The Berkshires Seemed Dreamlike...
Ever since my parents decided to do family vacation in the Berkshires, I've had James Taylor's Sweet Baby James floating through my mind. (The original JT, if you ask dorky old me.)
We stayed in Stockbridge in a house on 20 acres just off the lake. While there were six people in my family originally, we've busted out to a headcount of 18 now, so finding a place where we can all fit is getting to be more of a challenge. Luckily, this house was the perfect fit for us.
I can't really account for how the week was spent. Watching kids play in the yard, sneaking off to breakfast in town during the mornings while trying to not wake up the remaining non-jet-lagged, cooking in the kitchen, sitting in chairs along the lake while the kids swam, and just... I don't know, enjoying summer like it should be enjoyed.
We did get to hear the Boston Symphony Orchestra play at Tanglewood one night which was amazing. My sister, Brooke, whipped up dinner in a way that only she can. We feasted on the most gorgeous array of salads and topped off the picnic with grilled pound caked covered in strawberries. It was wonderful. The evening ended with fireworks and the whole scene was just perfect.
I think I ate donuts every single day, too... which is nothing new.
And dessert covered in ice cream. Again, no surprise.
I also ate a lot of blueberry pancakes. And blueberry scones. And blueberries straight out of the orchard.
While I expected to have fun and eat well, one thing really surprised me about our trip. It was watching Viola and her cousin Carter become the best of friends. They had so much fun together and the end of the trip resulted in some big tears (from the parents, especially). I wish she had Carter in London, but I know they have a life of friendship to enjoy.
What a great week. (Thanks Mom & Dad1) I can see how people can get addicted to that little piece of heaven. The Berkshires are my kind of place.
A few of the things that we loved during our week were:
Prarie Whale: If you're in the area, this is the place you want to go for your night out. Perfect for a date or kids (the front lawn has a pingpong table and bean bag toss!) Don't miss the fried chicken or the french fries. Delicious.
Tanglewood: This legendary outdoor venue is the perfect place for a summer night. Bring a picnic with you- as nice as you want. We brought chairs and a table, and it was perfect. Go early to reserve your spot on the lawn- you can drop your stuff off hours before the performance.
Haven Cafe Bakery: In Lenox, there is a great breakfast spot. Go before 9 (seriously- the line gets awful!) and get the huevos rancheros. Or croissant french toast. Or the pancakes. Or ... well, whatever. You'll be fine.
The Red Lion Inn: This quaint inn located in the heart of Stockbridge is the perfect spot to go for a fun afternoon on the patio or to start the day with some blueberry pancakes in their gorgeously old dining room. The inn has been in the same spot since 1773, it is stocked full of character.
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*images original to Aspiring Kennedy