Fall in the Berkshires, Part 1: Labor Day Weekend

I am here to dispel the misconception that things close down when the Boston Symphony leaves Tanglewood at the end of August.   To the contrary, all of the theater groups continue right through October, the museums don't miss a beat, and in fact, it can be demonstrated that MORE things are happening, as the individual towns attempt to extend the "season" by holding festivals celebrating everything from apples to zuchinis (true!).

So before putting Tanglewood in the rear view window, let's talk about their annual Jazz Festival on Labor Day Weekend.   This year marks a 90th Birthday celebration for Marian McPartland, the ubiquitous host of NPR's Piano Jazz.   For the seventh year, she'll be taping her live show for broadcast.    Also during the weekend, Tanglewood will present jazz luminaries Mark O'Connor, Edmar Castaneda, Joe Locke, Elaine Elias, Nnenna Freelon, Spencer Day, Mulgrew Miller, Donal Fox, Christian Scott (pictured), Dianne Reeves, Eddie Daniels, Jane Monheit, and Terence Blanchard.     For a schedule, and ticket information, TANGLEWOOD JAZZ FESTIVAL.

For something COMPLETELY different, the 3rd Annual Rock, Rattle & Drum Pow Wow will be held at Eastover Resort in Lenox.   Subtitled the "Spirit on the Mountain Music Festival," the weekend includes an authentic American Indian Pow Wow, American Indian Grammy winners Bill Miller and Indigenous, and the 60's icon band, Jefferson Starship.   The setting will also include Native American arts and crafts, food and vendors.   For information, CLICK HERE.

This represents only two suggestions for Labor Day.   There are hundreds of other options, from Shakespeare & Company and Berkshire Theater Festival, to blueberry picking and bar hopping.   As always, as a future guest of Hampton Terrace, we provide a long list of advance information to help you plan you stay.

For the Labor Day weekend, it is still possible to stay at Hampton Terrace Bed and Breakfast in Lenox.   Unlike many of the local Berkshire inns, we only require a two night minimum.   That leaves single Friday and Sunday nights available as well, so if you want to catch the Sunday show, for example, it is possible to stay here.   We are very proud that Hampton Terrace is now ranked #1 in Lenox, based on TripAdvisor unsolicited guest reviews.