Boston, Massachusetts, and Albany, New York, are separated by a scenic 170-mile trek. The journey may take you through Route 20 in western Massachusetts, which is home to an abundance of antique shops. It may also take you on a picturesque drive through the Berkshires where you can get out of the car, go on a nature hike and unpack a picnic lunch in the wilderness.
Located in western Massachusetts, the Berkshires are less than 40 miles east of Albany and about 120 miles west of Boston. The Berkshires are easy to access from Albany off of I-90 East, and once there, travelers may ski, hike, bike, golf, shop and even go whitewater rafting. Enjoy the beauty of the Berkshires without getting out of their cars. Scenic drives through the north, central, south, Mount Greylock and Mohawk Trail areas provide opportunities to witness historical sites like New Ask Fort, which was built as a defense against Native Americans in 1762, and catch glimpses of the Green Mountains in Vermont, Adirondacks and Catskills in New York and Mount Everett in Massachusetts. Lookouts like Stoney Ledge overlook forested canyon streams and provide chances to enjoy fresh air in a peaceful and relaxing setting.
Start in the southern Berkshires where large antique shops are located and work your way north for some antique shopping opportunities. Sheffield, Massachusetts, is home to the Berkshire County Antiques and Art Dealers Association, which is made up of more than 60 area shops. Add a stop at Brimfield, Massachusetts, which three times a year is home to the largest collection of antique fields in America. According to the Brimfield Antiques Show website, nearly half of all the people who travel to Brimfield come from up to 250 miles away to shop at the area's antique shows, and about a quarter of the travelers spend less than $250, making it an affordable and desirable antiquing destination. The Brimfield Show attracts dealers from around the world and and spans about half a mile along Route 20.
Springfield, Massachusetts, is located about halfway between Albany and Boston and is home to a number of interesting attractions. Sports enthusiasts may enjoy a visit to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, which is located in the town where the game of basketball originated in 1891. The Hall offers 40,000 square feet and three levels that feature exhibits dedicated to basketball milestones and accomplishments. Travelers seeking thrills may enjoy a day at Six Flags New England. The park offers live shows, entertainment, a water park and more than 75 rides. The Zoo in Forest Park allows you to observe more than 200 domestic and exotic animals, while the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum lets you connect with the trains of the past on a scenic 20-mile, 2.5-hour excursion between Lenox and Stockbridge.
