This Massachusetts Town Is A Riverside New England Escape With Scenic Trails And A Thriving Main Street

When planning a potential trip through Massachusetts, it's always important to remember that there's an entire state outside Beantown. Having an authentic Bay State adventure means escaping those Boston crowds and visiting charming, underrated cities. While there are many quaint New England towns brimming with charm and history to explore, one you should check out is Great Barrington, a small town of 7,000 people around two hours from Boston and Worcester.

Great Barrington makes quite a name for itself during the winter months, as it's home to the highly-lauded Ski Butternut resort, which offers guests the chance to really soak in the unreal beauty of the Berkshires (highlands that'll make you think you're in Narnia). The resort is also novice-friendly, so don't think you have to be Mikaela Shiffrin to enjoy the snowy slopes.

Beyond skiing, Great Barrington is simply a charming place that boasts a thriving Main Street surrounded by gorgeous greenery, with the great Housatonic River running through town. So, next time you're trekking through the Bay State, make sure Great Barrington is one of the towns you check out, especially if you're a film lover.

For staunch movie buffs, Great Barrington is a paradise, as it hosts the highly renowned Berkshire International Film Festival every year. The four-day event features and celebrates indie filmmakers and big-time actors alike. With the highly-rated Triplex Cinema and the iconic Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center serving as artistic town staples, Great Barrington is simply a wonderful place to be for anyone interested in absorbing music, film, theater, and dance.

If cinema and concerts aren't your thing, simply enjoy a nice stroll down Great Barrington's incredible Main Street. From chill coffee shops and diners to local boutique shops and clothing stores, the street is lined with pure variety. Cheese lovers will enjoy Rubiner's Cheesemongers. Want to stuff your face with a hearty breakfast before hitting the road? Stop by GB Eats. Just don't forget to pick up a souvenir or gift at stores like T.P. Saddleblanket and Trading or Tom's Toys.

Besides being a great place to shop and chow down, Main Street can also serve as a terrific starting point to explore the town's surrounding scenic beauty, as Great Barrington offers nature lovers much more than just skiing.

A visit to Great Barrington can be a dream for outdoor enthusiasts. The town is surrounded by unworldly emerald beauty that'll have you thinking you're riding in the company of Gandalf and Aragorn. From simple and casual walks, like the Housatonic Flats Trail, to the more challenging paths around Monument Mountain, such as the widely praised Hickey, Peeskawso, and Mohican Monument Loop, the trails around Great Barrington can be great fun for hikers of all levels.

Whether you're a city slicker looking for a calm weekend escape or an avid adventurer trying to explore as many dreamy New England towns as possible, Great Barrington makes for a good time. For those not wanting to rush a stay, there are hotel options in and around town. Some of the higher-end choices can run up to $200 or $300 a night, while the much more affordable (and highly-rated) Monument Mountain Motel starts at around $80.

Looking for more ideas for your next great New England adventure? Be sure to check out the pristine coastal park that boasts some of Massachusetts' most breathtaking views.