoorsmen, bought the Goat. In 2008, John decided to pursue a new career and jay became the sole owner. With the help and support of a dedicated and educated staff, The Mountain Goat continues to be a destination. Whether your next outing takes you across the world or simply across town, we at The Goat have the technical and casual clothing, gear, footwear, and accessories you need to battle the elements and simply look great!

Things to do this weekend around Williamstown

Saturday July 21, and Sunday July 22, 2012

Oh, Canada 

MASS Moca, 87 Marshall St, North Adams, MA    

Oh, Canada:Featuring works by over 60 artists across Canada, this exhibition seeks to create talks about contemporary Canadian artwork. A 450 page book accompanies the exhibition, guiding readers through Canada, its topography and artists.

http://www.massmoca.org/event_details.php?id=663

Saturday July 21, 2012

Last of the Red Hot Lovers

Williamstown Theater Festival - Nikos Stage

1000 Main St, Williamstown, MA     

Last of the Red Hot Lovers: Middle-aged restaurant manager Barney Cashman has a pleasant enough existence, but his marriage provides no passion. He hopes to get away with an exhilarating afternoon that would provide a satisfying memory. However, his lack of relevant skills leads to three meetings with three different women.

http://wtfestival.org/calendar/2012-07-21

Saturday and Sunday 10:00am – 12:00pm and 1:00 – 2:00 pm.

Marble Walk at the Natural Bridge State Park

North Adams, MA (less then 15 minutes from the 1896 House)

Take a walk with the Park Interpreter to discover the natural geologic features and the remains of the marble quarry that once operated at Natural Bridge. Offered every Programs are free and start at the Natural Bridge Visitor Center with a $2.00 parking fee.

Runs every Sunday and Saturday until October 8, 2012

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/western/nbdg.htm

Sunday, July 22

The Clark Lecture Series at the Clark

Author Reading with Natalie Dykstra.  Her new biography Clover Adams: A Gilded and Heartbreaking Life, Natalie Dykstra illuminates the life of Clover Adams, socialite, amateur photographer, and wife Henry Adams. Dykstra will present a free, illustrated talk on Clover’s life and photographs.  A book signing will follow the event.  3pm.

http://www.clarkart.edu

One, two, three, Zip! - Ziplining!

Under an hour from the inn, zipline tours at Berkshire East offers three different tours, one of New England’s largest zipline destinations and one of the top ten in the US and check out some other videos of the zipline tours at http://www.youtube.com/user/berkshirezip

Choose from one of three zip line canopy tours

Base Tour , Mountain Top Tour or Valley Jump

Check out more information about these tours at http://www.berkshirezip.com/

Phone reservations can be made with a BECT customer service representative at 413-339-6618 during normal business hours. Online reservations may be made at any time.   Walk up guests are welcome, but cannot always guarantee you a spot on the same day, so its best to make reservations. 413-339-6618 or book online at http://reservations.berkshireeast.com/express/reservation/results.jsf?typeID=1

Check out some facts on what to wear and more at http://berkshireeast.com/zip_faq

And find them on Facebook and Twitter too!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Berkshire-East-Canopy-Tours/94318020786 and

https://twitter.com/#!/BerkshireEast

Berkshire East Ski Area/Berkshire East

66 Thunder Mtn. Road Charlemont, MA

413-339-6618

Get Out and Raft!!!

photo courtesy of imma

The hottest days of summer are coming and what better way to cool off on a hot summers weekend, then go rafting!! Crab Apple White Water Rafting is about 45 minutes from the inn, perfect for an all day adventure or a morning or afternoon break. They also offer kayaking

Crab Apple Whitewater offers dam controlled whitewater rafting and kayaking in the Berkshires on the Deerfield River. Family owned and operated since 1983, Crab Apple features great river guides, riverside base camps and state-of-the-art equipment. Trips range from Mild to Wild, Full Day or Half Day

Crab Apple Whitewater

http://www.crabapplewhitewater.com/massachusetts/index.shtml

2056 Mohawk Trail, Charlemont, MA 01339

Massachusetts Base Phone Number 413-625-2288

Crab Apple offers several different options for rafting and ‘yaking:

