Navigator: The Berkshires

 

It’s not crowd-free, but Mass MoCA‘s three-story Sol LeWitt retrospective is a visual feast. Less busy, the neighboring Williams College Museum of Art has exhibited works by Jackson Pollock, Edward Hopper, and Andy Warhol. 87 Marshall St., North Adams, 413-662-2111, massmoca.org; 15 Lawrence Hall Dr., Williamstown, 413-597-2429, wcma.org.

You could queue up at the popular Williamstown Theatre Festival. Or you could hit the less frenetic Jacob’s Pillow for a stellar modern and classic dance lineup. Nearby, the Dream Away Lodge (an old brothel, if you believe the lore) serves a dinner that’s the best-kept secret in the area. 358 George Carter Rd., Becket, 413-243-9919, jacobspillow.org; 1342 County Rd., Becket, 413-623-8725.

The 16-room Williamsville Inn is both quaint and modern, thanks to sink-into white duvets, cheerful bright walls, and friendly, prompt European-style hospitality. Doubles from $190; Rte. 41, West Stockbridge, 413-274-6118, williamsvilleinn.com.

Locals remember $3 movie tickets at the theater-turned-cinema-turned-Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center. Around the corner, Robin’s candy shop sells the world’s largest Gummi bears, which weigh five pounds apiece. 14 Castle St., Great Barrington, 413-528-6415, mahaiwe.org; 288 Main St., Great Barrington, 413-528-8477.

Dotted with bars and restaurants, Railroad Street in Great Barrington is the social hub of the southern Berkshires. Year-rounders prefer the simpler vibe at the Old Mill. Diners sit around candlelit tables as they relish classics like seared scallops, roast chicken, and filet mignon. Affable owner Terry Moore has never met a stranger. 53 Main St., South Egremont, 413-528-1421.

The old chestnut about falling off a horse and getting right back on is strictly followed at Aspinwall Stables. Here, however, it also involves cookies: every unseated rider must bake a batch for the barn. The family-friendly stable has daily lessons, trail rides, jumping instruction, and just about every other equine-related activity there is. And, as you can imagine, there are plenty of edible goodies around. 193 Main St. (Rte. 7A), Lenox, 413-822-9550, aspinwallec.com.

Jiminy Peak Ski Resort‘s summer lineup includes rock climbing, mini golf, biking, an awesome alpine slide, and the only “mountain coaster” in New England. 37 Corey Rd., Hancock, 413-738-5500, jiminypeak.com.