The Berkshire Mountain Region is Alive with Culture, Dining, and the Great Outdoors! The Ideal New England Vacation!

 

                                                        Village of LEE, MA

The New England state of Massachusetts has a lot of offer, an Ivy League University named Harvard, charming and cosmopolitan Boston, the stunning Cape Cod region, and the idyllic islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Colonial landmarks, scenic landscapes, and picturesque villages abound in Massachusetts. In the western side of Massachusetts is the breathtaking Berkshire Mountain region with its stunning mountain range dotted with winding roads and open pastures leading to quaint & relaxing villages. Stay at a bed and breakfast or country inn and be pampered. Lovely scenery seems to appear everywhere so it's obvious why Norman Rockwell made Stockbridge his home from 1953 until his death in 1978 at the age of 84. He loved Stockbridge and painted his greatest works in Stockbridge. The Norman Rockwell Museum is one of the most visited attractions in the Berkshires and is tucked away in a tranquil section of Stockbridge. You'll be mesmerized by all the exceptional works made by Norman Rockwell and you can even take a lunch break at the quaint "Terrace Cafe" located inside the museum.

First Congregational church in Lee.

                                                             A nostalgic diner in Lee

LEE, just a few miles away from Stockbridge is my favorite place in the Berkshires. Its genuine New England quintessential setting makes for an ideal vacation. The Lower Main Street Historic District encompasses the historic center of town with its white steeple church called First Congregational Church. Lee lies along the Housatonic Railroad Line where a passenger train travels from Pittsfield to Great Barrington and terminates in New Milford, Connecticut. You can see trains passing right through Lee, day and evening. Near the railroad tracks at 85 Center Street is the iconic Joe's Diner, loved by locals and tourists. Joe's Diner has a diverse menu of homemade food featuring hot from the griddle breakfast items, seafood specialties, tasty sandwiches and more. The fruit pies for dessert are wonderful. Craving lobsters rolls? You can eat an authentic Maine lobster roll at an affordable price at Let's Do Lunch at 56 Main Street. For just $10.95 enjoy a lobster roll with a choice of side dish. Salmon Run Fish House at 78 Main Street has excellent seafood dishes and daily specials in a cozy setting. Not to be missed is Starving Artist Creperie and Cafe at 40 Main Street. Decadent crepes, scones, and paninis top the list with other specialities. Gluten free and vegan dishes are available too. For a taste of South America, have a meal at Alpamayo Peruvian Cuisine, at 60 Main Street. Enjoy hearty portions from a vast menu of Peruvian standards. Summer just isn't summer without ice cream and the best place for ice cream in the Berkshires is High Lawn Farm. Mingle with the cows while eating homemade ice cream available in a variety of flavors. I personally favor the vanilla ice cream. It's awesome! High Lawn Farm is a working farm with jersey cows grazing on grass in the meadow. The storybook setting is lovely.

                                       Eat at Mint Indian Restaurant at the Black Swam Inn in Lee

You're in the mountains where "hiking rules" so be certain to hike those majestic Berkshires. One popular place is October Mountain State Forest. It's a 16,460 acre forest and recreational preserve located primarily in Washington with connections in Becket, Lee, and Lenox. It's the largest state forest in the state of Massachusetts. Donato's Trail/Goose Pond Reservation, a 2.3 mile slightly trafficked loop trail is a small hike above Goose Pond. Charcoal Trailhead in Stockbridge is a trailhead for six miles of good trail with great views. After hiking you can do some swimming at Lenox Town Beach. At present this beach is only open to Lenox residents so if you have family or friends in Lenox, you're in luck. Mount Greylock is the highest point in the state. At 3,489    feet, you can count on a good workout to the summit. The main trail is located near the town of North Adams in the Berkshires.

                                              Jacobs Pillow, dance festival in Beckett!

The Berkshire Mountain region has some of the best cultural stimulation in America and top notch talent too. Barrington Stage Company, Becket Arts Center, Berkshire Theater Festival, Colonial Theater, Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, Pittsfield Shakespeare in the Park, Williamstown Theater Festival and Tanglewood, home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra are just some of the places that will provide you with excellent entertainment whether you're a local or a visitor. The arts are alive and well in the Berkshires!

