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If you've ever tried going on a weekend trip outside of the city during the summer, then you know it can be a major headache: it's nearly impossible to avoid the Friday-through-Sunday traffic both into and out of the city.
Luckily, if you're looking to get to nature without the hassle, a great alternative is just about to make its yearly debut. Following a successful run the past couple of years, Amtrak is bringing back the beloved Berkshire Flyer, a seasonal train that takes New Yorkers straight to the Berkshires, Massachusetts' most stunning natural region filled with hills, lakes and open fields.
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The Berkshire Flyer will depart from Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station every Friday starting June 21 through September 2 and return to New York City on Sundays. The trip takes about four hours in total, including stops at worthwhile destinations like Poughkeepsie and Hudson.
On board, passengers will enjoy free WiFi. They will also be able to bring along two personal items and a couple of carry-on bags each.
The last stop on the train is Pittsfield, Massachusetts, located at the heart of the Berkshires. From there, you can drive to Mount Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts at 3,489 feet above sea level, where you can chill out in a spa. Perhaps, simply stay put in Pittsfield to dive into the town's cultural exploits and farm-to-table culinary scene.
For the first time, the Berkshire Flyer will also include a train that will go from Manhattan to Pittsfield on Sunday mornings, in case you want to spend the entire week there.
Fair warning, though: throughout the past few years, passengers have had to deal with plenty of delays throughout the season.
Recently, though, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healy secured $8 million to funnel into rail improvements, hoping to make the Berkshire Flyer smoother and more efficient, according to The Berkshire Eagle.
More people than ever are expected to embark on the journey this summer, so make sure to get your tickets in advance on Amtrak's website.