Want a more personalized experience?

Create an account to save your favorite stories, products and access our exclusive content.

Which iconic It-bag matches your personality?

Take the handbag quiz.

Lifestyle

The Berkshires in the Fall: A Chic Guide to Where to Stay, What to Do & What to Wear

Aug 15

I’ve never been to the Berkshires—yet—but fall in this part of the country feels wonderfully familiar to me. Growing up in West Virginia, I know there’s something truly magical about this time of year: the first crisp mornings, cooler temperatures, winding roads framed by brilliant fall color, and those breathtaking views that make you want to pull over and take it all in. It’s the kind of season that invites you to slow down, get outside, and discover the tucked-away places that make a destination feel special. Early October is typically prime leaf-peeping season in the Berkshires, so if fall color is at the top of your list, plan accordingly. This is absolutely when I would go—and when I’m hoping to experience it for myself.

As I’ve been researching the Berkshires for a trip of my own, I’ve already uncovered a few of those hidden gems, along with beautiful places to stay, dine, shop, hike, and unwind. I’m sharing my favorites here, plus curated looks for every part of the itinerary—from leaf peeping and afternoons in town to cozy dinners, spa time, and cocktails by the fire. Think layers, rich autumn color, beautiful textures, and polished pieces that still feel effortless. Consider this my guide to experiencing—and dressing for—a quintessential fall escape to the Berkshires.

Where to Stay

  • Miraval Berkshires (Lenox) — A sprawling 380-acre all-inclusive wellness retreat where historic estate charm meets elevated spa, fitness, and mindfulness experiences.
  • The Old Inn on the Green (New Marlborough) — An intimate 18th-century inn known for candlelit romance, historic character, and an effortlessly editorial atmosphere.
  • Hotel on North (Pittsfield) — A design-forward boutique stay inside a beautifully restored historic building, offering a stylish, urban-inspired alternative to the Berkshires’ country estates.
  • Gedney Farm (New Marlborough) — A serene countryside retreat centered around beautifully restored Norman-style barns, blending rustic character with understated luxury.

The Best Towns for Boutique & Antique Shopping

  • Great Barrington — The main hub. Widely cited as the top antiquing town in the Berkshires, with a walkable Main Street mixing high-end boutiques, galleries, and multi-dealer antique centers alongside great restaurants.
  • Sheffield — The antiquing capital, with close to 20 shops concentrated along Route 7, known especially for museum-quality 18th- and 19th-century American furniture and fine art.
  • Stockbridge — Smaller and quainter, anchored by the Red Lion Inn, with a concentrated cluster of upscale shops right on its historic Main Street.
  • Lenox — Fewer shops than the others, but a curated selection of high-end boutiques worth a stop alongside its cultural attractions.

A day trip along Route 7 from Stockbridge through Great Barrington down to Sheffield is essentially the classic Berkshires shopping crawl — that’s the route most guides build around.

Where to Eat

  • The Old Inn on the Green (New Marlborough) — Romantic, candlelit fine dining in an 18th-century inn, with intimate rooms, fireside ambiance, and an old-world New England feel.
  • Alta Restaurant & Wine Bar (Lenox) — A longtime Lenox favorite with polished seasonal dining, an extensive wine program, and an elegant-but-relaxed atmosphere right in the heart of town.
  • Cello (Lenox) — An intimate, 29-seat, chef-driven restaurant with seasonally inspired cuisine and a menu that evolves frequently, making it ideal for a special dinner.
  • The Elm (Great Barrington) — A lively, sophisticated spot serving a modern take on New England cuisine, from house-made pastas and Neapolitan pizza to fresh seafood and creative cocktails.
  • Bistro Zinc (Lenox) — A stylish modern bistro in downtown Lenox with French influences, classic dishes, cocktails, and a polished atmosphere that works beautifully for date night.
  • Sibaritas (Pittsfield) — A contemporary Italian-fusion restaurant with creative dishes, polished presentation, and an elevated feel that makes it a strong choice for a more dressed-up evening.
  • 1894 at Miraval Berkshires (Lenox) — An elegant farm-to-table dining experience inside the historic Wyndhurst Mansion, pairing seasonal, locally sourced cuisine with refined Gilded Age ambiance for a truly special-occasion dinner.
  • dulu (Lenox) — Tucked inside Doctor Sax House, dulu blends casual elegance with seasonal cooking, cocktails, and a stylish lounge atmosphere that feels equally suited to dinner or a late-night drink.
  • Prairie Whale (Great Barrington) — A relaxed, buzzy farm-to-table favorite centered on locally sourced ingredients, with just enough polish for dinner while still feeling effortlessly casual.