10 Things To Love About West Stockbridge

By Pamela Dreyfus Smith

Even in the dead of winter, there are a surprising number of reasons to explore West Stockbridge. A cross section of interesting artisans, BSO musicians, fine artists, filmmakers, foodies and collectors have gravitated to this part of the Berkshires to live, work and enjoy the lifestyle. These transplants are now many of the café, gallery and shop owners broadening West Stockbridge’s character and charms in all seasons.

1. Lovely Walks: West Stockbridge, which was built on both sides of the Williams River, is a romantic place to stroll. Surrounded by beautiful hills and lakes, you can walk across bridges and through remnants of the old mining companies and mills, then explore the cafes, restaurants, art galleries and shops that sell local goods as well as the exotic.

2. Café Society: In this town coffee is treated like wine and the customers are warmly welcomed. Six Depot Roastery Café is in the old railroad station and Shaker Dam Coffeehouse is next to the river dam. Both offer very different sensibilities in coffee making, design and atmosphere. Shaker Dam, located in a bright yellow Shaker house, serves up coffee from around the world, discovered by co-owner and National Geographic photographer John Stanmeyer. One of the specialties is the Kyoto Cold Brew system, which makes a very low-acid coffee. A contemporary take on the coffee bar, Six Depot offers carefully aged and personally selected international coffee beans that are roasted right on the premises. There’s a bustling community that gravitates to the big open spaces flooded with light and the warmth of loving owners Lisa Landry and Flavio Lichtenthal, who was the chef at Gould Farm in Monterey prior to opening Six Depot. The adjoining gallery space showcases artists, films and live performances. Their affogato (espresso and SoCo Creamery ice cream) is a local favorite.

3. Restaurants and Foodie Shops:Rouge is well known for its authentic fine French food and wine dinners. Around the corner, Truc Orient Express is a favorite for delicious Vietnamese food (open in summer). The aforementioned Six Depot Café serves breakfast and lunch until 4 p.m. Argentinian Chef Flavio often includes specialties from his native country on the menu. West Stockbridge Public Market on Main Street is a country store offering prepared foods, groceries, and local favorites. Queensboro Wine and Spirits carries domestic and imported beer, wine and spirits, with a special interest in rare, handmade wines.

4. Art Galleries: Besides the aforementioned Shaker Dam and Six Depot Galleries, West Stockbridge also is home to Hotchkiss Mobiles, featuring the creations of Joel Hotchkiss, who supplies objects for museum shops, including MOMA and the Guggenheim Museum.

5. Shopping Adventures: The town is home to several alluring and curious shops that will surprise and delight. Charles H. Baldwin & Sons is best known for its famous vanilla extract and collection of fine extracts, specialty products, and historic treasures. Zoftique, a women’s clothing store, offers unique styles and sizes. Equator Antiques and McGrory’s Oriental Rugs offer fascinating collections of textiles, antiques, and handcrafted pieces.

6. Rare and Collectible Books: The Bookloft, currently situated above The Floor Store, is the sister-store to the one in Great Barrington but specializes in rare, collectible and used books.

7. Artisans:Peter Thorne, furnituremaker and one of the founders of The Berkshire Woodmakers Guild, creates beautifully crafted furniture and cabinets. Anderson & Sons Shaker Tree Furniture builds reproduction Shaker furniture and objects. Also of interest are Margie Skaggs Ceramics, Hoffman Pottery, Sarah Thorne Design, and Out of Vietnam.

8. The Farmers’ Market and The Zucchini Festival:The West Stockbridge Farmers Market is held every Thursday from mid-May through the first week in October in Merritt Green opposite the post office. It offers fresh products from local farmers and specialty companies, along with music and activities. The Zucchini Festival, a town tradition in early August, celebrates the community with races, contests, food, and family activities.

9. West Stockbridge Historical Society: The WSHS presents chamber music concerts, history tours, and community programs celebrating the town’s heritage.

10. Trails to Explore: The town is in close proximity to many hiking trails including Flat Brook Wildlife Management Area, Ice Glen, Laura’s Tower, Burbank Trail, Steven’s Glen, Shaker Mountain, Shadowbrook, Goose Pond, October Mountain, Harvey Mountain, and Beebe Hill just over the border in Austerlitz, NY.

Thank you Rural Intelligence for your Amazing Writing.