By Neil Turitz
Portraits by Stephanie Zollshan
Matthew White
Owner, Hillsdale General Store and HGS Home Chef
Just looking at the Hillsdale General Store, you can feel the history. Built roughly 160 years ago, it’s the centerpiece of the New York hamlet, itself a National Historic District. That’s part of what led owner Matthew White to buy the decaying old building 13 years ago and return it to its trading post origins (a very stylish rendition). Five years later, he opened HGS Home Chef, a kitchen store where he’s held more than 450 cooking classes since it opened. When he moved here, White had no interest in opening a new business, much less two. “It’s sort of insane,” he said with a laugh, “but I’m in it now.”
hillsdalegeneralstore.com
Copake-Hillsdale Farmers Market
A spectacular farmers market that has grown by leaps and bounds, it’s on a 300-acre farm in Roeliff Jansen Park—the most picturesque setting ever—under a big covered barn, so it’s open rain or shine.
copakehillsdalefarmersmarket.com
Walks in the Park Hillsdale, NY
Roeliff Jansen Park—where the farmers market is—has great pathways through the farmland where you’re looking at this iconic ridge, which of course is the Berkshires. We love to take our two dachshunds for walks there. We keep them on the leash!
hillsdaleny.com/roeliff-jansen-park
Roe Jan Brewing Co. Hillsdale, NY
Sensing a theme? The beer garden in the aforementioned park is in a restored historic building in Hillsdale, right at the rail trail. Nice restaurant, state of the art brewery. Their beer is amazing, and they have two beer gardens, both of which are covered, so they’re open rain or shine. Dog friendly, too!
roejanbrewing.com
Summer CSAs Hillsdale, NY & Hudson, NY
Tiny Hearts (tinyheartsfarm.com) is an organic flower farm (PBS actually just did a feature on them) and we also get terrific organic vegetables from MX Morningstar. (mxmorningstarfarm.com)
Biking on the Harlem Valley Rail Trail Dutchess & Columbia Counties
It’s a relatively flat road, great for biking. You go through backyards and farms and wild woods and everything. It’s just a beautiful way to see the region from a different perspective, and it ends at the Roe Jan Brewing Co., too.
hvrt.org
Tammy Dillon
Executive Director, Hudson Hall
When Tammy Dillon first became executive director of Hudson Hall in 2013, only a couple rooms were open and the rest of the place was, in her words, “a total wreck.” She oversaw a major refurbishment starting in 2016, and a year later, even though it was far from finished, “we just decided, what the hell? We’re gonna open.” In the years since, Hudson Hall has become one of the region’s foremost cultural centers, featuring New York State’s oldest surviving theater.
hudsonhall.org
Hudson-Athens Lighthouse
There are only seven Hudson River lighthouses left, including this National Historic Landmark between Hudson and Athens, New York, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Take a trip on the Hudson Ferry (hudsonferry.co), or rent a kayak (hudsonpaddles.com) at the Henry Hudson Riverfront Park.
The Egg Albany, NY
New Executive Director Diane Eber hasn’t been there long, but she blew it out for the Eclipse and did a big free event out on the plaza—films, concerts, the whole thing. Watch The Egg. She’s going to crack it open!
theegg.org
Cocktails at Cooper’s Daughter Claverack, NY
Lift your spirits at this family-friendly (yes, you read that right) open-air cocktail garden with great food trucks and a fire pit.
coopersdaughter.com
BOMBYX Center for Arts and Equity Northampton, MA
It’s this tiny church, and if it seats more than 200, I’ll fall off my chair, but the concerts they’re bringing to this little venue founded by abolitionists are nothing short of laudable.
bombyx.live
Hudson Hall
Two summer highlights are Holly Treddenick’s stunning ode to firefighters, “In the Fire,” a combination of circus, movement, music, and storytelling (June 15), and the American premiere of drummer Bobby Previte’s “No Bells, No Whistles—A Concert for Solo Drum Set” (July 27).
hudsonhall.org
Maud Mandel
President, Williams College
Maud Mandel has made an impact in her six years at Williams College. To name just a couple of the initiatives under her stewardship, Williams became the first school in the nation to launch an all-grant financial aid program, and the plans for a new Williams College Museum of Art are well underway and projected to open in 2027. And when she’s not on campus, she takes full advantage of everything the Berkshires has to offer. “It’s such a beautiful place, and I love the cultural vitality of the region.”
