<p>I’m trying to plan a trip to the Berkshires (Tanglewood, Williamstown, etc.) for later in August, and have already consulted with Trip Advisor and all of the Berkshire, Lenox, Stockbridge, etc. websites, and have not been able to find something with a price that is not completely out of alignment and still have some charm and be available on the dates that I need. I’m only interested in visiting for a few days, but since it’s during Tanglewood season, everything is either sold-out, too expensive or not good quality. Also, if we stay in a town other than Lenox, is it difficult to drive into the town for Tanglewood, etc., or is it usually gridlock in terms of traffic jams, etc.</p>
<p>I have a lot of experience with this.</p>
<p>During Tanglewood season, everything is either sold-out, too expensive, or not good quality. They are not mutually exclusive qualities – some places regularly manage to achieve all three on weekends.</p>
<p>If you stay in a town other than Lenox, it is difficult to drive into the town for Tanglewood, and there is gridlock in terms of traffic jams, etc. But mainly around Tanglewood itself – not so much Lenox center (although it can get bad there, as well as on Route 7). And the worst gridlock is getting out. People arrive for the concerts over such a long period of time that it’s fairly manageable going in until the last half hour or so.</p>
<p>I don’t know what to tell you. I don’t know specific hotels, inns, etc., because I don’t usually use them, except for the cheap low-quality ones and, once upon a time, one of the princely-ransom ones. (Most of the time, I am visiting relatives who can put me up.) I would take what you can get, don’t spend lots of time in your room, and practice patience and Zen attitude for traffic. I don’t think there’s a huge need to stay right in the center of Lenox – it’s cute, but not all that, and Tanglewood is still a drive.</p>
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<p>We drove down from Williamstown to Tanglewood for a concert last summer (about a 40 minute drive). Traffic going and leaving really wasn’t bad at all. Steady traffic leaving Tanglewood into Lenox center (a mile or two), but it was moving along. North from Lenox center, nothing.</p>
<p>JHS,
Thanks for your great advice! I don’t have tickets yet, since I was waiting to see if I could first find lodging. I guess I’ll keep checking and maybe make some calls or even get on a waiting list or two and see what develops. At some point, I might just decide that it’s not worth all of the effort. I really enjoy being my own travel agent, but at some point, it starts to get annoying, and usually if that happens, I’ll just move on to plan b. Of course, as you probably know, in Phila. we have our own outdoor summer concert/orchestra/ballet venue, but I’m assuming that it it’s not the same ambience as Tanglewood.</p>
<p>Maybe I should look into staying north of Lenox, in that case. On the other hand, maybe it doesn’t make too much of a difference. I’m used to sitting in traffic (usually in nyc), although it’s not my favorite activity.</p>
<p>Tanglewood operates on “first car in, first car out” . If you get there quite early, you will be in one of the first lots, and getting out is a breeze. The later you come, the longer the wait to leave. </p>
<p>And actually, the traffic, once you’re out, is never bad at all. There are lots of places to stay, other than in Lenox itself; even more if you go a little west, over the NY boarder (still closer than Williamstown).</p>
<p>Yes, everyone leaves at the same time, but it’s not that bad. The cops really move the traffic along. </p>
<p>Have you checked the b&bs in surrounding towns?</p>
<p>Xposted with AllMusic.</p>
<p>Thanks interesteddad, Allmusic and marite - I am researching the different b&b’s in the neighboring towns - some of them appear to be really nice and others dumps - that’s why I usually read tripadvisor before I book anything. Maybe I’ll luck out and get a last minute cancellation. I guess that I shouldn’t be that concerned about the traffic situation - it doesn’t sound like it’s horrendous - like driving in nyc traffic.</p>
<p>Check out Great Barrington and Pittsfield. Neither is very far. Re: leaving T-Wood…they make all of the lanes heading OUT of town. It is a bit slow until you get out of the center of Lenox. Then it’s not all that bad. It’s no worse (and probably better) than leaving a football game.</p>
<p>thumper1,
I will check out those towns along with Stockbridge.</p>
<p>nyumom, my H and I just returned from Lenox and stayed at the Wheatleigh, which isn’t going to meet your $$ requirement but I will tell you that we had no problem driving in and around Lenox on any of the many days we were there. Wheatleigh is a stone’s throw from Tanglewood and we had to pass by the many parking lots every time we went in and out and that’s the reason for my reply. Have you checked into staying in Williamstown? It’s a lovely town (much more charming than Lenox, in my opinion) and you have the theatre festival there, as you probably know, with wonderful shows this summer. </p>
<p>There is an abundance of hotels, motels, and B&B’s at Williamstown. Last year we stayed at the Orchards which was very nice. The Williams Inn is not bad, and right in town so you can walk everywhere, and the food there is good, particularly in their tavern. We drove back and forth more than once between Williamstown and Lenox and it never took more than 40 minutes - a pretty drive! </p>
<p>If I can help with anything else, feel free to ask!</p>
<p>alwaysamom,
Actually, I was thinking about staying at the Wheatleigh or the Blantyre, but I don’t know if I can justify spending that kind of money - even though I know it would be quite luxurious, I’m sure. I would like to include attending a performance at Williamstown as part of the visit, so I’m also looking into possibly staying at an inn - possibly The Red Lion Inn or the Inn at Stockbridge or a nice b&b, but back to the Wheatleigh or the Blantyre - they both look amazing! It’s very tempting! I’ll also check out your other suggestions as well.</p>
<p>Maybe North Adams is too far, but I’ve always wanted to try staying here:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.porches.com%5B/url%5D”>www.porches.com</a></p>
<p>I just checked The Orchards Hotel website, and it looks very, very nice. I will definitely consider that as a possibility. Thanks again.<br>
fendrock,
Thanks also for your suggestion for North Adams and The Porches. I’ll look into it.</p>
<p>nyumom, In Williamstown I’d highly recommend the Williamstown Bed and Breakfast which is right on campus and within walking distance of everything. Maybe 5 minutes from the performing arts center and same from the Clark.</p>
<p>It’s charming, spotless and offers a very nice breakfast.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.williamstownbandb.com/[/url]”>http://www.williamstownbandb.com/</a></p>
<p>I like Porches a lot, though aside from MassMoCA (which is WONDERFUL) North Adams is on the drab side. </p>
<p>I’ve never driven from Williamstown to Lenox on a performance night, but a regular day it’s an easy drive.</p>
<p>Thanks momrath for the link for the williamstown b&b and again to all of the other posters for your wonderful suggestions - ones that I hadn’t even thought of.</p>