The leaves have all fallen, snow is on the ground, and most of the natural habitants are hibernating through the winter season but Berkshire County is still bubbling with activities for all ages. 

 

Here are things to do in the area this season to warm your hearts, minds, and bodies. 

 

 

The 3,489-foot mountain is the highest point in Massachusetts and is full of history and beauty, inspiring renowned authors and artists. 

 

Although the leaves have fallen, the picturesque views are still just as breathtaking as any other season. The mountain becomes a winter wonderland within the Mount Greylock State Reservation. If you can brave the cold, the area is still the perfect place to hike. 

 

The sound of the snow crunching beneath your boots against the quiet atmosphere makes it a wonderful place to recharge and meditate.  

 

Although the roads up the mountain are closed, there are a variety of trails available to climb the summit and see the snow-covered Veterans War Memorial Tower.

 

Throughout the season the Mount Greylock Visitor Center in Lanesborough hosts events and hikes to educate attendees on the mountain's ecosystem and experience the mountain together. 

 

Events include on select days, which can be found on its Facebook page, story times, easy hikes, winter tree identification hikes, the "sound of winter" walks, mindfulness walks, a Winter Wonderland Activity Day on Feb. 18, and many more. 

 

 

Warm up at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art one of the area's most prominent attractions. 

 

The massive museum in North Adams is an excellent place to experience the diverse culture of the area demonstrated by its events, and the many temporary and permanent exhibits. 

 

Noteworthy exhibits includes James Turrell's "Into The Light," Spencer Finch's "Cosmic Latte" and Julianne Swartz's "In Harmonicity, The Tonal Walkway" installation, and many more. Complete list of current exhibitions here.  KidSpace, a free creative laboratory for children, often has artmaking activities and presentations. 

 

The museum will be kicking off its upcoming exhibit "Eluding Capture: Three Artists From Central Asia" on Feb. 3. Using photography, textile, film, and video mediums, artists Saodat Ismailova, Alexander Ugay, and Gulnur Mukazhanova explore the conditions of belonging in Central Asia. More information here. 

 

All good stories must come to an end which happens to be the case for Ej Hill's "Brake Run Helix" exhibit that will conclude on Feb. 11. The exhilarating roller coaster ride in Building 5 quickly rose to popularity among Mass MoCA visitors. 

 

Throughout February and March, there will also be live performances including Johanna Hedva, Ten Transcendental Etudes, and more. Full list of events here. Don't forget the free day on Jan. 27. 

 

The museum has free parking and hosts a cafe, restaurant and brewery on-site, encouraging patrons to take their time to enjoy and experience the artistic atmosphere. Bright Ideas Brewing also hosts events throughout the season from live musical performances to comedy nights. More information here. 

 

 

Not done exploring art, visit the Clark Art Institute, located at 225 South St. in Williamstown. The Clark is one of the few institutions globally that focuses on being both a museum and research center dedicated to increasing the public's understanding of art. Currently on exhibit is "50 Years and Forward: Works on Paper Acquisitions" which offers a sampling of the 6,500 drawings, etchings and photographs in the collections dating from the 15th century.

 

In addition to having a vast collection of art, particularly 19th and 20th-century sculptures and paintings, it also has 140 acres of land that is open to the public and dog-friendly. If you feel like exploring the area as the lawns, meadows, and trails have been transformed into a winter wonderland, this is the destination for you. 

 

More information on the Clark here. 

 

 

The Berkshire Museum, located at 39 South St. in Pittsfield, has an array of exhibits from diverse disciplines including fine art, historical artifacts, and natural science that is sure to warm up your mind. 

 

Although the lakes have frozen over you can still explore the aquatic ecosystem thanks to the museum's aquarium which holds live native and exotic fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects. More information on the museum here. The third and final installment of the museum's 120th anniversary exhibition series, "Painted Pages: Illuminated Manuscripts 13th to 18th Centuries," opens on Feb. 2. 

 

This February, Guinness Book of World Records-holding master bubble wrangler Jeff Boyer will be visiting the museum on select dates. Tickets for his interactive, family-friendly performances range from $5 to $20. 

 

 

Take a look inside the mind of popular artist Norman Rockwell by viewing some of his works at the Norman Rockwell Museum, located at 9 Glendale Road in Stockbridge, and exploring the town of Stockbridge, which influenced his work.  

 

The museum is dedicated to studying the illustrator's work and his contribution to society while reflecting on the power American illustration has on advancing the values of kindness, respect, and social equity.

 

It features 998 original paintings and drawings. The Norman Rockwell Archives has more than 100,000 items, including working photographs, letters, personal calendars, fan mail, and business documents. 

 

Although Rockwell's Stockbridge studio is closed for the season, visitors visiting the town can almost step inside one of his paintings, whether it's the classic Main Street painting or other winter depictions. The original architecture of Main Street and the winter cheer has remained the same, making for a magical experience in the Berkshires. 

 

The museum's "Winter Wonderland” exhibit runs until Feb. 25 and will showcase some of Rockwell's holiday-inspired art. More information here.  Information on other exhibits showcasing works by Rockwell and other artists can be found here. 

 

 

 

Grab a seat at Great Barrington's only major performance space for screenings of classic films and live performances or conversations with writers, dancers, and musicians. 

 

Coming to the theater this February and March include "Year of the Locust" writer Terry Hayes,  Erth's Dinosaur Zoo Live,  Celtic baroque band Makaris, Ballet Hispánico, and more.  

 

Films are shown on select days including "Groundhog Day," "Romeo & Juliet," "When Harry Met Sally" and "Vanya," and screenings from London's National Theatre and the Metropolitan Opera.

 

Full list of events here.