Pittsfield is the largest city in the Berkshire County, Massachusetts metropolitan area. It is also the county seat. The city has a population of 43,927 at the 2020 census. There are several things to do and see in Pittsfield. You can visit the Berkshire Museum, Berkshire Carousel, Hancock Shaker Village, and Berkshire Hills Country Club.
Berkshire Museum
The Berkshire Museum is a museum of natural history, art, and ancient civilization. It is located in Pittsfield, Berkshire County. There is something for everyone at the Berkshire Museum. It is open daily and admission is free.
The museum is home to diverse collections, including an 143-pound meteorite, a mummy made of fossils, and shards of Babylonian cuneiform tablets. It also displays artifacts from the region’s indigenous communities.
The Berkshire Museum is a great place for the entire family to visit while visiting Pittsfield. It is located at 39 South Street and features art, natural history, and science exhibits. The museum also hosts special events focused on natural history, science, dance, and STEM activities. Admission is free and the museum is open from 10am to 5pm Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5pm on Sundays.
The Herman Melville Memorial Room contains a unique collection of Melville memorabilia. The museum also has an extensive genealogy collection. The museum also has an aquarium and a gift shop. Visitors can also tour the home of Melville, who lived in the town from 1850 to 1862. There are house tours and gardens, a museum shop, and special events throughout the year.
The Clark is a museum dedicated to education and public appreciation of art. The permanent collection of European and American art includes important works by prominent American and French Impressionist artists. You can enjoy the collection at your own pace, or join a guided tour. In addition to the exhibits, the museum has a hands-on science center and an aquarium.
Berkshire Carousel
The Berkshire Carousel was once located in downtown Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and is one of the largest attractions in the state. However, a fire in a barn forced it to close its doors in September, 2009. A few months later, however, the carousel is expected to return to its original site at the Berkshire Mall in Lanesborough. Originally a 1913 carousel, the carousel was restored and is expected to open on July 1 this year.
Construction on the carousel began in 2005 in a garage on Merrill Road. In the subsequent years, the workshop moved several times, including to Dalton and the Berkshire Mall. During this time, organizers briefly considered building the carousel at Laston Field in Lanesborough but returned to the idea of staying at the Berkshire Mall.
The Berkshire Carousel will be a landmark facility with an approximate 11,000 square foot area. The building will include an arcade with arched windows, street-level openings, and a square skylight. It will also include restrooms and gift areas. The new carousel will also be equipped to hold special events and host other activities.
The Berkshire Carousel is an art project that has been in development for 10 years. It is powered by volunteer work and has 400 members who will help maintain and operate the structure. While the project has undergone several changes of location, it has finally found a new home in Pittsfield.
Hancock Shaker Village
For the history buffs, Pittsfield is home to the Hancock Shaker Village, a former Shaker community in Massachusetts. The community was established in 1790 and was active until 1960. It is one of the few remaining Shaker communities in the country and is worth a visit.
This 750-acre site contains over 20 Shaker buildings and is a living history museum. Its mission is to preserve and interpret the lifestyle of the Shakers. It is the largest and most comprehensive Shaker site in the world. Visitors can see and explore the 20 buildings and gardens, and immerse themselves in the Shaker culture.
Located 4.2 miles west of Hancock on US 20, Hancock Shaker Village features 20 buildings and original Shaker furniture. It is also home to an heirloom herb and vegetable garden, and a visitor center with changing exhibitions. The Shakers lived in this village until the 1960s, when the settlement was purchased by a group dedicated to its preservation. Visitors can now explore many of the original Shaker structures on self-guided tours. Alternatively, you can join one of the daily guided tours.
Another great place to visit in Pittsfield is Onota Lake, which is located within the city limits. Onota Lake is a natural body of water with plenty of opportunities for water sports. During the summer months, lifeguards patrol the lake to protect swimmers.
Berkshire Hills Country Club
Located 15 minutes outside of Pittsfield, the Berkshire Hills Country Club is a popular golf course. For those who enjoy a more laid-back setting, the town is also home to the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, which boasts a 7-mile paved trail. There are three popular loops for hikers to choose from.
Pittsfield has a wide variety of places to stay, from boutique hotels to self-catering properties. The city also has several four-star hotels. A night at these hotels can cost around 110 USD, which is quite affordable for a town of its size.
The course itself is beautiful, with elegant contoured greens and large trees. The course was designed by A.W. Tillinghast, and it features many of his signature features, including bunkers, constructed ponds, and large sloping greens. The course also offers excellent facilities for social events, including banquet space and catering services. Memberships are available on a variety of levels, with different perks and benefits.
The Berkshire Museum, the Whitney Center for the Arts, and the Colonial Theater are all nearby attractions. There are also many places to eat in the town, including the renowned Jimmy’s Restaurant and Fresco’s Wood-Fired Pizza. Both of these restaurants offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The former has a large outdoor patio for dining.
Wandering Star Craft Brewery
The Wandering Star Craft Brewery is a 15-barrel microbrewery located in Pittsfield, MA. The company has distribution agreements with several local restaurants and bars, and offers tastings and tours. The company also offers kegs for sale. Its specialty brews include sincerest, champ de creux, red oktober, and thunderbolt IPA.
Located in a garage, the Wandering Star Craft Brewery was opened in 2011 by three New York City friends. The brewery has a wide distribution area throughout Massachusetts and New York. It is open to the public on most Saturdays from 12 to 3 p.m., and it has a small tasting room. Although it is not a traditional brew pub, it offers a delicious juice, exceptional service, and an outstanding atmosphere.
Canoe Meadows
Pittsfield is home to a 264-acre wildlife sanctuary called Canoe Meadows. This park borders the Housatonic River and is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts. It features a series of trails that wind through scenic woods, fields, and wetlands. In addition, the park is also home to the historic Colonial Theatre.
The Colonial Theatre opened in 1903, and has hosted many famous performers. It was later converted into an art supply store. Its acoustics made it a popular venue, and it was declared a National Historic Treasure in 2000. In 2006, it underwent a $22 million restoration.
There are many other attractions in Pittsfield. The town is home to the Berkshires, a region of the United States known for its arts, science, and theater. There are many museums and galleries in Pittsfield, and the Berkshire Museum is a must-see attraction. The museum features diverse exhibits and combines history with science.
If you are looking for a quiet place to relax, a short hike in the woods is an excellent way to get some exercise. You can also enjoy the scenery in Pittsfield State Forest, a park of 11,000 acres. This park has hiking trails, cycling, and canoeing. The park also features a beautiful body of water known as Berry Pond.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, Pittsfield State Forest is a popular destination. This 11,000-acre wooded park is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
