Robert Oakes, author of Ghosts of the Berkshires, leads a tour through the rooms and halls of Ventfort Hall, sharing tales of its hauntings. Stand in the places where the eerie encounters occurred, listen to the first-hand accounts of those who experienced them, and maybe even experience something unusual yourself. This is not an active investigation.
Robert Oakes is an author, teacher, storyteller, and singer/songwriter originally from northern New Jersey and currently residing in the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts. Since 2010 Robert has led the ghost tours at Edith Wharton’s The Mount in Lenox and has represented the museum and its ghosts on Syfy’s Ghost Hunters, Jeff Belanger’s New England Legends series on PBS, and The Apple Seed show on BYUradio.
In 2020, Robert’s debut book, Ghosts of the Berkshires, was published by Arcadia Publishing and available now in our gift shop. Robert’s latest book, Ghosts of Northwestern New Jersey, was released in September 2022.
By the Way Berkshires is a digital magazine exploring creative life and community — art and performance, food and the outdoors — and I’m writing it for you, with local voices, because I’ve gotten to know this rich part of the world as a writer and journalist, and I want to share it with you.
If you’d like to see the website grow, you can join me for a few dollars a month, enough for a cup of coffee and a cider doughnut. Members get access to extra stories and multimedia, itineraries a bookmark tool. Let me know what you're looking for, and we’ll explore together.
Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. will offer a Holiday Downtown Pittsfield Passport this holiday season, giving shoppers a chance to win one of three prize packages made up of donations from 40 local businesses.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. will offer a Holiday Downtown Pittsfield Passport this holiday season, giving shoppers a chance to win one of three prize packages made up of donations from 40 local businesses.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. will offer a Holiday Downtown Pittsfield Passport this holiday season, giving shoppers a chance to win one of three prize packages made up of donations from 40 local businesses.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Hayley Heynderickx will perform her own original music with echoes of 1960s and 1970s folk and a love of jazz radio, with Max García Conover, a songwriter based in Maine.
The Bidwell House Museum holds a candlelight tour on a fall evening when twilight is visible through the south-facing windows.
Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. will offer a Holiday Downtown Pittsfield Passport this holiday season, giving shoppers a chance to win one of three prize packages made up of donations from 40 local businesses.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. will offer a Holiday Downtown Pittsfield Passport this holiday season, giving shoppers a chance to win one of three prize packages made up of donations from 40 local businesses.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
West Stockbridge celebrates the holidays on Saturday with a winter artist market, events and more.
Chocolate peanut butter cookies, fresh flowers, jams and pickles and cheeses ... the North Adams Farmers Market returns with more than a dozen farmers and makers.
Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. will offer a Holiday Downtown Pittsfield Passport this holiday season, giving shoppers a chance to win one of three prize packages made up of donations from 40 local businesses.
The 40th Annual Holiday Walk in Williamstown opens with holiday sounds and spirit.
Great Barrington Arts Market once again brings Berkshire handmade gifts and delicious giftable treats, local artists and makers and light fare in a beautiful and festive environment.
West Stockbridge celebrates the holidays on Saturday with a winter artist market, events and more.
The 40th Annual Holiday Walk in Williamstown opens with holiday sounds and spirit and festivities with winter flair.
Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. will offer a Holiday Downtown Pittsfield Passport this holiday season, giving shoppers a chance to win one of three prize packages made up of donations from 40 local businesses.
Great Barrington Arts Market once again brings Berkshire handmade gifts and delicious giftable treats, local artists and makers and light fare in a beautiful and festive environment.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
Santa will be visiting the Berkshires again this year and will join the Hoosac Valley Line's Tinseliner train for Christmas carols and good cheer.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
The Egremont Barn welcomes all comers to perform on the tavern stage for a night of acoustic music in a friendly space.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Dewey Hall's final square dance of 2023 brings two of the Northeast's most skilled old-time musicians, Aldo Lavaggi and Sophie Mae Wellington.
A Christmas Carol returns to its original stage at The Unicorn Theatre, as Berkshire Theatre Group revels in the joy and redemptive power of the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Music and light fill the woods at Edith Wharton's historic house with a celebration of the winter solstice and fire in the dark.
An annual tradition continues at Berkshire Botanical Garden with the Gallery of Wreaths, as many as 100 unique wreaths and an assortment of holiday-blooming amaryllis and paperwhites and more.
Upcycled and merry community holiday tradition continues with local artisans, authentic farms and magically festive gifts.
The Sheffield Farmers Market hold a Winter Market at Dewey Hall on second Saturdays with local food, hot drinks, art and more.
Dewey Hall will hold their annual Holiday Cookie Sale at the Sheffield Winter Holiday Market — Snowballs, Shortbread, Pfeffernausse, Chocolate Chip and more.
An annual tradition continues at Berkshire Botanical Garden with the Gallery of Wreaths, as many as 100 unique wreaths and an assortment of holiday-blooming amaryllis and paperwhites and more.
Venfort Hall will hold a juried show of handmade works of art — jewelry, fine woven garments, wood vessels, sculpture, raku pottery, quilts, paintings, photography and more.
