Guidebook for Williamstown
Food Scene
Tucked away in Colonial Plaza on the way to North Adams, this is a hidden gem. I have eaten there twice and both meals were fabulous. Thick, juicy pork chops on the first visit, amazing sea scallops on the second visit. Highly recommend.
Chef's Hat
905 Simonds RdLocal favorite diner for breakfast and lunch.
Coyote Flaco
505 Cold Spring RdAuthentic Mexican cuisine. Excellent paella.
Reasonably priced fine dining with great ambiance and a nice bar area. Only knock is that it is located in in a cell phone dead spot. If you cannot live without your iphone for an hour or two, this may not be a good choice. Beyond that, I recommend this spot.
1896 House Inn and Country Lodgings
910 Cold Spring RoadReasonably priced fine dining with great ambiance and a nice bar area. Only knock is that it is located in in a cell phone dead spot. If you cannot live without your iphone for an hour or two, this may not be a good choice. Beyond that, I recommend this spot.
Fine dining & excellent tapas. Be forewarned, however, that the Mezze and the 1896 house lie in one of Williamstown's notorious cell phone dead spots.
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Mezze Bistro + Bar
777 Cold Spring RdFine dining & excellent tapas. Be forewarned, however, that the Mezze and the 1896 house lie in one of Williamstown's notorious cell phone dead spots.
Hot Tomatoes Pizza
100 Water StGourmet Pizza in Williamstown. The pizza is very good.
College owned restaurant and bar. The facility is now managed by Ramuntos as a family-friendly Italian sub-shop. Food is good if not great and is affordable. The bar is excellent and generally less crowded than the Purple Pub. This is probably the best place to gather in Williamstown to watch sporting events.
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The Log
78 Spring StreetCollege owned restaurant and bar. The facility is now managed by Ramuntos as a family-friendly Italian sub-shop. Food is good if not great and is affordable. The bar is excellent and generally less crowded than the Purple Pub. This is probably the best place to gather in Williamstown to watch sporting events.
College owned ice cream shop at the bottom of Spring Street. Great ice cream and a nice place to bring kids on a hot summer day or evening.
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Lickety Split
83 Spring StCollege owned ice cream shop at the bottom of Spring Street. Great ice cream and a nice place to bring kids on a hot summer day or evening.
This is the Williams College Snack Bar. It is located in the Paresky Student Center and it is open to the public. A great place to grab a burger or an Egg McWilliams. Recommend grilled honey bun with vanilla ice cream.
Williams College Dining Services
15 Park StThis is the Williams College Snack Bar. It is located in the Paresky Student Center and it is open to the public. A great place to grab a burger or an Egg McWilliams. Recommend grilled honey bun with vanilla ice cream.
College pub. Food is okay. Ambiance is similar to Yard House. A good place to watch a game or to gather for drinks. Often a bit crowded.
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Purple Pub
65 Spring StCollege pub. Food is okay. Ambiance is similar to Yard House. A good place to watch a game or to gather for drinks. Often a bit crowded.
Hole in the wall Mexican restaurant located in Colonial Shopping Center. Reasonably priced food. Good Margaritas.
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Desperados
23 Eagle StHole in the wall Mexican restaurant located in Colonial Shopping Center. Reasonably priced food. Good Margaritas.
There are no fast food restaurants in Williamstown, but it is good to know a place where you can get a donut and a cup of coffee.
Dunkin'
361 Main StThere are no fast food restaurants in Williamstown, but it is good to know a place where you can get a donut and a cup of coffee.
Cozy Corner is a popular local family restaurant featuring affordably priced Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. It is a nice family restaurant.
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Cozy Corner Restaurant
850 Simonds RdCozy Corner is a popular local family restaurant featuring affordably priced Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. It is a nice family restaurant.
Restaurant and bar. Was once a very popular meeting spot. Nice bar area for watching Boston sports teams. It also has a large dining area. I have not eaten there in several years, and am unfamiliar with the current fare.
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Water Street Grill
123 Water StRestaurant and bar. Was once a very popular meeting spot. Nice bar area for watching Boston sports teams. It also has a large dining area. I have not eaten there in several years, and am unfamiliar with the current fare.
