We took a drive to the summit of Mount Greylock in northwestern Massachusetts. At 3,489 feet, it’s the tallest peak in the state. The veterans war memorial tower on the summit is 93 feet tall, and cost $200,000 to build in 1932. Its lighthouse beam can be seen for over 70 miles. You can also stay overnight in the surprisingly affordable Bascom Lodge, which is located just below the summit. Unfortunately, we didn’t know about the lodge until we got there, and it was booked full … maybe next time!
** Nerd Alert **
Mount Greylock is also the location of Ilvermorny, the North American school of witchcraft and wizardry, according to J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter saga. We didn’t see a school, or any wizards while we were there, but there was definitely a magical buzz in the air. We took a short hike along the Appalachian Trail, which meanders along the flank of Mount Greylock, in alternating rain, sunshine and some majestically ominous thunder.
