The Berkshires: The Don'ts of Western Massachusetts

[@tomf.1730]

As someone who lives here in the Berkshires, it was nice to see that you covered from one end of the County to the other. . You cover all different aspects of what the Berkshires has to offer.

[@musiclove11254]

I grew up near worcester and went to college in Western ma. A majority of the Massachusetts population hasn't been to the Berkshires so I appreciate the highlight! If you ever return, head to northampton.. its such a cool town with lots of artsy shops and good eats!

[@ecurewitz]

Northampton is great, every type of restaurant, also an art museum and botanical gardens. I like to hike in the nearby mountains and get dinner there afterwards. I also live in the Worcester area

[@JosephKulik2016]

"A majority of the Massachusetts population hasn't been to the Berkshires." That's because the majority of the population is centered around Boston in the East, all of whom are Condescending Snobs who would never dream of "living in the sticks" of Western Mass. I grew up in Springfield in the '50's & '60's" and got my fill of that Bostonian attitude. Bostonians are so deluded with their own Self Importance that they call Boston the Hub, as if Boston was the center of the Universe with all Human Affairs revolving around it.

[@noramulvehill9750]

I agree! I grew up right near Northampton and I think it really is one of the best places in Massachusetts-- so vibrant and so much culture!

[@ramencurry6672]

Most people don’t visit regions of their state if it’s more than a few hours unless if it’s out on the west coast or middle of America

[@ZBisson]

Guys Northampton is in the Pioneer Valley not the Berkshires.

[@eileeninzerilli1654]

Love, love, love Massachusetts and love, love, love the Berkshires. As a lifelong New Yorker, I only discovered the Berkshires a few years ago. At first glance, you think there isn't much going on in all those quiet, cute, sleepy kinda towns but there is so much to do and every time I go, I am able to find something new. I also think people don't realize the understand elegance and sophistication that the Berkshires offers. Definitely not towns filled with t-shirt shops. I've been there in summer and fall. Fall is beautiful but much more crowded- I prefer summer there actually. So very pretty!

[@oooh19]

It’s a cool weekend getaway for New Yorkers

[@philiptuths3747]

Some of my must sees in Western MA. Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield. The Clark Museum in Williamstown. Mass MoCA in North Addams. A drive to the top of Mt. Greylock for a spectacular view. And when you are in Williamstown stop at Tunnel Coffee for a beverage and pastry!

[@heatherj9029]

Love Tunnel city Coffee!

[@shannonconner9850]

Born and raised in Western Mass, and I never see anything about my part of Mass. Everyone assumes Boston or the Cape when I say Im from Mass. Thank you for highlighting the Western half if the state!

[@brad1535]

It is the most beautiful part of the entire state, So if you like the busy non stop traffic and not being able to move and nothing but crowds stay at the cape. Berkshires is my serenity I can breathe here.

[@musingsatmidlife5278]

I love New England! Enjoying your videos a lot! Travel on, my friend!

[@woltersworld]

Thank you!

[@Micolash_is_behind_you]

2:39 for anyone else wondering where in Pittsfield that cool tower is, it isn't! false footage! that is the Children's Chimes Tower in Stockbridge

[@noramulvehill9750]

I grew up in Western Mass. I'd say this is pretty accurate, but Western Massachusetts is way more than just the Berkshires. The Pioneer Valley has tons of art, culture, food, and history, and it's less touristy than the Berkshires. Northampton in particular is incredibly vibrant, especially on summer weekends and around the holidays. Amherst is a nice college town as well. Both towns are overcrowded at college graduation time and dorm move-in days, but the fact that they're college towns makes them really rich in culture. If you're complaining about how crowded the Berkshires are, there are plenty of similar (but less wealthy haha) towns in Hampshire and Franklin counties, and in southern Vermont. Western Mass is way more than a few bougie towns for New Yorkers to summer in!

[@Baleiric]

I grew up in VT…a more conservative area but have now lived all over the states and now I appreciate vibrancy. That said we are now looking for a MA town that is both progressive but offers quiet spots outside of town to live.

[@lukeswain1752]

Spent my whole life thinking Massachusetts and Connecticut were just dreadful city states. Thats all I'd known. Holy smokes! Just got back today from driving through western Mass and Conn and my goodness! Not only is it super gorgeous, but its got that southern small town feel. Compared to driving in the eastern parts of those states, its a universe of difference! Western Mass is crazy. Seriously a hidden gem of this country.

[@OnTheRoadWithDan]

Hiking the trails on Mt. Greylock was a great time.

