Top 10 Things to Do in the Summer in South Berkshire County

Berkshire County is nestled along the western edge of Massachusetts and borders Vermont, New York and Connecticut. Centered in Berkshire County are the beautiful Berkshire Hills. The area has long been a summer refuge of the wealthy from New York City and Boston and has boasted many famous residents, from Herman Melville to former New York Yankee iconoclast and author Jim Bouton.

As a former resident of the area, here are my top 10 things to do in the south part of Berkshire County in the Summer.

10. Stroll the streets of downtown Great Barrington, Lenox, Lee, and Stockbridge.

Many quaint towns don't live up to the hype. But Berkshire County is host to many that do. Great Barrington is home upscale restaurants and boutique specialty shops. Wide sidewalks and well marked (and enforced) crosswalks make it a great place for a family visit. Lenox has a beautiful town green where craft festivals are often held on the weekend. Ladies especially enjoy the Talbots store located in the heart of downtown. Like Lenox, Lee boasts a very nice town green. My wife's favorite store in the whole county, the Pamela Loring store, is located in Lee. Stockbridge is home to the famous Red Lion Inn and my wife's second favorite store - Country Curtains. Stockbridge was home to Alice's Restaurant which inspired the well known song by Arlo Guthrie by the same name.

9. Spend an afternoon at the Lenox Town Beach

Located on Laurel Lake, near the border of Lee and Lenox, MA is the well maintained Lenox Town Beach. A lifeguard is on duty during the day and the beach is spacious to accommodate numerous people. Nearby is a boat launch if you feel so inclined.

8. Visit Naumkeag

Located in Stockbridge, Naumkeag is an excellent example of Berkshire architecture and opulence. The home was as a summer residence for Joseph Hodges Choate, a wealthy lawyer from New York who also served as ambassador to England. The home features period furniture and a beautifully terraced lawn. Admission is $10 per person with children ages 6-12 being $3 each.

7. Admire the Berkshire Botanical Garden