The Weekend: Kingston

birds of a heather

Thomson reveals her go-to spots in her beloved Berkshires.

THE WEEKEND My Berkshires

The former RHONY standout stays close to home with this exclusive must-do itinerary. | By Heather Thomson

SATURDAY, 8:15 A.M. Morning Hike, Catamount

Catamount Mountain Resort 78 Catamount Road, Hillsdale, NY

Catamount Mountain Resort is literally where I grew up. From learning to ski here as a child, to teaching as an instructor through college—this is my hometown mountain and where I discovered my true love for the outdoors. And I’m still creating memories here. Catamount is among the best midsized ski areas on the East Coast, with the most varied terrain in southern New England. In the summer I love to hike there and have fun with my family and friends. These are the best days ever!

SATURDAY, 1:05 P.M. Working Lunch, Marjoram + Roux

47 Railroad Street Great Barrington I adore Marjoram + Roux. This restaurant uses all fresh and local ingredients. Marjoram + Roux is amazing for both breakfast and lunch and they have delicious, prepared foods to go—perfect for picnics). My husband, Jonathan, swears they make the best tuna he’s ever had. Espresso or cappuccino? Pastries? Chocolates? Yes, yes, yes, yes and more.

SATURDAY, 3:02 P.M. Pilates, The Pilates Space

30 Elm Court Great Barrington For me, The Pilates Space is a safe sanctuary where I can have judgement-free conversations with my body to cultivate self-awareness and be empowered through the guided, nourishing movements the palate. And, boy, do they ever! Paul focuses his creations on the history, geography and medicinal origins of the botanicals and spirits he works with, and thus creates a theme for each individual potent cocktail. In short, he tells a grand story with every drink. Cheers!

of my instructor, Shannon Vorce. Pilates allows me to hold space, and to feel the di erence as I connect on a deeper plane. It’s meditative and wildly e cient movement with grace.

SATURDAY, 4:45 P.M. Design & Development, Tillett Textiles

1373 Boardman Street She eld Kathleen Tillett and her son Patrick McBride represent four generations of designers, artists, creators and innovators of textile design. The mother-son team showcase a new way of working with and creating hand-printed fabrics. Here, Patrick works on a design pattern for my new home o ce. With sensibility for one-ofa-kind fabrics and design, I’m in the best of hands for something special and unique.

SATURDAY, 5:22 P.M. Happy Hour, MoonCloud

47 Railroad Street Great Barrington The buzzy cocktail lounge MoonCloud is all about experiencing a passionate spirits maestro in a warm, enchanting space. Master mixologist Billy Jack Paul develops seasonality and brilliantly one-of-a-kind avors in his cocktails that are designed to stimulate and seduce

SATURDAY, 7:30 P.M. Sunset with Jesse, Baldwin Hill

Egremont Jesse is my Standard Poodle and Baldwin Hill is a favorite spot in the Berkshires’ South County. While there’s no real area to sit (it’s mostly privately owned), the crossroads at the top is a local meeting spot with stunning views of the Berkshires hills on all sides. There’s simply no better way to watch the day end. Good night, sun.

SATURDAY, 8:15 P.M. Dinner, John Andrews Farmhouse

224 Hillsdale Road Egremont John Andrews, who’s known to locals as J.A., is a farmhouse dining spot that has been a staple for delicious local cuisine in south Berkshire County for more than three decades. Proprietor, chef, forager, Dan Smith—an Iowa native who planted his roots rmly in the Berkshires—is the beloved chef of the casually stylish restaurant. Everything he cooks is drawn from locally procured provisions. Chef Dan is insanely talented and clearly hardworking—all of which you can taste in every unforgettable bite. What a way to end a perfect Berkshires evening.

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