Lodgings welcome families in Berkshires and the Pioneer Valley

It’s hard to imagine a family not falling in love with Jiminy Peak. The mountain resort’s Berkshires setting is spectacular, the adventure parks, skiing and snowboarding superb, and staying in the Country Inn suites or more spacious condominium units is convenient – and just plain fun. The suites include a living room and kitchen, and the inn has an outdoor heated pool, exercise room and heated whirlpools. Need more room? Condo vacation homes have two and three bedrooms, and many have washer/dryers. Lodging is close to the Mountain Adventure Park with its alpine roller coaster, slide, rock-climbing wall and other attractions as well as the Aerial Adventure Park with a self-guided, elevated ropes course. Lots of casual restaurants to choose from, too.

With fun activities and great recreation four seasons of the year, the Berkshire region is a family favorite. And what better way to enjoy it than by staying in a spacious condo at The Ponds at Foxhollow. The 223-acre property is perfect for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. There are canoes and rowboats, a playground and a putting green, indoor and outdoor pools and courts for tennis, basketball and bocce. Do a puzzle in the library or bring a movie back to your condo, with a fireplace, fully furnished kitchen and deck overlooking the pond, Head out for an adventure in the mountains, from alpine skiing in the winter to kayaking in the spring, catching a concert at Tanglewood in the summer or visiting a scenic railway museum in the fall.

Your family will fall in love with the Berkshires in the spring and summer. There is so much to do and see, from whitewater rafting, biking, kayaking and mountain hiking to world-class museums, scenic train rides – even a butterfly garden to explore. Of course, it all begins with the perfect lodging, and this mountain region has plenty to offer. Stay in a full-service resort with activities from tennis to indoor and outdoor pools. Or choose an affordable motel redone in retro style. The area also boasts a great selection of cabins, cottages and campgrounds, as well as spacious vacation rentals for longer stays. Cook in your own kitchen or choose from an assortment of inviting restaurants. There are plenty of pet-friendly options, too, for that four-footed family member. To learn more click our listing link or search “Visit the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts” on Facebook.

Ready to launch a family exploration of the beautiful Berkshires? The Hotel on North, smack dab in the middle of the region (no attraction is more than 40 minutes away), is ready to serve as your headquarters. Impeccable service and spacious rooms, some with kitchenettes and washer/dryers, await you at this welcoming hotel. There’s super-fast wi-fi throughout the hotel, but there’s also a lounge with board games, cards and vintage puzzles for low-tech relaxation. Area activities include ski slopes, the eclectic Berkshire Museum, a classic wooden carousel, mini golf, bowling, shopping, the Norman Rockwell Museum, tons of arts and theater venues, the Hancock Shaker Village and state parks ideal for hiking, biking and picnicking.

The kids will have a great time – and learn a little something about history, too – when you stay at the Deerfield Inn. The 24-room inn dates back to 1884, and you can still see the original hayloft door and horse weathercock. Deerfield Village is a National Historic Landmark, featuring a 1774 Liberty Pole. Children love the Memorial Hall Museum with its local treasures, including the oldest rag doll in America and the world’s largest pumpkin pie pan! Nearby Hancock Shaker Village includes not only the Round Stone Barn, but piglets and other baby farm animals. And the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is a short drive away. Dining at the inn is comfy and casual, and the spacious front porch is a great place to relax.