The deep green woods all around, the bubbling streams, the clear blue lakes, and the positive vibes of the natural environment are all terrific reasons (besides Himalayan High) to visit the Berkshires this summer. People drive for hours from all over New England and the Tri-State area to indulge in the world class biking, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hunting, and camping the region has to offer. They have for generations. There’s no better way to spend a sunny afternoon than being out in the sunshine and fresh air.
But what about when the weather isn’t so bright and cheerful. Then what? You can still start your day at Himalayan High to pick up your favorite premium cannabis products. After being blown away by our top-tier products served by our friendly and knowledgeable bud tenders, you can check out some of the historical, cultural, and artistic institutions around Western Mass. We have art museums, historical museums, antique mining sites, vintage railroads, and a functioning Shaker village, accurately recreating daily life in the area as it was a couple centuries ago. While this part of the country is, and always has been, well known for it’s natural attractions, don’t forget the extensive and impressive history hidden among the hills and towns.
Let’s begin our local tour with the Clark Art Institute. Built in 1955, this picturesque museum, educational center, and idyllic property showcases art of all kinds. There are sculptures, paintings, graphic arts, special exhibitions, all in addition to landscape installations spread around the 140 acres of manicured lawns and hiking trails. This Thursday the 15th, they will be showing John Wayne’s “The Quiet Man” as part of their “Pastoral on Paper” film series. Come in to Himalayan High in the afternoon to pick up a bag of Bountiful’s Rainbow Mello Bites to enhance your sensory experience. Head over to the Clark, spend some time wandering the grounds and absorbing all they have to offer, then head inside for a viewing of a classic movie. Maybe even enjoy one of Bountiful’s Double Sour Dog pre-rolls along one of the trails, away from the other guests, before going inside for the film. Other fabulous art galleries in the area include The Wit, the Lauren Clark Gallery, and if you want a more hands-on experience, the Becket Arts Center has learning opportunities and creative activities for all ages.
If history is more your cup of tea, the Berkshires offers more than its fair share. Herman Melville wrote the classic American novel, “Moby Dick”, at the Arrowhead Museum almost 200 years ago. Nibble on a Bountiful Farms Tayter Chip Milk Chocolate bar as you imagine what Melville’s experience was like, crafting one of our nation’s most significant written works. Chesterwood, in Stockbridge, is another link to our distant past. Try a couple of Bountiful’s Horchata Mello Bites as you learn about the works and life of the man who carved the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC as well as the “Minuteman” statue in Concord. The Bidwell House, the Becket Quarry, and the Crane Museum of Papermaking will all bring you back to an earlier, simpler time in America. See and learn about the equipment, materials, and processes that were used to make generations worth of Berkshire paper products at the Crane, or investigate the hidden quarry that produced the stone that make up many of the houses and walls you see in the region. It’s a beautiful walk with rusted old equipment and information boards along the way. Just don’t get caught swimming there. The Bidwell House was built in 1760 and has been immaculately renovated to showcase the styles and décor of the period. Surrounded by almost 200 acres of conservation land and miles of trails, the Bidwell house is sure to entertain and impress your nature lover or your history buff. Finally, we come to the Mount, the historic home of Edith Wharton. This campus invites and encourages community activities, cultural performances, workshops, and more. For sightseers who want to get more involved than simply taking pictures or videos of old stuff, this is a wonderful opportunity to express your creative side with other like-minded locals.
One of our local bud tenders’ favorites is the Hancock Shaker Village. Get ready to spend several hours here because there’s a lot to see and do. This coming weekend, learn how to make traditional Shaker-style oval boxes with traditional tools and materials. They have baby animals for the kids, goat yoga Saturday mornings from June to September, and other activities to immerse you in the history of the town. There’s even a full-blown Shaker dinner to be had, but times and seating are limited. Whether it’s basket weaving, blacksmithing, broom making, or timber framing, Hancock’s expert craftsmen and women will demonstrate and teach skills that built this community but are almost forgotten. Hancock Village both reminds us how life in the Berkshires used to be, and urges us not to lose these timeless skills and lessons. The only way to make this day more enjoyable might be with some pulls from a Strawberry Gary vape cart or a dab or Southern Hashpitality, both from Bountiful Farms.
Whatever you and your crew are looking to do in the Berkshires this week, make sure to include Himalayan High dispensary in your plans. No reservations are needed, casual dress is acceptable, and a peaceful start is always the best way to begin a new journey. Let us be a part of yours this summer. Now, about that candlemaking……
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