The Massachusetts Berkshires are home to dozens of antique stores, some small and crammed with every kind of knickknack and collectible imaginable, others large, sparse, and elegant. Avid antiquers have spent months–no, years–perusing the shops and galleries that surround our Berkshires Inn. Regardless of what is found, the hunt itself is exciting.

Antiquing ignites passion.

The thrill of discovering something long sought makes hearts pump faster. The thrill of finally finding that perfect antique table, or a rare piece of china, can have the same effect. This is especially true when antiquing with someone you love.

Sheffield, Massachusetts, the “Antiques Capital of the Berkshires” is less than twenty miles south of our Berkshires B and B in Lee. After a leisurely breakfast at the inn, you’ll have plenty of energy for a day of browsing.

• Check out the great selection of old American clocks at Dovetail Antiques (440 Sheffield Plain).

• You’ll find amazing furniture at Susan Silver Antiques. Susan Silver is a woman who freely admits that antiques make her heart race; visit her store.

• Antiques are artfully placed throughout an 1815 colonial that is Painted Porch Country Antiques.

• Corner House Antiques specializes in American antique wicker furniture from 1870-1930.

• Cupboards and Roses is the best place in the Berkshires to find Swedish antiques and Scandinavian folk art.

• Kuttner Antiques features 18th and 19th Century American Antiques, Hooked Rugs, and Unusual Accessories.

These are just a few of the many antique stores in Sheffield and elsewhere in the Berkshires. But antiquing is a bit like wine tasting; you don’t want to do too much in one day. Instead, plan to return to our Berkshires Bed and Breakfast again and again.

Passionate about antiques? Head to the Berkshires.

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Bartholomew's Cobble.

The best antidote to a day of feasting is fresh air and exercise. Both can be found in spades in Western Massachusetts. After spending Thursday in the kitchen and around the table, head to our Berkshires Bed and Breakfast with hiking boots in hand.

Snow accumulation from the amazing October blizzard has melted, meaning that hiking trails across Western Massachusetts are open. The forecast promises a sunny Thanksgiving weekend. In short, hiking conditions will be perfect.

Favorite Hikes Near Our Berkshires Bed and Breakfast:

• Beartown State Forest. Hike the easy Benedict Pond Loop Trail; follow a stretch of the Appalachian Trail for a  hike of moderate difficulty; explore one of the forest trails for a more difficult hike.

• Brace Mountain. The views from the top of Brace Mountain are glorious on a clear day. Bring a picnic, for you’ll want time to rest after this invigorating hike.

• Bartholomew’s Cobble. Explore five miles of trails and stand atop Hurlbut’s Hill. Visit the natural history museum to learn about the area’s fascinating geography,  and historic Ashley House to learn about its history.

• Sages Ravine. The waterfalls should be roaring at this time of year. For a moderate hike, drive to the top of Mount Washington Reservation and then follow the trail down tot he ravine. A more strenuous trail leads from the Undermountain Trail.

To make a reservation at our Bed and Breakfast in the Berkshires, please call 1.800.691.9012 or visit our reservation page.

There is nothing like autumn in New England.

Driving down country lanes is a wonderful way to see a lot of trees. Spreading a picnic blanket under a large maple is a delightful way to drink in an autumn afternoon. But those who can delve deep into a New England forest during the peak of foliage season are truly fortunate.

Berkshire Horseback Adventures leads trail rides through nearby Kennedy Park and up Lenox Mountain. To experience New England foliage from the back of a horse is magical. The scent of the horses mixes with the woody odor of fallen leaves. The crisp air magnifies the sound of the horses breath, his feet clipping along the trail.

Leave New York, Boston, and Hartford behind and drive west like a cowboy heading into the sunset. Spend a few days at our Bed and Breakfast in the Berkshires this autumn. While here, treat yourself to a trail ride. It is sure to be one of the most memorable events of the year.

More information about trail rides may be found at Berkshire Horseback Adventures.

The Berkshire Jewish Film Festival runs Mondays July 11 through August 22, 2011. Read on for a list of remaining films:

• Brothers examines the debate of separation of state and religion through the relationship of two brothers, a secular kibbutz Israeli and an orthodox Torah scholar living in the U.S. August 1 at 4 p.m.

• Barney’s Version is based on Mordecai Richler’s comic novel of the same name. It follows Barney Panofsky – politically incorrect, irascible, impulsive, and blunt. Starring Paul Giamatti, Dustin Hoffman, and Minnie Driver. August 1 at 8 p.m.

• Mahler on the Couch and Making Music is a behind the scenes look at Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Swedish Radio Symphonic Orchestra. August 8 at 4 p.m.

• In Miral, audiences follow a Palestinian girl in the wake of Arab-Israeli war. August 15 at 4 p.m.

• Anita follows a young woman with Down Syndrome lost in Buenos Aires after the 1994 attack on the Jewish Community Center. August 15, 8 p.m.

• Women Unchained documents the struggles of several women to obtain a “get” or Jewish divorce, and move on with their lives. “According to traditional Jewish law, a woman who is an “augur” (from the Hebrew word meaning “chained”) cannot remarry.” August 22 at 4 p.m.

Following Women Unchained, there will a closing reception and a concert by Joshua Nelson and his Kosher Gospel.

All screenings take place at the Duffin Theater at the Lenox Memorial High School, 197 East Street, Lenox. It is approximately five miles from our Berkshires Bed and Breakfast. Seating is general admission.

Extend your weekend getaway into a long weekend. Stay at our Lenox Bed and Breakfast some Monday night this August, and see a wonderful film or two at the Berkshire Jewish Film Festival. You’ll have that much longer to experience the natural beauty and cultural offerings of the Massachusetts Berkshires.

