We rounded up six of the people behind our world-class museums and festivals, and asked them to share a few of their favorite local jaunts and haunts. After all, these folks have all made a career out of their excellent taste.
Pam Franks
Director, Williams College Museum of Art
My job involves constantly changing gears, especially now with the construction of a new state-of-the-art museum underway. The WCMA team is small but mighty, and while we’re busy planning for the new museum opening in fall 2027, we’re also staying connected now through community and campus partnerships.
1. Yoga in the Woods
North Adams
Outdoor yoga is a whole different experience. Here in the northern Berkshires we’ve got an ideal convergence of an amazing spot and amazing teacher: a path in back of Tourists leads to a platform nestled in the woods, where starting Memorial Day weekend Devin Raber teaches a great class on Sunday mornings at 8:30. It’s open to community members as well as hotel guests—just sign up.
2. Swimming at North Pond
Savoy
Nothing beats a swim in cool (okay cold) North Pond on a hot summer day. I especially love it there in the early evening when the water’s surface reflects the trees and the setting sun. The color and light are beautiful and the water feels great!
3. 4th of July Parade
Williamstown
Quintessential small-town parade! One group after another—you really see the folks who make Williamstown the community it is—with lots of WCMA summer interns, staff, and families in the mix. And afterwards you can head over to Sawyer Library at Williams for the annual July 4 reading of historical documents.
4. Downtown Williamstown
My sidekick shih tzu, Shaq, is always up for a walk. It’s impressive how far his little legs can take us. One of our favorite early morning treks is around the grounds of The Clark, and after supper we often loop around town, look at all the cool stuff in the shop windows along Water Street, and make our way to Spring Street where we inevitably run into friends on an ice cream outing to Lickety.
5. Images Cinema
Williamstown
Images Cinema opens with its two new state-of-the-art theaters in late May. I’m looking forward to testing my theory that it is actually even more enjoyable to go to the movies in the summertime. See you there often!
Don’t Miss: This summer in Williamstown we’ll get to watch excellent architecture coming into being with the continued construction of the new Williams College Museum of Art designed by SO–IL. I’m especially looking forward to WCMA’s Community Forum at the Williams Inn on June 29 at 6 p.m. We’ve been doing these forums regularly and they are always full of the latest updates, but this one is also going to include a fun way to be part of the process.
Pam: Gillian Heck; Yoga: John Dolan; Ice Cream: @licketysplit.icecream
Carli Scolforo
Managing Director, Berkshire Busk
Most of my responsibilities have to do with making our flagship festival, Berkshire Busk!, happen. The festival founder, Eugene Carr, and I spend all fall and winter fundraising and planning programming for the summer ahead. When spring comes, we focus on artist outreach and developing our marketing plan, and then the festival itself happens all summer long. I was born and raised here, and sometimes I forget about all the best parts of life in the area.
1. Cozying Up at Wander
Pittsfield
I work from home a lot, so it feels like a nice break to plop down at a coffee shop for a change of pace. What I love about Wander is that you don’t feel like you’re overstaying your welcome. You can tell it was made to be a place where community lingers and connects. Their décor just screams “come as you are, and stay a while.” I usually order their kombucha on tap when I stop by.
2. Cocktails at Doctor Sax House
Lenox
My friends and I have busy schedules, so if we meet for a cocktail, we want to make it count. Doctor Sax House never disappoints. Their staff is amazing and the vibes are hard to beat. And when so many bars and restaurants shut down by 9 or 10 o’clock, having an option I love that’s still open when I clock out for the evening in Great Barrington makes a huge difference.
3. Affogato at SoCo Creamery
Great Barrington
Is it really summer without SoCo? I work long hours on Railroad Street in the summer months, and SoCo is my secret spot to grab a coffee late in the evening (shoutout Six Depot!). Combining that espresso with their amazing flavors—best of both worlds.
4. Outdoor Yoga with Berkshire Yoga Dance & Fitness
Pittsfield
Since summer is my “busy season,” I don’t always leave as much time to enjoy the sun as I would prefer. I take classes with BYDF in Pittsfield all the time, and their outdoor offerings during the warmer months are a lot of fun. My favorite is their Sunday morning class on Onota Lake.
5. Dinner at The Berry Farm
Chatham, NY
It’s become a tradition to celebrate the beginning and end of summer with a trip to Yummy Kitchen’s popup at The Berry Farm in Chatham. Sitting in the greenhouse or outside among the sunflowers offers an unbeatable view. Our group will basically buy every item on Yummy Kitchen’s menu to pass around and share. Then, you can visit the farm store for something sweet to bring home. An unbeatable night out!
