Adams

of the Declaration of Independence. One is Hancock. The other was named in 1778 for Sam—whom most of us know as the “brewer-patriot,” not his cousin and futurepresident John—though they both signed the Declaration. The post-industrial town may not have as high a profile as some of its fellows in Berkshire County, including its trendy sibling to the north, but its time to shine is at hand. While here, it’s worth stopping in the Berkshires Visitors Center for information on Adams and all the rest.

EAT/DRINK | The day the husbandand-wife owners of Shire Donuts hung the “open” sign on Summer Street (in October 2020), they sold 3,200 doughnuts in 15 hours—and made Adams a donut destination (expect lines on weekends).

Nearby Daily Grind serves hearty, homestyle breakfast and lunch food seven days a week, as does the historic, much-loved Miss Adams’ Diner, which has recently reopened under new management.

Lee’s Dynasty features Asian fare, Chee’s has Chinese, and AJ’s Trailside Pub serves dogs, grinders, and wings. BountiFare, a longtime local favorite, offers a full dinner menu on the Adams/North Adams line; the Wednesday night open-mics and monthly jazz nights are a special draw.

With its Austrian-American menu, family-owned Hafflinger Haus will have you singing “the hills are alive with the sound of music.” Dine in the formal restaurant, or load up on its jumbo wings, cheesy Jaeger fries, and hefeweizen (or other German beers) in the rustic tavern room or refurbished biergarten.

SHOP | Downtown Adams (namely Park Street) is home to one-of-a-kind mom-andpop shops—or make that mom or pop: Guy Carridi opened Adams Outlets on Park Street in 2021 with the goal of offering steep discounts on all the wares (gifts, clothing, home goods) and bring people to town to help other businesses. Bella Sky Gifts is a one-stop gift shop and maker space where you can buy, or DIY, apothecary (candles and such), home décor (pillows and signs), and more. Lynda’s Antique Clothing Loft has an extensive selection of vintage apparel Hoosac Valley Train Ride

and accessories. Real Eyes Gallery “aims to create original pieces that bring people together through shared conversation at mealtime.” It’s only open on weekends or by appointment; calling ahead is recommended. North County Creates (on Hoosac St.) features art and collectibles from local artisans along with custom framing.

On the outskirts of town, the young and young-at-heart will get a kick out of the train sets and radio-operated toys at Hobby World; the original Berkshire Outfitters is a local legend, operating out of its current building at the foot of Mt. Greylock since 1982. Whatever your outdoor excursion (kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, skiing, camping, cycling), the knowledgeable staff will set you up. (The store also offers rentals.)

SEE | Adams was first settled by Quakers and Baptists in the 1760s and 70’s. The Quaker Meeting House, constructed for worship in 1784, still stands—and is widely considered Adams’ most important historical landmark. The Quakers opposed slavery and war; women had a voice in Quaker society and received an education. In 1820 Susan B. Anthony was born into a mixed Quaker-Baptist family in Adams. One hundred years later, thanks in no small part to her efforts, American women won the right to vote. The Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum on East Road tells the story of her life of social activism in five well-appointed rooms. Culture is finding a foothold in Adams. The old Adams Theater in the heart of downtown has been undergoing a major redevelopment, with new owners transforming the building into a modern, multi-functional performing arts center that’s slated to wrap up in 2023. Stay tuned.

The impressive Adams Free Library, which also serves as headquarters for the Adams Historical Society, remains a cultural resource; President McKinley laid the cornerstone in 1897.

All aboard! Hop on the historic Hoosac Valley Train Ride for a one-hour roundtrip ride up to North Adams and back.

STAY | Originally a gentlemen’s lodge in the 1930s and a ski lodge after that, the Topia Inn is a “green” boutique hotel. Each guest room is decorated to evoke a faraway locale. If you lean into an old-world atmosphere, The Hafflinger Haus Inn has six rooms in its historic property.