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!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year everybody! I hope you all had wonderful holidays full of love, health and happiness! I’ll be looking forward to fitting into all the pairs of pants I put away while feasting throughout the holidays, preferably sometime in 2014. J This is a good time to plan your getaways and vacations with us! Business is busy since we’ve had a couple of GREAT ski days here in the Berkshires. We always have discounted Jiminy tickets available here at the office.  Be sure to ask about them at check-in because they sold out VERY quickly last weekend. According to the forecast, it should be snowing everyday this week which should make for a quality ski and snowboard week. You can also check Jiminy’s snow report at http://www.jiminypeak.com/snow-report to be sure! And last but not least, events going on this week in the Berkshires and surrounding areas are as follows:

Starts January 1
Daily until January 2, 2014

29^th Annual Festival of Trees: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Travel through time at the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, MA 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. Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm; Sunday 12pm – 5pm.

January 3

Model Citizens

Find out what it was like to pose for America’s favorite illustrator from Ed Locke, the model for Norman Rockwell’s painting “The Runaway.“ Free with museum admission at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA. 2:30pm.

Starts January 4
Weekly on Saturday until March 15, 2014

Hot Chocolate Saturdays

Each Saturday at the Bartholomew’s Cobble they invite you to join the crowd by grabbing some snowshoes, getting some fresh air and exercise and then chatting with them over a cup of hot chocolate in their Visitor Center. Free with admission. 9am – 4:30pm.


Stay warm folks! Make the best of the New Year and I’ll be looking forward to seeing you all when you visit The 1896 House in 2014!

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

In Preparation for the Holidays

Photo courtesy of earl53

I assume many of you are busily preparing for the upcoming holiday as it is quickly approaching. Much like everybody else, the locals of the Berkshires are scurrying to shopping malls, Christmas tree farms and grocery stores checking off their holiday “to-do” lists. The holiday has snuck up on a lot of us, the gift wrap aisles look like they’ve endured a hurricane of their own and Christmas trees on car roofs whip by at record speeds this week. This afternoon however, has slowed down quite a bit as Mother Nature started sprinkling fluffy snowflakes over our valley. A steady fall left a white blanket over Berkshire County and everybody who got their snow tires early this season, got to put them to good use today. For those of you thinking you’re not visiting until later this week and you might have missed the snow, do not fret! We’re expecting one of our famous Nor’easter storms this weekend! Forget the cute Christmas sweaters I mentioned last week, you’re going to need shovels, snow plows, and don’t forget those ice-scrapers and brushes for the cars because we could be receiving anywhere from six to eighteen inches of snow this Saturday into Sunday! It will be very cold and very white, so to all of our visitors, brace yourselves!

Snow or no snow there are always lots of things to do for all ages here. This week we have everything from Holiday farmers’ markets to Shakespeare plays to pajama and pillow parties! I’m sure there will be something offered to ensure you will not have a boring trip! “But, Blair, what if there’s TOO much snow? What will we be able to do?” there, there my little motel visitors, there’s no such thing as too much snow! In such cases, ask me about local ski resorts and discounted tickets! Ask about local sleigh rides when you arrive or fantastic hills to take the kids sledding. I’m a fun-in-the-snow professional!

           

December 12

National Theatre Live: The Habit of Art

The Clark Art in Williamstown, MA presents, Benjamin Britten, sailing uncomfortably close to the wind with his new opera, Death in Venice, seeks advice from his former collaborator and friend, W.H. Auden. During this imagined meeting, their first in twenty-five years, they are observed and interrupted by, amongst others, their future biographer and a young man from the local bus station. Alan Bennett’s play reflects on growing old, on creativity and inspiration, and on persisting when all passion’s spent: ultimately, on the habit of art.

The Outlet at Pine Cone Hill Pajama & Pillow Party!

Pine Cone Hill Outlet in Pittsfield, MA! Take an extra 20% off decorative pillows, sleepwear, and loungewear, including their fabulous Sheepy Fleece robes. Enjoy popcorn, movies, wine, maybe even a pillow fight. Wear your pajamas—they will be too!

December 13

Julius Caesar

On the 13^th and 14^th Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, MA presents, Julius Caesar! The visceral meets the intellectual in the psychological drama. Follow the conspiracy against the Roman dictator and the aftermath of his assassination. Featuring, The Conservatory at Shakespeare & Company, an audition-only three month intensive training program for professional artists to master their craft.

