The Berkshires or New Hampshire??

[betsyboop]

We've been trying to decide where to go for our 2nd anniversary this October and have narrowed it down to The Berkshires or New Hampshire (Mt Washington Hotel or The Balsams). I've lived in MA my whole life and I have never been to the Berkshires other than just driving through on the highway a couple of times, so that holds some appeal, but I've also always wanted to stay at one of the 2 resorts I mentioned above in NH... Has anyone ever stayed at either of them? Are they very elegant and old fashioned like I'm imagining? Will the fall foliage be totally over up there for the weekend of Oct 14-16?

I've narrowed our Berkshires choices down to Taggart House in Stockbridge, Chambery Inn in Lee, Gateways Inn in Lenox, The Old Inn on the Green in New Marlboro, or The Egremont Inn in Egremont. Any thoughts, comments, experiences, other recommendations??

We want this to be very special and romantic since this will likely be the last anniversary we have before we try for a baby. We had originally planned on staying at the Greenbrier in West Virginia for a week, but due to lack of vacation time and money, we're just doing a weekend more locally. So, any other suggestions would also be appreciated!

[laura]

My ILs stayed at the Mount Washington Hotel for their anniversary a couple of years back. They loved it and they said it was very much like they'd imagined and very romantic and secluded. I've never been myself, but that would probably be my vote. They were upgraded to a tower room (I'm not sure what the official name of it is), and they said it was fabulous, and they've traveled all over.

In fairness, I'm much more partial to NH than I am to western Mass.

[Freckles]

I am a Mass native, and I'm partial to the Berkshires, because they offer something a little different----still New England, but quaint vs rustic. I adore both, but I think the Berkshires will offer something new. :) All your chosen spots are fabulous.

Will you be hiking, shopping, visting lakes, etc?

[Lil' Peach]

I love both areas so either place will be beautiful. I *love* the Egremont Inn (I used to live in Egremont!) and the Berkshires are gorgeous. I'm not much help!

[kiddo]

Western MA native here!

You can't go wrong with either of those choices. However, that weekend is peak foliage, have you checked to see if the hotels are available?

If you want hiking, biking, outdoorsy stuff, go to NH. If you want quaint shops, outlet shopping, antiquing go to the Berkshires.

I have heard that the Mt. Washington Hotel is fabulous.

[betsyboop]

Yah, I know it's peak foliage weekend- that's why we chose it for our wedding 2 years ago:) The above places all had at least one room open as of last night, so I'm hoping by the time we decide that there will be something open.

I'm glad to hear good things about the Egremont Inn since it's the cheapest place on our list!

Has anyone been to The Balsams? I've driven by the Mt Washington Hotel numerous times since my parents had a ski condo in North Conway when I was growing up, so while I know that is very nice (at least on the outside), I don't know much about the Balsams. It's quite a bit farther north, but has the appeal of being somewhere I've never been before. It's also $100 cheaper than the Mt Washington for the whole stay and includes everything- bike/canoe rental, golf, tennis, etc. But since it's so far north, will the foliage be way past peak/not very pretty?

I don't know why this is such a tough decision for us :rolleyes:

[justcbk]

i spend a good deal of time in the berkshires (and got married there) so my admittedly biased suggestion would be to head to the berkshires!

a previous poster was right when they mentioned that available hotel rooms might be hard to come by. i can recommend several other b&bs, hotels, etc in the area if you are having trouble finding a room.

also, if you need restaurant recommendations, info on concerts, performances, etc, let me know and i'll be happy to offer some suggestions.


good luck!

[bookworm]

I haven't spent time in the Berkshires, but I love, love, love the Mt. Washington Hotel. It's so old and gorgeous and...majestic, almost. And they make great bloody marys to sip on the veranda.

My impression is that there is more to do in the Berkshires--more restaurants, music, etc.--than there is up north.