Berkshires & Pioneer Valley (Summer)

The two regions of western Massachusetts are quite distinctive, and places of contrast. The Berkshires are most famously home to a cluster of summer arts centers like Tanglewood (summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra) and Jacob's Pillow (devoted entirely to dance), and many working artists make their homes in the bucolic hinterland, which also offers many outdoor activities. The summer retreat trend isn't new - "summer cottages" of the belle epoque dot the landscape, many associated with well-known 19th and 20th century artists who lived there for a spell. The Pioneer Valley has been Massachusetts' agricultural soul since colonial ...

The two regions of western Massachusetts are quite distinctive, and places of contrast. The Berkshires are most famously home to a cluster of summer arts centers like Tanglewood (summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra) and Jacob's Pillow (devoted entirely to dance), and many working artists make their homes in the bucolic hinterland, which also offers many outdoor activities. The summer retreat trend isn't new - "summer cottages" of the belle epoque dot the landscape, many associated with well-known 19th and 20th century artists who lived there for a spell. The Pioneer Valley has been Massachusetts' agricultural soul since colonial days, the fertile soil of the Connecticut River valley growing especially fine vegetables. A cluster of colleges around Northampton bring cultural amenities side by side with bright farmers' markets. To the south, industrial Springfield supports a quintet of outstanding museums as well as hosting an annual all-New England agricultural fair.

About the Expert

Juliette Rogers is coauthor of the guidebooks Eating New England: A Food Lovers Guide to Eating Locally, Secret Providence and Newport, and two Thomas Cook guides on France.