Where to stay? You'll be captivated by all the lodging options available from quaint bed and breakfasts to extravagant resorts. My favorite place to stay in the Lee/Stockbridge area is Black Swam Inn, 435 Laurel Street, Lee, MA  (pictured on the left). Spacious guest rooms, a dining room with complimentary breakfast, water craft rentals on Laurel Lake, an exercise room, and lakeside dining at MINT Indian restaurant known for exotic tasty dishes. There's a sense of serenity at this property especially when you sit in an Adirondack chair at the back of the inn and enjoy the calm waters of Laurel Lake. The friendly staff will make you feel right at home. Located right in the town of Lee, Chambery Inn, 199 Main Street is a mix of old and new. This luxury inn was once a 19th century school. Here you'll find plenty of comfort and a charming breakfast basket is delivered to your door  every morning during your stay. Over in Stockbridge everyone raves about The Red Lion Inn, one of the best places to stay in the Berkshires. Sit on a rocking chair on the famous porch and gaze at the beauty of the town. Norman the cat, a tuxedo feline ambassador resides here and is often seen by guests in various spots around the inn. There are three places to eat at The Red Lion Inn, the elegant Main Dining Room, the casual Widow Bingham's Tavern, and The Lion's Den Pub. There's a heated swimming pool and hot tub on the property, as well as a pool house.

Western Massachusetts, Berkshire Mountain Region is beautiful, cultural, idyllic, and picture postcard perfect. Norman Rockwell knew what he was doing when he decided to make this stunning part of New England filled with charm his permanent residence. #intheBerkshires provides an informative brochure about the area. See you in the Berkshires!

                                         The jersey cows at High Lawn Farm are sweet as ice cream

                                                                    

                            

                                                        

Duluth, Minnesota (A Lake Superior City)

On the shores of Lake Superior is DULUTH, a Midwest city with a vibrant downtown, easy for walking and exploring. Dining and shopping options abound. Not to be missed is Canal Park, home to the architectural wonder of Aerial Life Bridge which raises ships entering the harbor basin of Lake Superior. The deepest and the largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior shines with glory. There's a Lakewalk that consists of nearly eight miles of a paved bicycle and pedestrian trail passing by some fine attractions. Originally built in 1986, the Lakewalk has been extended over the years and is a popular recreeatoinal spot. Nestled between Canada and Minneapolis, DULUTH  is gaining popularity as a vacation spot. Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer....all four seasons are a fantastic time to visit but in the summer you are blessed with long and warm days which gives you more time to explore the region! 

Things to See and Do in Duluth!

    Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Drive

    Adventure Zone

    Bob Dylan Way

    Duluth Art Institute

    Duluth Children's Museum

    Duluth Playhouse

    Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra

    Fond-du-luth Casino

    Lake Superior Zoo

    Aerial Lift Bridge

    Bayfront Festival Park

    Spirit Mountain Adventure Park

    Whoopsa Daisy Farm

    Enger Park and Tower

    Canal Park

    Josesph Neese Gallery

    Leif Erickson Park

    Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center

    Lake Superior Railroad Museum

    Lakewalk

    Great Lakes Aquarium

    Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium

    S.S. William A. Irvin Ore Boat Museum

    DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace

   Willard Munger State Trail

   North Shore Scenic Railroad

   Hartley Nature Center

   Glensheen Mansion

   Fitger's Mall

  UMD Canoe, Kayak, Rock Climb, Surf & Stand Up Paddle Board Rental

Dining in Duluth

Caribou Coffee is a Minneapolis based coffee chain that has a loyal following. Outstanding drinks served hot or cold, yummy pastries and sandwiches. Staff at the Canal Park location is awesome!

Duluth Diner is where the locals go to eat. Always packed and for good reason. A diverse menu of  comfort/ homestyle food, big portions at fair prices.

Gannucci's Italian Market & Restaurant, an iconic, long-standing eatery with a lovely dining area. Authentic Italian menu featuring pasta dishes, pizza, salads, soups, sandwiches, and mouth-watering desserts. The spaghetti and meatballs dish is out of this world. Simply delicious!

India Palace, authentic Indian food in downtown Duluth. Flavorful food, cozy atmosphere, friendly staff.

OMC Smokehouse, freshly smoked meats and local craft beer. Amazing sauces!

Pickwick Restaurant & Pub is a historic restaurant with a great atmosphere and specializes in homemade soups & chargrilled steaks

Pizza Luce, award winning pizzas and a wide variety of appetizers, salads, hoagies, and desserts. Gluten Free, Vegan, and Vegetarian options. Popular with locals and tourists.

