“Wow, this is totally amazing,” we said, gazing in wonder at the kaleidoscope of color in the valley below us, as Route 2 zigzagged toward North Adams. “I wouldn’t know,” our friend in the driver’s seat replied, “I’m kind of busy right now, keeping the car on the road.”

Yep, best not to be distracted as you navigate those crazy hairpin turns into the Berkshires. If you’re lucky enough to be in the passenger’s seat, you will totally understand why busloads of tourists come from all over the world to admire this russet-drenched landscape. Now, we were among them, happily playing tourist. Fall foliage and fudge — yes, even in the tony enclaves of the Berkshires.