Friday, November 20, 2015

TASTES & TRAVELS : BUMMIN' AROUND THE BERKSHIRES

Artwork on Church Street in Lenox, MA

Feeling inclined to fill up on the flavors of Fall and frolic in freshly fallen foliage, my honey and I head for the hills last weekend. Seizing a rare opportunity to venture beyond City borders, the Berkshires become a welcome wonderland after a weary work week. Brunch foods, bargains and beverages bring us to farmsteads and Main Streets in search of epicurean excellence. Looping through the circuit of Western New England, our search for fantastic food and drink continues; keep reading to see our weekend's favorites... 

No. 6 Depot and Roastery (photo from 2014)

Stopping for steamy sips at No. 6 Depot and Roastery is often the first leg in our perennial pilgrimage. Having discovered this quaint coffee cabin a couple years back, we now make the trek annually. The rustic comfort of Six Depot's interior complement the farm-inspired fare and brewed beverages. Favorites include a seasonal vegetarian panino paired with an orange + olive oil muffin. Wash it all down with an affogato! The large room / gallery space often doubles as a special events venue. Stay tuned here for weekly events!

Perfect execution of my favorite beverage-- the Affogato with a slice of dark bark

Additional Seating in adjacent room doubles as a gallery/special events space


Furnace Brook Winery and Hilltop Orchards

Apple Cider, Crisp Apples and Apple Cider Donuts complete a circuit of fruit-infused fun! We visit 5 farms, tasting the fall fare featured in each. Of the options, we both agree that the Furnace Brook Winery (a.k.a Hilltop Orchards) peddle the tastiest donuts (and at 75 cents a pop--the most affordable!) and worthy wine. 1 complimentary tasting is available, with 5 additional samplings for $5. We wander away with a couple bottles of red and white... and spiked cider for Thanksgiving. Our exploratory experience also includes Harvest Spirits Farm Distillery and Brookview Station Winery.

ör coffee bar in Hudson, NY

Looking for Lick in the Hudson Valley, we instead stumble on coffee bar ör. The space is reminiscent of Brooklyn, NYC. Inside, the spacious interior is ideal for performances or relaxing with a cup of coffee, carafe of wine or poured pint. A designer cuts strips for a leather bag while guests guzzle brothy beverages. A second room serves as a gallery space and retail outlet. 

The space includes an 'artist in residence' with an adjoining shop

Harney & Sons in Millerton, NY

On the way back downstate, we stop by Harney and Sons to stock up on tea. In addition to the fresh food (the scones and tea cheese are highly recommended... along with everything else on the menu!), taste tea to your heart's content (for free!) in the tasting room. A second Harney location opened in Soho a few years back, but alas, the original is undoubtedly worth the travel!

Seasonal fare includes butternut squash lasagna... Mmm!

The Tea Tasting Room 

Irving Farm Roasters

Though the numbers "44" hang on the door (Asian superstition), Irving Roasters serves up "the best cup in town" (coffee that is). Grabbing a cup to go, we venture a block down from Harney & Sons. A local Main Street Staple, brewed beverages are served with a friendly feel. Stop by if you're in town! Until the next adventure...  

Inside Irving Farm Roasters

No comments:

Post a Comment

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...