Unstoppable Electric Vehicle Road Trip Through Massachusetts’ Berkshires

Introduction to Electric Vehicle Travel

As electric vehicles continue to gain popularity, one enthusiast discovers the beautiful Berkshires, all without needing to stop for gas.

Exploring the Berkshires

My six-year-old son, Remy, sat in the back seat engrossed in his activity, while I felt a rush of nervous energy as we embarked on our first long-distance trip in our electric vehicle, a BMW i3. This journey aimed to minimize our carbon footprint, and I had meticulously planned an EV-friendly route from our residence in Connecticut through the Berkshires, a picturesque region in Massachusetts known for charming towns filled with museums, antique shops, and seasonal farm stands.

Upon arriving at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, which offers on-site EV charging stations, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. While we enjoyed an hour and a half of viewing remarkable art pieces, including Boy and Girl Gazing at Moon, our car’s battery was efficiently charged for only $2.11.

Despite my initial excitement for this electric vehicle adventure, there were certainly moments during our three-day getaway when I experienced “range anxiety,” fearing the battery would run out while searching for charging options. Interestingly, western Massachusetts is poised to become one of the most EV-friendly destinations in the Northeast. Currently, the area boasts more than 50 public charging stations, with further expansions anticipated through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, which is expected to allocate $63.5 million to the state.

Family Adventures in the Berkshires

From the Rockwell Museum, our drive to Tourists in North Adams was straightforward, taking about an hour. A staff member shared that the hotel’s EV charging stations have quickly become a sought-after amenity, as a significant increase in guests arriving in electric vehicles has been noticed since its opening five years ago. I plugged in our car and took Remy to participate in a candle-making workshop, where we crafted balsam-and-cucumber-scented creations as part of the hotel’s Art & Adventure program. The following morning, we enjoyed a stroll through the hotel’s 30-acre nature retreat and interacted with another family at one of the large musical installations, making music together.

We also ventured to MASS MoCA, known as one of the largest art museums across the United States. In the Kidspace, Remy worked with clay, inspired by the exhibits of artist Bruno Miguel. The experience was so delightful that as we unplugged the car in the parking lot, he excitedly suggested, “Let’s come back with Papa and Evie.”

A month later, during winter break, our family returned to the Berkshires. Our first stop was Great Barrington, where we enjoyed lunch at Momma Lo’s Southern Style BBQ, discovered in the Berkshire Black Economic Council’s directory. Using the PlugShare Trip Planner, I had also identified a nearby charging station. Subsequently, we traveled a short distance to Stockbridge, checking in at the historic Red Lion Inn, featuring a heated outdoor pool. We replenished our energy with almond croissants at the Lost Lamb and braved the winter weather for a hike at Laura’s Tower, a popular two-mile trail.

Our next highlight was the EV-friendly Clark Art Institute, where we admired Frederic Remington’s Friends or Foes? (The Scout) and explored the grounds filled with sculptures on the 140-acre property. Our plans for another stop were derailed by an unexpected last-minute cancellation from our Airbnb host. Thankfully, I quickly reached out to Old Inn on the Green, where the chef and owner, Peter Platt, mentioned availability—though there was no on-site EV charging. With enough battery remaining, we seized the opportunity. We arrived just in time for a delectable prix fixe dinner, consisting of saffron risotto, pan-roasted halibut, and sticky toffee pudding, before settling into Room 195 to unwind with a cozy fire and a Gene Wilder movie.

The Future of EV Travel

Our journey home encountered a brief hiccup; it took approximately ten minutes to navigate a tricky charging station in Norfolk, Connecticut. However, this detour turned into a highlight when we discovered a winter carnival happening nearby. Conversations with festival attendees led to several suggestions for future visits, particularly regarding hiking opportunities at Campbell Falls State Park Reserve.

By the time we completed our second trip, my earlier anxieties had completely dissipated. Traveling in an electric vehicle has liberated our family from the routine of frequent gas station stops. Moreover, the pursuit of charging stations has guided us to explore new destinations that we might not have otherwise visited.

This article was originally published in iBestTravel.