By Karen Beaudoin
2007-12-04
The name may not sound particularly appealing, but this county seat for Berkshire County is quite a gem if you’re into art, food or music.
Once an agricultural community and then an industrial town, Pittsfield remade itself and now boasts ethnic diversity, scrumptious food, the Colonial Theatre which dates to 1903 and a main drag that brings out walkers and window shoppers. Some of the best places to browse include Wild Sage, a small gallery with used books, and Twin Hearts Handworks, a fiber arts shop. They’re both located on North Street.
You can view more arts at Berkshire Artisans, which includes a gallery and performance areas, workshops and studios. The Berkshire Museum, at 39 South St., is home to art, nature and history exhibits. There’s an aquarium and children’s programs; films and concerts will keep the whole family busy (adults $8). The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts is as eclectic as they come with a mummy, sea shells, school paintings and Alexander Calder’s first public commission.
Literature buffs will want to visit Arrowhead, the 13-year home of Herman Melville. He wrote “Moby Dick” at the residence, and it is still furnished with many of his belongings (adults $12). There’s also a Melville room with photos and personal items at the Berkshire Athenaeum at 1 Wendell Ave.
Another step back in time can be made at Hancock Shaker Village on U.S. 20, which features a 1,200-acre restored village, a working farm and an heirloom herb and vegetable garden. Call 800-817-1137 for tour times.
Colonial Theatre offers classical, popular and country music acts, along with comedy, dance and children’s events. It’s been beautifully restored after standing closed for more than half a century, so the architecture, which features a Rococo Revival interior, is also a must-see. You also can be entertained at the Barrington Stage Company, which reopened in 2006. The company is the proud developer of the Tony-award-winning Broadway hit “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”
The Berkshires offer plenty of places to stay, including the Country Inn at Jiminy Peak (starting at $219) and Ramada Limited Inn & Suites (starting at $79). And you won’t go hungry. If steak is your choice try Asters Steaks & Raw Bar at 1015 South St. (dinner $7-$29) or Dakota Steak House at 1035 South ($15-$25). Ethnic flavors can be had at Mazzeo’s Ristorante (7 Winter St.), where Italian meals average about $20 a plate, or Kim’s Dragon Restaurant, which serves up Vietnamese specialties at 1231 West Housatonic St. If you’re looking for casual and relaxed, try the Pittsfield Brew Works at 34 Depot St.
Once an agricultural community and then an industrial town, Pittsfield remade itself and now boasts ethnic diversity, scrumptious food, the Colonial Theatre which dates to 1903 and a main drag that brings out walkers and window shoppers. Some of the best places to browse include Wild Sage, a small gallery with used books, and Twin Hearts Handworks, a fiber arts shop. They’re both located on North Street.
You can view more arts at Berkshire Artisans, which includes a gallery and performance areas, workshops and studios. The Berkshire Museum, at 39 South St., is home to art, nature and history exhibits. There’s an aquarium and children’s programs; films and concerts will keep the whole family busy (adults $8). The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts is as eclectic as they come with a mummy, sea shells, school paintings and Alexander Calder’s first public commission.
Literature buffs will want to visit Arrowhead, the 13-year home of Herman Melville. He wrote “Moby Dick” at the residence, and it is still furnished with many of his belongings (adults $12). There’s also a Melville room with photos and personal items at the Berkshire Athenaeum at 1 Wendell Ave.
Another step back in time can be made at Hancock Shaker Village on U.S. 20, which features a 1,200-acre restored village, a working farm and an heirloom herb and vegetable garden. Call 800-817-1137 for tour times.
Colonial Theatre offers classical, popular and country music acts, along with comedy, dance and children’s events. It’s been beautifully restored after standing closed for more than half a century, so the architecture, which features a Rococo Revival interior, is also a must-see. You also can be entertained at the Barrington Stage Company, which reopened in 2006. The company is the proud developer of the Tony-award-winning Broadway hit “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”
The Berkshires offer plenty of places to stay, including the Country Inn at Jiminy Peak (starting at $219) and Ramada Limited Inn & Suites (starting at $79). And you won’t go hungry. If steak is your choice try Asters Steaks & Raw Bar at 1015 South St. (dinner $7-$29) or Dakota Steak House at 1035 South ($15-$25). Ethnic flavors can be had at Mazzeo’s Ristorante (7 Winter St.), where Italian meals average about $20 a plate, or Kim’s Dragon Restaurant, which serves up Vietnamese specialties at 1231 West Housatonic St. If you’re looking for casual and relaxed, try the Pittsfield Brew Works at 34 Depot St.