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Since we are in the throes of planning the tropical-beach honeymoon, I’ve naturally been thinking about cheaper options. My job takes me all over New England and last week, to Albany, New York. How crazy would it be if we all didn’t go into super-duper-what’s-ten-thousand-more-dollars-in-the-grand-scheme-of-things debt planning the dream beach honeymoon? Thus kicks off my Looney-moon Series: road trips to beautiful places without the expensive plane tickets. Hell, maybe you’ll get a free something or other out of it because the locals are genuinely excited that you chose their place for your honeymoon.
My Aunt Millie and Uncle Lance took me, their daughter, and their grandson on a Labor-Day trip to the Berkshires in 1996 (I think). I remember bits and pieces of the trip, but what stands out the most is: 1) I brought a new school outfit that I wasn’t supposed to wear, hehe; and 2) We went for a hike and stumbled upon the most gorgeous waterfall. Unfortunately, the memories of that trip are just that, and through the years I have gradually forgotten most of it (including where we went), except the waterfall.
Fast forward to last fall and my first trip out to Albany for work: While driving on the Mass Pike, memories began to flood my brain as soon as I saw a sign advertising the Norman Rockwell Museum. We went to Lee, Massachusetts in the Berkshires, a beautiful area with its focus being on nature and history.
You can stay in a gorgeous bed and breakfast…
…go outlet shopping…
…visit the Norman Rockwell Museum…
…hike the Appalachian Trail…
…listen to the Boston Symphony Orchestra…
…and find that damn waterfall! The Berkshires are beautiful year round: green trees in the summer, foliage in the fall, snowy landscapes in the winter, and rebirth in the spring. I think the best part of a honeymoon in the Berkshires, however, is the drive. After Westfield, Massachusetts, there is hardly ever traffic on the Pike, and you can slowly enjoy your mountain views. Plus, it’s only about two and a half hours from SoMA. Me likey that.
Don’t believe how awesome the Berkshires are? Ask Nat Geo.
Growing up 40 minutes from the Berkshires, I never truly realized the beauty till I went with the FI to visit his family there. Great article Zebra! You must go to the Red Lion Inn!
YEEEEEEAH BERKSHIRES!!! Sorry to be so excited but I grew up about 10 mins from the Mass border and we had our Rehearsal Dinner and Day After brunch at Cranwell in the Berkshires…People always look at me funny when I say it’s my favorite place in the whole world but it’s just so frickin pretty!
@VTGirlinMA:Hahaha, I was a waitress at the Red Lion Inn for a few years!!
My cousin’s getting married in the Berkshires at Santarella in 2 weeks!
I’m from Albany!! We used to take day trips to the Berkshires all the time! Wonderful 
I went to school out in Amherst, MA and have never been to the Berkshires. It’s a beautiful area though.
I’m wondering if you’re thinking of Shelburne Falls in the tiny little town of Shelburne, MA? There is a dam there and lots of glacial “potholes” that have gradually worn away at the rocks and formed perfect cylindrical holes throughout the area. It’s really neat. FI and I used to go there in college but recently they shut the whole place down. So if that happens to be the place you remember, you can’t go swimming there anymore. I hope you remember the place you’re looking for - it will be fun to revisit it!
LOVE the berkshires! Williamstown is such a CUTE little place to stop as the college is so great and amazing (some great museums there as well as the MOMA in North Adams is really awesome!!)
If you’re interested in the Upstate New York area - I strongly suggest Geneva New York on the Northern end of Seneca Lake. My FH and I went for a short jaunt there - (he proposed there, too!) and stayed at Belhurst Castle (apparantly it’s voted as one of NY states most romantic places… it sure is incredible for this CT/RI girl). We toured the Wine Trail and spent a wonderful getaway on the Lake. Check it out!
I never realized how many beautiful places are right in NE, until looking at my post college debt and FH’s job as a late entry full time student. Best of Luck!
I learned about the Berkshires during my years as a student in the Northampton/Amherst area. I miss those day trips. Edith Wharton’s estate The Mount was my favorite place to visit. How awesome it would be to have (or attend) a wedding there!
I’m from Albany and Saratoga is beautiful as well!
love this too bad i’m not from anywhere within driving distance of their but it’s always been a dream of mine to drive all around the eastern coast and new england area.
but for ladies in the south believe it or not louisiana has some great things too i think i want to create a page like this for us
I was born and raised in the Berkshires and I take it for granted how much culture and beautiful places there are here. My fiance (he was also born and raised here too!) has travel to 42 states and he said that the Berkshires are the best place in the country!! There are so many great things here that should not be missed.. museums, theater, endless hiking. Cranwell is a beautiful resort ( and spa!). Hope you enjoy the Berkshires! ..It’s a great place
I hear they have a great yoga camp(?) in the Berkshires too.
@sdaisy322: Thats a strong statement from someone who has travelled through most of the U.S! They are really beautiful.
@sboston06: I would only know of the place through sight (unfortunately). In my memory it was a fairly large waterfall, but then again, I was little at the time. Everything seems bigger when you are small. I’m totally checking out that place when I get the change to go again though!
Everyone is gonna hate me but I don’t get New England. I like big cities with lots of sight seeing and I like tropical beaches. Never been to New England, probably never will. But it sure is interesting to read about 
You should try Boston and hop a ferry on over to the Cape when you visit me. The only difference is the palm trees are replaced by pine trees.
I was JUST researching the Berkshires for our 1-yr annoversary trip. Everything is booked! Arg. I don’t know where we’re going to go! I think we’ll end up staying in Warwick! Yuk! Haha.
I live on Berkshire Rd, I guess that’s a sign that we should visit the Berkshires huh?
@ Zebra - there is a great yoga school there. I believe it’s at Jacob’s Pillow. A girl from HS had pictures on Facebook from her time there. It looked unbelieveable.
Need Berkshire suggestions?! I would be more than happy to give you my “local” suggestions
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Mrs. Zebra, Providence, RI Age and Occupation: 24 Marketing/Costume Designer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26 Management/Firefighter Engagement Date: December 12, 2008 Wedding Date: March 2011 Venue: The Providence Biltmore About Me: I'm a small town New England girl with an affinity for procrastination, crossing the proverbial line, and putting her foot in her mouth. I'm a lover of history, all seasons, sewing and Incubus. I design costumes on the side for my old high school's theatre department, which is where I met my sexy man. Our motto for our Big Fat Lebanese/Portuguese/Irish near-300 person wedding is "the more the merrier"! We are marrying in a Catholic ceremony and are hammering out the details of our Victorian-inspired reception.
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