[@justmimi764]

We visited The Berkshires last summer while dropping off our son @ college in North Adams- beautiful scenery! Certainly is a lot different than our hometown (Houston, TX).

[@TheChooch._.]

Heheheheh I know where your son goes (:< I’m just kidding it’s not creepy like that 👍

[@SRocco-dv8we]

I live in Berks . You did a really really good job 😊. Non commercial, very positive , well thought out advice , nice 👍🏼

[@amykline2824]

Very helpful suggestions! My husband and I just got back from a romantic getaway in the Berkshires.

[@dcartellone2659]

Moved here when I was almost 11 and left 4 years ago.I really can’t say I miss it, kinda a dead end county with really no good jobs and nothing to do. But back in 86’ I do have fond memories of the Holidays.that’s all I’m remembering. Think out of all the towns Lee and Stockbridge are the nicest ones. And the winters are the worst

[@scottbrenham1341]

job market starts in Central massachusetts and goes into Boston area. some require college if you have construction knowledge for excavation etc you can get work.

[@johnhill8046]

I remember the going to the Berkshires a number of times in the late 80s. Very beautiful.

[@SimakSantana]

West of Worcester is like a whole different state

[@JeannetteSeward]

Most definitely!

[@JosephKulik2016]

Thank You for your Honest Assessment of visiting the Beautiful Berkshires. You revealed it all, the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. I hate travel videos that Completely Candy Coat a Vacation Destination. Realistic videos like this one enable a Tourist to get the most from their visit.

[@TheLucidLuxray]

As a lifelong Berkshire County resident and MCLA graduate, I agree with everything you said. It really is a beautiful place.

[@LeoFtravels]

Wow, thanks for sharing. Can u believe I've never been there😱 I will check I out this summer!

[@kmaher1424]

I would be tempted to visit off season. But Fall has leaves! A friend lived in a hippie commune in Mass (remember those?) There was ice on the pond in April and she said "Eff It! I'm moving back to Texas ." Looks lovely... worth planning.

[@kimm3473]

It looks so cute there! I can see why it’s popular!

[@Jackie00777]

Thank you for everything that you do!!

[@mikelesser8564]

I currently live in north adams but in the summer I love traveling

[@wmanadeau7860]

Not to mention for summer recreation there are very nice lakes, good golfing, camping and hiking in the state forests, and skiing in winter. Many cultural attractions like summer theater and dance, Tanglewood and other music venues, top notch art museums, Hancock Shaker Village... The more you look the more you'll find.

[@harrisond8132]

Glad you went to Pedrin's. I live in Pittsfield but drive to NA for their fish fries.

[@ErikaF-e9n]

I ❤ Berkshires!

[@rckoala8838]

This summer I spent several days in the area, twice. Paid my respects to family members and spent some time seeing the sights. A couple things: The principal road is Rt. 7 which goes north-south, so it is fairly easy to get around, even if you get on the wrong road. For that reason I found staying at the Holiday Inn in the center of Pittsfield to be a perfectly good base from which to visit Vermont in the north or Connecticut to the south. (Seconded on traffic in the towns.) Pittsfield, on the other hand, is easy to get around in and not crowded, but the down side is that it is fairly moribund and still suffering from an economic implosion. Few businesses are open and even the ones in operation aren't open. But once you get a couple miles from the city centers the region is lush and rural (little farming though). People are very friendly and pleasant -- not dour New Englanders. Visit Mt. Greylock!

[@DivinityBleu]

My Husband was born and raised in Springfield Mass, and I was raised on Long Island. Ironically we were both living in Virginia Beach at the time we met. He was still living there from when he was deployed to the area while he served in the Navy, and I ended up moving down there with family. We've been happily married for nearly 20 years now, and have been living in the Berkshires (the Pioneer Valley, actually, in a town called Longmeadow) for about 5 years. He was offered a position in the Aerospace industry that he couldn't turn down (with Barnes Aerospace) as he previously was working for SPAWAR (the Space & Naval Warfare Command) in Little Creek, VA. While I like it here, I'd personally rather be further North like in Vermont or New Hampshire and living as far into the boonies as possible. I have a rub with the political environment up here.

[@jillwheeler6207]

Enjoyed the video. Also thought it was interesting and fun to see Bolesławiec pottery in the Berkshire shop.

[@Criminilizereligion]

I grew up in Berkshire…. Yes we call it the SHIRE, I specifically call Pittsfield, Shittsfield…. But for over 20 years locals do call it the shire. And many businesses have started using it as well.

[@TheChooch._.]

