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Berkshires Gets Spooky With Adult Halloween Activities

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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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."
 
More information here
 
The Incredible Naumkeag Pumpkin Show
Naumkeag, Stockbridge
Sept. 27 thru Oct. 27 
 
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.
 
Ticket prices and booking here
 
Haunted Hancock
Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield
Select Dates throughout October
 
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. 
 
More information here

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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.

Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.

We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.

In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.

Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear. 

The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.

"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."

Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.

In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.

The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.

"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.

They are hoping their display carries on the tradition of the Arnold Family Christmas Lights Display that retired in 2022.

The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.

In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.

"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said. 

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