Olympic Pizza & Family Restaurant
460 Main StGreek/Italian restaurant. Food is okay and moderately priced.
50's themed, diner style restaurant. Burgers are decent, milkshakes and malteds are excellent. Moderately priced family restaurant.
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Moonlight Diner & Grille
408 Main St50's themed, diner style restaurant. Burgers are decent, milkshakes and malteds are excellent. Moderately priced family restaurant.
Fine dining french restaurant. It has been around for so long that it is sometimes forgotten, but it is still an excellent restaurant. Possibly the best restaurant in Williamstown, though it is technically in the tiny hamlet of New Ashford.
Mill On the Floss
Fine dining french restaurant. It has been around for so long that it is sometimes forgotten, but it is still an excellent restaurant. Possibly the best restaurant in Williamstown, though it is technically in the tiny hamlet of New Ashford.
This is the only Indian restaurant in Williamstown. It is a little pricey, but not outrageous. Food is good.
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Spice Root
23 Spring StThis is the only Indian restaurant in Williamstown. It is a little pricey, but not outrageous. Food is good.
Formerly known at "Sushi Thai Garden," this restaurant pairs Thai and Japaense cuisine. Although this seems to be an odd pairing, this is a popular restaurant that seems to get good reviews. I have gotten takeout a few times and it was good. A little on the pricey side. Located next to Spice Root on Spring Street.
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Blue Mango
27 Spring StFormerly known at "Sushi Thai Garden," this restaurant pairs Thai and Japaense cuisine. Although this seems to be an odd pairing, this is a popular restaurant that seems to get good reviews. I have gotten takeout a few times and it was good. A little on the pricey side. Located next to Spice Root on Spring Street.
Iconic deli and sandwich shop. Sandwiches are named mostly after famous people who have rolled through Williamstown at one time or another. My favorite sandwich is the Dr. Johnny Fever.
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Pappa Charlie's Deli Sandwich
28 Spring StIconic deli and sandwich shop. Sandwiches are named mostly after famous people who have rolled through Williamstown at one time or another. My favorite sandwich is the Dr. Johnny Fever.
Mediterranean food. This is a relatively new restaurant in Williamstown. I have eaten there twice and had an excellent meal both times. It is a welcome addition to Spring Street.
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Pera Bistro
60 Spring StMediterranean food. This is a relatively new restaurant in Williamstown. I have eaten there twice and had an excellent meal both times. It is a welcome addition to Spring Street.
It is basically a burrito shop on Spring Street. For family dining I would rather go to Desperados or Coyote Flaco. Coyote Flaco is the best dining of the three. Tony's is fine for a quick burrito.
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Tony's Sombrero
69 Spring StIt is basically a burrito shop on Spring Street. For family dining I would rather go to Desperados or Coyote Flaco. Coyote Flaco is the best dining of the three. Tony's is fine for a quick burrito.
Williamstown is one of the few towns left on the planet that does not have a Starbucks. Tunnel City is our proxy, but it is in many respects better. I will leave it to the coffee folks to rate the beans, but the pies and pastries are wonderful and it is an excellent atmosphere to socialize or to hang out and use their wi-fi.
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Tunnel City Coffee
100 Spring StWilliamstown is one of the few towns left on the planet that does not have a Starbucks. Tunnel City is our proxy, but it is in many respects better. I will leave it to the coffee folks to rate the beans, but the pies and pastries are wonderful and it is an excellent atmosphere to socialize or to hang out and use their wi-fi.
The new Williams Inn at the bottom of Spring Street just opened in September 2019. It is a huge step up over its eponymous predecessor. The location at the bottom of Spring street and the ambiance are wonderful. The food is very good, if a bit pricey. A nice up-scale alternative to the bar scene at the Purple Pub and the Log. Williamstown is enhanced by the addition of new Williams Inn.
Williams Inn, Williamstown, MA station
The new Williams Inn at the bottom of Spring Street just opened in September 2019. It is a huge step up over its eponymous predecessor. The location at the bottom of Spring street and the ambiance are wonderful. The food is very good, if a bit pricey. A nice up-scale alternative to the bar scene at the Purple Pub and the Log. Williamstown is enhanced by the addition of new Williams Inn.
