Berkshire County: affectionately called "the Berkies"
Berkshire County occupies a swath of western Massachusetts and has a reputation as one of the state's cultural hotspots,with year-round theater productions, dance performances and plenty of fascinating museums. It's affectionately called "the Berkies" by locals who passionately love their little slice of the US, for good reason, with the astonishingly attractive landscape providing a playground for all sorts of activities. When you stay in a Berkshire County vacation rental, you can saddle up for horseback riding adventures, go hiking up through the mountains, or jump into kayaks to paddle along the rivers and lakes.
A thriving art scene in Berkshire County
When you stay in a Berkshire County vacation rental, you can immerse yourself in this cultural part of Massachusetts. There's a long heritage here, which is reflected in the many museums, historic sites and gardens, many of which are family-friendly. There's a thriving visual arts scene in the county and whatever time of year that you visit, there's always a dance performance, theater production, or concert to enjoy. Alternatively, you can drop into one of the independent art galleries or centers, where you can pick up a locally-made piece to take home or join one of the classes.
Don't discount the spring in Berkshire County
The summer season brings in vacationing families, who come to bask in the bright and sunny weather. If you plan to visit between July and August, be sure to book up your Berkshire County vacation rental early to avoid disappointment. If you want to avoid the swarms of travelers, you could consider visiting in spring, when the hiking trails are filled with blooming wild flowers and the wildlife begins to awaken after the long winter. Later in the year, you can pick up a steal on rentals and enjoy the famously good Massachusetts fall foliage.
Ambling moose in Berkshire County
You'll never be far from nature when you stay in a Berkshire County vacation rental, though try the 6,000-hectare October Mountain State Forest, the largest woodland in the state. During September and October, the forest bursts into hues of yellow, orange and red and there isn't a more spectacular time to visit. While you hike through the park, keep a beady eye out for wild foxes slinking around the forest floors, or circling birds of prey, like bald eagles and migrating hawks, overhead. There are bigger beasts to spot as well, like deer and giant moose, which are seen ambling around the lakes.
Transportation to and around Berkshire County
The nearest airport is in Pittsfield, MA (PSF-Pittsfield Municipal), located 2.4 mi (3.9 km) from the city center.
If you'd rather travel by train, make your way to Pittsfield Intermodal Transportation Center or Pittsfield Station to see more of the city.
