Articles
Travel Time
August 4, 2022
The Berkshires, Massachusetts
The Berkshires
The Berkshire Mountains in Massachusetts is a popular area to visit, with Jiminy Peak Resort the main attraction people go for.
During summer bein hazmanim, Chabad of the Berkshires arranges a daily minyan at Jiminy Peak and sells kosher food as well.
Summer 2022 season (Tuesday, August 9–Sunday, September 4, 2022):
Daily minyan (not including Shabbos) and kosher food sales will take place in Crane Lodge, behind the tickets sales office.
Shacharis 8:30 a.m., Minchah and Maariv b’zman.
Kosher food/pizza will be sold daily 12 p.m.–7 p.m. Check online for the options.
Chabad of the Berkshires is approximately a 22-minute drive from Jiminy Peak.
For additional information, including locations, check the Chabad website: https://www.jewishberkshires.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/1905346/jewish/Jiminy-Peak.htm or call 413-499-9899.
Hancock, Massachusetts
Jiminy Peak Resort Mountain offers many exciting activities for all ages in two sections: Mountain Adventure Park and Aerial Adventure Park.
Mountain Adventure Park is home to the Alpine Super Slide, a large double alpine slide with identical slides side by side. An enjoyable scenic chairlift carries you from the bottom of the mountain to the beginning of the slide.
The Mountain Coaster takes you on thousands of feet of twisting and turning track, rather than slides, through the woods. While on the Mountain Coaster, you can control the speed of your car, which can reach a speed of up to 23 mph. This ride was the first of its kind on the East Coast.
Mountain Adventure Park also hosts the Giant Swing, which accommodates two people on each side. The swing arcs back and forth high in the air. The Soaring Eagle is a super-quick ride that zooms back and forth on a track instead of swinging.
Rock climbing and bungee jumping offer varying levels of challenge; small children can enjoy the climbing course designed especially for them.
Aerial Adventure Park is an amazing aerial forest ropes course. It consists of six elevated courses for different levels of ability. There are over 70 elements of challenge. The ropes course also contains some zip lines, including Leap of Faith for those brave enough to attempt it. The ropes courses vary in both height and level. They include, in addition to the zip lines, rope bridges, ladders, cargo nets, and more.
The scenic chairlift to the summit offers spectacular views of the surrounding areas, including Mount Greylock and the Jericho Valley. There are various hikes at Jiminy Peak for the more adventurous to explore. Jiminy Peak also has excellent overnight accommodations.
Address:
37 Corey Road
Phone number:
413-738-5500
Hours:
Mountain Adventure Park is open June 27, 2022 through September 5, 2022 from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily and September 10, 2022 through mid-October 2022 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. weekends only.
Aerial Adventure Park is open late June through Labor Day from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily and early September through mid-October from 10 a.m.–5:00 p.m. weekends only.
Prices:
Mountain Adventure Park:
54 inches tall and up: $44
38–53 inches tall: $34
Tickets are good for up to 4 hours of fun
Two hours of fun in Aerial Adventure Park:
54 inches tall and up: $44
48–53 inches tall: $34
The All Park Pass gives you access to all the thrills of Mountain Adventure Park in addition to a two-hour session of climbing through the trees in Aerial Adventure Park:
54 inches tall and up: $64
48–53 inches tall: $54
Website:
Approximate Distance from Lakewood: 3 hours, 50 minutes
Mount Greylock
Lanesborough, Massachusetts
At 3,491 feet tall, Mount Greylock is the tallest mountain in Massachusetts and the first wilderness state park in Massachusetts to preserve its natural environment. The road to the summit is open from the end of May to the beginning of November, and there are beautiful viewing stops along the way.
Mount Greylock offers magnificent views of the surrounding cities and fields. On a clear day, you can see as far as 90 miles away. At the top of the mountain, adjacent to the parking lot, is the Veterans War Memorial Tower, which can be climbed for an even clearer view of the surrounding landscape.
Address:
30 Rockwell Road
Lanesborough, Massachusetts 01237
Phone number:
413-499-4262
Hours:
Summer: sunrise to dusk
Memorial Day to Columbus Day: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Price:
$10 parking fee
Website:
https://www.mass.gov/locations/mount-greylock-state-reservation
Approximate distance from Lakewood: 4 hours, 10 minutes
Berkshire Botanical Gardens
Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Berkshire Botanical Gardens, located on 15 acres in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, was established in 1934 and showcases over 3,000 species, focusing especially on plants that flourish well in the Berkshires.
A walk through the garden feels calm and serene; it’s a great place to relax and enjoy nature. When we visited, there was a showcase of rare and expensive collector’s benches in all different shapes and sizes for sale, which added a unique and fun twist to the garden. This year, the garden will have sculpture displays featured throughout the grounds.
Stockbridge, Massachusetts 01262
Phone number:
413-298-3926
Hours:
9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily
Prices:
General admission: $18
Seniors (age 60 and older): $16
Children under 12: free
https://berkshirebotanical.org
Approximate distance from Lakewood: 3 hours, 35 minutes
Dalton, Massachusetts
Wahconah Falls, in the town of Dalton, is a local treasure. I found out about this park and waterfall from some locals. The waterfall is located only three minutes from the parking lot. There are picnic tables and a half-mile loop path near the majestic waterfall. Swimming is not allowed in the pool, but it is a great spot for a picnic or just to relax.
Address:
Off Route 9/8A
Dalton, Massachusetts
Phone number:
413-442-8992
Price:
Free
Website:
http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-west/wahconah-falls-state-park-generic.html
Approximate distance from Lakewood: 4 hours, 20 minutes
Agawam, Massachusetts
Six Flags New England is located about an hour’s drive from the Berkshires. It was opened in the late 1800s, making it the oldest amusement park in the Six Flags chain.
Six Flags New England boasts 10 roller coasters, including the Superman, with its 3D virtual glasses option. This year, Six Flags will be welcoming a new roller coaster, the Joker.
In addition to the many roller coasters, there is a plethora of other rides for all ages as well as the Hurricane Harbor Water Park as well as a separate kiddie park within the main park. Parts of the park are based on a Looney Tunes theme. Looney Tunes characters come at times and make their rounds, posing for pictures with guests.
Address:
Route 159, 1623 Main Street
Agawam, Massachusetts 01001
Phone number:
413-786-9300
Hours:
Check online for current hours: https://www.sixflags.com/newengland/plan-your-visit/park-hours.
Prices:
At the park: $67.99. Online tickets can be as low as $39.99.
Website:
Six Flags New England
Approximate distance from Lakewood: 3 hours, 45 minutes