Launched in 2023, The B was created to reflect the Berkshires’ evolving cultural landscape while honoring its timeless charm. With each issue, our editorial team curates features that balance heritage with innovation—pairing in-depth profiles and design showcases with coverage of food, wellness, the arts, and community life. The result is a magazine that feels both deeply rooted and refreshingly current.
Our mission is simple: to capture the spirit of the Berkshires and share it with both locals and visitors. We believe in telling stories that connect—spotlighting the makers, visionaries, and traditions that shape the area, while introducing new voices and perspectives that keep it vibrant.
Michelle Thorpe Petricca
Founder/Publisher
Over her 25 years in publishing, Michelle worked on marquee Condé Nast brands such as Allure, GQ, Lucky, and Self. She was part of Lucky’s launch management team for five years. Lucky had appearances on Adweek’s “Hot List,” was named “Start-Up of the Year” for 2001 and Ad Age Magazine of the Year in 2003, and was hailed by WWD as “the most influential magazine of the decade.” Michelle moved to the Berkshires in 2013 and pivoted to the country’s largest local media company, Modern Luxury. She represented Modern Luxury’s 85 magazines in 22 markets and learned the power of community engagement and journalism. The opportunity to launch a magazine in her own community with The Berkshire Eagle was too good to pass up. Michelle and her husband Perri Petricca are the recipients of the Berkshire Kids Place “Community Leader Award” and proudly support local service organizations, artists and cultural institutions. She has lived in the Berkshires for 12 years with her husband, four kids, and naughty dog, Amber.
Larry Conway
Editor-in-Chief
A journalist, storyteller, and longtime champion of writing that moves readers—Larry brings a sharp editorial eye and a deep respect for story.
He has written for The New York Times Magazine, Esquire, GQ, Rolling Stone, Men’s Journal, Men’s Health and Slam.
Lauren Mechling
Executive Editor
Known for her distinctive voice and editorial rigor, Lauren brings curiosity, clarity, and creative leadership to The B’s next chapter.
She has written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Vanity Fair, Slate, The New Yorker, and Vogue, as well as The B.
Julie Hammill
Design Director
Julie has run her Berkshires-based design studio, Hammill Design, for over twenty years. With a specialty in print communications and branding, she has worked with a variety of regional clients throughout her career including Berkshire Botanical Garden, Naumkeag and Norman Rockwell Museum. Specializing in educational design, the majority of her work is dedicated to schools and colleges, including Berkshire School, The Hotchkiss School, Salisbury School, and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Over the years, her work has earned recognition by Graphic Design USA, as well as several awards from CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education). Julie lives in Pittsfield, MA, with her husband, two children and yellow lab, Winnie.
Hadley Clover
Digital + Creative Agency
Hadley Clover is a creative marketing studio based in the Berkshires, led by Heather Dremak, Connor Simeone, Jennifer Knodler—three local moms raising families here in the hills. The team specializes in brand design, web development, and digital storytelling for hospitality, lifestyle, and community-driven clients throughout New England and beyond. As a fractional marketing studio, they serve as an extension of the team that you’ve already built, seamlessly integrating fresh ideas and improvements with existing processes.
For The B, Hadley Clover has taken the lead as their digital agency supporting in both website, shaping its look, feel, and flow to reflect the magazine’s editorial voice and sense of place, and social media.
The B is your insider’s guide to the people, places, and experiences that define life in the Berkshires. With a fresh, modern lens, we celebrate the culture, creativity, and community that make this region extraordinary—from its rolling hills and farm stands to its theaters, galleries, and world-class dining.
Your complete guide to Berkshire living, organized by the stories you love most.
From dining and design to wellness, culture, and celebrations, our content spans the full spectrum of Berkshire life, offering inspiration and practical insight for every season.
Food + Drink
Savor the flavors of the Berkshires—discover restaurant features, chef spotlights, recipes, and local dining experiences worth tasting.
Arts + Entertainment
From live music to gallery shows, explore the best of Berkshire arts, culture, and entertainment—your guide to what’s happening now.
Home + Design
Step inside Berkshire homes and design inspiration—featuring interiors, architecture, and the makers shaping local style and craftsmanship.
Outdoors
Adventure in the Berkshires—hiking, biking, scenic views, and outdoor escapes to connect with nature in every season.
Health + Wellness
Cultivate balance with Berkshire wellness—fitness, mental health, holistic living, and local stories of resilience and care.
Field Guides
Curated Berkshire guides—top lists, insider picks, and must-try spots to eat, drink, shop, and explore like a local.
Local Life
Meet the people and places that make the Berkshires thrive—community stories, local businesses, and culture with heart.
Shopping + Style
Discover Berkshire boutiques, makers, and fashion trends—where to shop local and find style inspiration across the region.
The Scene
Step into The Scene—Berkshire galas, fundraisers, openings, and parties, captured with photos and stories from the region’s most vibrant events.
Celebrations
Celebrate Berkshire weddings, parties, and milestones—featuring love stories, event inspiration, and tips for planning unforgettable gatherings.
