Cold, snowy days inspire romance.

When it’s cold outside, we like to curl up by a fire. We like to sip warming drinks like cocoa or brandy. When it’s cold outside, we like to snuggle against someone warm. Cold outside = romance inside.

In short, February is ideal for romantic getaways at our Berkshires Bed and Breakfast.

All that cuddling and snuggling by the fire is even better after a day out in the cold. Plenty of opportunities to enjoy the winter weather exist near our Berkshires inn: downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing; this winter, which has seen relatively little in the way of snowfall, hiking is an option.

Nearby Jiminy Peak has great skiing, and après ski entertainment to help transition to romance. Their John Harvard’s Restaurant and bar has live music every Saturday and Sunday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. To accompany the music, food and drink specials run from 3 to 5 p.m.

Nothing puts some people in a romantic mood more than a few hours of cross country skiing. For these folks, a trip to Canterbury Farm Ski Touring Center in Becket, or Hilltop Orchards in Lenox is an order.

For those who find romance in adventure, try the moonlit snowshoe trek at Hilltop Orchards. Weather permitting, the next two take place Saturday, February 4 and Saturday, March 10, 2012. Walk hand in hand through the snowy, New England woods. Find warmth and entertainment by a bonfire or inside by the fire, and enjoy wine tasting as well.

Back at our luxury Bed and Breakfast Berkshires, have a soak in a whirlpool tub or a relaxing steam in a steam shower. Sit together in front of  your own fireplace and let romance blossom.

Our Romance Package includes a sumptuous 3-course dinner for two, as well as chocolate and a split of champagne. Please see our Berkshires Inn Specials page for more details.

* In truth, St. Valentine’s Day dates back to the days of ancient Rome, a city not known for it’s extreme cold or snow. For the purposes of the this blog, we chose to overlook that fact.

Hancock Shaker Village

Less than twenty miles from our Western MA bed and breakfast is a special place known as Hancock Shaker Village. The third village created by the Shakers after their arrival in the New World in 1774, Hancock is a testament to the Shaker commitment to beauty, simplicity and hard work. The architecture of the twenty historic buildings is not fancy, but the symmetry and craftsmanship are awe-inspiring. One look at the round barn, and it is clear that these humble people had something special.

Take time to visit Hancock Shaker Village while staying with us at our Berkshires inn. Learn about the handful of Christians who left Manchester, England, in order to settle where they would be allowed to practice their religion and celibate lifestyle in peace. Witness the many contributions the innovative Shakers made to the greater community thanks to their creativity and industriousness. Eat Shaker inspired food at the cafe. Walk among those glorious buildings.

The Hancock Shaker Village is open for self-guided tours until the first of November. After that, through the month of November the village is open for guided tours only.

View of Fall Colors in the Berkshires

It’s true. You (we) seniors deserve a little recognition from time to time. We’ve worked hard at our careers and raising our children, and many of us are still hard at work volunteering our time or caring for grandchildren. Goodness knows, from time to time we need to just get away from it all and relax. So be it.

Our Berkshires inn offers a Senior’s Special just for you, and we genuinely hope you will take advantage of it. When you stay for at least two nights midweek, you’ll receive 15% off your entire stay. That’s enough savings to celebrate with a shopping trip to Stockbridge, Lee or Lenox, or a fantastic night out at the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield. Or simply bring a good book, enjoy the many games available here at the inn, and relax here over wine and cheese, served every evening.

Anyone would benefit from a refreshing walk through the Berkshires; we have a nature trail on our grounds, and there are many good trails just a short distance from our Lee MA bed and breakfast. Ask us about some of our favorite hikes. Then plan to spend the following day enjoying a massage or facial at one of several nearby spas, such as Soul Spa. In short, give yourself a treat.

Those of you who feel energetic would find this a delightful destination for a bicycle outing along colorful New England country roads. Be sure to stop for refreshment at the Monterey General Store, which has been operating since 1780. The Bidwell House Museum is open from Memorial Day to Columbus Day, just a few days away. Be spontaneous, give us a call, throw your bags in the car, and take advantage of our “Fill Our Openings Package” .

Even if the museum itself is closed, the Bidwell House sits on almost 200 glorious acres. Stroll through well-tended gardens and untamed woodlands. Indeed, the land in and around Monterey is well-suited for outdoor recreation, with miles of trails – both gentle and strenuous – easily accessible. The Appalachian Trail passes through here, and the Berkshire Fish Hatchery has wonderfully maintained hiking trails.

This is just one of the innumerable local treasures that help make a stay at our Berkshires inn memorable.

The Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield is one such place, not far north of our Lee MA lodging. Freud’s Last Session is running through October 4, 2009. Don’t miss this fascinating, imagined conversation between atheist Dr. Freud and devout Christian C.S. Lewis, as they discuss God, sex, and the meaning of life. Their exchange is thought provoking as well as deeply humorous. This play is followed by a favorite musical; The Fantasticks is “a captivating romantic comedy about a boy, a girl, two fathers and a wall.”

If you happen to be staying with us on the third Thursday of a month, you may enjoy a trip up to Pittsfield for 3rd Thursdays. From 5 – 8pm, the downtown area of Pittsfield is full of music, art and great food. Art Galleries and museums stay open late, and art and music take over the town. The next two 3rd Thursdays are September 17 and October 15. Why not check out our specials – you may find temptation to cancel everything and head to the Southern Berkshires in time for 3rd Thursday on September 17.