A Christmas Carol

BTF’s annual production of the classic story about the redemptive power of kindness and generosity.

Playing in the Unicorn Theatre Dec. 11-14, Dec. 17-22, and Dec. 26-30 at 7pm.

There will be 2pm matinee performances on Dec. 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, and 28.

A 10am matinee will be held on Dec. 15, 18, and 22. There will be no performances on Dec. 24 and 25.    Children $20, Adults $36-$39

There are many reasons to come to the Berkshires in December.   One of them is the annual production of A Christmas Carol at the Berkshire Theater Festival in Stockbridge, MA.   For tickets, CLICK HERE.

Another is a stay at Hampton Terrace Bed and Breakfast in Lenox, less than a 10 minute drive from the theater.  Hampton Terrace is considered one of Lenox's top-rated inns, and one that decorates lavishly for the holidays.

Sun, Dec 7th '08, The Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, Massachusetts

7:30PM A: $40 B: $25

With Special Guests Susan McKeown and Boo Reiners

The Klezmatics have forever transcended genres, blending klezmer with aching shtetl melodies, raucous Latin stomps, wild jazz riffs and provocative Arabic, African, American and Balkan rhythms. The Klezmatics present a contagious celebration of Hanukkah—a marriage of the group’s soulful and ebullient Jewish roots to Woody Guthrie’s poignantly mesmerizing and newly discovered lyrics. This program highlights the band’s two most recent CD releases: the multicultural folk sounds of Wonder Wheel and the ecstatically danceable, hoedown-worthy Woody Guthrie’s Happy Joyous Hanukkah. Special guests include acclaimed Celtic singer Susan McKeown and multi-instrumentalist Boo Reiners.

Combine this special show with a visit to the Berkshires….just 2 hours from Boston and less than 3 hours from New York City.   Hampton Terrace is considered the top-rated Lenox inn by Trip Advisor rankings and one the leading Berkshire bed and breakfasts.   Our off-season rates apply until mid-June 2009, and a weekend stay includes a $30 Gift Certificate to Nejaimes, the gourmet wine and food shop in Lenox.

There is plenty to do in the Berkshires in December.   But one of the iconic events, built around Norman Rockwell's famous painting of a 1967 streetscape is "Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas."   The Stockbridge weekend is a full calendar, but the central event is a recreation of the Main Street as it existed in the Rockwell painting…down to the correct automobiles frozen in time.   For a calendar of the events CLICK HERE.

The Berkshire Theatre Festival is again presenting A CHRISTMAS CAROL, from December 11 to December 30.

The Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield annually presents the FESTIVAL OF TREES from November 15th to January 4th, showcasing the amazing creativity of Berkshire residents and organizations as they decorate 200+ trees with this year's theme.

The Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum, located across the street from Hampton Terrace has turned it up 12 notches this year for the holiday season, with seasonal decorations, special programming and events spanning from early November through New Years'.  Click to their website for descriptions and calendars…more than I can list here.

Frankly, there is so much going on EVERY weekend in December, that I cannot make an adequate list here.   Edith Wharton's "The Mount" will stay open on December weekends until Christmas.     All of the museums, The Clark, The Norman Rockwell, MassMoca are open.   For a listing of special programs and events, try www.berkshires.org/events, and type in a date range.

And then stay at Hampton Terrace.    We look forward to helping your plan your December stay.

Quite different this year…..New Year's Eve falling mid-week.   Typically we fold New Year"s Eve into the weekend and create a weekend package.

But for the 2009 New Year, we acknowledge that most of you will only get one night off….so we are allowing (for the first time ever) a single night stay on New Year's Eve.

We have always very much enjoyed the type of guests we attract for New Year's.   Most do not want a party, or any commotion.   They could stay in their home town for that.   And over the years, the Berkshires seem to have recognized this and have created a certain atmosphere that accommodates.

Most of the restaurants will create special limited menus and will have an early seating and a late seating.   There will probably be snow on the ground and fairy lights everywhere…so it will be magical walking back to the inn from the more than a dozen restaurant choices within walking distance.   At midnight, we always offer champagne toasts (complimentary) in our private bar….and usually a few couples join us to watch the ball drop in Times Square.  But we put hats, noise makers, and horns in each of our guest rooms and suspect that the rest of our guests are already celebrating their New Year privately.

