Why the Berkshires Belong on Your Fall Getaway List!
Every year, humans migrate to New England for leaf-peeping and old-fashioned fall fun! While Vermont and New Hampshire are widely known for their beauty, remember that western Massachusetts has a gem of its own – the Berskshire Mountains. Quaint towns like Lenox, Lee, Great Barrington, Pittsfield, and Stockbridge boast wonderful inns, dining (The Red Lion Inn is a treat), shopping, museums, gardens, wineries, and plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors for all activity levels! Just over the border of Connecticut and away from the traffic of I-95, this area never disappoints!
To whet your appetite for staying at a historic mansion, one of our seasoned travelers shares this recap of her time the Blantyre Hotel:
“My stay at Blantyre was perfect! The property is simply exquisite and the staff is professional, top notch, and quite warm and welcoming. There’s not one thing I would change about Blantyre! From the beautiful grounds, to the lovely interiors, the detailed touches and the attentive and charming staff……I can’t wait to return. I would recommend Blantyre to any couple who is looking to get away for a weekend of complete decompression. They will not only find relaxation, but they will feel as if they have stepped into a time that was classic and genteel!
The grounds of Blantyre are pristine, with rolling lawns leading up to the venerable mansion that houses the main components of the property. The Cottages and the Carriage House sections also offer beautiful rooms, decorated in tapestry and furnishings of a bygone era. What caught my eye was the attention to detail at every corner! The rooms have wonderful coffee table books that you are actually drawn to read! The DVD selections are carefully chosen and embody the classic sense of the place. I watched “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” one evening.
A delicious full breakfast (included) is served on china and features goodies from local orchards, bakeries, and farms. One afternoon, we sat in the stately main living room, enjoying the array of fresh fruit, teas and homemade lemonade. As we lounged, we were served by a polished “bartender” who pushed the beautiful antique barcart right up to us! We had the most memorable drink served in an antique highball glass. We felt like queens for the day!
The Berkshires surrounds Blantyre. Lenox center is a mile away. Stockbridge and Great Barrington are 10 minutes away. There is so much to do that you will have to go a few times to enjoy it all. The arts are in abundance. There are hiking trails, biking trails, fishing and kayaking, all within a 30 minute drive. The staff at Blantyre will help you map out a day outdoors, or they will secure you tickets to a theater performance of your choice. You are treated as if you were a guest of the Astors!”
Do yourself a favor by getting out of the rat race and escaping to the Berkshires for a few days of bliss!