Taste of Saigon serves Chinese and Vietnamese dishes in a relaxing setting. Try the Pho! 

Vitta Pizza on Canal Park Drive is known for its classic wood-fired gourmet pizzas.

Places to Stay in Duluth

Beacon Pointe on Lake Superior is where you'll enjoy access to Lake Superior and a variety of lodging options from 1 to 3 bedroom condos to penthouses and suites.

Canal Park Lodge is a mountain-style hotel offering lake view rooms. Enjoy the indoor swimming pool. Complimentary breakfast included.

Cotton Mansion Bed and Breakfast is a 1908 Italian Renaissance mansion with an adjacent carriage house. Full of elegance and luxury, a romantic retreat. Located in Duluth's historic district.

Fitger's Inn is a historic hotel on Lake Superior that was once a brewery. The elegant lobby is a relaxing place to sit and is adjacent to the Fitzer's Mall. European style service and luxurious accommodations. Walking distance to many of Duluth's cafes, restaurants, and shops.

Holiday Inn and Suites is located in the heart of downtown. Connected to a skywalk bridge.

Willard Munger Inn, a 1950's style hotel with cozy pine-paneled rooms. Free passes to the Lake Superior Zoo and complimentary use of bicycles. 

Shopping in Duluth (Downtown)

Art in the Gallery

DeWitt Seitz Marketplace

Duluth Kitchen Company

Duluth Trading Company 

Fannie Rose Candy Shop

Hucklebeary

I Love Duluth

Minnesota Surplus and Outfitters

Namaste

Snyder's Super Stop

Whimsy

Shopping Malls in Duluth

Miller Hill Mall

Stone Ridge Shopping Center

Transportation in Duluth

DTA. Duluth Transit Authority offers bus service throughout Duluth. It's the way I got around Duluth during my visit. A one day pass is only $3.00. What a great deal!

JUDY GARLAND FANS: 

"There's No Place Like Home" Superstar Actress, Dancer, Singer, Judy Garland, famous for her role as Dorothy In "The Wizard Of Oz" is originally from Grand Rapids, Minnesota. You can visit the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. It's about an hour and a half drive from Duluth and makes a good day trip or overnight trip.

Martha's Vineyard: The Ideal Summer Place

Martha's Vineyard, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean is an island that wins everyone's heart!

If you long to transport yourself to a place that feels magical and so very inviting, an island on the Atlantic Ocean waters named Martha's Vineyard is where to go. This idyllic island in the state of Massachusetts appeals to all ages and for good reason. There's plenty of things to do and no matter where to you find yourself on the "Vineyard" you'll be enchanted by the beauty and charm of the island. Whether you choose to camp, be pampered at a luxury bed or breakfast, choose a gorgeous Airbnb home for your stay or experience hosteling at the islands affordable youth hostel, you'll love hanging out on the "Vineyard." Bicycling, boating, golfing, fishing, horseback riding, swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding....sports abound on the island. You can be an outdoor adventurer or just sit back on a lounge chair at one of the breath-taking beaches on the island. Culture abounds with opportunities to enjoy art galleries concerts, festivals, movies, and plays. The moment you step off the ferry or plane you know you've arrived at a vacation destination that feels like the pages of a fairytale. From the adorable gingerbread cottages and the oldest carousel in America called "Flying Horses" in Oak Bluffs to the fishing village of Menemsha for tasty seafood, to the sophisticated Edgartown with its stately homes to the cliffs of Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard will mesmerize you. Watch your stresses melt away as you relax on this island dotted with beaches, farmland, lakes, and relaxing picturesque towns. Martha's Vineyard is a vacation paradise and you'll love it so much that you'll yearn to return and return again.

How did Martha's Vineyard get its name? Most sources claim that is was so named by Bartholomew Gosnold back in he 1600's because of the large number of wild vines that he found on the island. He probably named the island Martha after his daughter whose name was Martha.

Martha's Vineyard has six different towns:

Aquinnah, is known for its clay cliffs, Gay Head Lighthouse, and Moshup's Beach.

Chilmark, has the photogenic fishing village of Menemsha, a haven for tasty seafood and lovely sunsets.

Edgartown, has a charming town center and the popular Katama (South Beach).

