Weekender's Guide - Winter in the Berkshires

There's something about a mountain town in the winter. Cozy restaurants, Adirondack chairs around a fire pit at a lodge, family-friendly ski mountains, a classic diner, and decorated Main Streets. Vermont, New York, Maine, and New Hampshire offer some of these quintessential and oh-so-nostalgic mountain towns. They do, however, come with a longer travel time and higher cost.

A solution for the coastal Connecticuters who want a more budget-friendly option that is also a little closer to home? The Berkshires. The Berkshires are a section of Western Massachusetts where the Vermont-based Green Mountains spill into the Bay State.

The largest municipalities associated with the Berkshires cultural region include Pittsfield, North Adams, Great Barrington, Williamstown, Stockbridge, Lee, and Lenox. The highlands of Massachusetts don't boast towering jagged peaks but instead, host smaller peaks ranging from about 700 to 1,200 feet. The area is home to a few different ski resorts, Butternut, Berkshire East and Jiminy Peak being the most well-known. The mountain towns on a small scale which generally means easy access, less crowded, and more affordable options.

Couples trip, girls weekend, solo exploring, a long day trip, or a weekend away with the family. If you want to explore mountain towns in the winter, the Berkshires are a great option.

Puppy Adoption Party - Piper's 2nd birthday

Piper turned two today. Our little baby girl is growing up quickly and we are trying to soak up every minute and celebrate. We decided to celebrate her second birthday at home with two of her friends from daycare and their siblings, whose parents happen to be my good friends. 

We let Ashey plan the theme of a Puppy Party. There were dog houses the kids could decorate with stickers and markers, stuffed animal dogs the kid's could "adopt". The kids could also pick coats and collars for their dogs, and Ashley had adoption certificates printed. 

I decorated a puppy themed funfetti cake and made a balloon arch. It was the perfect little party with close friends, pizza, and cake.  

Chugga Chugga TWO TWO! Whitney's Second Birthday

It's 2024 and I am wrapping up a post on Piper's Second Birthday. Looking back, I found this half finished post on Whitney's Second Birthday and figured a side by side celebration of Two was in order. For the kid's first few birthdays, we found fun theme and celebrated at the house with family and friends. For Whitney's second birthday, we celebrated his love of trains with a Chugga Chugga Two Two train themed birthday party. 

We ordered pizza, had a homemade cake, and the perfect primary colored train theme. It was simple and perfect a cozy Saturday with family at the house and our train loving two year old.