Baseball in the Berkshires

Yesterday was a special day, not for the uniqueness of the date (although it does bring to mind that Stone Brewing (http://www.stonebrew.com/epic/) will be releasing their Vertical Epic 7-7-7 today) but for the fact that this is the only free Saturday that Jenn and I have until after Labor Day. We were looking for something to do as a family, and we came up with an itinerary that had a little for everyone (okay, it wasn’t much for the kids, but a bit of history and art appreciation won’t hurt them).

We started with a trip to the Prime Outlets in Lee. Now, I hate outlets, but if you arrive early enough to beat the crowds there are always a few stores that are worth visiting. I got to take the kids to Pepperidge Farms, Harry & David’s, and KB-Toys. Jacob and I checked out the elevator, and we stayed and had a picnic lunch. The kids pointed out that there was a doggie fountain by the picnic table, and said we should bring Carlos next time. It was a nice start to the day.

Next we went to the Norman Rockwell museum (http://www.nrm.org/) in Stockbridge. I wanted to show the kids the Four Freedoms: freedom from want, freedom of speech, freedom from fear, and freedom of religion. The kids immediately identified Rockwell’s self-portrait and his work Outward Bound. The theme of the day was baseball, and as a special guest they had Carl Beane, the voice of the Red Sox, to speak. He gave some inside stories, talked about Red Sox history, and then showed off his 2004 World Series ring. The ring had his name on the side, and contained 86 stones (corresponding with 86 years of waiting). He then let Jacob wear the ring, although Jenn and I were more excited about it then he was.

Finally we headed up to Pittsfield, the original home of baseball. All you New Yorkers that claim it was Cooperstown and Mr. Doubleday, check the history and don’t be suckered into clever marketing. The first written record of baseball attributes the game to Pittsfield in 1791. That’s not what brought us to Pittsfield though. It was a chance to hit the Pittsfield Brew Works (http://www.pittsfieldbrewworks.com/). The food was excellent (I recommend the nachos and Jenn loved their clam chowder), and the beer was the perfect match. I got a sampler, and particularly enjoyed their Rauchbier and their ESB which they had on cask (remember to ask for cask). We then drove home via Route 20, and went by Lebanon Valley speedway (hear that Pop-pop, we could head off to the races).

We got home and went for a walk with Carlos. It’s going to be a busy summer, but we have to make our moments when we can. - 4227

"Beer is the mother’s milk of American Legion picnics … God, do not take us from our beer." – Senator Thomas Eagleton, D-MO, 1982