Berkshire Museum
39 South Street, Pittsfield, MA
413.443.7171; berkshiremuseum.org
Just a short drive from Albany in Pittsfield, Mass., Berkshire Museum combines art, science, and history to create thought-provoking experiences for the whole family. This regional favorite offers weekly activities, hands-on exhibitions, independent film screenings, and more. For a complete schedule of events, please visit berkshiremuseum.org.
This fall, help to celebrate 100 years of women’s suffrage with She Shapes History, a new exhibition that spotlights exceptional women, their work, and how their accomplishments changed United States history. Enjoy fine art, examine historical objects, and discover untold stories to learn how societal expectations and opportunities changed for American women from the early 1800s through present day as they marched into leadership positions, became activists, and entered business, science, and politics. What do the bicycle, the typewriter, and bloomers have in common? How did suffragists and women’s rights activists sway public opinion? How can you shape history today? Find the answers to these questions and more in She Shapes History, which will be on view at Berkshire Museum October 5, 2019 through May 25, 2020. This exhibition is made possible by Berkshire Magazine.
Berkshire Museum is open Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 5pm, and Sunday, from noon to 5pm.
Amsterdam Castle
49 Florida Avenue, Amsterdam
518.212.2067; amsterdamcastle.com
A night at this New York castle is nothing short of a real-life fairytale. Amsterdam Castle is the perfect locale for creating precious memories. Whether you are celebrating a milestone or spending a staycation in style, this hotel and restaurant is indispensable. Afterall, there is nothing worth more than spending wonderful moments with your loved ones in a beautiful place.
Amsterdam Castle, also known as the Amsterdam Armory, was built in 1895 by Isaac G. Perry, most famous for having been the lead architect for New York state’s capitol building. A former National Guard Armory, Amsterdam Castle is the only one of the 100 armories built in New York at the turn of the century that was converted into a private residence. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994, this local gem has certainly transformed into something special since the armory was decommissioned.
After five years and more than five million dollars in renovations, Amsterdam Castle is finally ready to host guests and show off all that it has to offer. Staying in one of the Amsterdam Castle’s more than 20 charming rooms will truly make you feel like royalty. About 40 minutes from Albany, Saratoga, the great open spaces of the Adirondacks, national parks and lakes including the well-known Lake George, and Cooperstown, Amsterdam Castle is an absolute must-visit…Make sure to get here before word about this lesser-known gem gets out!
Shawangunk Wine Trail
845.256.2456; gunkswine.com
Don’t miss the ultimate holiday wine tasting event in the Hudson Valley!
Break out those tacky holiday sweaters, sip some cheer and get ready to ring in the season at Wreath Fineries at the Wineries; the Shawangunk Wine Trail’s exciting annual holiday event!
This is a great opportunity to taste a variety of wines produced in the Hudson Valley while getting a jump on holiday shopping and stocking up for your seasonal celebrations! All 15 member wineries will be decked out for the holidays, awaiting your arrival.
Choose from three weekends to attend, select your starting winery, and purchase your tickets at GunksWine.com! The event is from 10 am to 5 pm on all dates.
Weekend #1 November 23–24
Weekend #2 December 7–8
Weekend #3 December 14–15
The fun begins when you check in at your starting winery. There you’ll receive a souvenir wine glass, a grapevine wreath, a Shawangunk Wine Trail ornament and wine tastings. Then proceed on a self-guided tour to the remaining 14 member wineries, receiving wine tastings and a snazzy new ornament to decorate your wreath along the way!
PLEASE NOTE: Tickets are only available online at GunksWine.com. Ticket sales close at 6 pm on the Thursday before the event weekend. Tickets will not be available at the door.
Please drink responsibly. We encourage attendees to use a designated driver or one of Shawangunk Wine Trail transportation partners. For additional information on the Shawangunk Wine Trail, including maps, transportation, lodging, and special attractions, visit GunksWine.com.
AMTRAK
Various destinations
800.872.7245; amtrak.com
Riding Amtrak brings you an entire region of fall getaways! Travel through New York in comfort, not traffic. Enjoy miles of legroom and extra-wide seats while you explore New York and the region on Amtrak.
Enjoy nature’s kaleidoscope of colors. Rated a “Top 10 Most Scenic Train Ride in the World,” the Adirondack will help you discover why hikers, leaf peepers, and snow lovers make annual pilgrimages to Lake Champlain’s shores. Along the way, history comes alive in places like Saratoga Springs and Ticonderoga.
Ride the Empire Service train to New York City. The city that never sleeps invites you to catch a show, walk the High Line’s elevated urban oasis or stroll the Brooklyn Bridge. Explore Central Park on bike or marvel at the metropolis from the top of the Empire State Building. Catch a ferry to Lady Liberty and then explore your roots at Ellis Island.
The Ethan Allen travels the Hudson Valley to Saratoga and east to Vermont. There are no worries about road construction, traffic or weather delays when you’re leisurely enjoying the views of the Hudson River Valley, the summer bustle of Saratoga Springs, and the serenity of Vermont’s farms, villages, and the Green Mountains. The Ethan Allen Express connects you to year-round outdoor adventures. Go ahead, skip the cab ride, and go for the train. Book your unforgettable excursion on Amtrak today.
Putnam County
visitputnam.org
Putnam County has a wealth of offerings for visitors seeking the best of the Hudson Valley.
Conveniently located and easily accessible to and from New York City, Putnam offers unexpected year-round attractions just an hour’s drive north of midtown Manhattan. Looking for outdoor recreational activities? Putnam has a range of possibilities – from swimming, hiking, and golf on elite courses in the warmer months, to snowboarding and skiing during the winter.
If you’re a foodie, you’ll be thrilled at how their innovative chefs transform fresh, local ingredients into superb artisanal dining offerings. Arts lovers will be drawn to Putnam’s numerous festivals, theaters, galleries, museums, and music venues. And if you’re a history buff, you’ll find significant historical sites and well-preserved, elegant, 19th century estates.
Children will always find something fun to do, with countless educational programs. Tilly Foster Farm provides a true country farm experience in close proximity to New York City. Spend an afternoon on miles of walking and bike trails. Watch the boats on the majestic Hudson River. Catch an outdoor movie on the Great Lawn at Boscobel House & Gardens. Explore outdoor sculpture in Garrison, navigate the Great Swamp in Patterson, and so much more.
Come join your neighbors! Explore some of the hidden gems of the Hudson Valley by spending a day, a weekend, or even your next vacation in Putnam County, where there’s something for everyone, no matter what you may be looking for. #perfectlyputnam
