Have you ever heard of an alternative currency in the USA? I hadn't until recently, when my friend sent me a video called "A Very Thin Line" by Topic that introduced me to the BerkShares. Intrigued, we decided to spend our three-day weekend exploring the Berkshires to learn more.
To get started, we went to one of the four banks in the Berkshires that exchange USD for BerkShares. I wanted to keep one of each bill as a souvenir and get some spending money, so I exchanged $200. The process was surprisingly simple and exciting. I was overly excited to be experiencing this surprising simple life event.
The BerkShares bills are colorful and unique, featuring local landmarks and historical figures. I was glad to have a tangible reminder of our exerience.
We used the official BerkShares website to find establishments that accept this alternative currency, and it was easy to find places to use them. Our first stop was Main Street Cafe for a snack and coffee. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and the food and beverage were delicious.
Along the way, we saw businesses with stickers on their doors indicating that they accepted BerkShares, so we stopped in to check them out. We visited shops selling pottery, candles, jewelry, and other items that showcased the creativity and talent of local artisans. Although not all shops accept BerkShares, they are still worth visiting. For example, the staff at Griffin made us feel like a million BerkShares (bad dad pun intended).
On the last day of our trip, we were excited to spend the rest of our BerkShares. We went to the Great Barrington Bagel Company, which had been highly recommended by a friend. When we asked if they accepted BerkShares, the owner, Bob Climo, was thrilled to talk with us about the currency and our experience so far. As it turned out, he was also a member of the Board of Directors of BerkShares Inc. We wished we could have talked more, but the restaurant was busy. It was heartwarming to see the passion and enthusiasm that the locals had for this currency and the community it represented.
Our experience with BerkShares was amazing, and the people of Great Barrington and surrounding towns were lovely. We were impressed by the sense of community pride and support for local businesses that BerkShares fostered. It was refreshing to see that there are still places where people value small-scale, locally-based economies over big-box stores and chain restaurants. We plan to return this summer to explore more of the area's hikes, waterfalls, music festivals, and other adventures. If you're looking for a unique and memorable experience, consider checking out BerkShares.
BerkShares are a local currency that was introduced in the Berkshires region of Massachusetts in 2006. They are printed on paper and can be used like cash at participating businesses in the area. BerkShares are not meant to replace US dollars, but rather to complement them by promoting local economic activity and keeping more money within the community. When you use BerkShares to buy goods or services, you are supporting small businesses and keeping your money in the local economy. BerkShares can also be used to pay local taxes and some utility bills, which further supports the community.
There are several benefits to using BerkShares. First, they support local businesses and keep money within the community. When you use BerkShares to buy goods or services, you are supporting local artisans, farmers, and entrepreneurs. This helps to create a strong and resilient local economy that can withstand fluctuations in the global market. Second, BerkShares promote sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint of local commerce. By buying goods and services from nearby, you can reduce the distance that products need to travel, which saves energy and reduces emissions. Third, BerkShares foster a sense of community pride and connection. When you use BerkShares, you are part of a network of people who care about the local economy and want to support it. This creates a sense of belonging and shared responsibility that strengthens the social fabric of the community.
If you're looking for a unique and rewarding experience, consider checking out BerkShares. Whether you're a local or a visitor, using this alternative currency can help you connect with the community and support local businesses. By using BerkShares, you are contributing to a strong and resilient local economy that values creativity, sustainability, and community. So why not give it a try?
Have you heard of a kind of money that's only used in a specific place instead of everywhere in the country? It's called BerkShares, and it's used in a special area in Massachusetts called the Berkshires. People can trade their regular money (called USD) for BerkShares at certain banks, and then they can use those BerkShares to buy things at certain stores and restaurants. Using BerkShares helps small businesses and keeps more money in the local community. It's like a special way of supporting your town and the people who live there!
