Location: Great Barrington
Top Things to do in Great Barrington
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8 Things to Do in Great Barrington That You Shouldn't Miss
Great Barrington is a town in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, United States. It is part of the Pittsfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 7,104 at the 2010 census. Both a summer resort and home to Ski Butternut, Great Barrington includes the villages of Van Deusenville and Housatonic. It is the birthplace of W. E. B. Du Bois. In 2012, Smithsonian magazine ranked Great Barrington #1 in its list of "The 20 Best Small Towns in America".
Restaurants in Great Barrington
1. Monument Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 230 reviews
Ascend this popular peak, which once drew 19th-century literary giants, and from its summit gaze across the spectacular landscapes of the Housatonic River Valley.
Reviewed By philipu2015 - Bedminster
A gem no doubt, I recommend this hike for just about everyone except those on wheelchairs. With something for everyone, there is an easy route a moderate route with a hike along the top that will get your heart pumping. It was packed on Saturday so come early. Hint: pay for parking before you go - I missed it completely and found a note on my car gently reminding me of my financial obligation to pay- nice touch. I promptly and happily paid my 5 bucks at the kiosk. With the fall foliage, you’d have an even better experience if you go now, but would be a great hike anytime.
2. Ski Butternut
Overall Ratings
4 based on 199 reviews
Reviewed By diasmaribela
I love the variety of runs there are! I’ve been coming to butternut since i was very little and i still have the same excitement every time! Most blacks are relatively easy and the terrain parks are nice. definitely recommend!
3. The Guthrie Center & Foundation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
The epicenter of Arlo Guthrie's "Alice's Restaurant." The events that took place on Thanksgiving 1965 became a song, the song became a record, the record a movie. The movie was filmed in 1968 where the actual events took place on location at The Old Trinity Church, which became The Guthrie Center founded by Arlo Guthrie, and named for his parents, Woody & Marjorie Guthrie in 1991. The Center continues the Guthrie Family philosophy of a place for interfaith worship, cultural exchange especially with music and art, and of course a place to eat (during seasonal performances). 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the "Alice's Restaurant Massacree" and the old church will celebrate in style with services and performances that will put a smile on your face and nourish your heart.
Reviewed By GypsyBlood T - United States
I'm so impressed with the good this organization does. From providing free lunch every Wednesday to tutoring to BYOG worship services to concerts featuring local musicians. Loved it. I'd go back over and over again.
4. Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
The Mahaiwe Theater opened in September 1905 and is one of the oldest surviving theaters in the country. In its early years, the theater presented touring vaudeville acts and performers such as John Philip Sousa. It was transformed into a movie palace in 1930 and has been in continuous operation for over 100 years. Celebrated for its splendid acoustics, the theatre has played an important role in the life of the area.The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center was formed in December 2002 and launched its first six-month presenting season with a Centennial Celebration in May 2005. The theater has been newly restored, with great attention to historical detail, at a cost of over $9 million. The restoration was overseen by noted architect, Hugh Hardy, with engineering and construction by skilled Berkshire craftspeople and artisans. The theater is a recipient of support from Save America’s Treasures, the historical restoration has been certified by the Massachusetts Historical Commission and the National Park Service. In addition, The Mahaiwe is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places!The Mahaiwe is now a unique year-round performing arts center presenting music, dance, theater, opera, and classic films in the southern Berkshires. The theater seats almost 700 audience members. We have brought hundreds of live events as well as classic films, and the Metropolitan Opera “Live in HD” broadcasts to the theater’s stage and screen as well as hosted dozens of performances presented by others. The Mahaiwe strives to welcome the broadest possible community into our theater on an ongoing basis.
Reviewed By Ben L - Lenox, Massachusetts
The Mahaiwe is an old music hall/movie theater that was completely renovated and updated. They schedule live dance (e.g. MOMIX or Paul Taylor), music (e.g. Arlo Guthrie), and lectures. It's also a great venue for seeing the Live in HD peformances of the Metropolitn OPera , the National Theatre of London or the Bolshoi Ballet.
5. Housatonic River Walk
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By Pnemiller - Kutztown, Pennsylvania
Lovely little walk along river. Two sections of about two blocks each. Some historical information panels. Would be more interesting if longer. Something the city should consider. Were looking foward to seeing this, but were somewhat disappointed.
6. Windy Hill Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By critic735 - millerton, ny
The staff at Windy Hill really know about plants. This nursery also has a sophisticated store with books, bulbs, and all things garden related. Try picking apples in the fall or sampling their cider. Walk through their selection of trees and inspect the alphabetized perennials. This is not the place to buy petunias.
7. Vault Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By W8LT3R - New Jersey
The Vault is a unique gallery space in its presentation and staging of its artwork. First of all, it must have been built inside an old bank because there is a vault inside of it that serves as part of its gallery space. In and outside the vault, the art work is interspersed among antique furniture, a fire place and floral arrangements. Each room is beautifully and carefully decorated.
The artwork itself is beautiful, contemporary with a simple elegance about it. There is a piece painted on white background of a woman's form outlined in gold and silver-gray lines. A more colorful piece with of woman's form painted with gold outline riding a horse with splashes of purple below her against a background of golds and yellows.
It is a very small art gallery in middle of downtown Great Barrington, but if you like art it well worth a visit.
8. W.E.B. DuBois Birthplace
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Nefelokokigia - New York City, New York
I know the works of Du Bois, and studied him in college, so i was interested enough to visit here, his birthplace. There is nothing here, just some scraggly woods, which are dying. His birthplace cabin once stood here, but there is nothing here now. I am not sure why this "monument" to a great man exists in this place and form.
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