Deerfield River - Fife Brook Section

Full Day Trip - 10 miles

Class I-III whitewater, Minimum age 8, delicious picnic lunch

Deerfield River - Monroe Bridge Section

Full Day Trip

Class III-IV whitewater, Minimum age 15, awesome cookout lunch

Deerfield River Funyaks

Half-Day Trip - 8 miles

Class I-II whitewater, Minimum ages 5 for double, 10 for single, riverside snack

Deerfield River Half-Day Family Raft Trip

Half-Day Trip - 8 miles

Easy Class I-II whitewater, Minimum age 5, riverside snack, optional cookout

Check out their helpful tips on what wear after the trip and what to bring with you!

http://www.crabapplewhitewater.com/faqs.shtml#3 and http://www.crabapplewhitewater.com/faqs.shtml#26  and for any questions you have about the trip before and after at http://www.crabapplewhitewater.com/faqs.shtml

Williamstown Theatre Festival starts this week!

The 2012 summer season starts on June 26^th with The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, A Trivial Comedy for Serious People. Directed by David Hyde Pierce

The play runs from June 26 through July 14, 2012

For tickets: http://www.wtfestival.org/buytickets

The Williamstown Theatre Festival has an interesting history spanning over 58 years. The theatre was started in 1955 by Ralph Renzi, the then News Director of Williams College, and David C. Bryant, chairman of the College’s active drama program. Read more at http://wtfestival.org/history

2012 On the Main Stage:

The Importance of Being Earnest By Oscar Wilde

June 26 – July 14

Directed by David Hyde Pierce

Far From Heaven

July 19 – 29

Book by Richard Greenberg

Directed by Michael Greif

A Month in the Country By Ivan Turgenev

August 1 – 19

Directed by Richard Nelson

2012 On the Nikos Stage:

The Blue Deep By Lucy Boyle

June 27 – July 8

Directed by Bob Balaban

Last of the Red Hot Lovers By Neil Simon

July 11 – 22

Directed by Jessica Stone

The Elephant Man By Bernard Pomerance

July 25 – August 5

Directed by Scott Ellis

WHADDABLOODCLOT!!! By Katori Hall

August 8 – 19

Directed by May Adrales

Here Lies Love

June 21, 22 & 23 @ 8pm, June 23 & 24 @ 3pm

The Hunter Center at MASS MoCA

Written by David Byrne

Directed by Alex Timbers

Other 2012 Events:

For a full updated list of “More” events, please visit http://www.wtfestival.org/2012/morefest

The architectural award-winning ’62 Center for Theatre and Dance is the summer home of the Williamstown Theatre Festival.  Located on the campus of Williams College, the building offers a modern theater experience.  Its Main Stage “courtyard” proscenium has 512 seats, is air conditioned and provides disabled access. 1000 Main Street, Williamstown, MA, only 5 minutes away from the 1896 House Inn.

Jacob’s Pillow, A Berkshire’s Gem

In the Berkshires we are getting ready for the seasonal opening of Jacob’s Pillow. On

June 16, the 80th Anniversary Season Opening Gala (http://www.jacobspillow.org/festival/2012/06/gala-2012/) was held marking the opening of the season. Celebrating eight decades of dance, it featured international renowned performers followed by a dinner and live auction.

Jacob’s Pillow offers free outdoor performances for the young and old. Check out their

Inside/Out series, performances by emerging and established dance companies and presentations by dancers of every Wednesday through Saturday at 6:15pm.

For the full schedule please visit http://www.jacobspillow.org/festival/insideout-schedule/index.php Performances start Wednesday, June 20.

Inside/Out moves to an indoor studio in the event of rain and seating is very limited indoors. Please call the Box Office at 413-243-0745 the day of the performance after 5:30 PM to learn if the performance has been moved to an indoor venue.

Ticketed performances begin June 20^th as well on a variety of stages.

