Spring in the Berkshires

I know I've been gabbing a lot about summer coming up, but truthfully I'm getting way ahead of myself. It's still spring! Why jump ahead when there are all kinds of lovely springy things around me to enjoy?

While pondering on this fact, I was browsing the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary website and I noticed that they're hosting the sanctuary's 80th Anniversary celebration on June 6th. My first thought was, "Holy Tulips! That sanctuary has been around for 80 years!?" Then I continued reading and realized what a great event it is.

The celebration (which is FREE!) will feature musicians, food, native plants for sale (Scarlet Bee Balm, anyone?), live birds of prey, and guided walks. The 1,314 acre sanctuary also offers picnicing, which makes me start dreaming of fancy cheeses, fresh baked breads, wine, and picnic blankets. Mmmm!

That same weekend Hilltop Orchards is hosting their 7th Annual Apple Blossom Bash. There will be hors d'oeuvres, live music, hiking, wine tastings, and as the name implies, the apple trees will be in full bloom.

Very much like this.

Forgive me for being a silly romantic, but how sweet would it be to have a wedding proposal on a sunny spring day in the middle of an apple orchard in full bloom? It's no wonder so many people get married in June, Mother Nature sets the romance up for them!

If you'd like more information on Pleasant Valley's 80th Anniversary bash, give them a call at (413) 637-0320. And for more information on the Apple Blossom Bash, feel free to call us at the Inn [(413)637-0193] or at Hilltop Orchards at (800)833-6274.

Hope to see you this spring!

With Love,
~Brande N.

Hilltop Orchards on MSNBC

Last year, Hilltop Orchards was featured on an MSNBC segment about fall mini-vacations. Due to the lack of speakers on my computer, I hadn't had a chance to watch the video until just now. There's some really beautiful photography and it does a great job of detailing some of the activities available at the orchard. And while there are no apples to pick this time of year there is cross-country skiing and showshoeing with rentals available on site.

Check it out!

On a side note: The segment didn't mention it but Furnace Brook Winery is also a part of Hilltop Orchards and is located in the same building. A few of the wines are gold medal winners at the Big E Regional competition so it's certainly worth heading up there to check it out. (I personally recommend the Johnny Mash, delicious!) And if you're an inn guest the wine-tasting and skiing/snowshoeing is free!

What better way to kill winter ennui than with wine?

With Love,
~Brande N.