Hotel at a Glance: Black Swan Inn

The Berkshires region is home to some of the world’s most beautiful scenery, with rolling farmlands, mountain forests, and charming colonial towns. Set on the shores of Laurel Lake, the Black Swan Inn offers gorgeous views of this bucolic swath of New England. It’s situated right off Route 20, one of the region’s most popular scenic drives.

• Luxuries: Lake-view balconies can be found in selected rooms.
• Fashion-forward shopping is just 3 miles away at Lee Premium Outlets, home to the Banana Republic, Coach, Nike, and other popular retailers.
• Get a dose of culture at the Norman Rockwell Museum or The Clark Art Institute.
• Recent Accolade: TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence

Berkshires, Massachusetts: Historical Highlands Region with Thriving Arts Scene and Outdoor Recreation

The Berkshires, a mountain range in western Massachusetts, has long served as an inspiration and source of solitude for artists and writers, including Herman Melville and Edith Wharton. Residents in the mountain town of Lee carry on that tradition—it has a thriving arts scene, with a number of repertory theaters and world-class museums.

There’s also plenty to keep outdoor enthusiasts busy. In fall, it’s popular to take a leaf-peeping drive through the colorful countryside. Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts, is crisscrossed by 70 miles of hiking and mountain-biking trails. After a heavy snowfall, those same paths open for snowmobiling and backcountry skiing. The Berkshire Botanical Garden, open May through mid-October, has 15 acres of native plants and topiaries.