Don’t Miss: At sundown on the first three Saturday nights of July, we’re co-hosting free outdoor movie nights at Giggle Park. Additionally, our first pop-up festival in the village of Housatonic will happen on the afternoon of July 18.
Carli: Stephanie Zollshan; Yummy Kitchen: @thegreenhousecidery; Affogato: Courtesy of SoCo Creamery; Doctor Sax: Tricia McCormack
Miguel Rodriguez
Executive Director, Chesterwood
I started my career as an opera singer, and after ten years on the road, I returned to Boston to build a career in arts administration. Since joining Chesterwood in 2024, my focus has been on engaging more visitors each season, and that work has paid off. Last summer we experienced a 60% increase! This season, as we celebrate the 250th birthday of the nation, we are examining the theme of patriotism throughout our exhibitions, programs, and events.
1. Golf in the Berkshires
Stockbridge
I’m a terrible golfer, but love the game and look forward to it every season. Whether walking the beautiful Stockbridge Golf Club, playing the challenging Wyndhurst course, or visiting any of the other courses in the region, you will love the sport.
2. Berkshire Opera Festival
Great Barrington
I’m a huge fan of bel canto opera, so I’m looking forward to their upcoming production of Lucia de Lammermoor with the beautiful soprano Christine Lyons!
3. Shaker Mill Books
West Stockbridge
One of my go-tos anytime I’m in the neighborhood. Just past its unassuming façade is a whole world of books waiting to be rediscovered. And the prices are so reasonable!
4. Flowers from Township Four
Stockbridge
My favorite florist in the region. I’m always blown away by their exquisite taste level and gorgeous presentation. They always know exactly what you need.
5. The Lost Lamb
Stockbridge
The best patisserie in the region! I stop by almost daily for one of their freshly made croissants or their decadent key lime tarts on my way to work.
Don’t Miss: “Patriotism in Practice: History, Media, and Civic Life”—a conversation with Governor Deval Patrick, journalist Martin Baron, historian Kendra Field, and more on July 8 at 5 PM. I can’t think of a better time than today, as we celebrate the 250th birthday of our country, to reflect and examine how the value of patriotism has or has not evolved through time.
Miguel & Golf: Stephanie Zollshan; Opera: Ken Howard; Pastries: @lost_lamb_patisserie
Serena Johnson
Executive Director, Great Barrington Public Theater
I have loved art for as long as I can remember. Becoming the Managing Director of a theater company whose mission is to develop and produce new work is, quite frankly, the dream. At Great Barrington Public Theater we prioritize hiring locally whenever we can. We want our artists to be able to not only work here, but live here. We also believe in developing local playwrights through our program, Berkshire Voices. It is a risk for a theater company to produce new work year-round—and that is what makes the company special.
1. Lazy Days at Queechy Lake
Canaan, NY
I love my home and I love resting. On my days off, you can find me grilling carne asada, sipping on a margarita, floating in the lake, reading a book at Adams Point Beach, or taking a nice long nap on my porch. If I don’t feel like grilling, I am getting takeout from Brisket and Birdie, the best BBQ and pizza spot in town.
2. Berkshire Concert Choir
Lenox
Every Thursday night in the fall and spring I spend my time singing my heart out with 100 of my closest friends. Our conductor, Ryan LaBoy, has truly created a space where anyone can experience the magic of singing with others. If you are choir-curious, please join us!
3. Tanglewood
Lenox
Do you know about the Berkshire Pass at Tanglewood? For $150 you can have lawn access to all the classical concerts. My schedule is crazy during the summer, so to be able to grab a bottle of wine and pop over to see a world-class orchestra almost any day of the week—a girl couldn’t ask for anything else.
4. Crandell Theatre
Chatham, NY
You gotta have a favorite local cinema and the Crandell Theatre is mine. My favorite date night is dinner at Chatham Brewing or Bimi’s Canteen followed by whatever indie movie is on that evening’s schedule.
5. Half Rats
Great Barrington
Did you know that “half rats” is Victorian slang for “getting tipsy”I absolutely love this cozy natural wine bar across the street from Great Barrington Public Theater’s offices. The vibes are tops and the owner, Abby Pendergist, is so kind.
