Travel to Tanglewood: True Treasure in the Berkshires Region of Massachusetts

The Berkshires region, in western Massachusetts, offers a spectacular array of activities for those looking for an inexpensive yet culturally rich vacation. Nestled just two and a half hours from both Boston and New York City, this area overflows with history, culture, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. While there are dozens of places to visit, one "must see" spot is the famous Tanglewood Music Center, located in Lenox Massachusetts.

Tanglewood's history began in 1937, when the Tappan family estate was given to the Trustees of the Symphony Orchestra, then conducted by Serge Koussevitzky, for the purpose of holding an outdoor music festival, held that year under a tent. During the concert, the festival's founders collected money for the creation of a permanent music pavilion, which was built in August of 1938 (now known by regular visitors as "the shed"). In 1940, the Tanglewood Music Center began regular festival performances, and Tanglewood has grown steadily in the ensuing years. More structures have been built, including an additional music hall, rehearsal and classroom space, a visitor's center, dining areas, and restrooms. The concert season begins in June, with Friday evening, Saturday afternoon and evening, and Sunday afternoon performances each weekend, and the season ends with the Labor Day weekend. More than 350,000 people visit Tanglewood every summer to hear the wide variety of music performances offered.

The Tanglewood season typically includes a visit from radio legend Garrison Keillor, who performs his Prairie Home Companion show live from Tanglewood. James Taylor often performs twice during summer season at Tanglewood, and other music legends have appeared in various years. The Fourth of July consistently brings in popular and tremendously talented musicians, and the fireworks display that evening rivals displays in major cities. The Boston Symphony Orchestra takes up summer residence at Tanglewood in early July, conducted by the legendary James Levine. Classical music reigns throughout July and August, although Tanglewood does host several music festivals, including the Festival of Contemporary Music, during the mid-summer season. With Labor Day comes the season finale, with the ever-popular Jazz Festival, a consistently spectacular program, with a variety of talented artists performing each year. Truly a place that stands alone, Tanglewood offers something for every conceivable music lover.

Unlike many music venues, Tanglewood is a family friendly facility. Indoor seating in the "shed" is available for those without small children (tickets range in price from approximately $16-$100, depending on the show and section), and those with families (and anyone who loves a picnic) can sit outside on the impeccably landscaped lawn (tickets range from under $10 to as much as $20, depending on the performance, with children under 12 admitted free). Here, on the lawn, literally hundreds of people set up mini-camps. Wheelbarrows loaded with coolers and blankets bring in gourmet picnics of hummus, crackers, olives, crusty rolls, pasta and potato salads, beer, and wine. Families set up portable tables and chairs around giant tarps. Candles light the night and people enjoy the fresh air and incredible music. On the back half of the lawn, children run and play, throwing Frisbees and climbing trees, or wander through the maze of grapevines along the rear of the lawn. Those who choose not to tote in their own food and wine sit in the dining areas, enjoying burgers and fries, pizza, sandwiches and snacks, beer, wine, ice cream. As the night wears on, people nestle into sleeping bags and watch the stars emerge as the sun sets. Children drift off to sleep, and the entire audience seems to fall into a trance as the music drifts through the night air.

At the concert's end, people pack their belongings and head off to their chosen accommodations. There are dozens of B&B's to choose from within a 30-minute radius of Lenox. Stonover Farm Bed and Breakfast, within walking distance of Tanglewood, is a popular choice for repeat visitors, with both suites and a cottage available. The full breakfast and wine and cheese presentations make for an ideal romantic setting (www.stonoverfarm.com). In addition to the bed and breakfast or hotel lodging options, there are dozens of campgrounds in the area. Laurel Ridge Camping Area (www.laurelridgecampingarea.org) is a popular spot for families with children. It boasts a large, in-ground swimming pool, activity area with arcade games, pool table, and book lending library, frequent children's activities, a large playground, basketball court and volleyball net, and an impressive number of both tent and RV sites to choose from. Whatever your needs, you can find the perfect place to stay by visiting www.berkshires.org, a comprehensive guide to accommodations and activities in the area.

The Tanglewood experience is truly one of a kind, and offers a perfect summer mini-vacation for all visitors, be it the couple looking for a romantic getaway, or a family looking for an inexpensive, memorable and culturally rich experience. As you plan your summer in New England, add an afternoon or evening at Tanglewood, in Lenox, Massachusetts, to your itinerary. Once you've experienced all Tanglewood has to offer, you are certain to make it a regular part of your summer travel plans.