The Williamstown Theatre Festival Williamstown
The Festival was a bit disrupted by COVID-19, but this season it’s back in full force, and they’re doing really experimental, new thinking about their programming and their approach to the entire festival. I’m excited about a lot of things, but I especially love the Cabaret.
wtfestival.org
The Plastic Bag Store, MASS MOCA North Adams
This installation pulls together aspects of both the visual arts and the performative arts. Using puppetry, film, and sculpture, it’s meant to highlight the impact of plastic on our lives. Through September 2.
massmoca.org
Treasures from the Corning Museum of Glass at The Clark Williamstown
This will be an exciting exhibit. Glassmaking is sort of a pet interest. My husband and I often go when we’re in a place where we can actually watch it being made. July 4–October 27.
clarkart.edu
Hike to the top of Mount Greylock (again) Adams
I do love to hike, but I don’t have a lot of time during the year. This summer, I’ll hike parts of the Appalachian Trail, too. Our own Hopkins Forest (hmf.williams.edu) in Williamstown has a nice hour and a half loop, just to get out and about.
Chad Smith
CEO, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Chad Smith might be new in his role, but the BSO and Tanglewood are not new to him. Though he’s still in his first year running one of the world’s most prestigious orchestras, he studied music in Boston at New England Conservatory, and attended Tanglewood’s summer program in 1994 and was a fellow in 1997. Now, after years running the Los Angeles Philharmonic, he’s back, and he’s the boss. “I never thought that I would leave Los Angeles,” he said, “but when this job opened up, there was something compelling me to explore this. Symphony Hall and Tanglewood have a very deep and profound connection for me. It’s something that I’ve carried with me for a long time.”
Barrington Stage Company Pittsfield
I’m excited to see “La Cage aux Folles” at BSC this summer. I actually performed in it! I studied vocals at the Tanglewood Music Center, and the last “show” I did was “La Cage” at the North Carolina Theater in 1999, in the role of Jean-Michel.
barringtonstageco.org
Dare Bottleshop & Provisions Lenox & Great Barrington
An amazing wine shop, with a location in downtown Lenox and another off the main drag in Great Barrington. Owners Ben and Mary Daire offer some of the most interesting organic wines and a highly curated selection.
darebottleshop.com
Jacob’s Pillow Becket
I’m looking forward to joining several friends from Los Angeles at Jacob’s Pillow to see the incredibly talented young artists from the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance on July 24.
jacobspillow.org
Bagels and Pizza Lenox
After spending so many years in Los Angeles, I especially appreciate east coast bagels and pizza. Bagel & Brew (@bagelandbrew) in Lenox is a regular go-to. Another local spot is Boema’s, where the wood-fired Neapolitan-style pies are the best around.
pizzeriaboema.com
Tanglewood Lenox
Of course, there’s Tanglewood. We have a wonderful program this summer, including two nights celebrating the legendary John Williams, an appearance by Beck, Brandi Carlile, a visit from the Boston Ballet dancing on stage at The Shed, and, of course, James Taylor on July 4, for his 50th anniversary show here, which is extraordinary.
bso.org/tanglewood
Yina Moore
Artistic Director, Adams Theater
Yina Moore first came to the Berkshires as an architectural consultant, so of course it makes sense that she would eventually become the artistic director for the Adams Theater. Wait, what? “Long story short,” she explained, “I was a career changer. Going from 12 years in finance to three and a half years in architecture, and then I came here and the Berkshires inspired me.” After an attempt to buy the Mohawk Theater in North Adams, Moore took over the dilapidated Adams Theater in 2021 and, through collaborations with schools, colleges, and local artists of all stripes, has turned it, in the broadest and most inclusive sense, into a true community theater.
Greylock Works North Adams
Being an architecture nerd, I cannot help but fall in love with all the design elements that went into the nine-acre campus of fellow architects Sal Perry and Karla Rothstein’s creation. Greylock Works is a design-focused, craftsmanship-focused, and people-focused enterprise.
greylockworks.com
Eagle Street in North Adams (with a cup of tea at Heart’s Pace)
Eagle Street is a jewel in North Adams, with several new galleries and boutiques. I enjoy walking from the north end to the south end, and finish with a cup of tea at Heart’s Pace, run by a dear collaborator, Beau Barela.
hearts-pace.com
The Plant Connector North Adams
A neighborhood plant and lifestyle shop like no other, Plant Connector has something for everyone, both locals and visitors. Co-owner Emilee Yawn not only has a great eye and deep knowledge of plants and decor, she also developed a robust calendar of classes and workshops. I cannot wait to visit the new store in Pittsfield!
theplantconnector.com
Ashuwillticook Rail Trail
Biking on the 12.7-mile Ashuwillticook Rail Trail through the towns of Cheshire, Lanesborough, and Adams—this was my favorite thing to do with my family in the Berkshires during the pandemic, and we have carried on the habit ever since. And the best thing is, the back door of the Adams Theater opens right onto the Rail Trail.
