Just got back from a much needed vacation. It is great to refuel, recharge, reinvest in oneself. If you haven’t taken time out for you in awhile, please do so. Your mind and psyche will thank you.

My family and I went out to the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts this past week. We had no true agenda other than to get away. We booked some time with our condo deal (drop me a line and I’ll see if I can get you a free — or heavily discounted — visit to one of these great resorts around the country) and flew by the seat of our pants.

Here’s a rough timeline of our ventures:

Friday – left the hussle and bussle after work and started driving. Checked in to Red Roof in Erie, PA for a one night rest period.

Saturday – drove in to Rochester NY for a visit to Strong’s Museum. The kids enjoyed it, but it has nothing on the Children’s Museum in Indianapolis. After the museum we checked in to a really poor quality Quality Inn. What the heck, it was a place to sleep. We went to a movie (Sky High) which we thought to be quite funny.

Sunday – Arrived at the Bentley Brook resort in Hancock MA. Just hung out, kids swam, etc. Nice to relax.

Monday – More of the same. Very nice.

Tuesday – On the road. We crossed through a few very quaint and pleasant small towns on the way to the Yankee Candle museum and anchor store. This is where it all began, I guess. I didn’t know much about this place, or the products, but my wife sure enjoyed this. Truth be known, we all did. They had a great historical reenactment on how candles were made in early America. If you’ve not visited, prepare for a few hours… Following this visit we drove to another small town to visit the Eric Carle museum. Carle is the author of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” My children chastised me tremendously for not knowing who he was, but I did recognize some of his art once we arrived. Interesting museum with galleries, an library archive, and activities for the family. They had a display of Beatrice Potter art, as well. Very interesting.

Wednesday - Theme park time! We spent the entire day at Six Flags New England. I highly recommend the Batman coaster, as well as the older, wooden coaster, Thunderbolt, found near the front entrance. Don’t be fooled by its size or apparent age. This thing rocks! We enjoyed their new spinning coaster, Mr. Six’s Pandemonium, as well. Small, but fun. Now if I could just get that stupid theme song out of my head.

Thursday – We kicked back all morning, but then headed out to Becket for a visit to Jacob’s Pillow. As my daughter is a dancer, and I am a fan of the arts and music, this place became a favorite stopping point during our trip. This unique retreat for dancers has been around since the 1930s. I can say that if I were a dancer (which I obviously am not) I would be in heaven if given the opportunity to study and perform here. The Ted Shawn Theatre is a rustic, wooden building — but is one of the most warm and inviting stages and auditoriums I’ve ever seen. We had the pleasure of watching one of the “Inside Out” performances on the outdoor stage. Imagine watching the dancers with the backdrop of the trees and mountains as they dance. The performance we had the pleasure of seeing was by James Hansen/Assemblage Dance Company. Very modern — and not quite my preferred interest — but entertaining and inspiring nonetheless.

Friday — Up the mountain! We decided to take a drive up to the peak at Mount Greylock. At 3,491 feet, Mount Greylock is the highest peak in Massachusetts. I thought it would be a quick trip up and down, but it turned out to take about three hours! Our favorite stop was at the end of Sperry Road, where you could see several mountain ranges coming together at the bottom. It is called “The Hopper” as it resembles the bottom of a grain hopper. If you are a hiker, there are many, many trails. Some are labeled “easy” and many are labeled “strenuous.” We didn’t have the time (or energy) to hike any, but you should allow at least five hours if you choose to hike. Parts of the Appalachian National Trail weave in and out of this mountain range.

We had hoped to visit Tanglewood today, as well, but by the time the evening prelude concerts started we were exhausted from the mountain adventure. I will definitely get to Tanglewood next visit, though. To see the Boston Symphony at the their summer home would be a true pleasure.

Saturday – Hancock Shaker Museum. If you’ve not had the chance, go there. Inspiring and mentally relaxing. Simple times, simple people. If you are a history buff, this place will keep you entertained for hours. I believe that it was out of the realm of belief for my kids, though. They are such city kids.

Sunday – Drove straight through for home. I could use another few weeks of vacation. I’m certainly not ready to go back to the day gig.

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