Otis

Otis is a town in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, United States. It is part of the Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,634 at the 2020 census. Wikipedia.
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Featured guides

Top places to visit

1

Tolland State Forest

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Woods
Nature & Parks
Forests
Tolland State Forest is a wonderful destination for nature enthusiasts looking to hike or bike through wooded trails, camp in serene surroundings and enjoy swimming in the reservoir while also indulging in trout fishing. The staff is considerate and attentive towards visitors while other campers are friendly too. The area is well maintained, clean and offers tranquility to those who seek it. However, if fishing is your main interest, it might not be ideal as the water can get crowded with inexperienced anglers.
I had the time of my life camping with my friends! I remember camping with my family as a child.. it's simple the high light of my life!
Richard — Google review
Campground is very nice looking: 5 stars The lake is beautiful and water is very clear (you can see the bottom >5 ft deep). Restrooms are pretty clean: 5 stars Personnel are very nice and responsive: 5 stars The forest is pretty clean and not heavily used: 4 stars Restrooms are pretty well maintained: 4 stars Size and location of tent spots: 4 stars Hikes are there, ok for a short stay: 3 stars Fishing: you can catch something unexciting from the shore. Haven't tested boat fishing: 3 stars Access to grocery stores is not ideal: 15 min drive to get to small minimart, quite a bit more driving for larger stores: 3 stars Amenities for kids: beach area (soon to be finished), rocks and sticks: 3 stars Quite and peace: that depends. I am very sensitive to noises from engines, so motorboats and water bikes were way too much for me: 2 stars. If you don't mind that type of noise, then the place is really good. Bears: this item has no stars :) They are around and rummage for food. Use the steel cabinets provided and you'll experience a no-bear stay!
Alessandro Arduini — Google review
My wife and I went there Wednesday July 20, 2022 with our son, daughter-in-law and grandaughter to go swimming. We were told that we could not go to the beach because it was only for campers. We were advised to go to another park about 25 minutes away which would put us farther away than the 30 miles we already traveled. My daughter-in law suggested we rent a camp sight for $17.00 so we could go swimming. Of course, we had to sign up on line because no other way of paying was available and a charge of $4.50 was added to doing so on line. I had my usless senior pass with me.
Chuck Caldes — Google review
The place is beautiful, cozy and quiet but sometimes the people who go to the place are racist and complain about latin people, despite that it is a good place to share with the family.
yeimy trinidad — Google review
For some reason the swimming and picnic area is still closed due to Covid. This has been a great place to bring the family for camping, picnics, and even a quick swim for many years. Having lived in Otis before, I can attest to the friendly and helpful nature of the local residents. The natural beauty of the lake and surrounding forest are perfect examples of the environmental majesty available in the Berkshires.
edward horalek — Google review
The whole experience was amazing. The workers were so kind and caring to my entire family. Other campers were nice people and the area as a whole was really clean and peaceful
Madeline Rivera — Google review
Tolland State Forest is Great. BUT DON'T GO their if you like to fish because there are a lot of people on the water that should not be their.
Ed — Google review
Awesome place to go camping and spend quality time with your family and friends. Great swimming spot and great staff.
Isander Robles — Google review
Love tolland state forsest for camping! It’s awesome at lake Otis. Would recommend to anyone— especially families!
Julia Smith — Google review
2