2012 Schedule:

Mimulus, June 20-June 24, 2012

Circa, June 20-June 24, 2012

Morphoses, June 27-July 1, 2012

Kidd Pivot Frankfurt RM, June 27-July 1, 2012

Vertigo Dance Company, July 4-July 8, 2012

LeeSaar The Company, July 4-July 8, 2012

Borrowed Light by Tero Saarinen, July 11-July 15, 2012

The Men Dancers: From the Horse's Mouth, July 11-July 15, 2012,

Hong Kong Ballet, July 18-July 22, 2012

Luna Negra Dance Theater, July 18-July 22, 2012

Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, July 25-July 29, 2012

Jessica Lang Dance, July 25-July 29, 2012

Royal Winnipeg Ballet, August 1-August 5, 2012

Jonah Bokaer & David Hallberg, August 1-August 5, 2012

Trey McIntyre Project, August 8-August 12, 2012

Dance Heginbotham, August 8-August 12, 2012

Compagnie Käfig, August 15-August 19, 2012

Liz Gerring Dance Company, August 15-August 19, 2012

A Jazz Happening,August 19, 2012

The Joffrey Ballet, August 22-August 26, 2012

Doug Elkins and Friends' Fräulein Maria, August 22-August 26, 2012

For more information please visit:

http://www.jacobspillow.org/festival/events/ticketed-performances/

Jacob's Pillow Dance

358 George Carter Road

Becket, MA 01223

Box Office, March 3-August 28

Phone: 413-243-0745

http://www.jacobspillow.org/

Also check out: "Never Stand Still: Dancing at Jacob's Pillow"

Never Stand Still, a documentary about Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in Becket, Mass., and its founder Ted Shawn. http://www.filmjournal.com/filmjournal/content_display/reviews/specialty-releases/e3ieebd34100228bb43bff0ad4af13ffa6f

Get revved up this coming weekend for the British Invasion!

Once again the town of Lenox is going hold a three day festival, the Berkshire British Motorcar Festival, a lovely combination of antique cars with a dash of John Steed and Mrs. Peel. 

The festival is held this Father’s Day weekend, starting on Friday, June 15^th and going through the weekend until Sunday, June 17^th.

The event starts on Friday with a motorcar parade from the Shakespeare & Company to Main Street, and then kicks of the Main Street Party, sponsored by the Lenox Chamber of Commerce. 007 will be on hand to oversee the Sean Connery look alike competition.

All of the cars will be on display at the Shakespeare & Company grounds and a Judged Competition will take place based on appearance. There will be a complimentary shuttle service between the Shakespeare & Company grounds and Main Street, provided by the local chamber. Area shops and restaurants will offer special British themed options.

For more information please visit: http://berkshiremotorcarfestival.com/events/index.html

Check Out Herbfest!

Photo image courtesy Gracey 

It’s supposed to be a beautiful weekend in the Berkshires. If you are staying at the 1896 House Inn and looking for something to do, check out the Mt. Lebanon Herbfest in nearby New Lebanon, NY. (less then 30 minutes away from the inn).

The Herbfest is a two day festival held on the beautiful Darrow School campus on the grounds of Mount Lebanon Shaker Village. On Saturday June 9, there are local activities and retail offerings throughout town. On Sunday multiple workshops are held.

They recommend pre-registration for workshops as they do fill up. http://www.mountlebanonherbfest.com/june-10/registration-and-locavore-lunch/

More than 30 walks, talks, demonstrations and workshops on herbs in food, pharmacy, gardening and local history

Admission: $10 per person, $20 per family.

The HerbFest is held rain or shine.

Saturday June 9 events and activities

Morning Walk at Hand Hollow Conservation Area

Herbal Walk and Workshop

9:00-11:30 am

Hand Hollow Conservation Area

4079 Route 9, New Lebanon

All Ages – Free

Talk at the New Lebanon Library

1:00 pm at the New Lebanon Library on The Literary Herb

Cattail Walk

at Wyomanock Center for Sustainable Living, 68 Wyomanock Rd, Stephentown, NY

2:30pm

.

