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!