Mill Brook Sugarhouse is boiling sap in a spring day around the corner from the Roaring Brook Trail, and Irish musicians are tuning up as I explore the Southern Berkshires.
Read articleLocally owned small businesses and entrepreneurs, artisans and makers, cafes and farms and more …
Clay from an outdoor fire-pit carries ‘Volumes’
Wood-firing ceramics in an open-face pit is a volatile craft — Karlene Kantner can spend 12 hours and more stoking the fire when she makes the clay vessels she has shown at Berkshire Botanical Garden.
Read articleCuring cabin fever with bright color — #Berkshireweekend
I’ve walked into the Plant Connector on a winter night, whenNorth Adams is quiet, and Meg Bantle and Laura Tupper-Palches from Full Well Farm are teaching a workshop on how to make flower crowns.
Read articleCinnamon rolls and soul music — #Berkshireweekend
What does comfort look like this week? We may have some real cold coming, and some fires need fuel. Even a small thing can add tinder …
Read articleLegends walk when the snow flies — #berkshireweekend
Medusa came into a conversation at Wild Soul River. Walking out of the snow at dusk, I found a group of friends and neighbors talking about stories. …
Read articleA hot drink to keep out the sleet — #berkshireweekend
Today I walked out of the cold drizzle into Dottie’s Coffee Lounge and thought it must be about the warmest place in Pittsfield.
Read articleSourdough rises at Berkshire Mountain Bakery
Loaves of white bread are entering and leaving the oven on a long wooden paddle. Rounded boules cooling, rich with chunks of dark Belgian chocolate — and ciabatta, seven grain bread, potato and onion …
Read articleRare local flavors converge at Moon in the Pond Farm
Dominic Palumbo raises Highland cattle, Jersey geese and Dorset sheep, as he grows vegetables and forages for local flavors.
Read articleExplorations — Great Barrington in holiday season
One day when I had a story interview in the Southern Berkshires, I came early to wander through downtown Great Barrington, looking for locally made gifts.
Read articleThankful for the mountains — #berkshireweekend
Windy Hill Orchard grows rows of winterberry bushes every year. You can walk into a sea of scarlet higher than your head, and they’re bright even on cold, cloudy afternoons.
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