Today is the first official day of spring! While Berkshire locals (and soon-to-be-locals) know that temperatures can be unpredictable, the end of winter marks the return of some beloved festivals and activities to get you out of hibernation.
As your area experts, we’re here to guide you through the changing of the season and make sure you’re enjoying all this county has to offer.
1. Witness the Spectacle of Naumkeag’s Daffodil and Tulip Festival
A truly special part of life in our area is being able to visit stunning mansions from the Gilded Age as a member of the public. Right in the heart of Stockbridge, Naumkeag is managed by The Trustees of Reservations, who work hard to make their stunning grounds and gardens an attraction year-round.
The highlight of their spring programming is the Daffodil and Tulip Festival. Visitors can wander through terraced gardens showcasing tens of thousands of blooming bulbs against the backdrop of the breathtaking Housatonic River Valley. Draw inspiration for your own garden or take home a bit of Naumkeag from their pop-up plant sale outside of the greenhosue.
Pro-Tip: Plan Your Visit
Because this is a blooming event, the dates are narrow (usually mid-April to mid-May). Tickets must be bought in advance, and keeping up with Naumkeag/Stockbridge media channels for bloom updates will ensure you’re seeing everything you hope to see.
2. Visit Thunderfest in Adams
A self-proclaimed cure to cabin fever, Thunderfest is a local tradition that’s been going strong for 14 years. The event takes place outside of the Adams Visitor Center, where visitors can enjoy live music, food, beer, wine, craft vendors and more. Thunderfest encourages you to bring your pets and kids alike, with plenty of kid-friendly activities like marshmallow roasting.
This year’s Thunderfest is on Saturday, March 21 from 12-5. It began as an end-of-season celebration for skiers of the Thunderbolt trail Mount Greylock. If you miss the fun this year, you can still enjoy Mount Greylock by hiking the challenging backcountry trail, exploring other terrain, or even driving all the way to the top to enjoy the view when the road opens up in mid-May.
3. Experience a Beloved Tradition: Baby Animals on the Shaker Farm
There is no clearer sign of spring than newborn animals. A beloved tradition for families and animal lovers of all ages, Baby Animals Festival at Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield is an absolute delight.
From April 18 to May 10 this year, you can meet the newest residents:
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Lambs
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Kids (young goats)
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Piglets
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Chicks and ducklings
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Calves
It’s an educational experience that perfectly blends history, agriculture, and cuteness. Tickets are available to purchase in advance or on-site, but there is limited availability for some elements like their hayride “behind-the-scenes” tour.
4. Explore The Mount, Edith Wharton’s Home and Gardens
Like Naumkeag, The Mount in Lenox is a masterpiece of Gilded Age design. It was the country estate of Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Edith Wharton, who designed both the house and the elaborate grounds herself.
You must pay an admission fee to explore the home itself, which is full of fascinating exhibits about Wharton and the era in which she lived. But since the pandemic, The Mount has welcomed members of the public to walk its grounds for free year-round.
Specific events, both outdoor and indoor, invite the community to come together for educational and wellness activities. So far this spring, they’ve announced Tai Chi classes, readings in collaboration with the Norman Rockwell museum, and free-to-attend readings and walks.
5. Seek Out Spring Waterfalls: Bash Bish Falls
Spring is prime time for waterfall viewing in New England. Thanks to snowmelt and seasonal rain, the regions' drops are at their most powerful.
Located in the town of Mount Washington, Bash Bish Falls is the highest single waterfall in Massachusetts with about a 60 foot drop.
This incredibly popular hiking destination sits on the border of MA and NY, and is accessible from a few different points. Parking on the Massachusetts side on Falls Road, the round-trip to the waterfall and back is only about 0.6 miles. If you seek a more strenuous hike, you can begin on the New York side and enjoy the trails of the Taconic State Park.
No matter your route, think carefully about your footwear–the "mud season" trails can be slick.
Find Your Permanent Home in the Berkshire Hills
The abundance of culture, natural delights, and community spirit in the Berkshires has a way of turning visitors into residents. Whether you are drawn to the charm of a historic estate or a modern mountain retreat, there is no better time to explore the local market than when the gardens are in bloom. Get started by viewing our current exclusive listings.
