Becket MassachusettsATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Becket, Massachusetts.
1. Jacob's Pillow
INTERNATIONAL DANCE FESTIVAL
Jacob's Pillow is a renowned dance complex nestled in the rural Berkshires of Becket. Founded by modern dance legends Ted Shawn and Ruth St. Denis, it hosts an international dance festival that attracts performers and visitors from around the world. The venue combines artistic excellence with the natural beauty of its surroundings, making it a cultural cornerstone of the region.
2. Dream Away Lodge
HISTORIC MUSIC VENUE
The Dream Away Lodge is a 200-year-old farmhouse that serves as a roadhouse, locally-sourced restaurant, and center for live music on the edge of October Mountain State Forest. Rumored to have been a speakeasy in the 1920s, it continues to host nationally known and emerging folk musicians who often play in exchange for seasonal meals around the fire pit. This unique venue combines history, culinary arts, and music in a labyrinthine setting that has been a cultural institution for decades.
3. Becket Historic Quarry & Forest
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE SITE
The Becket Historic Quarry & Forest preserves the vestiges of an historic granite quarry within hundreds of acres of protected woodland. Visitors can explore rusted industrial remnants that stand as a counterpoint to the natural landscape gradually reclaiming the site. The quarry was saved from reopening in the late 1990s when the Becket Land Trust purchased the property to protect it from development.
4. October Mountain State Forest
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
October Mountain State Forest occupies the western edge of Becket, offering extensive outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, hunting, angling, mountain biking, snowmobiling, and ORV activities throughout its vast acreage. The forest represents one of the region's significant natural resources, providing both wilderness experiences and seasonal recreational activities.
5. Canterbury Farm
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING DESTINATION
Canterbury Farm in Becket is a premier destination for cross-country skiing enthusiasts in the Berkshires. The farm offers well-maintained trails through picturesque settings that showcase the beauty of the region in winter. During other seasons, the property likely serves other recreational purposes while maintaining its rural charm.
6. Becket Arts Center
LOCAL CREATIVE HUB
The Becket Arts Center serves as a gathering place for creative individuals who live and work in the surrounding hills. The center hosts talks, shows, and various events, particularly during the warmer months of the year. It represents the artistic spirit of the community, providing a venue for local expression and cultural exchange.
7. Becket Town Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WATER RECREATION
Becket Town Beach at Center Pond offers guarded swimming, canoe/kayak/SUP opportunities, and beach amenities for locals and visitors. The beach provides access to one of Becket's many lakes, which are known for their solitude and limited development. This recreational area offers a perfect spot for cooling off during warm summer days while enjoying the natural beauty of the Berkshires.
8. Becket Center Town Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION SPACE
Becket Center Town Park offers multiple recreational facilities including a playground, basketball court, and baseball/softball field. The park serves as a community gathering space for local residents and visitors looking for outdoor activities. Its central location makes it easily accessible for families seeking structured recreation options within the town.
9. Appalachian Trail Section
HISTORIC HIKING PATH
Becket hosts a section of the legendary Appalachian Trail, allowing hikers to experience a portion of this historic long-distance footpath. The trail winds through the natural landscapes of the region, offering both challenging terrain and scenic vistas. Hikers can connect to the broader Appalachian Trail system, which extends from Georgia to Maine, making this section a part of an iconic American outdoor experience.
10. Buckley Dunton Lake
SERENE WATER ESCAPE
Buckley Dunton Lake is one of Becket's many bodies of water offering solitude and limited development for outdoor enthusiasts. The lake provides opportunities for paddlers, anglers, and swimmers seeking a peaceful natural setting. Its pristine condition reflects the town's commitment to preserving its natural resources for recreational enjoyment.
11. Greenwater Pond
PRISTINE FISHING SPOT
Greenwater Pond stands out among Becket's water features as a destination for fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers. The pond's limited development preserves its natural character and makes it ideal for quiet contemplation or active water recreation. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of this setting while engaging in activities like angling or simply appreciating the surrounding landscape.
12. Uncle Larry's Tavern
LOCAL DINING ESTABLISHMENT
Uncle Larry's Tavern is one of Becket's notable dining establishments mentioned in tourism resources. The tavern likely offers a casual atmosphere where locals and visitors can enjoy food and drinks in a community setting. Its inclusion in tourism materials suggests it holds significance as a gathering place within the small town's social landscape.
13. Robinson Farm
HISTORIC AGRICULTURAL SITE
Robinson Farm is recognized as one of Becket's attractions worthy of mention in tourism guides. The farm likely preserves aspects of the region's agricultural heritage and may offer seasonal activities or products. Visitors interested in rural life and local history would find this site of interest when exploring the Becket area.
14. Woven Roots Farm
TRADITIONAL HAND-SCALE AGRICULTURE
Woven Roots Farm in nearby Tyringham is a traditional, hand-scale vegetable farm that also operates as a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program and education center. The farm demonstrates sustainable agricultural practices while connecting consumers directly with their food sources. Its educational component helps spread knowledge about traditional farming methods and food systems to the wider community.
15. Great Barrington
SHOPPING AND DINING HUB
Great Barrington, a short drive from Becket, is known in the Berkshires for its concentration of shops and restaurants. The town serves as a commercial and cultural center for the Southern Berkshires region, hosting the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce. Visitors from Becket often travel to Great Barrington for expanded dining, shopping, and entertainment options not available in their smaller town.