Local Intelligence

I'm a chronic Google-er. I'll admit it.


"I can't get this jar open!"...Google it!

"I need new shoes." ...Google it!

"What does 'eidetic' mean?" ...Google it!*


From my habit of over-Googling I've found that the answers I'm looking for often come from the same source again and again and again.

Example?

Rural Intelligence.

Time and again as I'm researching events and attractions in the Berkshires, Rural Intelligence ends up on my Google Radar, providing me with the answers I need. For example, when I was looking up photos and additional info on Rubiner's Cheesemongers in Great Barrington, I found this article, which talks about Rubiner's "Oysters and Champagne Fridays". Another time I was doing a bit of research on The Mount, and found this article which, in addition to offering a spectacularly beautiful photo of the estate in winter, highlights an interesting event happening on-location. Oh, and this article too, which speculates on The Mount's reputation for being haunted, and mentions its recent filming for the Sci-Fi Channel's show Ghost Hunters. Spooky!

Why exactly does Rural Intelligence keep coming up on my radar? The answer is simple: it's a website focused on only 4 counties in the New England area, one of which is Berkshire county. That means that of all the articles on the website, there is a 1 in 4 chance of an attraction relevent to me being featured.

Needless to say, I've become more and more convinced that this is an excellent local resource. I've even bookmarked it, and now browse it periodically looking for updates and insights. (I won't lie, it helps that Rural Intelligence hosts 3 different blogs, too. We all remember my blog addiction, right?)

Anyway, I think that you [as a reader of my blog and apparent lover of the Berkshires] should head over to Rural Intelligence and do some poking around. Whether your coming to the Berkshires for a special event, food, nature, culture, or even just to visit family, I'm sure you'll find something helpful. Have fun!

With Love,
~Brande N.

*Ok, so "Let Me Google That For You" might be a little harsh, but I can't help but find it hilarious that someone actually created that website. An odd and cranky form of genius, I think.

Memorial Weekend!

Have you seen our Special Offers page yet?

We just posted a fantastic deal for Memorial Weekend, and it highlights an event called the Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival. I'm very excited about it. According to the event's website, it's the largest environmental film festival in the country. It also happens to be a touring festival, and on May 24th, it's coming to Lenox. The three hour presentation will feature literally dozens of films ranging in length from 2 minutes to just under an hour and covering various topics from the American Grasslands to Foraging to Climate Change and White Water Kayaking. Certainly an eclectic mix! There's even a list of all the movies that will be coming on tour available here. You can also watch trailers of all the movies on this page.

The Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival happens to be coming to town during Memorial Weekend, which is great news for anyone visiting the Berkshires. Why? Because there are a ton of events going on that weekend. For example:

Romeo & Juliet at Shakespeare & Company
Dickey Betts at The Colonial Theatre
The Berkshire Extreme Green Festival at the Lenox Town Hall
Poolside at the Hotel Bel Air at the Barrington Stage Company
Gather Up the Fragments: The Andrews Shaker Collection at Hancock Shaker Village (free admission on Tuesday!)
Project Sprout Fundraiser and Four-Course Meal at Route 7 Grill
The Berkshire International Fiml Festival at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

Gourmet food, theatre, history, music, ecology, film, and community. Sounds like a great weekend! If you haven't made a reservation yet, feel free to give us a call and we'd be happy to help you plan your trip. It's what we're here for!

With Love,
~Brande N.

Romance in The Berkshires

Looking for something fun to do this Valentine's Day? Maybe even something a little romantic? Here's a few links to some Valentine's Weekend events. I know I'm rather notorious for being a little last minute (Did I order Dan's gift yet? Nope.) so hopefully these recommendations save you from being in the same boat as me come this weekend. Good luck!

(Note: Applicable dates for each event can be found on the event's webpage)


First off, Bad Dates. A spectacular one woman play being held only 1 mile from the Inn at Shakespeare and Company. Dan and I saw this play about a month ago and were very impressed. Shakespeare and Company says, "Theresa Rebeck writes some of the funniest and most authentic language heard in American theatre today. We're pleased to present her sharp-toothed, comic take on surviving single motherhood, the working life, and finding romance in today's world." Special bonus, they're offering tickets at the Berkshire County Resident price of 40% off to everyone! A great play for a great price.






Next is Kiss This Cabaret at the Barrington Stage Company, only about 10 minutes from the Inn, in downtown Pittsfield. The event page says: "Join some of our hottest Musical Theatre Lab writers as they share their version of the perfect Valentine Day's song: funny, serious, loving, not-so-loving and outrageous!" I'm going to put this out there: If any of my guests go to this, I'll be a little jealous. Seriously.






If you're feeling a bit French on the 15th, perhaps you can woo your chérie with a bit of Shakespeare en français at the Colonial Theatre, also located in downtown Pittsfield. The Colonial is presenting Roméo et Juliette (an opera on film) for one night only. All the thrill of an opera without the mini-binoculars! On top of that, Colonial has also partnered with Patrick's Pub to offer any guest of the film 10% off at the restaurant. (I love the contrast here of French Operatic Film and Classic American Pub Food. Très amusant.)




Lastly, when I think "Valentine's Day" I think "Good Excuse to Eat Really Good Food and Call It an Occasion." Mission Tapas Bar in Pittsfield is doing a prix-fixe four course menu for Valentine's Day with live entertainment. I'd love to give you a bit more info, but this place is so quirky they don't even have a phone! But you can email them for more info, by visiting this link. I've never been here, but one look at the menu has convinced me that I might need to make it a priority.




So there you go! A small sampling of the goings-on this weekend. If you happen to read this and would like a little more information on the events, or if you're a guest and would like to purchase tickets, give us a call at the Inn and we'd love to help.

With (Valentine) Love,
~Brande N.