Quotes taken from the Berkshire Jewish Film Festival and Women Unchained.

The Williamstown Theatre Festival, founded in 1955, is just one example of the superlative arts found in the Massachusetts Berkshires. The festival runs from June 22 to August 28, 2011.

Williamstown Theatre Festival2011 Summer Schedule:

• Three Hotels, by Jon Robin Baitz (June 19 – July 24)
• A Streetcar Named Desire, by Tennesee Williams (June 22 – July 3)
• She Stoops to Conquer, by Oliver Goldsmith (July 27 – August 7)
• One Slight Hitch, by Lewis Black (July 6 – 17)
• Ten Cents a Dance, by John Doyle (August 11 – 28)
• A Doll’s House, by Henrik Ibsen (July 20 – 31)
• Touch(ed), by Bess Wohl (August 3 – 14)
• You Better Sit Down: tales from my parents’ divorce, directed by Anne Kauffman (August 16 – 21)

The Williamstown Theatre Festival is located in Williamstown, approximately one hour from our Berkshires Bed and Breakfast. Spend the afternoon lounging by the pool before your night at the theatre.

Find the complete festival schedule at Williamstown Theatre Festival.

Ski Butternut is a ski area located in Great Barrington, less than thirty minutes from our Lee MA Bed and Breakfast. Though spring is just around the corner, there should be snow for some time to come. In other words, plan a ski vacation in the Berkshires.

We have several Berkshires lodging specials to entice skiers to our inn:

Drop everything and take advantage of our Spur of the Moment Special. If you and your skis can be here within 24 hours, you’ll receive a 15% discount on your entire stay.

Book two nights in advance (Sunday through Thursday) and enjoy savings with our Two Night $75 Special. Pay for one night and receive the second night for just $75.

Book three nights in advance and take advantage of our Three Night $50 Special – pay for two nights and receive the third night for just $50. This lodging special is available seven days a week. Just think of all the skiing you can get in at Ski Butternut!

Our Sleep Inn – Ski Out special includes two free lift passes for one day at Ski Butternut, Mondays – Fridays.

Ski Butternut features 22 downhill ski trails and a seven lane tubing center. The vertical drop is 1,000 feet, which is quite respectable. 60% of the trails are intermediate, and the other 40% is equally divided between easy and difficult.

Plan a ski getaway at our Bed and Breakfast Berkshires, and Ski Butternut. Once the snows finally do melt (they are bound to eventually), you’ll be thankful you took the time to ski in the Berkshires now.

Ski Butternut.

Please visit Ski Butternut for more information about the ski area.

Enjoy a soak at the inn after your massage.

Whether you think your soul needs to relax or not, you probably agree that a massage would feel awfully good about now. Think how much better it will feel when it’s part of a vacation at our Lee MA Bed and Breakfast – when you won’t have to do dishes, make beds, or clean. Think one word: pampered.

Our Bed and Breakfast Berkshires offers a Spa Indulgence Special in conjunction with nearby Soul Spa. Enjoy a 10% discount on deep tissue massage, facial rejuvenation, aromatherapy or reflexology. Your soul is bound to feel good.

Skiers in New England are, of course, absolutely overjoyed by the conditions. Guests of our Bed and Breakfast Berkshires arrive armed with snowshoes, skies, and snowboards. We feed them a breakfast fit for a day in the snow, and send them out the door. They return in the late afternoon or early evening, ready to warm themselves by the crackling fire and sip a glass of wine.

The trails at Canterbury Farms Ski Area.

We often refer cross-country skiers and snowshoers to the nearby Canterbury Farm Ski Area. The trails currently have a 36 inch base and are groomed daily. The fastest skiing these days may be in the morning, since we’re actually seeing temperatures rise a bit during the day.

Canterbury Farm Ski Area has more than 20 kilometers of trails that circle through woods and fields, past quintessential stone walls and around beaver ponds. It is New England winter at its finest – the stuff of dreams for folks who live in New York City, Boston, or Hartford.

Cuddle by the fire while you're here. We do.

Take advantage of our Berkshires Romance Package, which includes two nights in a room with a fireplace, chocolate and champagne, and a sumptuous three-course dinner for just the two of you. Please see our Bed and Breakfast Specials for more details.

A romantic getaway means different things to different people; fortunately our corner of the Massachusetts Berkshires has an abundance of outdoor recreation, cultural activities, and fine dining. Spend your days skiing at Catamount Ski Area, Jiminy Peak, or the Canterbury Farms Cross Country Ski Center. See the latest exhibits at the Clark Art Institute, MASS MoCA, or the Norman Rockwell Museum.

Our guests are always welcome to simply relax at our luxury Lenox MA lodging. Play games, play the piano, or cuddle by the fire as much as you like. Our goal is to help you enjoy a wonderful romantic Valentine’s Day with the person you most love.

No so here at our Lenox MA Bed and Breakfast.

Glorious winter in the Berkshires.

Oh, it’s cold here too, to be sure. But cold in the country feels different than cold in the city. The wind doesn’t gather up its strength to blast between skyscrapers and knock you down here – it spreads out over snow covered fields and blows through forests, making leafless trees dance.

Yes, winter in the Berkshires is the stuff of poetry.

Come see for yourself. Be spontaneous, and enjoy savings with our Lee Bed and Breakfast Last Minute Special. Plan ahead, call a friend, and stay for a while. Embrace the cold while you’re here, and delve into it with skis or snowshoes; it makes sitting by the fire so much better.