When considering Lenox or the Berkshires, many people think Tanglewood and the Boston Symphony.   But of equal stature (and actually exceeding Tanglewood in total audience) are the local theater companies, including Shakespeare and Company, Berkshire Theater Festival, Williamstown Theater Festival, Jacob's Pillow (dance), Barrington Stage Company, and many others.   All are kicking off their seasons this week and next.

Shakespeare & Company, founded by Tina Packer, is in its 31st season, and is located just one block from Hampton Terrace Bed and Breakfast.   Their large campus includes multiple theater options, including their main stage, The Founder's Theater.   This year, they are opening with "The Ladies Man," a French farce that we saw last Thursday night.   It was GREAT!   At our Lenox bed and breakfast, we get feedback every morning at breakfast about what our guests did the night before, where they ate, etc.   At least eight of our guests have now seen "The Ladies Man" and agree with us.   It has all the things you would expect from this genre:   double entrendres, mistaken identities and maniacal (and I mean really maniacal) action.   I was exhausted from the energy on stage…no daily gym workouts needed for these actors.   "The Ladies Man" is being performed all summer, alternating with other significant productions including "Othello," "All's Well that Ends Well," "The Goatwoman of Corvis County," "The Canterville Ghost," "Bad Dates," and numerous free presentations on their outdoor stage.   You can see, this industrious group is not limited to Shakespeare.   Importantly, they are opening a new venue, The Elayne Bernstein Stage in August.    So for those of you who are looking to avoid the weekend crowds associated with Tanglewood, consider coming to the Berkshires Sunday to Thursday and entertaining yourselves with these exciting theater options.

And as always, combine at visit to Shakespeare and Company with a fine bed and breakfast experience by staying at Hampton Terrace Bed and Breakfast……located just one block from Shakespeare and Company.   Stay multiple nights mid-week and save up to 30%.

Typically, the weekend including, or preceeding New Year's Eve commands our "in-season" rates of $245 to $345/night. BUT NOT THIS YEAR! All Main House and Carriage House Rooms are $189 (two night minimum) and King Suites are $249! 800-203-0656 www.hamptonterrace.com

Stay 2 nights or more in a fireplace/Jacuzzi room at $189/night and receive a $30 Gift Certificate to the wine shop in town! Full breakfast. 800-203-0656. www.hamptonterrace.com.

We still have plenty of room choices at Hampton Terrace for Sunday-Thursday in October. Stay for $175/night in any room in the Main House or Carriage House….rooms that are normally $245 to $260 night. 800-203-0656, www.hamptonterrace.com

Stay 2 nights this weekend, and THE WINE IS ON US! A $30 Gift Certificate to the local wine/gourmet food shop is included with a 2+ night stay. As of Tuesday am, Main House 1 (queen, fireplace, Jacuzzi), Main House 4 (king with antique claw-foot tub) and Carriage House 3 (queen, fireplace, Jacuzzi). $175/night. Full breakfast. Heated outdoor pool. 800-203-0656. www.hamptonterrace.com

Two rooms left at Hampton Terrace for September 14 and 15. Fireplaces, Jacuzzis, full breakfast buffet. $30 Gift Certificate included to the local wine/gourmet food shop. 800-203-0656. www.hamptonterrace.com

Stay mid-week during "leaf season" at Hampton Terrace and save up to $100/night. Our king suites are marked down from $325 to $225 Sunday through Thursday. Our other rooms are discounted to $175/night from $260 and $245. Are the leaves less brilliant on Wednesday? 800-203-0656

September stands alone, between the summer season, and Fall foliage, as the month we feature the Romantic Weekend Special. Stay two nights and receive a $30 Gift Certificate to the local wine and gourmet food shop in town.