There are many ways to see the Berkshires [My personal favorite way is hiking. Quinn]. Sightseeing by car, boat, or train are the most common. But floating through the air adds a totally unique perspective.

A couple of years ago, several very special guests and Ellen climbed aboard a hot air balloon from Worthington Ballooning and sailed above Lenox, like floating on a cloud. It was phenomenal to see Lenox from the air and realize that we are really in the mountains! Soaring above local shops, restaurants, and inns was like visiting old friends and seeing them again for the first time. It was especially fun to float over Birchwood Inn and wave to staff! I have always considered Lenox to be beautiful but by balloon Lenox took my breath away!

And now you can fly through the forest canopy from tree to tree while the sounds and sights of nature rush past you! Zoar Outdoor opens in Charlemont in June, the first zip line canopy tour in southern New England. The three-hour long 11 zip line adventure offers an exhilarating trip through the top of a mixed hardwood forest as well as broad views of the Deerfield River valley and its surrounding peaks.

The zip line trend continues to gain in popularity. Berkshire East ski area will open a zip line course this summer. And Catamont Adventure Park in Egremont has opened the country’s largest self-guided rope advenutre course with a handful of zip lines.

If you are tired of same old, same old, take to the air!

Gnocchi with Morels and Snap Peas

We just returned from eating and drinking our way through Napa and Sonoma counties in California! I must tell you that we dined in some of the US’s most incredible restaurants, all of which have cushy carpeting for me to snooze.

The Napa Valley at this time of year is heavenly! The air is infused with roses and rosemary, which are in bloom in profusion.

One of the dining highlights was Martini House in St. Helena, owned by renown chef Todd Humphries. This is where Peter Chenaux will be starting his externship tomorrow, having graduated from the Culinary Institute of America’s Greystone campus. An innovative and tasty culinary experience with excellent and welcoming service.

The ultimate culinary experience had to be at Cyrus in Healdsburg. Everything from service through the eight-course tasting menu was a feast for the eyes and the palate. A sample tasting for you: Thai-Marinated Lobster with Avocado, Mango, and Hearts of Palm; Gnocchi with morels and snap peas; Soft Shell Crab with corn and scallions; Wagyu Beef with burdock and shiso in oxtails umeshu consomme artisanal and farmhouse cheeses; Verjus Sorbet with blood orange riesling soup to cleanse the palate; Strawberry Rhubarb Bread Pudding; and Caramelized Walnut Carrot Cake with yuzu-carrot sorbet. Wait,  there was more! Upon departing, they presented us with a personalized menu and a rich chocolate cake to take home. Each dish was accompanied by Cyrus-chosen international wines.

Memorable feasts!

Stunning Shakespeare. Bold Voices. Fantastic fun. This is what Shakespeare & Company has planned for it’s 2009-2010 line up.

In May, there is a limited run of Shirley Valentine, part of the Diva Series, featuring Shakespeare & Company’s own Tina Packer. (May 27-31). The popular Golda’s Balcony is back, another part of the Diva Series (June 17-Sept. 13).

This season’s play bill includes Hamlet, Othello, Twelfth Night, Romeo and Juliet, and Measure for Measure. The summer schedule also includes Pinter’s Mirror (3 of Pinter’s best one-act plays), The Devil’s Advocate, White People, The Hound of the Baskervilles, and the world premiere of The Actors Rehearse the Story of Charlotte Salomon. And more!

The Hound of the Baskervilles runs through October and November while December features Cindy Bella. The new year features Les Liaisons Dangereuses from Jan. 29-March 21.

Shakespeare & Company is just a mile from Birchwood Inn! [I know because that is one of my favorite walks! Quinn]