Williamstown

From left: Williams College, The Clark Art Institute.

Williamstown—home to Williams College, a premier liberal arts institution and the town’s largest employer—dates to 1791 (as does the school). You don’t have to have a connection to Williams to enjoy what the town (or the college) has to offer— namely scenic beauty, world-class culture, outdoor recreation, charming accommodations, and night life. On Spring Street, the commercial center, you’ll find galleries, clothing stores, coffee shops with fast internet connections, and restaurants that cater to the tastes of students, locals, and visitors alike. But be sure to explore the surrounding area, too, while you are in this northernmost Berkshire province.

EAT/DRINK Spring Street is where it’s at: Spring Street Market & Café and Pappa Charlie’s Deli are standbys for lunch. There’s Indian cuisine at Spice Root, Thai and Japanese at Blue Mango next door, Turkish at Pera Mediterranean Bistro, and brick-oven pizza at Ramunto’s. Dive into Spoon for a refreshing frozen yogurt, gelato, or sorbet, or an ice cream cone at Lickety Split. Coffee, tea, and baked goods can be found at Tunnel City Coffee across the street. Unlimited Nutrition specializes in protein shakes and flavored teas, and, at the foot of the street, the newly built The Williams Inn offers dining in its Barn Kitchen & Bar.

On nearby Water Street, enjoy the Neapolitan pies from Hot Tomatoes while sitting under the trees beside the Green River at picnic tables behind the restaurant. Gramercy Bistro has relocated to Water Street from MASS MoCA; The Water Street Grill serves craft beers on tap, casual food, and a warm ambience. Just north of town, Chef’s Hat is an old time, dinerstyle breakfast and lunch spot.

Head south of town on Route 7 for other options: There’s Mezze Bistro & Bar for craft cocktails and farm-to-table food with outdoor seating overlooking three lush acres; ‘6 House Pub, situated in a historic barn on a 17-acre property; Coyote Flaco, for homestyle Mexican food; and A-Frame Bakery, offering scratch-baked goods.

For Chinese fare, Chopsticks is just east of town on Route 2. Right next door is Korean Garden. (Tip: get the hot stone bibimbap.) If you’re cooking for yourself, stock up at Wild Oats on the same stretch of road. SHOP Again on Spring Street, non-profit ABC Clothing Pop-up Shop sells second-hand clothing to support programs for youth and families at risk. Nature’s Closet has a wide selection of outdoor gear and is home to the popular Smoothie Spot. Pick up a book at the light-filled Williams Bookstore or at Chapter Two Books, a “lightly, slightly” used bookstore that benefits the town’s library. Where’d You Get That?! and Purple Dragon Games are must-sees for games and more.

If you have recreational cannabis needs, Silver Therapeutics is a mile east of downtown. Or head to The Spirit Shop, on Cole Avenue, for wine and craft beers.

SEE Founded in 1955 and substantially updated in 2014, The Clark Art Institute is a world-renowned public art museum with an extensive permanent collection, groundbreaking special exhibitions, and striking architecture by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando. The Clark campus also boasts 140 acres of lawns, meadows, and walking trails. Check the calendar for outdoor events by the reflecting pool. Advanced, timed-visit tickets are highly recommended.

The galleries of the Williams College Museum of Art are filled with 15,000 dynamic works and free to the public. The Greylock Gallery specializes in contemporary American landscapes by emerging and established artists.

Also, since 1955, Williamstown Theatre Festival has been drawing leading playwrights, actors, directors, and designers to the Berkshires each summer. Independently owned Images Cinema on Spring Street presents a wide range of independent, foreign, and classic films.

STAY The Williams Inn is strategically located for a walkable stay in town, with 64 well-appointed rooms. Other in-town lodgings include Cozy Corner Hotel, House on Main Street (bed and breakfast), Maple Terrace Motel, and Northside Motel. Other options include The 1896 House (aka Brookside Inn), Fairfield Inn & Suites, The Guest House at Field Farm (a midcentury Bauhaus design on 315 acres), River Bend Farm (in the historic home of a founder of Williamstown), and the more affordable Williamstown Motel.