Otis Ridge

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Ski resort
Otis Ridge, a ski resort located in the Berkshires, is an affordable and accessible destination for anyone looking to learn how to snowboard or ski. Their one-hour lesson package includes equipment rental, beginner pass for tow ropes and TBar trails at a reasonable price of $65 for two people. Additional amenities include helmet rentals and on-site dining options at Grouse House or the lodge.
Been coming here for almost 30 years on and off. Perfect place to learn, teach your friends how to ski/board or enjoy hot lapping. Otis is an absolute gem and as a season pass holder, the best place to decompress after a long day of work. What it lacks in size it makes up for in heart and charm. Long live the ridge.
Tim D — Google review
Skiing here is cool, and the area feels Local and charming. Big ADVICE: Install an EV charger. It can be a slow one. Anyway, people will be skiing, so no need of fast things.
Javier Arturo Rico Aristizábal — Google review
There is no better place in the Berkshires to learn to ski. Affordable, accessible, and fun. This is a great place to spend a weekend. You'll get in so many runs and see your new skier grow with each one. Recommended!
Nicholas Chanese — Google review
1st time for us! Wife and I came with our 2 boys 10 and 12. 2 year sking/ snowboarding. Ive been snowboarding for 20+ years. What a great local spot!! Was surprised how good the conditions where. You can tell the owners for this place take pride in this classic ski spot! Small and Simple but super fun and definitely not boring!! We rode all day . No lines, no over priced snacks, nice employees, .
Matt Saad — Google review
Good place for beginners. Especially if your littles are getting lessons. It's a small mountain but it's really lovely and we had a great time.
Carolyn Delia — Google review
Otis Ridge is a great local ski area, I’ve been skiing here for over 10 years and even though I live in Vermont still make sure to visit every season. Otis has a classic feel to the area, and still has a T-Bar! The trails offer a good mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiing. In addition they have 2 options the Grouse House Restaurant and the cafeteria. I highly recommend visiting, plus it’s very affordable with $20 mid-week skiing.
VT Graphics — Google review
We brought our group (teens ages 12-18) to Otis Ridge yesterday. We had the absolute best time. The skiing was perfect for the new skiers in our group. The advanced skiers had a lot of fun too. The staff was extremely helpful, efficient, and kind. We will definitely be returning to Otis Ridge.
Sarah Foster — Google review
Have been here in the past, but tonight I came again as part of the first ever ladies ski and sip! Otis Ridge is a gem. Always has been and tonight was no exception. Mia is a fantastic instructor and I learned new techniques in a short time ! Wine and apps with new friends afterwards was priceless. Such a great new program. Just love this place!!
Amy Stanis — Google review
Good beginner mountain at otis ridge, nice place for quiet ride looking forward to coming back for 3rd ride here
Rob Smith — Google review
Otis Ridge has been the best place for my kids to learn how to ski. The prices are great, all of the staff are incredibly helpful and friendly. The instructors have been amazing, my kids are learning a lot and really enjoying it.
Rebecca Quinn — Google review
Simply Perfect. Location, conditions, terrain, staff, hours, pricing, everything. Took first timer 8 year old last night, he’s hooked! Skiing under the stars, perfect weather, music, great conditions, unbelievable introduction into the sport. He asked if we could live there on the ride home lol. Thank you Otis Ridge we will see you next year!
Zack Colson — Google review
This place is awesome and has been for decades. One of those places that’s barely changed since you were a kid, but in the best kind of way. It’s not big, but it’s not expensive, it’s not far away, and it’s got plenty of great variety. If you want to get a lot of runs in and not wait in line all day, Otis is the place to be. “CHEAP ‘N STEEP!”
Ian McAlister — Google review
Our family of four decided to try snowboarding. The price was great at $65 for a 1 hour lesson for 2 people, equipment rental or boots and boards and a beginner pass for the tow ropes and TBar trails. It was $12 additional for a helmet, but personally we found it worth the extra. Nice restaurant on site (Grouse House) or grab a quick bit at the lodge. Is it a luxury ski resort, not at all. Did it fit our needs of close to home, reasonably priced, friendly staff and no reservations unless you wanted a specific lesson, absolutely! We plan to return.
Jennifer Pacheco — Google review
3

