For sheer variety and richness of choices, the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts and the other states adjoining them are incomparable.

Outdoor recreation, including skiing, boating, hiking, birdwatching ... the list goes on and on ... is finer nowhere else.

And when it comes to cultural events, you can sample the finest of classical music at Tanglewood, be thrilled by performances at the Williamstown Theater Festival or stare in awe at some of the fantastic and thought-provoking work at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art ... or relish Norman Rockwell's work ... just to start with.