With the dollar at such a disadvantage to other world currencies, this is the best possible time for Europeans to travel to America. We had an American guest this morning at breakfast who works in Europe and commutes constantly. He said that already summer airline tickets are scarce. But it was his opinion that many Europeans are heading to the big cities and icon-type tourist destinations like the Grand Canyon or Disneyworld. I would not expect that most Europeans would

consider the Berkshires a destination

in itself….but that is only because of a lack of knowledge. In fact, we have had many European guests who stay with us for a week or more, and then complain at check-out that they just could not get everything in. So if you are from Europe…and you want an authentic American experience….not one staged for a flat park entrance fee…then take a couple of minutes and look at the Berkshire Visitors Bureau website…..and stay at Hampton Terrace. CLICK HERE

At Hampton Terrace in Lenox, summer reservations are coming in sooner than in past years. A couple of factors seem to be responsible. For the second year, the Boston Symphony announced their summer schedule in November instead of February and public sale of tickets occurred in February instead of April. Last year it did not seem to make that much difference in summer reservations as I think many people were caught off-guard and followed their old habit of not looking for the Tanglewood schedule until after New Year's. Possibly those people were surprised to find many seats already sold by the time they became aware that tickets were already on sale. This year we had a rush of calls in November. The other reason for a good summer has to do with the value of the dollar, the hassle of air travel and the cost of gas. Visitors to the Berkshires are generally affluent…people who regularly travel to Europe, the Carribean or to the west coast. This year, for the reasons mentioned above, they are committing a tank of gas instead and planning a long weekend in the Berkshires. We don't mind. CLICK HERE.

Located about one mile down the street, one of the world's largest and most important Yoga centers, Kripalu, offers hundreds of Yoga and wellness programs throughout the year. Many thousands of people, from Yoga instructors seeking higher certifications, to novices of all ages looking for a life-style change, visit the center. Kripalu offers several housing options, the vast majority of which involve dormitory-style rooms with bathrooms at the end of the hall. Most of their private and double rooms also do not have private baths. We have a credentialed Yoga instructor staying at Hampton Terrace now (4 nights) who reconfirmed for me what we have been told dozens of times: that our prices are LESS per night for a king/queen room with fireplace and Jacuzzi and full breakfast, than one of Kripalu's dormitory rooms where you can share your experience with a dozen strangers. Please call Hampton Terrace for a "personal rate quote" for a multiple-night stay while attending your courses at Kripalu. Many have. CLICK HERE.

Last weekend we helped two couples celebrate their 20th anniversaries at Hampton Terrace by providing the kind of weekend that we would want if we were in their place. We gave each a $30 Gift Certificate to Nejaimes, the wine shop in town, and they had full access to our private bar, which includes glasses, openers, etc. The gift certificate is no charge with a two-night off-season weekend stay. We also helped the couples plan their weekend by e-mailing them a list of our favorite restaurants in the Berkshires and a comprehensive list of activities. We also hosted a

honeymoon couple.

…although I have to admit that they did not adequately use our expert guidance….they checked in late on Saturday night and I do not believe they came out of their king suite again until check-out on Tuesday. Someone had arranged for a gift basket to be delivered and I guess that was all the food/drink they needed. This weekend we have a couple coming who are celebrating their 15th. Also, a soldier from Iraq who has a short leave (he just got back to the States today, although he made the booking from his computer on-line last week from Iraq). We had a similar reservation last month, and everyone at our breakfast table had a very interesting time hearing about our Army guest's experiences and opinions. For more information about our Romantic Packages and availability CLICK HERE.

Join us at the Berkshires Summer Expo, April 29, 2-4 p.m.

The Berkshire Visitors Bureau is celebrating its 70th anniversary by showcasing 70 of the areas top cultural and recreational attractions at the Berkshires Summer Expo on Tuesday, April 29, from 2-4 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza, Pittsfield.

Food… Fun… Free…

Admission is completely free. Explore the exhibits; enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres, birthday cake courtesy of Cake Walk Bakery and the opportunity to win fabulous giveaways to area attractions including a hot air balloon ride over the Berkshires courtesy of Worthington Ballooning.

Tour displays, meet the people behind the scenes at Berkshire venues and explore the panorama of available programs and exhibits this season.

Hampton Terrace Bed and Breakfast in Lenox is located in a great spot for football and baseball rivalries.

Located in Western Massachusetts,

right next to the New York border, our cable providers have to offer channels from Boston and Springfield, as well as Albany, so we get Patriots, Jets, Giants, Red Sox and Yankees coverage. Sometimes our local sports bars can reach the fervor of European soccer stadiums. Additionally, 65% of the visitors to the Berkshires are from the Greater Manhattan area, so there are always a number of transient New York sports fans to stir the pot. Stan Rosen, the owner of Hampton Terrace is a huge sports fan, never missing a Patriots or Red Sox game on TV (how can he with NESN rebroadcasting each game 3 times per day?) and the Rosens have twin 15-year-old sons, guaranteeing that the television never leaves NESN or ESPN. So if you want to talk sports at a b&b, visit Hampton Terrace….whether you support the Patriots and Red Sox, or the Yankees, Giants and Jets. We won't insult you. Much. CLICK HERE

Stan Rosen, the owner of Hampton Terrace Bed and Breakfast in Lenox, MA, "took a degree" (graduated) from the University of Virginia and is eager to share stories and good times to anyone who also went there. Recently the College of Arts and Sciences did an on-line article about Stan, his association with the last great Easters in Mad Bowl, and what he has done since. Hampton Terrace, a highly rated inn located in the Berkshires, has been hosting guests since 1937 and was originally build as a summer cottage by the New York Gilded Age crowd. Check us out and if you went to Virginia (and even if you did not) please CLICK HERE.

Just a reminder to all that our

Romantic Weekend

Special is still going at Hampton Terrace Bed and Breakfast in Lenox. A 2-night weekend stay ($189 for any room in the Main House or Carriage House) is $189 and includes a $30 Gift Certificate to Nejaimes, our local gourmet food and wine shop in town, as well as a full breakfast buffet by candlelight each morning. We still have availaibility every weekend until June 25th, when the special expires until late Fall. Most of our rooms have fireplaces and Jacuzzis, and all have private baths. We are ranked as one of the top 2 inns by TripAdvisor, out of almost 30 inns in Lenox. CLICK HERE.

For those of you who follow this correspondence, you know that Susan and I have been out of town for a few weeks. We're back at Hampton Terrace now and the change in our yard is startling. When we left, there were patches of ice and snow around the yard and all of the leftovers from the Fall were evident and waterlogged. Our parking lot epitimized "mud season." While we were gone our yard service came to scrape the yard and beds…and with some warm weather and sunshine, the difference is profound! Green grass everywhere. Perennials poking out. The parking lot is hard again. Susan went to the store last night to buy bulbs for the gardens around the pool. We still have good availability for May and June weekends at our low-season rate….a remember that a 2 night stay includes a $30 Gift Certificate to Nejaimes, the gourmet food and wine shop in town as part of our Romantic Weekend Package. 800-203-0656. LOOK HERE.