Art and Culture Weekend Itinerary In North Adams
Here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your weekend visit to the art and culture sights, tastes and sounds of North Adams and the Northern Berkshires!
Day 1: MASS MoCA
If you’re planning a visit to North Adams, there’s a good chance you’re coming to visit its number one attraction, the globally renowned Massachusetts Contemporary Museum of Art.
Friday Night
Check-In: Treat yourself to a luxurious stay at either The Porches (right across from MoCA) or the award-winning TOURISTS Welcome. If you’re more budget-conscious, consider the newly renovated DownStreet Hotel. If cozy B&Bs are more your thing, go for Chase Hill (walk away from MoCA) or The Blackinton Manor.
Saturday Breakfast
Coffee To Go: Known for its locally roasted coffee and delicious baked goods, Tunnel City Coffee is located just before the main entrance of MoCA.
Sit Down: Fuel up for the day by enjoying hearty and decadent options at Renee’s Diner or more healthy fare at Lickty Split (inside MoCA).
Grab & Go: Visit the Farmers Market on Main Street starting at 9am Saturday for homemade breakfast sandwiches, baked goods and fresh local produce. You can also grab a smoothie at Berkshire Blends.
Morning Plans
Head over to MASS MoCA after it opens at 10am. That’s probably why you are in North Adams after all! Check out the latest events before you go and here’s some useful information for planning your visit. Don’t miss the long-term installations by renowned artists like Sol LeWitt and James Turrell!
Lunch
Grab a bite on the MoCA campus at Big Daddy's. This popular restaurant serves up mouthwatering Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, and other comfort food favorites.
You can also head off campus and enjoy delicious Greek dishes or a slice at Cristo’s Famous Pizza.
Afternoon Plans
Depending on how much of MoCA you made it through during the morning, you might head back for the afternoon or you can take a wander to check out the following local galleries:
Berkshire Art Museum: Explore the museum's collections and exhibitions, which showcase the work of local and regional artists.
Eclipse Mill: Visit the open studios and gallery at this former mill building turned artists' lofts, where you can meet local artists and view their work in a unique setting.
Eckert Fine Art: A leading gallery for Post-War and Contemporary Art curated by Jane Eckert.
MCLA’s Gallery 51: Exhibits from a wide range of emerging to mid-career contemporary artists to the greater Berkshire community. The gallery hosts ten exhibitions each year.
Future Lab(s): A visual arts gallery dedicated to providing support and exhibition space to (primarily) northern Berkshires artists at every stage of their artistic development.
Dinner
Enjoy a casual dinner and amazing cocktails at Public Eat + Drink, a popular bistro known for its local ingredients and creative American cuisine. Reservations are strongly recommended.
You might prefer to indulge in sumptuous Italian dishes at Grazie a short walk from MoCA. Enjoy a drink before dinner at The Mohawk Tavern right next door.
Evening Plans
Check out evening events at MASS MoCA, such as a concert, film screening, or artist talk.
If you are seeking something more casual, grab a beer, meet locals and listen to live music at Bright Ideas right on the MoCA campus.
Music concerts might also be scheduled while you’re in town at Studio9, Belltower Records, TOURISTS or Freight Yard.
Day 2: THE CLARK
Sunday Breakfast
Start your second day off at Heart's Pace, a charming tea shop on historic Eagele Street. They create the most beautiful tea drinking experience you’ve probably had in some time! Coffee pour overs also available.
In the mood for something more sweet or savory? Head to the Emporium Snack Bar. This casual snack bar is located inside the Berkshire Emporium provides doughnuts, muffins, coffee and sandwiches.
Morning Plans
On your way to The Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, make a few stops along the way at The Plant Connector, Norad Mill Toy & Candy Store and the mini Maker Market at Greylock Works.
The Clark’s extensive collection features masterpieces of European and American painting, sculpture, works on paper, and decorative arts from the Renaissance to the early twentieth century. Plan your visit here. Be sure to explore the grounds around the museum.
Lunch
Enjoy a healthy sandwich or grain bowl outside at Spring Street Market in Williamstown or nearby, dine at The Barn on beautifully prepared locally-sourced food. Treat yourself to an ice cream at either Spoon Cafe or Lickity Split.
Afternoon Plans
Spend your afternoon visiting the Williams College Museum of Art to appreciate their collection of 15,000+ works of art. Check out their current exhibitions and programs.
Dinner
For your last night in North Adams, you deserve a culinary experience to delight your taste buds!
On your way back from Williamstown, you can’t go wrong with Mezze Bistro, known for its Mediterranean flavors and sourcing of ingredients from farmers throughout the Berkshires. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Located inside Greylock Works, The Break Room serves up delicious cocktails and scrumptious artisanally prepared meals. (Discovering how to enter the restaurant is all part of the experience!)
Savor Mexican cuisine at Casita, a cozy and colorful restaurant on the MoCA campus. Enjoy a variety of yummy dishes and Mexcal-inspired cocktails.
Evening Plans
Sip an apéritif at The Airport Rooms at TOURISTS before heading to bed.
Hang with the locals at The State Street Tavern, where you just might end up doing karaoke or will enjoy some live music!
Discover more places to eat and things to do in North Adams as you plan your trip! We look forward to hosting you!