December 14

A Christmas Carol

Starting December 14^th and continuing weekly on Sunday, Friday and Saturday until December 29^th , Berkshire Theatre Group in 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.

Berkshire Grown Holiday Farmers’ Market

Berkshire Grown of Great Barrington, MA will be holding a Holiday Farmers’ Market on the 14^th and the 15^th. Featuring locally grown and produced foods, including fruits and vegetables, cheese, eggs, meat, poultry, bread, pies, pickles, jams, and more, Also, enjoy live music and children’s activities. Saturday: Monument Valley Middle School, 313 Monument Valley Road, Great Barrington. Sunday: Williams College Towne Field House, 82 Latham Street, Williamstown.

December 15

Christmas at Trinity

Cantilena Chamber Choir of Lenox, MA will be presenting Christmas at Trinity.The performance by the Cantilena Chamber Choir at Trinity Church 88 Walker St., Lenox, will feature the Quartre motets pour le temps de Noel by Francis Poulenc and music for Christmas by Russian masters Rachmaninov and Titov. In continuation of Benjamin Britten’s 100th Birthday celebration, the choir will perform Hymn to the Virgin and his rarely heard Chorale on an Old French Carol. Also on the program are favorite John Rutter settings of French carols including Noel Nouvolet and Il est Ne le Divine infant. 

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

Photo courtesy of imagefactory

With the weather getting colder every day here in Williamstown, the holiday décor begins to make an appearance all through town. Lights are being hung, chimneys are puffing out smoke, cookies are being baked and Christmas lists are being made J This might be my favorite time of year, holiday music plays on the radio on my way to work and holiday movies are playing when I wind down and snuggle up each evening. Hot cocoa is a staple that I keep in my home all winter long and we begin clearing space for a Christmas tree! But I’m not the only one getting excited for the holidays; the Berkshires are in full Holiday swing too! There will be lots of ways to celebrate the holidays here whether it be a family event you’re trying to plan, Christmas Tree lightings or holiday concerts that Williams College will be putting on, come celebrate with us!

Celebrate the Holidays at The Mount!

The Mount in Lenox, MA is open on three consecutive Saturdays this holiday season until December 14th. They will be debuting their new Backstairs tour – learn about the daily routines and the men and women who ran The Mount! The gift shop will be open for holiday shopping from 11am – 3pm with Backstairs Tours at 12pm & 2pm.

 “Backstairs” tours will be given at 12:00pm and 2pm.

Williams College Music for December

Beginning on the 1^st and continuing daily until December 31^st, Williams College will be putting on numerous concerts for the holiday season!

Williams College Department of Music calendar for December:

December 4^th MIDWEEKMUSIC at Chapin Hall, stage, 12:15PM
December 4^th Violin Studio Recital at Brooks-Rogers Recital Hall, 4pm
December 4^th Small Jazz Ensembles at Brooks-Rogers Recital Hall, 7pm
December 5^th Senior Viola Recital with Lysander Jaffe ’14 at Brooks-Rogers Recital Hall, 7pm
December 6^th  Piano Studio Recital at Brooks-Rogers Recital Hall , 4pm
December 6^th  Williams College Wind Ensemble at Chapin Hall, 8pm
December 7^th Voice Studio Recital at Brooks-Rogers Recital Hall, 1pm
December 7^th  A Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols at Thompson Memorial Chapel, 4pm
December 7^th  Williams Student Symphony at Chapin Hall, 8pm
December 8^th  A Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols at Thompson Memorial Chapel, 4pml
December 9^th  Senior Piano Recital with Kirk Swanson ’14 at Brooks-Rogers Recital Hall, 4pm
December 9^th  Cello Studio Recital and Voice Studio Recital at Chapin Hall. 6pm
December 9^th  MIDWEEKMUSIC Tuesday at Chapin Hall, stage, 12:15pm
December 10^th Clarinet Choir with students of Susan Martula at Brooks-Rogers Recital Hall, 4pm
December 10^th Jazz Guitar Studio Recital  at Brooks-Rogers Recital Hall, 7pm
December 10^th  Chamber Music Studio Recital at Brooks-Rogers Recital Hall, 8pm

North Adams Tree Lighting Celebration

Join hundreds of festive faces on December 4^th as North Adams, MA gears up for the holiday season with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Hometown Holidays kick-off event! A crowd will gather around the tree at Monument Square on Main Street (between the First Congregational and First Baptist Churches), and count down the seconds until the switch is thrown and thousands of twinkling lights adorn the downtown. Santa will stop in for a visit with free goodie bags for the little ones. Holiday music will be provided by the Drury Band. 5pm – 7pm.

