If you’re coming from out-of-town for your weekend in the Berkshires, book your stay in The Guest House at Field Farm in Williamstown which offers an authentic mid-century-modern Bed & Breakfast. The house and landscape feature an unparalleled view of Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts’ highest peak, and is a refreshing change from your usual bed & breakfast.
Naumkeag
Experience Gilded Age style and splendor at Naumkeag, a marvelous estate renowned for its elegant gardens and rare Berkshire “cottage.”
In 1884, Joseph Choate—a prominent New York attorney and U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain—and his wife, Caroline, hired the famous architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White to design a summer retreat. The result was a 44-room shingle-style home, where several generations of the Choate family lived until daughter Mabel Choate bequeathed it to The Trustees in 1958.
Carve out time to explore the superlative gardens created by Mabel Choate and noted landscape architect Fletcher Steele. Take in the Blue Steps, and walk through the stunning Afternoon Garden, Tree Peony Terrace, Rose Garden, Evergreen Garden, and Chinese Garden, each of which evinces beauty while revealing the playful, inventive spirit of collaboration between Ms. Choate and Mr. Steele.
Ashley House
The Mission House
In the mood for more historic houses? Check out The Mission House, a 5-minute drive down the road in Stockbridge, and the Ashley House just south in Sheffield.
A National Historic Landmark, The Mission House is a Colonial-era house, museum, and garden that tells the story of the Stockbridge Mohicans and missionary John Sergeant. Today, the Stockbridge-Munsee Community curates an exhibit (open seasonally) in the former “Indian Museum,” offering an Indigenous perspective on this place’s history.
Once the center of white political and social life in colonial Sheffield, today the Ashley House is remembered for its connection to Elizabeth Freeman, who was enslaved there before winning her freedom and dealing a death blow to the institution of slavery in Massachusetts. Re-experience these important historical events at the Elizabeth Freeman Interpretive Center.
Out-of-town visitors can wake up to a stunning view at The Guest House at Field Farm. But even if you’re staying elsewhere, spend the morning hiking around the property, while taking in art and nature.
After a morning spent exploring, make your way over to North Adams to visit the Mass MoCa and grab a bite to eat. On the way don’t miss another George Rickey sculpture located at Williams College.
And finally, you can round out your day of art at the Clark Museum, which is just 10 minutes away from Field Farm. Depending on the day, you can explore their trails outside or their art exhibits.
