All year long Halloween enthusiasts hide away their pointed hats and pause their D Minor music awaiting their beloved holiday's return. What better way to celebrate its return than by visiting a few of Berkshire County's Halloween activities; here are our must-do Halloween activities in Berkshire County.
13 Nights at Jiminy
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, Hancock
Terror begins Friday, Sept. 27, and runs through Oct. 31
The mountain resort known for its snowy hills and winter recreation is transformed into a fright destination.
Many locals fly to Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort for its "13 Nights Haunted House" to be scared out of their wits.
The resort's grounds and buildings are decorated to instill terror as hidden actors give the willing participants a fright every Friday through Sunday from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. throughout October.
The age recommendation is age 10 and older. Haunted House admission costs $29.
Participants are also welcome to ride through the darkness with the resort's Mountain Coaster for $15 a ride.
The Scream and Scare Package includes one trip through "13 Nights" and two rides on the coaster for $49.
The Christiansen's Tavern will be open to purchase drinks, dinner, or a snack Friday through Sunday from 5 until 10:30 throughout "13 Nights."
Take a breath from fright and relax at Naumkeag for its pumpkin show.
The museum decorates the gardens with more than 1,500 jack-o'-lanterns, hundreds of mums, pumpkins, and countless gourds – most of which were grown at Naumkeag.
Hot cider and fall treats will be available for sale on-site.
Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Ticket time represents your arrival window.
No parking is available onsite with this general admission ticket but designated parking spaces are available on both sides of Town Hall located at 50 Main St., along Main Street, or Elm Street.
The first shuttle will leave downtown Stockbridge at 5 p.m. and run every 5 to 10 minutes through the run of the show, the last shuttle will depart no later than 8 p.m.
Throughout October, Hancock Shaker Village opens its doors at night for a "spine-chilling evening of Shaker ghosts and mystery."
Participants will walk the dark paths of the village and venture into the dimly-lit halls of the Brick Dwelling to hear stories of ghost sightings, and learn about the Shakers' role in the spiritualist movement.
The recommended age for this spooky experience is age 12 and older. Tickets for this 75-minute adventure are limited and can be purchased here.
Ghost Tours with Robert Oakes
Ventfort Hall, Lenox
Select Dates
Ventfort Hall hosts ghost tours with "Ghosts of the Berkshires" author Robert Oakes during which he will lead guests through the rooms and halls of the estate sharing tales of its hauntings.
"Stand in the places where the encounters occurred, listen to the firsthand accounts of those who experienced them, and maybe even experience something unusual yourself. This is not an active investigation," the Ventfort Hall website said.
Admission is $30 and the minimum age to attend is age 12. Reservations are required. To purchase tickets call 413-637-3206.
Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Payment is required to make a reservation for an event. More information here.
Ghost Tours
The Mount, Lenox
Select Dates
The Mount holds untold stories of its former dwellers that will be revealed during tours of Edith Wharton's home.
During the two-hour long ghost tour, participants will be guided by veteran tour guides through the darkened halls of the turn-of-the-century home.
The tour contains adult content that is not appropriate for children under 12. Children under age 12 will not be admitted.
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Wigwam Western Summit Getting Ready to Reopen for Season
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
The Wigwam has offered hospitality to travelers on the Mohawk Trail for nearly a century. Prior owners Lea King and Wayne Gelinas refurbished the dormant cabins and turned the two-story house into a lodge. The Scofields are eyeing some updates of their own.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The new owners of the Wigwam Western Summit are gearing up to open for their first full season.
Kelly and Alan Scofield, who purchased the gift shop and cabins will be opening May 9.
"What we're looking to create here is not just a gift shop for people to come in and get a cup of coffee and a pastry, but we're really looking to create a destination for people to stop," said Kelly Scofield.
"There's so many people that stop in here and say, 'I used to drive here when I was little with my parents or I had my first kiss in the parking lot or something like that so we really want to create memories.'"
The Scofield's bought the business from Lea King and Wayne Gelinas, who invested heavily in renovating and updating the century-old tourist stop during their seven years of ownership. King helped them learn the ropes the first couple months and Scofield says she still reaches out to King for advice and wants to make them proud.
"We actually closed [the sale] the end of Sept. 24, so right in the middle of our busy season here on the Mohawk Trail, we jumped right in, didn't close at all and stayed open through the end of October," Scofield said.
"They live right in the area here and I message her all the time if I have a question. She is a huge supporter and she put a lot of blood, sweat and tears to bring it back."
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In a military career that was built on the foundation of character, integrity, respect and humility, she served from 1979 to 1996. As a cadet at Northeastern University, her ROTC basic training was done at Fort Bragg, N.C.
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