Mass Moca in North Adams, Ma
Housed on a restored 19th century factory campus, MASS MoCA is the largest center for contemporary visual and performing arts in the country. Open year round with full schedule of live events, changing exhibitions and Sol LeWitt Wall Drawing Retrospective. North Adams is a historic New England, College town.
Tanglewood
Tanglewood is a huge music venue in the Berkshire Hills of Western Massachusetts. It has been the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra since 1937. It performs classical and pop music (James Taylor, et. al.) all summer. You can visit and walk the grounds most days at no charge and perhaps catch a rehearsal sesson of the BSO in the AM. A must stop when visiting the Berskires. Only a short distance from Garfield House.
Appalachian Trail
Stretching more than 2,190 miles across 14 different states, the Appalachian Trail may be the best long-distance hiking route in the entire world. Each year, three million people trek at least a portion of the trail, with just a fraction of those walking its entire length. Those "thru-hikers" learn a lot during the early days of their journey, and most will tell you there is no way to fully prepare for the challenge of walking the AT end to end other than just doing it. Still, here are some pearls of wisdom that can prepare you for the challenges ahead. There are entrances and exits to the AT from the Lee area or neighboring towns.
Steeple Church
This Federal style building has two stories, an asphalt shingle roof and is intact. It has a three-bay center entrance; six bays deep; wood frame; front gable roof w/dentiled pediment; bell-tower at front of gable peak with a tall, square, balustraded base with large clocks on front and rear sides (clock replaced in 1899). It has Palladian window on left (West) side, topped by an octagonal belfry with Roman-arched vented openings and smaller balustrade and an octagonal cupola with bell-shaped roof and weather vane atop it. It has wood clapboard siding; corner pilasters; 1-bay wide. It is Lee's landmark attractions.
Jacob's Pillow
Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, lauded worldwide as a “hub and mecca of dancing” (TIME Magazine) and “one of America’s most precious cultural assets” (Mikhail Baryshnikov), is home to America’s longest running international dance festival. The Pillow is a designated National Historic Landmark. National Historic Landmarks are nationally significant historic places designated by the Secretary of the Interior because they possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States. You can take a picnic and enjoy the beauty of the mountains surrounding the Pillow and take in a performance or view its museum. The Pillow is about 15 minutes from Lee/Garfield House toward Becket. A must trip if visiting the Berkshires.
The Clark and Norman Rockwell Museum
The Norman Rockwell Museum houses the world’s largest and most significant collection of Rockwell art.
Norman Rockwell Museum presents, preserves and studies the art of illustration and is a world resource for reflection, involvement and discovery inspired by Norman Rockwell and the power of visual images to shape and reflect society. This useum is only a short distance from Garfield. In addition the property at Rockwell is beautiful to walk and enjoyl the outside art and views.
Theater and Arts
Live theaters in the Berkshires is a huge attraction. To mention a few... there is the Shakespeare & Company, Berkshire Theater Group, Mahaiwe Performing Arts and Colonial Theater all within a resonable drive from Garfield Properties.
Golf
Golfing in the Berkshires is second to none. There are numerous golf courses within 20 miles of Lee, . The oldest course in the area is the Stockbridge Golf Club opened in 1895. Although private we have guest privileges at Garfield. The closest course is right here in Lee, a beautiful 9 hole course, Greenock CC with senic views of the town and mountains. Wyndhurst is another just a couple miles up route 20 toward Lenox and is a beautiful 18 hole resort course. Garfield can also provide a set or two if needed at no charge and balls.
.jpg)
Fishing
The fishing community in Massachusetts is a passionate one. Whether you were raised on a lake or you're just casting a line for the first time, there are a few rules and regulations to understand before you hit the water. From fly fishing in the Farmington for trout to snagging the big ones at Pontoosuc/ Onota Lake, Massachusetts will appease all anglers. We at Garfield also provide light fishing gear for the angulars who need a pole.
Boating
Being someone who seeks thrill in boating is always guaranteed of an adventure ahead. Boating as a water-based leisurely activity is found to have a positive impact on the relationships. Those who enjoy boating have certain craftsmanship in them to be always able to spot the best boat and know that it is the going to be significant fun. If you are looking for refreshing breaks to connect and spend quality time with your family, choose a location, plan a trip and go on a boat ride with them. Kayaking is especially popular in the lakes and streams in the Berkshire. Lee has it's Laurel Lake with a boat ramp or near by Stockbridge Bowl also with a boat ramp. At Garfield House we provide both a 1 seat and a 2 seat kayak at no charge for our guests.
Skiing
Skiing is a recreational activity in the Berkshires during the Winter months. There are a number of ski areas making snow that mother nature is sometimes short on. There are areas for all skier types and affordability. These are Butternut Basin ( closest/15 minutes), Otis Ridge, Catamont, Bousquet, Jimmny Peak and Berkshire East. All resorts are within a resonable distance from Garfield House. Great Winter fun!