Top Activities to Do in the Spring in the Berkshires
We may be biased, but we think spring is the best time to visit the Berkshires. The temperatures are warmer than the snowy winter, but not overly hot like they can be in the summer. Flowers and plants start popping up out of the ground, and the trees bloom beautiful buds and delicate leaves so pretty that you simply have to stop and stare. And, since it’s technically the off season, everything will be much less crowded, so you can get better rates and times for the activities you want to do. Here’s a few recommendations for things to do in the Berkshires in spring.
Get Outside
The Berkshires is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country, with a plethora of activities for people of all backgrounds to enjoy. There are dozens of lakes in the Berkshires, perfect for swimming, paddling, boating, fishing, and relaxing. Pontoosuc Lake has 511 acres and bright blue waters—a great spot for an afternoon picnic. The nearby mountains are ideal for hiking—we especially recommend Mount Greylock (where the Ilvermorny School from the Harry Potter universe supposedly is!) or Bash Bish Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Massachusetts.
If you want a walk that’s a little less intense, one of the most popular spring tourist attractions in the Berkshires is Ashintully Gardens. This beautiful estate boasts a Georgian-style mansion, sculptures, a gurgling stream, and beautiful gardens that will be fully in bloom in the spring. There’s also the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary where you can casually stroll for hours while watching for birds and other animals to appear.
Don’t miss the harvesting of maple sap! This is one of the most unique spring attractions in the Berkshires and only happens once a year. Local farmers harvest the sap just as the snow disappears and boil it into yummy maple syrup. Ioka Valley Farm makes delicious syrup that you can try on pancakes at their cafe while learning all about how they make this sugary treat.
Eat Your Way Through the Berkshires
One of the top things to do in the spring is take a foodie pilgrimage around the Berkshires. Whatever your favorite cuisine is, you can find a local restaurant that specializes in delivering the most mouthwatering delicacies. The Prairie Whale offers elevated, area-sourced American fare and cocktails in a charming house-restaurant with a hip, rustic feel. Cafe Adam is a fine-dining experience that has seasonal menus ethically and sustainably sourced from local farmers—you can taste the freshness in every meal! And the Bistro Box Roadside Eatery is a cute outdoor stand with burgers, hand-cut fried, paninis, ice cream, and more.
Step Back in History
The Berkshires are a culturally rich area built on hundreds, if not thousands, of years of significant history, both Western and Native American. One of the best things to do in Stockbridge in the spring is visit the Norman Rockwell Museum. It has a vast collection of original paintings from the artist, plus his studio, and hundreds of thousands of his personal items on display.
Hancock Shaker Village is a living history museum with a working farm, a walking trail, and thousands of artifacts from Shaker times. For you bibliophiles, don’t miss the former home of Edith Wharton, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “The Age of Innocence” and “The House of Mirth.” Her house, called The Mount, is a cultural center preserving her legacy. You can tour the house, her gardens, and whatever rotating exhibit is on display.
Stay at The Red Lion Inn
After a long spring day of exploring the Berkshires, settle in and relax at the Red Lion Inn. Nestled in Stockbridge—one of the Berkshires’ most central towns—you’ll be only a few minutes walk to a short drive away from the best attractions in the region. Our top-notch hospitality and accommodations will give you a classic Berkshire experience with a Red Lion twist for a trip you’ll never forget. Book your room now for your springtime adventure!