The Berkshires

Just as famous for its landscape as it is for its culture, the Berkshires, a region in Western Massachusetts defined by its rolling mountains, is a world-class destination filled with galleries, museums, performances and literary legends. In the summer, classical music lovers from throughout the world converge upon the tiny town of Lenox, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and its roster of superstar conductors. Lenox is also the site of Edith Wharton’s former manse, the Mount. Northampton, on the other hand, is best known for its cluster of bars and rock venues, though the town also hosts an impressive roster of theater companies, restaurants and art galleries. With so many mountains and fresh, unspoiled waterways, the Berkshires and central Massachusetts offer another form of inspiration-that of the natural sort. Check out the region’s plentiful ski areas and nature preserves. In fact, the state’s biggest park, October Mountain State Forest, is so beautiful it once inspired Herman Melville. After a busy day of hiking, biking, fishing or skiing, you can rest assured — plenty of innkeepers take advantage of these idyllic settings, so you’re sure to find a quaint bed and breakfast wherever you roam.