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Book Cover |
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Excerpt |
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What's
Where
The Berkshires
Occupying the rugged and
mountainous western reaches of Massachusetts, Berkshire County extends
north to south from the Vermont to the Connecticut borders; it also
forms the state's western border with New York state. Although it's one
of the state's largest counties in area, at 946 square mi, Berkshire
County is home to only about 133,000 of Massachusetts' 6.4 million
residents. More than 25% of the country's land is protected and cannot
be developed, which helps account for the Berkshires' tremendous appeal
among outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. At the same time, it's one
of the most sophisticated--even swanky--destinations in all of New
England, abundant with antiques shops, art galleries, high-end country
inns, fine restaurants, and respected performing arts venues. The wealth
of natural and cultural resources extends throughout the Berkshires,
although the county's northern, central, and southern sections each have
distinct personalities and ardent fans.
The Pioneer Valley
Less remote and more
densely populated than the Berkshires, the Pioneer Valley offers
tremendous variety as it extends southward from the Vermont to the
Connecticut borders. At the northern end, the peaceful and hilly towns
of Northfield, Greenfield, Deerfield, and Ashfield chug along at an easy
pace, refreshingly free of major development and bearing a certain
resemblance to the Berkshires, albeit with fewer shops, restaurants, and
inns. This is an easygoing, unpretentious section of the Pioneer Valley
that's best-known for its superb opportunities for outdoors adventures.
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Synopsis |
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The Berkshires & Pioneer
Valley contains
information on where to visit, dine, and sleep while on vacation in this
land of natural beauty. The book is divided up
into four chapters:
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South County
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Central County
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North County
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The Pioneer Valley
Each
chapter is then broken up into smaller sections. There are also sections
that contain an Index, a location of all the Maps, and CloseUps of special places
you will not want to miss. In the front of
the book is a two-page section on About This Book in which is tells you
how to use the book effectively. This is followed with helpful short
sections sections entitled: On the Road with Fador's, What's Where,
Great Itineraries, Where to Go, On the Calendar, Pleasure & Pastimes,
Fodor's Choice, and Smart Travel Tips.
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Review |
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The Berkshires & Pioneer
Valley is full of enough information to
help you plan the perfect vacation. The land sounds
beautiful and, being an outdoor enthusiast myself, this place seems like
a wonderful place to visit, with lakes, rivers, and hills that you can
spent time on. And what really appeals to me is that it rarely gets
above 80 degrees, so you are never melting in the sun while trying to
have fun.
So, if you are planning a trip to the Berkshire or Pioneer
Valley, don't forget to pick up a copy of Fodor's
The Berkshires & Pioneer Valley. It
will definitely help make your trip one to remember. |
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