We are going to the Berkshires the first week of September. We are staying at the Birchwood Inn in Lenox - anyone ever been there or know of it?? It seems like there is so much to do up there (Tanglewood, Norman Rockwell, MassMOCA, Williamstown, etc.) What are the things we should not miss. Also, what are good places for moderate hiking? Thanks!!

We spent three days in the area last week, and went to 4 concerts at Tanglewood and 3 art museums. The Clark Art Institute is a must; a wonderful collection. We also enjoyed the Williams College Art Museum, smaller, but very interesting. Although I normally like modern art, I was not overly impressed with MassMoCA. Most of it was (to my mind) rather self-indulgent. The kind of art that exists primarily in the artist's mind, and means very little to the viewer without a detailed explanation. I'm glad we went, but it would be lowest on my list if we were short on time.

In September, your performance options will be limited. Tanglewood will be over by then, with the BSO back in Boston. I'm not sure about the theater festivals, I believe they are winding down as well.

Barbara, for your hiking sojourn, take a look at this URL: http://www.gorp.com/gorp/publishers/...n/hik_ber2.htm. You'll find ample descriptions of the many routes in the area, including Mount Greylock and, my personal favorite, Bashbish Falls, which includes a great swimming hole. I sorry, but I don't know the Birchwood Inn.

A number of very kind and savvy people added to my "One Travelers Opinion" pieces on Williamstown and Lenox; together they make a nice starting point on things to do and see in the Berkshires.

While Cheryl is correct that the WTF and Tanglewood seasons will have wound down by Labor Day, several other theatre and music festivals are likely to still be in performance past Labor Day. For example, Shakespeare & Co.'s web site http://www.shakespeare.org/performan...september.html shows a full calendar for September 1 through September 5.

Cheryl has me beat. I was there the same weekend as she, but only managed two concerts at Tanglewood, and one art museum! But I had to visit family too, so that's my excuse

Another nice walk (and I like Bashbish falls), is Bartholomew's Cobble. Its in the southern Mass part of the Berkshires. Its a limestone outcropping that supposedly supports the largest variety of botanical species in Massachusetts. You can take a pretty walk through woods and meadows.

I also really liked the Clark. And in general I've enjoyed Chesterwood. Daniel Chester French, the sculptor who did the Lincoln Memorialstatue, lived there and the house and studio tour are nice. They also have a modern sculpture exhibition which is usually fairly interesting.

A nice restaurant in Lenox is the Church St Cafe. Its small, and I'm not sure they take reservations, but the food is quite good.

Thanks so much for the great replies. Tanglewood has a jazz festival over Labor Day weekend, so we will get to a concert there after all. Can't wait to check out Bishbash Falls!!