Great Barrington Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food and drink scene, where to stay, nearby excursions, and much more in this comprehensive guide to Great Barrington, Massachusetts.


Introduction to Great Barrington

Great Barrington is a charming town located in Berkshires, in Massachusetts. It is known for its beautiful landscapes, cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an exciting adventure, Great Barrington has something to offer everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Great Barrington

If you’re planning a trip to Great Barrington, don’t miss out on these must-see attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center is a historic theater that hosts various concerts, plays, and other performances throughout the year.
  • The Great Barrington Historical Society Museum showcases the town’s rich history and culture through its extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits.
  • W.E.B. Du Bois National Historic Site is a must-visit for history buffs, as it was the home of the famed African American civil rights activist and author.

Natural Attractions of Great Barrington: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Monument Mountain offers breathtaking views of the town and its surroundings, and is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking.
  • Lake Mansfield is a serene body of water surrounded by lush forests and is great for boating and fishing.
  • The Housatonic River Walk is a scenic path that follows the Housatonic River and is perfect for a relaxing stroll or bike ride.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Great Barrington

Great Barrington offers plenty of options for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Some of the best routes include:

  • The Appalachian Trail passes through Great Barrington and is a challenging yet rewarding hike that offers stunning views of the town and the surrounding landscape.
  • Bash Bish Falls State Park features a variety of trails that cater to hikers of all skill levels, and culminate in the spectacular Bash Bish Falls.
  • The Great Barrington Greenway is a flat, paved trail that is perfect for a leisurely bike ride or walk.

Best Things to Do in Great Barrington: Activities and Tours

Great Barrington has plenty of fun activities and tours for visitors to enjoy. Some of the best include:

  • The Berkshires Balloon Experience offers a unique way to take in the beauty of Great Barrington and its surroundings from high above.
  • Farm tours provide a fun and educational way to learn about local farms and their practices while also giving the opportunity to sample fresh produce.
  • Wine and cheese tastings are a great way to indulge in some of the best local wine and artisanal cheeses.

Week-Long Itinerary for Great Barrington

To make the most of your visit to Great Barrington, consider this week-long itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Explore downtown Great Barrington and visit local shops and eateries
2 Hike Monument Mountain and enjoy a picnic lunch
3 Take a farm tour and sample some fresh produce
4 Visit The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center for an evening performance
5 Take a leisurely bike ride on The Great Barrington Greenway
6 Visit Bash Bish Falls State Park and take a refreshing swim
7 Enjoy a wine and cheese tasting at a local vineyard

Food and Drink Scene of Great Barrington

Great Barrington has a thriving food and drink scene, with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars to choose from.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Berkshire Pork Chop - A local specialty, this dish features succulent pork chops served with seasonal vegetables.
  • Lobster Mac and Cheese - A decadent twist on a classic dish, this mac and cheese is made with succulent lobster meat.
  • Maple Syrup Pie - A delicious dessert that features local maple syrup in a creamy, custard-like filling.

Local Beverages

  • Berkshire Mountain Distillers Bourbon - Made with locally sourced grains and aged in oak barrels, this bourbon has won numerous awards for its smooth, rich flavor.
  • Barrington Brewery and Restaurant Beer - This local brewery offers a range of craft beers made onsite, including a refreshing IPA and a rich, malty Porter.
  • Berkshire Mountain Distillers Ethereal Gin - This award-winning gin is made with a unique blend of botanicals, including juniper, coriander, and angelica root.

Where to Stay in Great Barrington: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Great Barrington offers plenty of options for accommodation, including:

  • The Red Lion Inn - A historic inn that has been welcoming guests since 1773, and features cozy rooms and a farm-to-table restaurant.
  • Days Inn by Wyndham - A budget-friendly option that offers comfortable rooms and a convenient location.
  • The Briarcliff Motel - A retro-themed motel that offers stylish rooms and a heated pool.