The next day, in lieu of normal breakfast, we always offer a complimentary New Year's Day brunch from 10 am until noon and allow late check-out.

New Year's at Hampton Terrace always sells out….and we do not charge a premium for the additional amenities.   Just use the in-season weekend rate quoted on our website.    Most of our rooms have fireplaces and Jacuzzis (14 rooms in total) and to get a rate quote, call 800-203-0656.   IMPORTANTLY, even though we are accepting single nights this year….it does not mean that you cannot stay longer.   For the additional nights, we can use our off-season, mid-week rate, making a multiple night stay quite a value.

Hampton Terrace is the #1 rated Lenox inn according to Trip Advisor reviews, was chosen by BedandBreakfast.com as one of their Editor's Picks for viewing fall foliage, is one of only four Berkshire inns recommended by the Michelin Green Guide, and has been welcoming guests since 1937.   For a great Berkshire bed and breakfast experience, give us a call.

We've been doing this for ten years:   (1) taking a hundred calls in September and October asking "are the leaves turned yet?, and (2)  getting 40 requests for our 14 rooms once they do…

So I am letting you know right now…..it's okay.   We are happy to steer you toward the perfect time to come….and remember….the leaves are no redder on Saturday.   If you have the flexibility to come mid-week, you'll save 30% here on our room rates.

First, our location, in case you run across this entry on the Internet (I hope you did), we are located in the Berkshire mountains….two hours west of Boston and 2 1/2 hours north of New York City.   We are in Lenox, the summer home of the Boston Symphony.    2.5 million people come to this area each year….so there are great restaurants, shops, galleries, museums, hiking, horseback….   and everything in Lenox is a two block walk or less from our door.

Here is the first report:   Over the past several years, the summer has been VERY dry and the cold came late…so the leaves turned in late October.

It takes rain and cold to turn leaves, so the first requirement is met……THIS was the rainiest summer on record.   As far as the cold…..yes…we've had some nights in the 30s and some trees are yellow.   So we are not quite there yet…but a cold snap will do it, I think.

The good thing about the Berkshires, is that you do not have to hit it perfectly.   The are mountains (Greylock is the second highest peak in New England) and there are valleys 4000 feet below..   Vermont is 45 minutes north and Connecticut is 30 minutes south (drives through historic villages and great vistas).    So depending on when you stay here, you can drive up or down, north or south and see the optimum pop of tree colors.

So beginning today….give us a call at 800-203-0656 or e-mail me at stan@hamptonterrace.com.   I will let you know how things look out my window….when I think things will be best….and look up our availability.

P.S.   We were just named by BedandBreakfast.com as "one of the 10 best undiscovered inns in New England for viewing foliage" and we are rated #1 by Trip Advisor in Lenox out of 30+ inns.   We look foward to hearing from you.

 We know that from time to time, everyone needs the perfect place for a meeting, holiday party, family gathering or even a special celebration.  Chances are you’d rather not worry about having it in your home.

We’d like to suggest you consider holding your next gathering at Lenox’s Hampton Terrace, in the grand setting of an original Gilded Age Berkshires cottage. We are debuting our beautifully appointed public spaces, available for the first time, for your private parties, receptions, holiday gatherings, meetings, showers…you name the occasion, and we have the space.

Hampton Terrace, built in 1897, has been one of Lenox’s premier inns since 1937.   Guest experiences here have been so positive, that we are rated #1 on Trip Advisor from over thirty Lenox inns. Combined with  fourteen plush guest rooms, we also can host family celebrations or reunions, business retreats or extended stays for your visiting business associates.  Because we are open year-round and hosting guests, Hampton Terrace is always beautifully decorated for each season. You may use your own caterer, or, we will provide a list. Feel free to contact us for more information on planning your party here by calling us, or sending an e-mail to info@hamptonterrace.com.

For many decades there has been concern that there is not enough music education in the schools.   But one of the by-products of so much classical music in the Berkshires is a plethora of music education opportunities. More on Music in the Berkshires: Classical Beyond Tanglewood, Part 3