mass.gov/locations/ashuwillticook-rail-trail
The Adams Theater
We are known to be an intense collaborator on everything—from the performing arts to community festivals to local schools, and this summer we will add a new dimension to our collaborative pursuits: a culinary program! Partnering with local chef/food experience maker Tu Le, we will present show-specific menus from week to week, and highlight a roster of local food makers.
adamstheater.org
Susan Wissler
Executive Director, The Mount
It’s hard to imagine now, but not so long ago, The Mount, the legendary home of Edith Wharton, was on the verge of foreclosure. “It was a very slow move back,” said Executive Director Susan Wissler. “We were regarded pretty much as a stuffy, historic house museum, so we took down the velvet ropes, invited the public and other organizations to use the property for programming to create vibrancy, and just really changed the culture of the place. We worked very hard at getting the community to have a sense of ownership and affection for the property. We›ve been on a kind of community high ever since.”
edithwharton.org
Bousquet Sport Pittsfield
When I am off duty, I’ll be hitting the tennis courts as often as I can. A rigorous game of singles is the perfect anti-venom for long hours in the office in front of the computer. Bousquet Sport has some of the best indoor and outdoor courts in Berkshire County.
bousquetsport.com
The Mount Lenox
Our free outdoor jazz series is returning to The Mount this summer. This community favorite was shuttered during COVID and is being revived as the Sounds of Summer music series, June 13, July 11, and August 8, at 5:30 p.m. We will have a food truck and drinks will be available at our Terrace Café. These will be big, joyful happenings!
edithwharton.org
Rio Café Great Barrington
I am a big breakfast fan, regardless of the hour, and the huevos rancheros at Rio Café are the best. Their friendly service and casual outdoor seating make it a perfect spot for a low-key summer outing.
riocafegb.com
Visiting Local Nurseries
Gardening is another favorite pastime. In general, I don’t care for shopping, but I can spend hours poring over the latest varieties of annuals and perennials that the season has to offer. My go-to nurseries are Ward’s (wardsnursery.com) and Country Caretaker (countrycaretakers.com). Both have knowledgeable staff and a great selection.
Ashintully Gardens Tyringham
The ruins of the great mansion Ashintully in Tyringham are one of my favorite spots. Insider tip: don’t take the garden path but find the original carriage road; a dramatic view awaits you!
thetrustees.org/place/ashintully-gardens
James Barry and Tara Franklin
Co-producing Artistic Directors, Chester Theatre Company
The mission of the Chester Theatre is simple: provide contemporary theater in an intimate setting, offering audiences fresh perspectives on vital issues. Now in its 35th year, the company is led by husband and wife team James Barry and Tara Franklin, who are entering their second year at the helm. They’ll produce five plays this summer (with a combined total of 12 actors!), two of which are world premieres. Barry and Franklin met at the Berkshire Theatre Festival back in 2000, and both have acted at Chester. “It was my favorite place to work as an actor,” Barry recalls. “Every time I worked at Chester, it felt like what I was supposed to be doing as an artist.”
chestertheatre.org
Barrington Stage’s Devised Theatre Ensemble, Pittsfield
The new Devised Theatre Ensemble program gives high school students an opportunity to create and perform an original family-friendly musical for the public (July 26–28 at Berkshire Community College). We know a couple of young artists participating and can’t wait to see what they come up with!
barringtonstageco.org
The Dream Away Lodge, Becket
We can’t wait for the Dream Away this year. We’re thrilled for the new team running it as they write the next chapter of this Hilltown legend together. It’s always been one of our favorite places to get dinner and drinks and experience some great music, and it’s only 15 minutes from Chester Theatre Company!
thedreamawaylodge.com
Mac-Haydn Theatre, Chatham, NY
We love the unique and intimate atmosphere of the Mac, and while it’s always hard to get to plays while we’re producing ourselves, we make sure we see something at the Mac. Their productions of “Something Rotten” and “The Fantasticks” are on our list!
machaydntheatre.org
Fragments of Outside, WAM Theatre, Lenox
This is WAM Theatre’s 15th anniversary benefit performance and celebration—a site-specific, one-night-only show at The Mount, created and directed by WAM’s new Artistic Director Genée Coreno, on August 18.
wamtheatre.com
Belltower Records, North Adams
I’m an avid record collector [James], and Belltower’s selection and prices can’t be beat. They program incredibly diverse in-store performances by local and touring musicians as well as a series of Sunday concerts they curate at The Clark in Williamstown. If you make it to MASS MoCA for Solid Sound, they’ll be serving as the festival’s on-site record store, too!
belltowerrex.com
