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Happy weekend, Berkshire County! In today’s edition: Wilco Solid Sound lineup, charming small-town list with Clark Art Institute and Tanglewood, a new phishing alert, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Cultural escapes highlighted: Two Berkshire County towns were recognized this month for big charm, with nods to the Clark Art Institute and Tanglewood, as a list highlights 11 small towns across Massachusetts — see the full list.

Local builder charts expansion: Jack Miller Contractors bought a Williamstown building for a new headquarters, adding a home services branch after renovations, completion expected in late 2026 to serve the Berkshires and nearby towns — see what’s planned and when.

Big weekend approaching: Wilco announced daily lineups for Solid Sound at MASS MoCA in North Adams, and single-day passes went on sale Thursday, Feb. 19, giving locals more ways to plan — get ticket and lineup details.

New phishing threat alert: Earlier this month, Pittsfield Police warned residents about fake Punchbowl invitation emails that can install malware. The department shared tips to spot the scam and urged reporting suspicious messages — get tips to avoid phishing.

Slow-smoked sanity saver: Smokey Diva’s turns out tender ribs, brisket, and pulled pork with soulful California roots and a family sauce worthy of its legend. Add collards and mac and cheese, and you’ve got a midweek morale boost that tastes like time off, minus the out-of-office.

Pediatric care rankings revealed: Good news for Berkshire County families. WalletHub named Massachusetts best for children’s health care, with the nation’s lowest uninsured children rate and infant death rate, plus strong preventive care — see how states compare.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Got debt? See if you qualify to pay up to 45% less
• This is the best home warranty (and it’s $150 off right now)
• This free tool makes it easy to find a financial advisor
• Over 62? Learn how to turn home equity into tax-free cash
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• Open a GoldCo account & get up to 10% in free gold/silver

📆 Sneak peek at next week

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🌷 2026 Bulb Show @ Berkshire Botanical Garden | Monday (3/2) at 9:00 AM – Craving spring without committing to mud season? Duck into the Fitzpatrick Conservatory for the free Bulb Show, where tulips, daffodils, and grape hyacinths wake a little more each week, filling it with color and fragrance. Poke the gift shop, brag you found spring first.

🎮 Nintendo Switch Free Play @ Berkshire Athenaeum | Tuesday (3/3) at 3:00 PM – Let the library entertain your teen with open Nintendo Switch play, featuring Smash, Mario Kart, and a little co-op chaos like Overcooked. You can cheer from the stacks, join for bragging rights, or ask the Young Adult Librarian to queue up more games.

🎈 Lenox Stay & Play @ Lenox Community Center | Wednesday (3/4) at 10:00 AM – Wrangle your tiny negotiator to the Lenox Community Center upstairs ballroom for a free, drop-in playgroup. Wednesday mornings, expect free play, table-top tinkering, and circle time, also known as you chatting with grownups while your kid burns energy. Best for toddlers and preschoolers, all welcome.

🩺 Ask a Community Health Worker @ North Adams Public Library | Wednesday (3/4) at 10:00 AM – On the first and third Tuesdays, swing by NAPL’s front parlor to chat with a Community Health Worker from the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, a.k.a. the person who actually knows where to send you for help. Real answers, warm handoffs, fewer bureaucratic headaches.

🍲 Monthly Community Potluck @ WANDER Berkshires | Thursday (3/5) at 4:00 PM – Nothing beats a first-Thursday potluck with the Rainbow Seniors, where the casseroles are confident and the conversation even better. Slip in through the alley to WANDER Berkshires, bring a dish, store-bought counts, then linger for community, laughs, and shameless second helpings.

👪 How to Parent Healthy Kids in the Digital Age: Supporting Connection, Resilience & Critical Thinking @ ’62 Center for Theatre & Dance | Thursday (3/5) at 6:00 PM – Parenting in the digital age got you negotiating screen time like a treaty? Pine Cobble hosts a thoughtful conversation at the ’62 Center, with a presentation, a panel, and space to swap strategies for connection, resilience, and saner tech habits. Bonus points for pre-event survey.

🎨 Marvelous Mosaics @ Lenox Library | Friday (3/6) at 12:00 PM – Got a tween or teen who needs something creative, not on your kitchen table? They’ll build colorful felt-and-fabric mosaics with Second Nature Arts at Lenox Library, snacks included. For ages 10 to 17, think funky flowers, bold patterns, or quirky animals; email [email protected] to register.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Berkshire County report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 44°F – Low: 22°F – Precip: 2%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 44. Southwest wind 3 to 9 mph. Later: A slight chance of snow after 5am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 22. Northwest wind around 3 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

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Tomorrow – High: 31°F – Low: 4°F – Precip: 56%

Snow likely before 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31. Northwest wind 2 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of around one inch possible. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 4. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

Most popular house this week

This preserved 1844 colonial sits on 1.6 private acres in Alford, blending character with updates. The 4-bed, 3.5-bath layout includes a rare first-floor primary suite for easy one-level living. A screened porch overlooks the grounds, and a versatile outbuilding suits studio, workshop, or potting shed. Low taxes and Berkshires beauty pair with quick access to hiking and Great Barrington dining.

Take a peek inside →