Summer in the Berkshires

The summer is busy in the Berkshires. Wildlife is out, Tanglewood is in session and the farmers markets are in the towns.


  • 🏊 Swimming

    Lot's of great lakes and waterfalls you can go swimming in during the summer to stay cool, or even after a long hike.

    • York Lake
      Forest Rd, New Marlborough, MA 01230 (directions)

      York Lake is a man-made lake that has a small sand beach that is great for swimming when the weather is hot out. There is a nice hour-long hike around the lake as well. You won't see a ton of people here but it's really nice. Has a small boat launch as well.

      New Marlborough, MA

  • 🍦 Ice Cream

    In the summer, the Berkshires provides some of the best ice cream powered by the milk obtained from local farms across the county.

    • Soco Creamery
      5 Railroad St, Great Barrington, MA 01230 (directions)

      Some of the best ice cream in the Berkshires made with milk coming from local farms. Open late too in case you are grabbing dinner or a drink on Main St in Great Barrington.

      Great Barrington, MA

  • 🌽 Farmstands

    • Bracken Brae Farmstand
      495 Main Rd, Monterey, MA 01245 (directions)

      Great place to stop for corn in the summer and pumpkins in the fall. Accepts cash or Venmo. Nice on the way to or back from Great Barrington if staying in the southeastern corner of Berkshire County.

      Monterey, MA
    • Bartlett's Orchard
      575 Swamp Rd, Richmond, MA 01245 (directions)

      Big orchard in the hills between Great Barrington and Pittsfield. Great if you are on your way north to Greylock. Really serene, so quiet. Big market inside. They were making the apple cider donuts fresh while we were there.

      Richmond, MA
    • Jaeschke Orchards
      23 Gould Rd, Adams, MA 01220 (directions)

      Right at the base of Mt. Greylock (with an incredible view of the peak) the orchard has apple picking and cider donuts on the weekends.

      Adams, MA
    • Whitney's Farm Market
      1775 S State Rd, Cheshire, MA 01225 (directions)

      Great farm store with a ton of pumpkins in the fall and activities for the kids to do, like goats and a playground. Great apple cider donuts as well.

      Cheshire, MA