Otis Reservoir

Mentioned on 
Lake
Nature & Parks
Bodies of Water
Otis Reservoir is a pristine 1,085-acre body of water that offers a variety of recreational activities such as water-skiing and fishing. Its clean waters make it the perfect spot for boating and swimming, with options to explore side paths off the road. While there is no actual beach on the reservoir itself, Big Pond in Otis provides a mini version of it.
The reservoir is so clean and provides the best boating around. I bought a house in otis and love to see the fireworks on July 4 around reservoir too. I loved taking a pontoon boat out there and swimming off boat. There are some side paths off road that could be used to swim off of but no actual beach that I know of. The beach area is at Big Pond also in Otis which is like a mini version of the reservoir. Parking in summer is by sticker for residents but I believe you could walk from a ways down the dirt road if not a resident.
Cheryl Councilman — Google review
Takes your Breath away.. beautiful
Scott Cortis — Google review
Best lake this side of the Mississippi! Pristine water and great breeding bird life in the summer
Alex Burke — Google review
Beautiful place, nice view.
Angel Bautista — Google review
Still a little bit of snow here and there. Water's up but has a way to go. Lots of branches and trees down. Very windy and chilly today. Next week in the 80's! New England weather!
Patricia Hoffman — Google review
Spent the hot August day with my wife and our kayak paddling around Otis. Nothing bad to say. Put in at the Toll and State park main Overflow lot. Use the Yodel app on your phone for fees for parking. $8 for cars of MA residence folks. Good times.
Christopher Croteau — Google review
If there is a way to swim at this lake that does not involve owning or renting a house on the lake, I couldn’t find it. Two locals pointed me towards the dam, where there are signs indicating parking is not allowed and the spot didn’t look super either. If you are looking for a place to swim as a member of the public, I would advise investigating where you headed.
Philip Jacob — Google review
How can you not love lake life?
Louis Keen — Google review
One of the most beautiful places I love coming here!
Yz 1 — Google review
4

Otis Poultry Farm

Mentioned on 
Poultry farm
Shopping
Otis Poultry Farm is a charming country store that offers a variety of goods, from fresh eggs and dairy to pies, cookies, snacks, and candy. Visitors can also find unexpected items like wine, slippers, and car decals. The farm's nostalgic atmosphere makes it a popular stop for families traveling through the area. Customers often reminisce about childhood memories associated with the farm and its delicious peach pie.
It's exactly as I remember it looking like from when I was a little girl. While the shelves aren't completely full, they have the basics. There's pies, cookies, snacks, candy and other odds and ends you might expect at a country store. My family and I always stop here on the way to Chester and pick up a pie and some Gilliam candy sticks.
Jacqueline Unger-Sprague — Google review
3.7 Early July 2023 - Driving by here for years now on our way to upstate NY, we had the time today to drop in and actually buy some eggs. It's a humorous section of Route 8 North as all of the sheds on the farm have funny messages painted on them. There are many things for locals or passersby to buy here from refrigerated dairy to soft drinks, hard alcohol to beer and wine, souvenirs (such as post cards and bumper stickers), chips, newspapers and even shoes! We bought a cherry pie off their bakery rack to bring home. The man checking us out was not too friendly. Maybe he's tired of serving the public or it was just a bad time but we were kind of surprised. Worth the stop if in need for groceries or sundries in this rural area.
Juliana Simone — Google review
A nostalgic general store full of goodies is a fun stop when visiting the Berkshires.
Vicki Zacharewicz — Google review
February 2020 Updated Review: My how things have changed. Sad to see Otis Poultry Farm take such a negative turn. First off the biggest disappointment is they no longer have their amazing chicken pot pies and that’s the reason I have been visiting all my life. I inquired as to the reason and the gentleman behind the counter stated the person who made them retired. I can understand that but it’s still a disappointment. There is an alternative available the, Willow Tree Brand but I can buy those at Walmart and avoid a 90 minute drive. The pot pies are not the only disappointment. In general the whole place appears to be withering and dying. There is simply less of everything. Less food, souvenirs etc. my best guess is the place survives by selling to the locals who need some basic staples and don’t have time to drive to a grocery store. I will admit there was some fresh baked goods that looked and smelled great. In general I left sad and disappointed to see a place that has been an icon in my life for most of my life turn into a place I will not return too unless something changes. I hope the owners find away to revive the place to its former glory and make it sustainable in an online environment because if they can’t I simply can’t imagine how long it can continue in its current condition. Remember “egg eaters make better lovers”
Andrew Schur — Google review
An amazing store and farm. It has a wide variety of all kinds of things, they have the best biscuits ever.
J K — Google review
I haven’t been there in years, but they have the best peach pie I’ve ever had in my entire life. It’s such a cute place to visit in Mass. I need to take a trip back there sometime, and hit the outlets in Lee.
Elena Boanno — Google review
You can find anything in this huge place. We stopped by to get some fresh eggs on the way back home to New York and were able to get apple pie as well. They have everything and I mean everything... from all kind of wine to slippers to fresh dairy to car decals.
Victoria Nudelman — Google review
Old time country store fresh baked goods local made pies jams fresh eggs it's worth the stop closed on Wednesdays
Brett Scott — Google review
How sad is right. Took a ride so looking forward to their pot pies. What a disappointment to see how empty the shelves and freezers were. Found small homemade pot pies along with a factory made pie. But not the same as it used to be. I guess "all good things must come to an end"
Cynthia Wilson — Google review
5

