NJphotodoc Loc: Now in the First State

Hi all. Taking a week in mid July in the Berkshires and was looking for ideas as to where I could find some areas up there that lend themselves to some great photos. I like both panoramas and "woodsy" things which, if they have moving water, are even better. My wife is into old buildings and interiors where the operative mantra is" the older, the better" (the location, not her).

As to equipment, I use a D7200 and have wide angle zoom, 18-270 zoom, 50 and 85 mm primes, speedlights and travel monopod all in 1 very heavy backpack that I'm going to thin out for the trip since this is really a vacation and not a workout session.

All suggestions greatly appreciated. As always, thanks in advance

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

will you have a car/truck? check out a website called roadtrippers.com. the site will point out things to do, places to stay, and places to eat along the road. even if you fly there and rent a car you may map out some destinations near where you are staying. have a nice trip.

NJphotodoc Loc: Now in the First State

We'll be driving up from NJ so really just a few hrs trip for us. Thanks for the suggestion

Photocraig

Doc,
You have ahead of you a very photogenic trip. The beauty actually starts at home, in my never ever humble opinion. I lived and traveled the entire Connecticut river Valley from New Haven through the Vermont - New Hampshire border. Don't neglect the scenery in Connecticut from the shore through to the Mass. Mountains. A side trip to Mystic Ct. Seaport is worthwhile.

I suggest considering a return trip out the Mass. Turnpike to Hwy 15 and a visit to Old Sturbridge, MA, a Rockefeller restoration in the style, but not the scale of Old Williamsburg, VA. 15 terminates at I95 in Milford and then on to home. There are really nice Long Island Sounds beaches in Connecticut, with some Lobster "and Sea Food Shacks to be found in Milford, Fairfield, Westport and I'm sure more.

I've been gone too long to cite any specific dining places. But do not miss the seafood on the coast and some great apple and cheese and Pot Roast dishes in the Berkshires. Will the music festival in Tanglewood be happening while you're there??? There are more guidebooks than you can read available in this historic and picturesque area.

My favorite subjects were the churches, old Mansions, flowering trees and gardens. Historic site abound, Much of the early Revolutionary War was fought on this ground. And YES, George Washington along with a whole bunch of our Founding Fathers really did sleep in some of the still standing Inns.

Have a great trip, there is plenty for both of you to photograph.
C

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Instead of going all the way into the Berkshires, for this trip or for another one, you might consider the boat / steam train trip that starts in Essex CT.

NJphotodoc Loc: Now in the First State

Thanks for the ideas. I lived in Storrs. Willimantic, W Hartford and along the shore but never visited the Berkshires (ironic!). I like the idea of following the Mass Pike up to Sturbridge Village but it will ultimately be "the Boss" who makes the final decision.

LarryFitz Loc: Beacon NY

Take palisades parkway to bear mountain bridge, cross the bridge take 9d north. Stop often take pictures. In poughkeepies, walk across the Hudson, continue not on Rt 9 to Massachusetts.

KGOldWolf

Consider Tanglewood, the summer home of the BSO (Boston Symphony Orchestra). It’s a beautiful venue on its own and the music is wonderful in itself.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Lots to see, including the Norman Rockwell Museum.

https://www.nrm.org/

NJphotodoc Loc: Now in the First State

All solid ideas. Thanks!

fishgroder

There is a wildlife preserve off route 7 .It would be on the left as you go from Lenox to Pittsfield.You can also check out Chesterwood

goofybruce

Take NY thruway to Berkshire spur (just south of Albany) (head east) and get off at B3, go north on Route 22 which intersects with Route 20 near the NY-Mass border. Just driving Route 20 will bring you through lots of western Mass. "colonial" towns and into the heart of the Berkshires. Just into Mass. is the Hancock Shaker Museum. A photographer's delight with people working as the Shakers did, a giant round barn, lots of workshops turning out chairs, brooms, etc. Further east is Pittsfield where you can pick up Route 7 which goes north past Mount Greylock (tallest mt. in Mass.) and then, if you want, continue into Bennington, Vt. where there's the Grandma Moses Museum in Old Bennington. Can then go east on Route 9 to Brattleboro then turn south back to Mass.
OR, take Route 7 north and turn onto Route 2 in the village of Williamstown, Mass. Going east takes you over the Mohawk Trail where, if you look closely, you can see the back of your car as you make some of the turns which go up and over the mountains and toward the Connecticut River where you can pick up Route 5 and into Deerfield, or, if in a hurry, Interstate 91 and head south all the way to Connecticut.
There's tons of stuff to see along the way.

Rick from NY Loc: Sarasota FL

Look here

http://www.innisfreegarden.org/

NJphotodoc Loc: Now in the First State

Thanks to all for the great ideas. Putting together a list to go over with my wife. Let you know what she decides I want to do.

zayrey Loc: Michigan

When in the northern part of the Berkshires, I would suggest traveling the Mohawk Trail (Route 2) east from Williamstown, through North Adams to Charlemont and Shelburne Falls where you can see the Bridge of Flowers. As others have said, the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge is worth a visit as is the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown and Tanglewood in Lenox. Take a drive to the summit of Mt. Greylock.