Getaways

The Berkshires, that series of charming southern New England towns threaded by scenic U.S. 7, is the antidote to urban frenzy. : a thriving arts and culture scene, hip restaurants, luxe country inns, world-class antiques shops and some of the most glorious mountain-meadow and babbling-brook scenery this side of heaven. (www.berkshires.org)

SEE: No July evening is complete without a visit to Tanglewood (www.tanglewood.org), the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Take a picnic and enjoy! The area's fabled cultural boom is in full swing in July, with the Berkshire Theatre Festival, The News in Revue satirical troupe, Jacob's Pillow for dance and MASS MoCA (Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art), a vacant factory-turned-arts complex and museum with cutting-edge installations, dance, concerts and films. A literary pilgrimage to Edith Wharton's home, The Mount, is a must.

STAY: The Red Lion Inn (www.redlioninn.com) in Stockbridge is the grande dame of Berkshires hostelries, with a charming pub, elegant dining room and James Beard-honored chef. Berkshire Elegant Country Inns (www.berkshireelegantcountryinns.com) consists of four small, well-appointed and picturesque New England inns in Lee, Lenox and Stockbridge.

DINE: Three buzz-worthy restaurants are redefining the dining scene. Café Latino in the MASS MoCA complex celebrates the warm flavors of Latin America (there's live music, too). Spice in Pittsfield uses local, seasonal ingredients with a contemporary twist. And Lenox's Prime Italian Steakhouse & Bar has sleek modern décor, Italian specialties, steaks and a happening scene.

SHOP: You want antiques? The Berkshires has 'em everywhere, and free maps to shops are available at all. Begin with a visit to Berkshire County Antiques and Art Dealers Association in Sheffield (www.bcaada.com) for a guide to more than 60 area dealers offering a wide variety of periods and styles.

INSIDER'S TIP: Don't forget the great outdoors. Roads to the top of Mount Greylock are temporarily closed for repairs through 2009, but trails are open, and its 70-mile view of five states is worth a trip back. For back-in-time tranquility, go boating on Onota Lake in Pittsfield with the Berkshire Rowing and Sculling Society (www.berkshirerowing.com).