What to Buy in Great Barrington: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for the perfect souvenir or gift to bring home, consider:

  • Berkshire Mountain Distillers Bourbon - A bottle of this award-winning bourbon makes for a great gift for any whiskey lover.
  • Berkshire Mountain Bakery Bread - This artisanal bread is made using traditional techniques and features locally sourced ingredients.
  • Berkshire Bark Chocolate - This delicious chocolate is made with top-quality Belgian chocolate and features unique flavor combinations like sea salt and caramel.

Local Culture and Customs of Great Barrington

Great Barrington has a rich cultural heritage, with strong ties to the arts, music, and architecture. Visitors should be aware of:

  • The town’s strict noise ordinance - Loud noises are not tolerated after a certain hour, so visitors should be mindful of their noise levels and keep any partying or loud music indoors.
  • The importance of local farms and agriculture - Great Barrington has a strong farming community, and visitors should make an effort to support local farmers and artisans by buying local products and attending local farmer’s markets.

Best Time to Visit Great Barrington

The best time to visit Great Barrington is during the fall (September-November), when the foliage is at its peak and the weather is mild. The spring (March-May) is also a great time to visit, with mild weather and beautiful blooms.

Do’s and Don’ts of Great Barrington

Do:

  • Take advantage of the town’s outdoor attractions - Great Barrington offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures, so be sure to pack accordingly.
  • Try the local cuisine - Great Barrington has a thriving food and drink scene, so be sure to sample some of the local specialties.
  • Take in the local arts and culture - Great Barrington is known for its vibrant arts scene, so be sure to check out some local galleries, museums, and theaters.

Don’t:

  • Be loud or disruptive - Great Barrington is a quiet town, so visitors should be mindful of their noise levels and avoid any disruptive behavior.
  • Litter or damage local property - Visitors should respect the town’s natural beauty and be sure to dispose of any trash properly.

Safety and Health

Safety in Great Barrington

Great Barrington is a relatively safe town, with low crime rates. Visitors should be aware of:

  • Ticks - Great Barrington is located in an area with a high tick population, so visitors should be sure to take precautions against tick bites.
  • Road safety - Visitors should be cautious when walking or biking on the town’s roads, as many drivers are not accustomed to sharing the road with pedestrians or cyclists.

Health in Great Barrington

Great Barrington has an excellent healthcare system, with several hospitals and clinics in the surrounding area.

Getting to Great Barrington: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Great Barrington

  • Albany International Airport (ALB) - 50 miles north of Great Barrington
  • Bradley International Airport (BDL) - 60 miles southwest of Great Barrington

Bus Stations Near Great Barrington

  • Peter Pan Bus Lines - Offers service to Great Barrington from several nearby cities, including Boston and Hartford.
  • Greyhound - Offers service to nearby Pittsfield, which is a short taxi or bus ride away from Great Barrington.

Other Options

  • Car rental - Visitors can rent a car from one of several rental agencies in nearby cities, including Albany and Hartford.
  • Taxi/Uber/Lyft - Visitors can also take a taxi or ride-sharing service from nearby cities to Great Barrington.

How to Get Around in Great Barrington

Great Barrington is a small town and is easily walkable or bikeable. Visitors can also rent a car or take a taxi to get around the area.

Where to Go Next from Great Barrington: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Great Barrington is located in the heart of Berkshires, which offers plenty of nearby destinations and excursions, including:

  • Lenox - A charming town located just a short drive from Great Barrington, Lenox offers a variety of cultural attractions and outdoor activities.
  • Tanglewood - A famous music venue located in Lenox, Tanglewood hosts a variety of concerts and performances throughout the year.
  • The Mount - A historic mansion located in Lenox that was once the home of author Edith Wharton.

Conclusion

Great Barrington is a charming town that offers something for everyone, from outdoor adventures to cultural attractions and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Great Barrington is sure to leave you with lasting memories.

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