Jacob's Pillow

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Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
For a period of 10 weeks each summer, the town of Becket transforms into a focal point for dance enthusiasts. Jacob's Pillow features two indoor stages as well as an outdoor performance option, along with food and shopping opportunities. The performances range from traditional to cutting-edge and offer something for skeptics to appreciate. There is ample parking available and family-friendly activities offered before many shows.
I have enjoyed many free events here such as community day, free fridays, pillow talks, and pay what you want performances. I’ve also enjoyed the ticketed performances. Blessed to live only 20 minutes away! It’s very inspirational venue for your artistic palate! Parking plentiful and grounds are beautifully maintained.
Cheryl Councilman — Google review
Gorgeous stage overlooking the hills, cream of the crop dancers.... A+ dance venue.
Edson Dias — Google review
Tranquil and inspiring cultural (dance) centre. Giving space and support to a variety of performing dancers. Beautiful nature surrounding the complex of (historical) buildings
Alex van Hout — Google review
I wasn't particularly fond of dance performance, but after seeing a few performances here, I've changed my mind. You can see things ranging from traditional to avant garde here, indoors and out. If you think you are a skeptic regarding these types of performances give it a try at least. Parking is plentiful, the grounds are very nice, and there are family activities before most performances.
Ja Kr — Google review
There’s No doubt that the talent Jacob’s pillow has is exceptional- But the venue itself has MUCH to be desired. The cafe has the most reprehensible food and food choices I’ve ever seen at at a Classy venue such as this. They really need to up their game. Do t come there thinking you can grad a Quick bite - HORRIBLE…
Laurie Alpert — Google review
I was at Jacob's Pillow for the 90th anniversary season, it was my first time there and I was blown away by the performers, excellent program. I would definitely come back with my relatives and friends. I am grateful that this place to exists here in the Berkshires MA.
Jorge Riva Portocarrero — Google review
Jacob's Pillow, where do I even start? What a stunning venue for the dance festival and weddings alike. I photographed a wedding here last Fall and savored every nook and cranny of the property. There are stunning views of the Berkshire mountains and so many types of buildings to use as backdrops for wedding couples. Not only was it a pleasure working with Jacob's Pillow for the wedding, but I delight in taking my family to see performances every summer. The whole environment is extremely special, so much so that it's remarkable qualities radiate out of the landscape and the people alike. I can't wait to go back!
Chelsea Bordonaro — Google review
Went to Community Day with our almost 8 yr old granddaughter. This was her 3rd time going this summer. She liked this the best. Lots of fun things to do including crafts, painting and getting her face painted, 2 donkeys to pet and the highlight, Cooper, the dancing llama.
Patricia Hoffman — Google review
Dutch ballet at Jacobs Pillow yesterday was very impressive. Choreography was impeccable - exceeded all expectations. Jacobs Pillow is one of my favorites in Berkshiers, parking is well organized, ticketing is easy, and the public is welcoming performers, always. One can find something really outstanding each summer there. I think that Jacobs Pillow is a heartbeat of dance in the USA.
Kirill Izotov — Google review
I had a dance residency with Gesel Mason performing her work Yes, And. It was such a wonderful experience and the scenery was beautiful.
Roxanne Young — Google review
Wonderful play house. We attended a Hip Hop Dance event
Thom B. — Google review
Beautiful campus with diverse styles of dance from international companies. Casual pub and fancy dining. Trained staff with archives, history displays, store
Kelly Turney — Google review