You either call is the berk shers or the shire, but don’t call it BerkSHIRE

[@ecurewitz]

My advice. Don’t come in winter. Winter is bad. Worse than elsewhere in the state Also some suggestions of places to visit: Mass Moca art museum ( that place is amazing) Mohawk Trail State forest walk along the river to the old growth forest, Bridge of Flowers and Glacial Potholes in Shelburne Falls, you get so,e great views at both Monument Mountain and the Hairpin turn, there are some cool old mansions to tour in the area, I really liked Naumkeag, and Bush Bash Falls (pro tip, go through New York to get there) I don’t visit the Berkshires often enough

[@ToyotaChaser]

This I can confirm

[@thelnepoet1]

Grew up camping at the Mohawk Trails State Forest. Fond memories. I try to get out there every summer.

[@costasworldofmusicmemories5792]

Harriet and I spent a lot time int he Berkshires and loved it. They don't like their cell towers there. And do plan for your parking . The inns are beautiful. You touched on all don't's nicely. . All the best Guys.😍😍 Jim and Harriet.

[@woltersworld]

yeah, their cell towers are not good :)

[@santabanter]

Always great info!

[@travis8629]

Western Mass is the shit. We got a few big cities that you can easily avoid and the rest of the area is great.

[@hereticleader4187]

Dude power to you for finding joy in the Berkshires. I live in western mass and that part of the state is.... boring. Don't get me wrong I mean the twisting roads, mountains and creeks are beautiful bet there is nowhere to park to enjoy them. The towns are ancient and lifeless. It's an old part of the state that can only be appreciated by a person that loves history.

[@JeannetteSeward]

How about MassMoCA?

[@Metalmirq]

If you’re bored, you’re boring. Simple as that

[@tigerphid9677]

And don't ask anyone how to get to Boston. Even though the Berkshires are part of Massachusetts, people from Boston generally do not come here. They go to New Hampshire, Maine and Cape Cod. Berkshire County has been a refuge for people from the New York City area for 150 years, including the Astors and other wealthy families. We have lots of New Yorkers here. Lots.

[@MeansToTravel]

I hope I can go to the Berkshires someday! The closest I've been is North Canaan, CT. I'll be sure to book in advance! 😀

[@woltersworld]

I was surprised how much we all loved it

[@ToyotaChaser]

I definitely recommend coming up here

[@johnstrawb3521]

Theatergoers, be sure to check out Shakespeare & Company in Lenox. About half their plays are those by Shakespeare, half not. The actors and directors are typically marvelous. Enjoy!

[@caitnewbold1676]

I've missed this channel!! 😃

[@jmtab]

Also, don’t miss Lenox if you have extra time. A couple hours should be enough unless you happen to run into James Taylor who lives (somewhat) nearby.

[@ErikaF-e9n]

Enjoyed a private home in Beckett Mass.

[@lindashaw9034]

I got a little confused when you said you were in one town but showed pictures of another, but good job! Those “merge” lanes are typically used as speed up and pass on the right lanes, so watch out!

[@thedavidguy01]

Good tips. I grew up in the Berkshires and I would recommend the Clark Art Institute as the best museum there. I would not get fried clams there. They’re not even close to the fried clams you get on the coast.

[@scottbrenham1341]

i have seen alot of my home state there is lots of rural areas in between or near suburban towns and cities the ones closest to Boston are filled with wealth compared to other areas west of worcester. central ma it's more about business in far western Massachusetts it's more about getting by in life.

[@rolling-home]

Thank you for a video!!!

[@PKyran42]

3:17 that's a gym, not a museum💀 love the video tho, really appreciate the highlight on this little slice of Massachusetts! Nobody knows too much about it and I appreciate you doing your research ❤

[@ErikaF-e9n]

Even my late “ William “ wanted to move there forever 😂

[@RichardBuckman]

I’ve lived here for 20+years and a lot of what you says makes no sense to me like the parking, the lunchtime rush, the traffic, the business or that things are slow. The only traffic I can think of is close to Boston. It’s funny to see an outsiders perspective on it though.

[@noahrichardson761]

li live out here dont skip the hiking. book MONTHS ahead for foliage season!

[@shellyshellster]

this is cool. i live in Stockbridge

[@pamelahomeyer748]

If you want to stay in Western Massachusetts or New Hampshire during the height of foliage season best places have to be booked almost a year ahead

[@NewEnglandGaming413]

Love berkshire county ❤️💚🤍

[@wmst5065]

Why did you reverse the image when you were in Williamstown?

