The Berkshires in western Massachusetts can always be relied upon to put on great fall shows each autumn, and I’m not just talking about the color – although the rolling hills and cool mountain air do seem to manufacture quite a dazzling display for leaf peepers.

But in today’s post I’ll focus on fall events happening in the region over the next few weeks of expected peak foliage color.

One of my favorite fall pastimes is taking a train ride through the mountains and hills of New England. Leaving the driving to somebody else so I can relax and enjoy the views without worrying about the next curve in the road is my ideal way of soaking up fall colors.

THE BERKSHIRE SCENIC RAILWAY EVENTS:

The Berkshire Scenic Railways is offering opportunities to take their trains on rides through the Berkshire Hills in October.

The first of these events happens on October 6 and 7, 2007, when you can join the Berkshire Scenic Railway on a ninety-minute round-trip ride that features vintage, restored 1950s locomotives and 1920s coaches.

Traveling between Lenox, Lee and Stckbridge stations, volunteer narrators will describe the railroad and trolley line history, as well as the natural wonders and former and existing industries along the railroad line.

On Saturday October 13, 2007 you’ll be able to combine a foliage train ride with great food and drink. Depart at 4:30pm from the restored depot in Lenox or at 5:30pm in Lee and wind your way to Stockbridge. You can enjoy hors d’oeuvres and visit the cash bar in Lee, and feast on desserts at the stone depot in Stockbridge while listening to a selection of piano music. Reservations are a must and the cost is $25, which includes food items, entertainment and the ride on the Berkshire Scenic Railway.

For more information on both these events visit the scenic railway web site at: www.berkshirescenicrailroad.org/

THE BERKSHIRE HARVEST FESTIVAL:

The Berkshire Botanical Garden in Stockbridge is hosting the 73rd Annual Berkshire Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 6 and Sunday, October 7, 2007 from 10:00am-5:00pm each day.

Originally conceived as a harvest-season family and community festival, its become one of the largest and longest-running events of its kind in the country. Last year this family fun event attracted over 15,000 individuals during the weekend.

The Harvest Festival is a celebration of community, showcasing local artisans, supporting local services, and promoting an array of Berkshire area products. In addition to the many individual artists and crafters, this year Artisans of the Berkshires will be sharing a large tent where people can purchase everything from jewelry and woodwork to watercolors and photography, all from local Berkshire artists.

They’ll be plenty of fun for the kids with pony and hay rides, a haunted house, hay jump, pumpkin toss and animal exhibits. Entertainment throughout the two days is planned by many peformers lined up for the main stage, and touring the grounds.

For more information contact the Berkshire Botanical Garden by visiting their web site at: www.berkshirebotanical.org

FOR CULTURAL EVENTS IN THE BERKSHIRES…

And finally, the Berkshires just wouldn’t be The Berkshires without some culture, and if you’re staying overnight in the area you’ll discover plenty of shows in the region to entertain your evenings. These include: on October 7th at the Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield – the comedy “The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron?” and also at the Colonial on October 15-17 “Irving Berlin’s I Love a Piano.”

For a full list of cultural activities happening in The Berkshires during October visit: www.berkshires.org

They’ll be more suggestions on places to visit and things to do in New England in a few days time, so keep checking back, or save your time and just subscribe to my magazine RSS feed here.

Have a great fall weekend,

Cliff Calderwood
Executive Director
New England Destinations Guide

Related posts:

1. Hancock Shaker Village Announces Summer and Fall Events
2. Fall Festival Events from Around New England…
3. Animation Magic in The Berkshires
4. Hancock Shaker Village Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Summer and Fall 2010 Events
5. Friday Night Fright at the Mount in the Berkshires