BOSTON, Jan. 10, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Only the bears are hibernating in the Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts, according to travel expert and nationally syndicated radio show host, Stephanie Abrams, who notes, "the hills are alive with the sound of spoons stirring up excitement in Pittsfield at the Crowne Plaza Hotel!" Abrams refers to High Teas planned for January 31st, March 6th and April 3rd aptly named 'Hats, Gloves, High Tea & Thee,' recreating a winter afternoon in the Berkshire's Gilded Age, with music of the era, elegant High Tea service, parlor games, a "Flamboyant Hats" fashion show, and dinner served in an English inn atmosphere. The January 31st High Tea event will benefit the Berkshire Historical Society at Arrowhead, historic home of Herman Melville who is known globally for his novel Moby Dick. The High Tea planned for April 3rd will benefit the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA.
While the term 'High Tea' comes from the height of the table upon which elegant tea service was set, Abrams notes most elegant hotels in Europe serve High Tea in their lobbies. "European restaurants generally close after lunch and don't reopen until dinner time. At 4 pm, the only available place to serve High Tea is in the hotel's lobby. The Berkshire Crowne Plaza Hotel is creating a storybook environment for their High Tea service in an atmosphere that reminds one of an English park with lampposts and park benches and a red British telephone booth. Comfortable conversation areas created from sofas, settees and wing-back chairs round out the decor to create a surrealistic step into this afternoon 'Social.' And, with the Berkshire Historical Society's photos of Pittsfield in the Gilded Age lining the walkways, this event will truly be a 'walk in the park!'"
After socializing, a candlelit dinner will be served in the English inn atmosphere of the hotel's Underground Pub, continuing the elegant experience, according to Austin Snow, the hotel's General Manager. "Our executive chef has created a sumptuous menu using the Gilded Age theme! We're attending to every detail to make this a memorable experience and hope that our guests will return for future High Tea service at the Berkshire Crowne."
"I've picked out my hat and gloves and made my reservations," Abrams notes, advice she advises others to follow since space is limited. "It's going to be a wonderful experience for a great cause and a fabulous value for those attending," she notes. The cost of participating is $49 per person, which includes High Tea, dinner, gratuities, tax, and parking in the hotel's covered garage. A special High Tea Overnight Rate has been established at $62 per person based on double occupancy, plus tax, for those who wish to overnight. For reservations, call 413-499-2000 or visit www.berkshirecrowne.com