Design Within Reach
August 24, 2026
Inside Meadow House, a new design clubhouse—where everything’s for sale
Meet the people and places that make the Berkshires thrive—community stories, local businesses, and culture with heart.
Inside Meadow House, a new design clubhouse—where everything’s for sale
If it wasn’t for her, our family would’ve never put down stakes here and our daughter would’ve never experienced the strongest sense of community she had ever felt
Hancock Shaker Village’s outgoing director, Carrie Holland, isn’t leaving quietly
They came as kids, fell in love with the Berkshires, and realized they’d found the place they were always looking for
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.
Often called the diva of Berkshire County, this singer has performed all over the world—but calls our stages home.
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.
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.
A singer who’s settled here shares what it’s like to perform in our intimate and authentic venues.
Our columnist shares her family’s routine for a beautiful evening on the lawn (and you’ll want to borrow these ideas).
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.
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.
After 13 years, our columnist shares the secret of what went wrong with his nuptials—and in the end, what really matters.
Use local flowers at your big event and you’ll not only have gorgeous displays, you’ll support our local farmers.
In the Gilded Age, a wedding was a clear indication of social position and pecuniary strength—as we see in this pair of nuptial events.
Like her sister Eileen, Annie Herrick has warm memories of cold Berkshire winters and growing up with siblings that loved to ski.
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.
Summer is the loveliest—and also hands-down busiest—season, especially for those whose jobs are in the culture sector.
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.
Pickleball gets under your skin in the best possible way. Inside the Berkshires’ fastest-growing, good-for-you obsession.
Mikaela Shiffrin is a legend at age 28, the best ski racer of all time.
A native of Pittsfield, Heidi Voelker joined the U.S. Ski Team at 15 and competed in the 1988, 1992, and 1994 Olympics. After 27 years as a ski ambassador for Deer Valley, she’s still in Park City, Utah, with her family, and is now the western region manager for the U.S. Ski team. Voelker also played a pivotal role in Mikaela Shiffrin’s story—and she shares it here.
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