Lenox Christmas Tree Lighting

The Traditional Lenox Town Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on December 6th at 6pm at Lilac Park. Visits with Santa and Holiday Goodies will be at the Lenox Community Center directly following the Ceremony at Lilac park.

Holiday Concert with Solas

On December 6^th, the eve of Williamstown’s popular Holiday Walk weekend, the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute of Williamstown, MA welcomes Irish-American band Solas for a holiday concert. The event takes place in the Clark’s auditorium at 8 pm. Tickets are $35 ($30 members). Call 413.458.0524. Order early as holiday concerts almost always sell out.

Festival of Trees Family Day and Children’s Holiday Shopping Boutique

Admission is only $3 for everyone (even Santa). Bring the entire family to Bennington, VT to the Bennington Museum on December 7th for a special day of celebration. Children (under 18) who bring a personal care item for adults or children that will be donated to a local food pantry come in free. For the children ages 4 to 12, the Children’s Shopping Boutique offers unusual gifts for all people on their gift list. Prices range from $1 to $7 and include gift-wrapping. While at the museum, do not forget to visit with Santa! Be sure to view the “Children’s Forest,” a display featuring tabletop trees decorated by area elementary school classes.

Williamstown Holiday Walk

Join in the festivities on December 7th at the 30th Annual Williamstown Holiday walk livening Spring Street with the festive Reindog Parade, musical performances, Penny Social, Christmas Tree Showcase, Santa Claus, holiday cookie bake – off, tree lighting and much much more. 3pm – 6pm.

Pack your Christmas sweaters and we’ll be sure to make the cocoa and come visit us at The 1896 House for the Holidays! Rooms are filling up quickly this season so be sure to act fast and book your rooms with me while there are still some left! 

Thanksgiving in the Berkshires!

Photo courtesy of mensatic

Happy Thanksgiving Eve to you all! I hope everybody has fun plans with the family for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and weekend. If you don’t have anything planned, there is SO many fun and festive things to do here in the Berkshires to ensure you thoroughly enjoy your Thanksgiving visit!

Take the family to North Adams, MA for the annual Tree Lighting Celebration, shop ‘til you drop at the Lee Outlets in Lee, MA or enjoy a tasty feast like our ancestors did at Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield. MA. Whatever it may be, we’ve got it going on here this week!

November 27th

North Adams Tree Lighting Celebration:

Tonight! Join hundreds of festive faces as North Adams, MA gears up for the holiday season with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Hometown Holidays kick-off event! A crowd will gather around the tree at Monument Square on Main Street (between the First Congregational and First Baptist Churches), and count down the seconds until the switch is thrown and thousands of twinkling lights adorn the downtown. Santa will stop in for a visit with free goodie bags for the little ones. Holiday music will be provided by the Drury High School Band.

November 29th (until December 1^st)

“Midnight Madness After Thanksgiving Sale”. Attention all you avid holiday shoppers! Don’t miss the biggest sale of the year! Enjoy exceptional holiday savings and extended shopping hours at Lee Premium Outlets in Lee, MA. Plan Ahead! 

“Thanksgiving Trunk Show” at Good Purpose Gallery & Spectrum Playhouse in Lee, MA, with custom handmade shoes and handbags. Molly Grant of Deerfield, New Hampshire carries on the Cordwainer tradition of custom handmade footwear that also includes her own line of handbags. Traveling the country to fine juried craft shows, creating shoes and teaching shoemaking workshops is Molly’s passion.

November 30th

“2^nd Annual Holiday Arts Festival” Tis the season of giving! Happy Holidays from 413 Glassworks! Shop local this holiday season for one-of-a-kind gifts ranging from jewelry, ceramic, fabric, wood, glass and more all at 413 Glassworks in Cheshire, MA! Totally 100% handmade holiday shopping in one place. Our artists will provide you with wonderful gifts for everyone on your shopping list including yourself! 

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!