[@LondiePlus]

I can't see anything about the Berkshires without thinking about RHONY lol. I never knew it was in Massachusetts

[@OhmsLaw76]

As a Resident. We do call it 'The Shire'

[@thatsmrharley2u2]

Since when?

[@lechanneldemysterieuxmante1807]

Been to Stockbridge and would say that the pub at the Lion has legit good lunches. Michael’s does have a tasty burger. The other thing is Great Barrington had some tasty diner spots which may be gone by now bit if they remain are pretty reliable. The Berkshires is pretty amazing.

[@lawrencelewis2592]

20 Railroad Street had great burgers served on English muffins. I wonder if they're still in business. Haven't been back there in almost 25 years. We had a ski house in South Egremont that we built in 1968.

[@lechanneldemysterieuxmante1807]

@@lawrencelewis2592 20 was reliable. It was great most visits. News around town is that it is gone/Under new mgmt. G Barr had great spots but if a spot was a dud it often got replaced at some point. When did you sell the Egremont house?

[@lawrencelewis2592]

@@lechanneldemysterieuxmante1807 20 Railroad was a cool place, nothing like a historic bar. I never sold the house, it was my parents; I was 13 when we built it. My brother and I got to do all the staining of the woodwork. They sold it about 30 years when they retired as it wasn't suitable for a year-round house. It looked like a Swiss chalet. They bought a place on route 72 where it branches off route 23, a long house with an in-ground pool. They're both gone now. The house we built was on Greenwood circle east, off the road to Jug End where I had many a fine time once I was old enough to drink.

[@lawrencelewis2592]

@@lechanneldemysterieuxmante1807 I never sold the house, it was my parents. They sold it about 30 years ago when they retired as it wasn't suitable for year-round. They bought a place on route 72 just North of where it branches off of 23. I was only 13 when we built the ski house in 68. It was on Greenwood circle on the road to Jug End where I had many a fine time once I became old enough to drink. Hooked up with a lot of girls there.

[@wmst5065]

6:22 Pedrin's Fish Fry in North Adams!

[@ExileTheKnightsOfMaltaNow]

What about the shakers? Also that explains where all the fried clams went first No Hoe Joe's now White Castle doesn't offer them? they're getting hard to find... good job with the lemon

[@heatherj9029]

When you say we are here in Pittsfield you are showing North Adams and not Pittsfield ;) I’ve never thought of it as being a heavy traffic area. No mass moca mention?

[@josephmanning3179]

God Mass Moca is one of my fav art museums ever. Better than the Louvre IMO

[@heatherj9029]

@@josephmanning3179 I like the Jarvis Rockwell pieces. Oh and the new water tank outside. I can’t remember the artist.

[@DR-xt9ux]

Where can I stay in a wonderful rated hotel ? I checked out a bunch for hours they all look washed out and run down

[@ExileTheKnightsOfMaltaNow]

What about Lorne Greene's Yellow House does that still exist?

[@elanyacoleman9862]

The Berkshires is the best place in the USA!

[@ChrisAnderson79]

Mark - you talk about hiking but you don't talk about ticks and Lyme disease. Absolute must in the northeast. I have friends who have got tick bites working in their back yard. Also...it is lane drops and I'm not sure why it would make it difficult to navigate. You see them in passing zones though some of the passing zones are very very short.

[@shaun9901]

Don't skip the Norman Rockwell museum because you think his work is corny or whatever, it's actually a great museum. I also suggest going to Chesterwood, studio for the sculptor of the Lincoln Memorial. Also, The Clark art museum in Williamstown is a hidden gem. Skip the Red Lion Inn except to have a drink on the porch. Most of the actual rooms are meh.

[@TheUniversialTurtle]

i been to the NRM several times and grew tired of it personally. chesterwood is nice. my family always loves the red lion inn and refuse to get any other hotels, so its a pain, especially with how expensive it is

[@pjbear1192]

Interesting viewpoints. As someone who is originally from Pittsfield I think you’re just slightly off the mark. You are giving don’ts that make sense for Boston, not a burnt out ghost town like Pittsfield. Maybe 30 years ago you’d be right. Also, you did this a few times but you kept showing Pittsfield’s courthouse as a museum lol. It’s a cool building but nothing more.

[@JeannetteSeward]

Pittsfield is not representative of all the Berkshires. There is so much more.

[@brendapayne6603]

Are you going to have a video about the Williamstown theater festival in the summer? Or about the Berkshires around Halloween?

[@ExileTheKnightsOfMaltaNow]

Man I saw apocalypse now in the theater in Pittsfield after eating in the Mexican restaurant and I felt like a big ptsd man but I also got strep throat

[@petercole8798]

Where's Bigfoot I hear he's out at October Mountain great vid too thank you 😊. I'm looking for him this fall. Now if I find him,,,,,then what.