Don’t Miss: Our upcoming world premieres! We have three brand new works this season covering topics like the AIDS crisis, AI, and being a new mom during COVID. These are all intimate stories with global implications. We open our season on June 20 with Fragments, written by Jim Petosa—a Berkshire resident!
Serena: Stephanie Zollshan; Tanglewood: Julie Hammill; Half Rats: Abby Pendergist
Vallejo Gantner
Artistic and Executive Director, PS21
I have the greatest gig I can imagine—scouring the country and planet for artists and ideas we think should be seen by audiences in our region, while placing bets on whether an idea or experience will catch fire. There’s no science to it—it’s just a constant search for the new. PS21 is not and will never be content with yesterday’s ideas.
1. Stonykill Coffee and Records
Chatham, NY
Australians are notorious coffee snobs and being from Melbourne makes me even worse. Anthony makes the best coffee in the county, and I am always leaving with records under my arm as well. Be warned, he does get a little grouchy (so I hear, never with me obviously) if you forget to bus your own cup.
2. Exploring the Wilderness
I’m planning on trying to get a lot more miles under my boots. The Catskills are an incredible resource, but I’ve also loved hiking Olivia’s Overlook and other parks on the other side of the state line. I’m determined to get out on and in the waterways that surround us. Time to paddle and sail the Hudson.
3. Hudson Chatham Winery
Ghent, NY
It’s a real discovery, right on Route 66. In the last couple of years, their orange wines and whites especially have been a nightly feature on our table, delighting and surprising us all.
4. Upstate Art Weekend
Hudson Valley, Catskills
It keeps growing and building. There are simply not enough hours in the weekend (June 25–29) to get around to all 160 participants, including PS21. Perhaps the most comprehensive survey of all the cultural offerings in the region.
5. The Aviary
Kinderhook, NY
The Aviary is my go-to when I need to impress visiting friends and family with classy culinary offerings up here. And, when we need something just as delicious but casual and fun, our teenagers clamor to be brought to Yummy Kitchen at The Berry Farm in Chatham.
Don’t Miss: Coming up in June, we have Australian dance/circus legends Circa with a work that has only ever been performed in an Australian cathedral. They are virtuosic, mind-blowing movers, with a work set to the ethereal music of Arvo Pärt, June 11–13.
Vallejeo: Stephanie Zollshan; Wine: @hudsonchathamwinery; Circa: Niels Knelis Meijer; Arts Festival: Steven Taylor
Margaret Keller
Executive Director, Community Access to the Arts
Community Access to the Arts (CATA) nurtures the creativity of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities through powerful, year-round workshops in a dozen different art forms—and then shares their talents with the community through art exhibits, performances, readings, and more. For the past 12 years, I’ve had the privilege of leading the organization through a period of dramatic growth. CATA is in many ways a uniquely Berkshires story: We’ve been able to thrive in the Berkshires because this is a community that embraces creativity, that values inclusion, and that understands that the best things happen when people work together.
1. Theater and More Theater
Pittsfield, Stockbridge, Lenox
I’m ready for Alan Paul’s A Chorus Line at Barrington Stage, Lovesong at Berkshire Theatre Group (with icon Karen Allen!), and Twelfth Night outside under the stars at Shakespeare & Company.
2. Local Hikes
Mount Washington
I’ll be heading out to Kennedy Park and Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary on the regular, and am excited to return to Bash Bish Falls in Mount Washington. Find a local and let them guide you to the Kennedy Cliffs off Reservoir Road for a fantastic, off-the-beaten-path view!
3. Live Music at MASS MoCA
North Adams
MASS MoCA’s lineup this summer is amazing—Big Thief, Wilco, Lucy Dacus, and more, plus local musicians every Thursday at the ultra-hip beer garden/art installation The Chalet.
4. An Exquisite Eye at The Clark
Williamstown
I’m looking forward to getting a first look at the Aso O. Tavitian Collection at The Clark this summer—a major new collection of European art, with a new wing slated to open in summer 2028.
5. Bistro Box
Great Barrington
It’s not summer until my family is crowded around a picnic table, licking bacon jam off our fingers while enjoying unbeatable burgers from Bistro Box in GB. Say yes to the truffle fries.
Don’t Miss: CATA’s Annual Art Show, I’m A Part of Art, featuring stunning works created by our artists with disabilities, with exhibitions at The Clark Art Institute and the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts.
Margaret: Gillian Heck; Shakespeare: Nile Scott; Kennedy Park: Stephanie Zollshan; Big Thief: Courtesy of the artist
