Built in 1780, Bidwell House Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Explore the authentically restored house, beautiful landscaped grounds and the collections that inspire us to look back and honor our rich American heritage.

Surrounded by 192 acres of beautiful fields, gardens, hiking trails, and stone walls, the Bidwell House Museum is filled with antiques and artifacts that tell the story of the early settlement of the Berkshires. Tour the museum and see 18^th century furnishings and china and an early farm and garden tools exhibit.

Kids will love exploring the woodlands laced with hiking trails and footpaths leading to historic landmarks. Enjoy a peaceful afternoon strolling through the flower gardens brimming with perennial beds or enjoy a quiet lunch on the picnic tables.

Take the family on a historic adventure in the Berkshires, where they can learn about the history and beauty of this inspiring destination. The Bidwell House Museum offers guided house and gardens tours on the hour. The museum is open Thursday through Monday from Memorial Day to Columbus Day. For museum and tour details, visithttp://www.bidwellhousemuseum.org/.

Located in the heart of the scenic Berkshire Hills, the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum preserves the history of railroading in Western Massachusetts through educational exhibits, restorations and tours. Start your tour at the restored 1903 Lenox Station, where you can see unique exhibits about railroad history, including the Yokun Block Station. Learn how the railroad shaped the economy of the Berkshires region and the Gilded Age that inspired the area’s magnificent estates.

Families and kids love the 45 or 90 minute train rides through historic South Berkshire County. Stop by the Museum Store in Lenox Station with souvenirs, Polar Express items, and train-related gifts, toys, books, and DVDs.  Enjoy a fun family adventure on the trains that operate every weekend from Memorial Day through the end of October.

Experience the natural beauty and bounty of the Berkshires of Massachusetts at the annual Sheep to Shawl Festival. Celebrating its 10^th year of farm life in Great Barrington, this fun family event features sheep shearing, herding, spinning and weaving demos that teach kids about rural life in the beautiful Berkshires.  Meet farm animals and shop for farm-fresh produce and vegetables, as well as one-of-a-kind crafts from local artisans.

Held at the Sheep Hill Headquarters in Great Barrington, the 10th Annual Sheep to Shawl Festival also features workshops on rural lifestyle skills – from raising hens tobeekeeping. You will also understand the importance of eating local, fresh, seasonal foods grown in this bucolic countryside. The events happen on Saturday from 11 am to 3pm and Sunday from 9 am to 4pm. Go explore the natural side of the Berkshire Hills.

For more information on the 10th Annual Sheep to Shawl Festival and how you can support local farms, go tohttp://berkshiregrown.org/.

As the springtime weather gets warmer, Great Barrington offers a breathtaking landscape of mountains, lakes, streams, and forests to explore. For outdoor adventure, discover Taconic State Park and Bash Bish Falls State Park and hike to one of the highest and most dramatic waterfalls in the Berkshires. Experience a high-flying aerial adventure at Catamount Adventure Park, a 10-acre wooded park with a challenging ropes course and zip lines that soar you though the forest, hiking and mountain biking trails and a fishing pond.

Great Barrington also offers dynamic cultural experiences, including Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Norman Rockwell Museum and Blue Rider Stables, where you can enjoy horseback riding in the scenic countryside. Families love Hancock Shaker Village, a living museum with historic Shaker buildings, farm animals, beautiful gardens, and hiking trails. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon with the family at Lake Mansfield, a beautiful spot with a swimming area, a sand beach, a playground, and a picnic area.

So if you’re looking for unforgettable family experiences, Great Barrington is full of surprises and memories of a lifetime.

At Egremont Country Club, you’ll also find a fully stocked pro shop, driving range and large restaurant with canopied deck and scenic views (open May through October). Tee times are available up to seven days in advance by calling (413) 528-4222, and the restaurant is available for private parties and group functions (call for reservations). Green fees range from $16-45 (not including cart rental), depending on the hour and day of the week. Club rentals are available for $3-20, and driving range fees are $5-7. Whether you are a master golfer or a new player, this beautiful golf course is the perfect place to enjoy a day in nature with your friends, fueled by good-natured competition.

An opulent feast of sight and sound, The Nutcracker will be performed at Colonial Theatre four times during the holiday season, with two shows each on Saturday December 8 and Sunday December 9. Ticket prices range from $25-39 for adults, $23-37 for seniors and $19.50-$27 for children under 12; advance ticket purchases can be made online or at the Colonial Theatre box office (closed Sunday). Treat your family or friends to the fantastical world of The Nutcracker and enjoy a holiday tradition whose popularity has spanned generations.