[@williamstratton1935]

You should do a video on the north east kingdom

[@jb6305]

I’ve never even heard of this area. What do people come here to do ? What is there to do in these small towns?

[@darrellenglish2704]

Just come and find out

[@emeraldkimble7602]

I 90 the mass turnpike becomes New Yorkstate thruway

[@senwod70]

Also, if youre biking on routes 183 or 41, LET CARS PASS YOU! Other people need the roads too! (Stockbridge,, born and raised).

[@sarahp.4340]

Where would be the best airport to fly into? Looks beautiful!

[@mnewman7775]

Albany, NY about an hour on mass pike or the one in CT also about an hour on mass pike

[@wmst5065]

Either that or Bradley in Windsor Locks, CT. Logan is an option, get on I-90 and exit in Lee but it is a 2 to 2-1/2 hour drive.

[@ToyotaChaser]

Pittsfield has an airport but I don't know how good it is because ive never flown in or out

[@ralphturner3798]

I'm sure the Berkshire Art Museum originally was a church.

[@CaptainMir]

Teacher 👍

[@Jyvaskyla]

Do the Adirondacks this summer!

[@the3lewisgirls]

I grew up in Adams, and Williamstown. I must correct you. Pedrins is an experience. It simply isnt just any roadside ice cream shop. Im just sorry they took out the metal slide you would burn your a@@ on before catching the drive in movie.

[@thatsmrharley2u2]

If you eat at Pedrins, bring plenty of money.

[@fredbisbee3785]

Try going to Chesterfield gorge.

[@SSNewberry]

Urban traffic on country lane roads. If you know the right roads, it is not a problem. But the maps don't always get the email.

[@scratch5191]

Yummy.

[@FFGuy-eu7hr]

Don't be suprised if the car in front of you is doing 20 miles under the speed limit.

[@Waldo01238]

#1 Don't for the Berkshires is...........drum roll....................Don't Come Here! Go away!

[@NevadaLamb]

Greetings! Visiting from Nevada 😂 Currently in Great Barrington

[@carlmeissneriv5337]

He forgot to mention that there is a little bit of everything in the berks,very little.And don't forget your checkbooks because everything is grossly overpriced.

[@woltersworld]

It is a wee bit pricey

[@godfreyraphaely637]

waooo

[@TheChooch._.]

Random person: Oh your from western mass? Me: Yes? Person: Oh so like Worcester? Me: No…. No not at all

[@zanotti9354]

This is how I’m tryna live life after 30

[@shaunp4560]

i work in the tourisim industry in the berks and i find that so many tourist run around doing all sorts of stuff instead of just taking the scenery in lol

[@OnMeds1]

'Don't come here' There's too many people already

[@TheKoderius]

When will we be seeing you in Israel?

[@williamstewart6877]

Big dont. Dont come here. Leave us alone lol

[@ndoucette9676]

Hate roundabouts for traffic

[@Frequent200FLYswimmer]

Don't go in the winter especially mid January to march

[@natashab3412]

Please don't miss Mass MOCA

[@andyt2k]

As a British person "We'd be pronouncing it Barkshire"

[@clvrswine]

That'd be WRONG. We got rid of you, in a war, and we won that war. For a reason. You say it our way now.

[@shellyshellster]

just avoid Pittsfield really. it sucks

[@AnnaMargolin]

Don't miss the house of Emily Dickinson in Amherst!

[@harrisond8132]

Not in the Berkshires

[@AnnaMargolin]

@@harrisond8132 "Is Amherst in the Berkshires? The Berkshires generally is a place where well-heeled visitors, creative people, and college communities come together; college towns include Williamstown, North Adams, Amherst, and Northampton."

[@harrisond8132]

@@AnnaMargolin The Berkshires, as in the Berkshire Hills, the mountain range in western MA and Berkshire County. Amherst and Noho are in the Pioneer Valley, Hampshire County..

[@harrisond8132]

@@AnnaMargolin I live here. I know.

[@AnnaMargolin]

@@harrisond8132sometimes living in a place does not necessarily put you in command of the technical borders of a locale. Your appraisal of the borders may not correspond to that of reference works or s i t e s.

[@Michael-v3z1s]

Easthampton great place. HOPEFULLY DIDN'T RUON IT. he he.

[@themaniclevy1456]

dont go to williams town or southern berkshires,there snooty

[@gregshanahan6766]

Pittsfields kind of ghetto man I was born there