Please visit http://www.mountlebanonherbfest.com/june-9/activities/ for more information

Sunday June 10 events and activities

(Sunday has multiple events running at the same time)

10:00 am

Shaker Cooking with Herbs, (1 hour)

Making Herbal Creams and Salves, (1 hour)

Mohican History and the Gift of the Healing Waters of the Lebanon Springs, (1/2 hour)

10:30 am

Herb Gardens: Have one at your fingertips. Delightful to the eye, delicious to the taste. (1/2 hour)

11:00 am

Family Forage: Fun with edible herbs. (1 hour)

Herbal Tinctures for Health. (1/2 hour)

Recent Research into the Ecology of the Shaker Swamp. (1/2 hour)

11:30 a.m.

Green Clean: Cleaning Your Home with Herbs and Essential Oils. (1/2 hour)

Tracking Down Herbs of All Kinds in the Shaker Swamp. (1 and 1/2 hours).

12 noon

Herbs in Modern Cooking 1 hour.

Lebanon Springs: The Source of New Lebanon’s Healing Gift. (1/2 hour).

12:30 p.m.

Making Herbal Soap. (1 hour)

1:00 p.m.

Searching Attics, Papers and Memories: Understanding the Rise and Decline of the Tilden Pharmaceutical Company of New Lebanon. (1/2 hour)

1:30 p.m.

Creating a Living Herbal Wreath. (1 hour)

How to Use Chinese Herbs. (1/2 hour)

2 p.m

Every man his own Physician: Samuel Thomson, the Shakers and the Thomsonian System. (1/2 hour)

2:30 p.m.

Nettles: One of Nature’s Wonder Plants. (1/2 hour)

Native American Storytelling in the Tipi. (1/2 hour)

3:00 p.m.

Making Drinks with Bitters. (1 hour)

Wonderful Garlic. (1/2 hour)

Tea Served in the Beautiful Herb Garden at the Abode. (1 hour)

3:30 p.m.

Cello Concert by Paul de Jong. (1/2 hour)

The Living Machine: An Ecological Wastewater Treatment Solution (1/2 hour)

For more information about each workshop, visit http://www.mountlebanonherbfest.com/june-10/program-schedule/

1896 House Inn June Specials

June is a great time to enjoy the outdoors!

Stay 2 nights in any room, book either a "Bike & Picnic", "Kayak & Picnic", or "Pontoon & Picnic" Package, and get a $35 Gift Card for dinner at the popular '6House Pub!

Bike & Picnic

Bike the beautiful Ashuwillticook Rail Trail along scenic Cheshire Lake.

Find a serene spot to enjoy your freshly packed picnic. 

• Includes a 3-hour bike rental, helmet, and picnic.
• Picnic includes a tuna salad, turkey club, or
• Roast beef wrap with horseradish.
• Pickles & potato chips
• Chocolate Brownie
• Granny Smith Apple
• Bottle of Spring Water
• $39 per person

Kayak & Picnic

Glide over picturesque Pontoosuc Lake in your own kayak as you witness the foliage reflections in the water. Scramble over to an island for lunch, or connect your kayaks and dine in the middle of the lake!

• Includes a 1 hour kayak rental, life vest, and freshly packed picnic.
• Picnic includes a tuna salad, turkey club, or
• Roast beef wrap with horseradish.
• Pickles & potato chips
• Chocolate Brownie
• Granny Smith Apple
• Bottle of Spring Water
• $39 per person

Pontoon Picnic Package

Only 20 minutes drive away is the most beautiful Berkshires lake with gorgeous sunsets, and fabulous mountain views! Why not relax and enjoy a picnic while floating on your rental pontoon for a while?

Package includes boat rental and picnic for 2. Picnic includes 2 sandwiches, (roast beef, ham & cheese, tuna salad or chicken curry), 2 pieces of fruit, 2 chocolate brownies, potato chips, pickle, and choice of any house wine or 2 cans of beer.

I Hour Rental plus picnic for 2  $139 including tax

2 Hour rental Plus Picnic for 2   $ 219 including tax

*Many other packages available, including longer times, and more people.  Get a group together and share the cost!  We’ll make the arrangements!

Make your reservations NOW! at http://www.webervations.com/magic-scripts/resbook.asp?memberid=1896