GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Expanded outdoor dining will return to Great Barrington beginning Memorial Day weekend.

 

The town will narrow Railroad Street every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening on holiday weekends, and on Fridays and Saturdays on non-holiday weekends to create an outdoor café experience for residents and visitors. The plan is subject to weather.

 

The town's outdoor dining setup will remain in place on weekends through the summer, with an expanded live entertainment program beginning in July.

 

The Taconic/Triplex parking lot will have designated outdoor seating in its parking area as well.

 

Main Street eateries will continue to have outdoor sidewalk seating as they have during the past year.

 

"Expanded outdoor dining in 2020 went a long way to helping our local eateries survive the pandemic," said Town Manager Mark Pruhenski. "We hope to keep this going this summer and beyond, since it brings such a lively and relaxed atmosphere to downtown."

 

This year, the town will install grant-funded planters, new signage, and festive lighting to further improve the look and feel of the downtown dining area.

 

"As the risk of Covid declines with vaccination, we look forward to a  successful and enjoyable summer season for residents, businesses and visitors," said Pruhenski.