Summer in the Berkshires.........Devine

I thought autumn was my favorite season in the Berkshires but I have now decided it must be summer [of perhaps it is always the current season since we love living here!]. Being out in our gardens every free moment is indeed a treat. Observing all the wonderful seedlings in the garden, which came out of my greenhouse, is sheer joy. The arugula, spinach, chard and radishes we devour each night….delicious.  The tomato plants are in blossom, the green beans seem to be growing before my eyes and the herbs…….yikes! I can hardly use them fast enough in our daily breakfasts but no complaints here. Thinking back to a year ago and reading my gardening journal notes, the basil was only inches tall, the chives miniscule and the parsley puny. Not to mention the fact that with the rain and mosquitoes in June 2009 we could hardly be outdoors any time of day whether we were gardening or simply walking to the compost pile! Even though we are out watering almost every evening, what a relaxing way to end the day.

Successful Culinary Weekend

Our first Berkshire Culinary Weekend at the Federal House was deemed a great success! Our guests enjoyed dining Friday night across the street at Perigee Restaurant, a three hour cooking class Saturday morning back at the restaurant with Chefs Dawn, Jim and Eric, wine tasting at Hilltop Orchards in the afternoon and in the evening dined at the Federal House on the savory recipes they learned to prepare that morning [“sinful” spuds, minted mango martinis, Perigee paella and rose sabayon in chocolate tuile cups with candied strawberries]. What a pleasure it was to host this wonderful event and also be fortunate enough to enjoy the “fruits of their labor”. I immediately declared my favorite the decadent sabayon! We look forward to further Culinary Weekends with Perigee in late autumn.

“Berkshire Living” Photo Shoot

Last Thursday, it was beautifully sunny and balmy outdoors, but in the Federal House we were bundled up for winter….well at least for a few hours!  The talented photographer, Ogden Gigli from the award winning magazine “Berkshire Living”, was here at the Inn shooting pics for the January 2011 issue for an upcoming article on “cozy” places to stay in the Berkshires. [We were very honored to be chosen!] I hid all traces of springtime flowers [yellow tulips in the foyer and the dining room forsythia bouquets] and displayed plates of hot cookies just out of the oven, mugs of steamy coffee and trays of soothing brandy. Ogden was very easy to work with and an added treat was learning several “staging” tricks from him when preparing a room to photograph. Look for his latest cover shot on the March/April Food and Dining issue of “Berkshire Living. Now that’s a burger!

Preserving Naumkeg

I recently read in The Berkshire Eagle that preservation work at what has become my favorite historic home in the area, Naumkeag, has begun. It was bolstered by a grant from the National Park Service and the work includes restoration of art on display, repairs to the exterior garden fences as well as the addition of a new welcome center.

This 46-acre estate, located on Prospect Hill in Stockbridge is a classic example of a Gilded Age resident. It was occupied by two generations of the Choate family, and will reopen May 22 for the summer season. A visit is $10 very well spent and conveniently located only 10 minutes from the Federal House!

Ahhhhh.........spring in the Berkshires

I am very happy to be back blogging after a month’s absence. As some of you are aware, we closed the inn during March and headed south in search of warm temps and lots of sunshine. Feeling rested and rejuvenated, we are thrilled to be back in the gorgeous Berkshires where spring has indeed arrived. 

I took a “walkabout” in our yard yesterday with my gardening journal excited to see so many of the numerous bulbs I planted last fall showing their little faces. The cleaning of the greenhouse is on my “to do” list so I can begin to sow a few early seeds. [Parsley, basil and dill are a top priority as they appear in our signature breakfast frittata.] Since this is my first attempt at this undertaking, and being a former educator, I  have been completing my “homework”! One of the best gardening websites I have found is Margaret Roach’s [www.awaytogarden.com] and when I emailed her asking for planting suggestions, she responded within the hour. So, after my research is complete, the greenhouse is open and aired and the new seeds are sorted, I will slip on my new bright red gardening gloves and get to work! 

Romance in the Berkshires

February has been the month for romance at the inn! We have had numerous guests celebrating anniversaries [the longest being 32 years], two marriage proposals during the Valentine's weekend and a wedding! Numerous guests have also stayed this month just wanting to get away from their busy lives filled with long working hours, children's schedules, etc. Some have come to explore our many [Rockwell, the Clark, Berkshire ] unique museums, stroll charming main street in Great Barrington, ski and snow shoe nearby or to simply sleep in and enjoy a good novel and sip tea all day feeling rested and rejuvenated when they depart. We feel blessed they chose the Federal House where we do everything possible to make their stay relaxed and memorable from candlelight gourmet breakfasts to wine and appetizers in front of a cozy fire in the early evening. Guests always enjoy perusing menus and sharing their dining experiences before they head out to dinner at one of our numerous excellent restaurants in the area with the closest being right across the street [Perigee]!

I have to be honest, prior to moving to the Berkshires almost a year ago, I had not heard of the incredible summer dance festival, Jacob’s Pillow, in nearby Becket. Fortunately, we were able to make the time during our busy summer to attend three performances at the Pillow and what an incredibly amazing landmark!

 Firstly, it is located deep in the woods in a perfect setting. It is an exciting place where people can learn, socialize and participate in dance. One can spend the day, enjoy free talks and performances, observe classes at The School or take a community dance class.

Their mission statement is powerful “To support dance creation, presentation, education, and preservation; and to engage and deepen public appreciation and support for dance.”  We just received their 2010 brochure with everything from ballet from the Republic of Georgia to Jazz Ballet from Canada to the Dance Theater of Harlem so it proves to be a provocative and energizing season! We will definitely be returning and certainly more than three times this season. [An added perk for being a member of the Pillow is to be able to purchase tickets as early as January 29.]