the Local Life

Meet the people and places that make the Berkshires thrive—community stories, local businesses, and culture with heart.

Off Duty

We asked some of our talented local leaders what they’re hoping to see, do, and eat this season when they’re not at work. You’ll want to use their recs to inspire your own beautiful Berkshires summer.

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The Parade Marches On

A Pittsfield tradition since 1801, the city’s Fourth of July Parade continues to unite generations. Once marked by veterans’ marches and civic pride, today it shines with music, floats, and community spirit. This year’s theme: Red, White, Blue and You.

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Ali Louis Bourzgui: From the Berkshires to Broadway

Back on March 28, Ali Louis Bourzgui, a shy, heart-throbby, 24-year-old crowned with a whirlwind of dark, curly locks, stepped out from the subway and onto one of the world’s most iconic crossroads—42nd and Broadway, in Manhattan. Within a few hours, he would yield to the inevitable: his dreams coming true. That evening, he debuted in the title role in “The Who’s Tommy,” at the Nederlander Theatre in the heart of the Times Square theater district.

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Head of the Class

Hats off to Karema Almeida of Karema Deodato Millinery—or, rather, hats on. She combines old-world craftsmanship with a modern sensibility for handmade hats that are effortlessly wearable.

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Prints Charming

Bon Dimanche may mean “Good Sunday” in French, but any day’s a good one to stop by this eclectic new gem on Railroad Street in Great Barrington. Calling it a store doesn’t begin to capture the je ne sais quoi of the place, which is equal parts retail establishment, art installation, and studio.

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All in the Family

Like her sister Eileen, Annie Herrick has warm memories of cold Berkshire winters and growing up with siblings that loved to ski.

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Local Love

Eileen Shiffrin—herself a masters ski racer, not to mention the celebrated longtime coach of her daughter, Mikaela Shiffrin—developed her passion for the sport and outdoor adventure right here in the Berkshires.

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Off Duty

Summer is the loveliest—and also hands-down busiest—season, especially for those whose jobs are in the culture sector.

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Finding My Flock

In the Berkshires, keeping chickens is practically a rite of passage. I never thought I’d join in—or have these hens matter so much to me.

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PICKLEMANIA!

Pickleball gets under your skin in the best possible way. Inside the Berkshires’ fastest-growing, good-for-you obsession.

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Cooking from All Four Corners

Celebrated chef David Israelow brings a reverence for food and finely tuned technique to his highly anticipated new restaurant in Chatham, New York. Here’s a sneak preview.

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Welcome to Hilltown

Rafi Bildner creates an homage to southern Italy, the Berkshires, and the joyful chaos of family, all expressed through the art of pizza.

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The B’s List: Food Pros

This edition of The B’s List explores the conversation among a selection of culinary professionals in the Berkshires. Read along as they discuss community, life in business, and the inherent agricultural ties in their own practices.

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Off Duty

The busiest Berkshirites need a break! We asked local leaders what they’re excited to do during their downtime—and their lists are packed with music, art, hikes, and good eats. Here’s how they plan to soak up the season. Consider it your guide to summer fun.

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The B’s Next Gen List

Welcome to our new series celebrating people making a mark in the Berkshires. In this first installment, we talk to a new generation of residents fusing tradition with transformation—and breathing new life into our region.

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Growing Up Taylor

In the hills of the Berkshires, Rufus and Henry Taylor were raised with music and meaning. Now they’re finding their own rhythm.

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Home Grown Wool

You can’t make yarn without shearing a few sheep—or in the case of Lila’s Mountain Farm, a few hundred. If you want to keep your crafts truly local, this is one good starting point.

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