As travel bans begin to lift, many of us are looking to get out of our home towns to see something new and expand our horizons. Whether you’re looking to hop on a plane and leave the country or just drive somewhere new this weekend, this column is for you! 

For this first column, it only felt fitting to start in our home state; Massachusetts. With the air cooling and the leaves changing, there is no better time to visit the Berkshires than this Fall. The Berkshires offer countless natural gems, small town cafes, and so much more for those looking for a quick weekend adventure.

Bash Bish Falls

Found right on the Massachusetts/New York line, Bash Bish Falls is one of the most beautiful places Western Mass has to offer. With it being only a 1.5 mile hike on a relatively flat trail, Bash Bish is very accessible. It’s the perfect place to spend a few hours with family and friends, decompress, and take it all in. The falls are surrounded by colorful aspens and oaks, making it the perfect place for autumn photos and leaf peeping!

The Montague Mill 

Located in Montague, Massachusetts, the Montague Book Mill is a picturesque cafe and bookstore situated on the Saw Mill River. Enjoy a nice lunch at the Kilgrew cafe and then browse shelves of old books and antiques. Once you’ve done your shopping, stroll down to the river and spend some time by the cascades!

French King Bridge

This one’s an easy one because you might actually drive over it on 2A while on your way west! But it sure isn’t a place you’re going to continue on without stopping at. To escape from the crowds at the top of the bridge, make your way down to East Mineral Road for a lower vantage point of the bridge! The scale of the bridge is breathtaking and offers amazing views of the Connecticut river.

North Adams

The perfect example of a quaint New England town, North Adams is home to many sightseeing locations including Mass MOCA, Mt. Greylock, the Mohawk Trail hairpin turn, and so much more! Explore the charming shops downtown or drive up to the Veterans War Memorial Tower atop Mt. Greylock! To top it all off, beautiful displays of colorful foliage throughout the valley can be seen for miles on end.

I hope you enjoyed this itinerary for autumn season in the Berkshires! Keep in mind that none of the drives are more than 2.5 hours, making them perfect for a day trip! And if you’re looking for the best color, aim to visit mid October. If you have any further questions about locations to visit, feel free to contact me at [email protected]