An annual tradition continues at Berkshire Botanical Garden with the Gallery of Wreaths, as many as 100 unique wreaths and an assortment of holiday-blooming amaryllis and paperwhites and more.
Venfort Hall will hold a juried show of handmade works of art — jewelry, fine woven garments, wood vessels, sculpture, raku pottery, quilts, paintings, photography and more.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
Santa will be visiting the Berkshires again this year and will join the Hoosac Valley Line's Tinseliner train for Christmas carols and good cheer.
A Christmas Carol returns to its original stage at The Unicorn Theatre, as Berkshire Theatre Group revels in the joy and redemptive power of the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
The Foundry and SALA will offer a hot toddy and a night of good competitive board games to cure all the seasonal blues and bring out your collaborative spirit.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Stressful holiday shopping? Need a glass of vino? Can't spend another night wrapping gifts and watching reruns of Friends? The Foundry Bar and SALA Boutique will be open — tonight, make a holiday ornament.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Stressful holiday shopping? Need a glass of vino? Can't spend another night wrapping gifts and watching reruns of Friends? The Foundry Bar and SALA Boutique will be open — tonight with holiday trivia.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Stressful holiday shopping? Need a glass of vino? Can't spend another night wrapping gifts and watching reruns of Friends? The Foundry Bar and SALA Boutique will be open — tonight with a dance and costume party.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Music and light fill the woods at Edith Wharton's historic house with a celebration of the winter solstice and fire in the dark.
This four-part class will revisit trees through the seasons and witness their unique characteristics with and without leaves.
Berkshire Grown brings indoor Winter Farmers Markets with locally-grown fresh greens, winter squash, root crops, apples, meats, cheeses, honey and maple syrup, baked goods and more.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
A Clark educator will lead a tour of the permanent collection galleries to talk about the Institute's history and work.
Charlie’s Trains will pull into the Saint James Place East Room station for the Southern Berkshire Chamber’s Holiday Shop, Sip and Stroll and stay for the following weekend.
Berkshire Grown brings indoor Winter Farmers Markets with locally-grown fresh greens, winter squash, root crops, apples, meats, cheeses, honey and maple syrup, baked goods and more.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
Santa will be visiting the Berkshires again this year and will join the Hoosac Valley Line's Tinseliner train for Christmas carols and good cheer.
A Christmas Carol returns to its original stage at The Unicorn Theatre, as Berkshire Theatre Group revels in the joy and redemptive power of the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge.
Charlie’s Trains will pull into the Saint James Place East Room station for the Southern Berkshire Chamber’s Holiday Shop, Sip and Stroll and stay for the following weekend.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
The Foundry offers an evening of good cheer and great music. Brilliant jazz pianist and Berkshire’s beloved Joe Rose has gathered exceptional artists to fill the venue with their talent and celebrate community.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Music and light fill the woods at Edith Wharton's historic house with a celebration of the winter solstice and fire in the dark.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Music and light fill the woods at Edith Wharton's historic house with a celebration of the winter solstice and fire in the dark.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Music and light fill the woods at Edith Wharton's historic house with a celebration of the winter solstice and fire in the dark.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Music and light fill the woods at Edith Wharton's historic house with a celebration of the winter solstice and fire in the dark.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season, as storefronts are illuminated with 20 different window displays.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
In December School Break Week, Norman Rockwell Museum offers family art-making activities inspired by the holidays and the colorful stories of Leo Lionni.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Music and light fill the woods at Edith Wharton's historic house with a celebration of the winter solstice and fire in the dark.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
Puppeteer Carl Sprague will return to Ventfort Hall with The Reluctant Dragon for two holiday vacation week marionette performances.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Music and light fill the woods at Edith Wharton's historic house with a celebration of the winter solstice and fire in the dark.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
In December School Break Week, Norman Rockwell Museum offers family art-making activities inspired by the holidays and the colorful stories of Leo Lionni.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Music and light fill the woods at Edith Wharton's historic house with a celebration of the winter solstice and fire in the dark.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
In December School Break Week, Norman Rockwell Museum offers family art-making activities inspired by the holidays and the colorful stories of Leo Lionni.
Puppeteer Carl Sprague will return to Ventfort Hall with The Reluctant Dragon for two holiday vacation week marionette performances.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
A Clark educator will lead a tour of the permanent collection galleries to talk about the Institute's history and work.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Music and light fill the woods at Edith Wharton's historic house with a celebration of the winter solstice and fire in the dark.
Two rocking bands, The Picky Bastards and Jordan Weller and The Feathers, combine forces for three sets of greatness at the Egremont Barn, with champagne for a toast.
Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays in 19th-century style, with lighted tree and stockings by the fire and more, and open for self-guided explorations.
Sheffield Historical Society presents a Winter Wonderland. All are invited to stroll through a festive enchanted forest of 21 trees decorated by local folk.
Winterlights is back, filling the gardens with holiday light and sound for a magical outdoor experience at Naumkeag as it shimmers with thousands of lights.
Music and light fill the woods at Edith Wharton's historic house with a celebration of the winter solstice and fire in the dark.
Radiant Nights at Hancock Shaker Village returns with lights, farm animals, music and festive spirits and artist Joe Wheaton's illuminations in a son et lumiere show after dark.
