You may or may not have heard of the little town located in the northwest corner of Massachusetts called Williamstown. Its main claim to fame is that it’s home to America’s top liberal arts college. And by top I mean number one. Because of the college, the somewhat sleepy town has a pulse, teeming with students and parents from out of town, as well as curious tourists and trendy locals. Even in the summer, when you would imagine it to breathe a sigh of relief and have a nap while students go home for their break, the area is abuzz with people dropping by or coming to watch/participate in the renowned Williamstown Theatre Festival. Three or so hours drive from New York City, about two-and-a-half hours from Boston, this place is perfect for a long daytrip or an uber-cool weekend stopover while you explore not only Williamstown but the masses of culture, history and entertainment dotted all around the Berkshires.
1) See a Show During Williamstown Theatre Festival
During the summer you’ll spot both lesser known as well as highly lauded actors prancing up Spring Street while in town for the festival. There are lots of shows to choose from; visit http://www.wtfestival.org/ for details.
2) Spend Some Time at the Clark
Open Tuesday through Sunday, The Sterling and Francis Clark Art Museum (affectionately, the Clark) is a showcase of mainly European, American painting and sculpture, as well as early photography among others.
The Unknown Monet: Pastels and Drawings is on exhibition at the moment until September 16, 2007. There website is http://www.clarkart.edu/
3) Stop in at MASS MoCA
This is kind of cheating because technically Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art is in North Adams but since it’s such a short drive I’m sure you’ll forgive me. It’s also a pretty hot destination: it’s housed inside a 19th Century factory campus and has some trendy shops and restaurants both within the complex and nearby. It is also often host to live music concerts and other performing arts. This is fabulous for families too; on the third floor they have Kidspace, which is a contemporary gallery for both children and adults. They hold summer art classes for kids too. http://www.massmoca.org/
4) Have a Massage at In Touch
The venue is superb. You can hot-tub alongside the river, or choose from a range of indulgent facials and massages like the Champagne Facial, Chocolate Layer Facial, Wine Wrap or Seaweed Body Masque. http://www.intouchdayspa.com/massage.htm
5) Beat the budget at Williams College Museum of Art
Looking for culture but strapped for cash? This fantastic college art museum not only houses 12 000 works spanning the history of art, but it’s also free. There are also educational programs that are available to the public.http://www.wcma.org/
6) Have Sushi, a Massage and a Great Night’s Sleep at Jae’s Inn
Your one-stop shop – the most recommended sushi around (with specials on Tuesdays so check out the website) with a comfy inn and spa to hot-stone your worries away.http://www.jaesinn.com/
7) Drive up Mount Greylock
At 3,491 feet, Mount Greylock is the highest point in Massachusetts. It boasts dramatic views of upwards almost 90 miles distant. It became Massachusetts’ first state park, acquired by the Commonwealth in 1898, to preserve its natural environment for the public. Make sure the roads are open though, sometimes they’re closed due to weather or construction.http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/mtGreylock/
8) Get Golfing at Waubeeka
What better setting than surrounded by lush green mountains? Spend the day – or a few – at the Waubeeka Golf Links, an 18-hole public golf course.
http://www.berkshireweb.com/sports/golf/waubeeka.html
9) Have the Best Brunch in the Berskhires at The Williams Inn
Don’t let me try and convince you – look at the menu online and you’ll see why many rate this as The Brunch of the Berkshires.
http://www.williamsinn.com/dining.html
10) Jive at the jazz festival
This year’s was held in April, so if you can’t make it to the Berkshire until next year, make sure it’s at the same time as the 2008 festival. Check the website for updates: http://www.williamstownjazz.com/