Oak Bluffs, is known for its Methodist Campground, multicolored gingerbread cottages, and "Flying Horses" carousel.

Vineyard Haven, is the main port of entry by ferry and offers an array of shops and restaurants.

West Tisbury, with its wide open spaces is the rural section of Martha's Vineyard. The annual fair takes place every August in this region and the well stocked Alley's General Store is located here.

Before you select your favorite part of the island, explore the entire island by bicycle, car, and foot. Nine miles wide and twenty six miles long, Martha's Vineyard will captivate you with its amazing beauty and interesting attractions. 

OAK BLUFFS: 

Although I love the entire island, my favorite town is OAK BLUFFS. I'm absolutely mesmerized by the National Historic Landmark, "Wesleyan Grove." Commonly known as "The Campground," this 34 acre part of Martha's Vineyard is renowned for the iconic iron Tabernacle and the adorable colorful Gingerbread Cottages originally built in the 1860's and 1870's. There are 318 cottages to admire as you walk through the grounds of the campground and everyone of them has its unique charm. These homes are some of the most photographed homes in the U.S.A. and for good reason. Truly an idyllic storybook setting. 

Isabella's Beach House is a bed and breakfast that's located directly across the beach. It's walking distance to the ferries and downtown Oak Bluffs. The inn has nine guest rooms and two suites. 83 Seaview Avenue, Oak Bluffs.

The Oak Bluffs Inn is an elegant bed and breakfast and very close to the Methodist Campground. This pink clapboard house has ten rooms and offers lots of amenities; continental breakfast, complimentary beverages and snacks, private baths, an outdoor patio and wraparound porch, off street parking and so much more. It's the ultimate place to stay in Oak Bluffs. 64 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs.

Summercamp Hotel, overlooks Oak Bluffs Harbor. A summer-camp inspired hotel in a 19th century building. Retro-designed rooms, camp canteen, a wraparound porch with rocking chairs, lawn games, and a recreation hall add to the appeal of a perfect summer place. 70 Lake Avenue, Oak Bluffs.

Oak Bluffs Beaches: 

Oak Bluffs Town Beach at Seaview Avenue is located in the heart of town. Free parking.

State Beach at Seaview Avenue  has warm, sandy, shallow waters.  Free parking.

The Jetty Beach has low surf and is set on warm waters of the Vineyard Sound. 75 East Chop Drive.

33 Lake Avenue, Oak Bluffs

Flying Horses Carousel is the nation's oldest platform carousel. Since 1884 the Flying Carousel has been operating in the town of Oak Bluffs. Ride on a stationary carved wooden horse with manes and tails of real horse hair and brightly painted and fixed to the rotating platform by a metal post. Rides cost $3.50 per person.

Ben & Bills Chocolate Emporium, add some sweetness to your stay in Oak Bluffs with handmade, old fashioned family recipe candies, chocolates, gelato, and ice cream. Located at 20a Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs.

Linda Jeans, is an island favorite for both locals and visitors. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Located at 25 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs

Lookout Tavern is known for its lobster rolls. Their diverse menu includes everything from battered and fried seafood to burgers, sandwiches, salads, tacos, and more. Located at 8 Seaview Avenue, Oak Bluffs.

Mad Martha's Homemade Ice Cream, summer just isn't summer without a scoop or two of ice cream. Located at 12 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs.

MV Salads, made to order salads, featuring locally grown produce and locally caught seafood.

55 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs.

Reliable Market is a full service supermarket in business since 1947. They carry fresh cut meats, bread and dairy, groceries, gourmet products, a deli, and health and beauty aids. Located at 36 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs.

JUNE is here, long sunny days and the beginning of summer. Martha's Vineyard is beckoning. Whether you arrive by ferry or plane, once you're here, you won't want to leave. Enjoy your summer days on magical Martha's Vineyard. You'll soon find out that "There's No Place Quite like MARTHA'S VINEYARD."

Vineyard Ferries:

The Steamship Authority operates year round and has ferries running all day long during the height of summer. Ferries from Woods Hole, MA (Cape Cod) to Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven. 

Hy-Line Cruises from Hyannis, MA (Cape Cod) to Oak Bluffs.

Island Queen from Falmouth, MA (Cape Cod) to Oak Bluffs.

HAPPY SUMMER FROM MARTHA'S VINEYARD!