Berkshire Palate
297 Main StThis is an excellent fine dining restaurant located in the MassMOCA complex in North Adams. I have eaten there only once, and had a wonderful paella. The menu is diverse, and everything I saw coming out of the kitchen looked great. It also has a nice bar area.
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Gramercy Bistro
16 Marshall StThis is an excellent fine dining restaurant located in the MassMOCA complex in North Adams. I have eaten there only once, and had a wonderful paella. The menu is diverse, and everything I saw coming out of the kitchen looked great. It also has a nice bar area.
This is another one of North Adams' wonderful restaurants. Located near MassMoca, it offers arguably the best Italian food in Northern Berkshire County. My wife and I have eaten there two times and have had excellent meals on both occasions.
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Grazie
26 Marshall StThis is another one of North Adams' wonderful restaurants. Located near MassMoca, it offers arguably the best Italian food in Northern Berkshire County. My wife and I have eaten there two times and have had excellent meals on both occasions.
Located at the intersection of Water Street and Main Street (Route 2), CasaLina occupies the previous "Hops & Vines" restaurant space. Casa Lina is the sister restaurant to Pera Bistro on Williamstown and offers an excellent dining and bar experience. I have eaten there twice and have had excellent meals on both occasions.
CasaLina
16 Water StLocated at the intersection of Water Street and Main Street (Route 2), CasaLina occupies the previous "Hops & Vines" restaurant space. Casa Lina is the sister restaurant to Pera Bistro on Williamstown and offers an excellent dining and bar experience. I have eaten there twice and have had excellent meals on both occasions.
Parks & Nature
This is my personal favorite hike in Williamstown. The hike begins in "The Hopper" at the base of Mount Greylock and wends along a beautiful mountain stream. The crescendo of the hike is a gorgeous montain waterful. Hikers may continue on up the trail to the summit of Mt. Greylock. See the following link - https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/massachusetts/mount-greylock-via-money-brook-trail
Money Brook Falls Trailhead
Notch RoadThis is my personal favorite hike in Williamstown. The hike begins in "The Hopper" at the base of Mount Greylock and wends along a beautiful mountain stream. The crescendo of the hike is a gorgeous montain waterful. Hikers may continue on up the trail to the summit of Mt. Greylock. See the following link - https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/massachusetts/mount-greylock-via-money-brook-trail
This is an easy-moderate hike that takes about two hours round trip (3.3 Miles). It is probably the most popular hike in town because the summit of Pine Cobble features an iconic view of Williamstown and North Adams.
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Pine Cobble Mountain
This is an easy-moderate hike that takes about two hours round trip (3.3 Miles). It is probably the most popular hike in town because the summit of Pine Cobble features an iconic view of Williamstown and North Adams.
The Green River from the Store at Five Corners to Cable Mills on Water Street features excellent trout fishing (Brook Trout, Brown Trout, and the occasional Rainbow). The branches of the Green River that extend into New Ashford and Hancock are also eminently fishable. I grew up fishing along the Hancock branch.
Green River
The Green River from the Store at Five Corners to Cable Mills on Water Street features excellent trout fishing (Brook Trout, Brown Trout, and the occasional Rainbow). The branches of the Green River that extend into New Ashford and Hancock are also eminently fishable. I grew up fishing along the Hancock branch.
This is one of my absolute favorite outdoor activities for families. It is actually located about 45 minutes from Williamstown off the Mohawk Trail. It is both scenic and exciting (not recommended for younger children or those who can't swim). Saw a bald eagle the last time we were there.
For more on this see the following link - http://www.greatoutdoors-deerfieldriver.com/index.html
Zoar Gap
River RoadThis is one of my absolute favorite outdoor activities for families. It is actually located about 45 minutes from Williamstown off the Mohawk Trail. It is both scenic and exciting (not recommended for younger children or those who can't swim). Saw a bald eagle the last time we were there.
For more on this see the following link - http://www.greatoutdoors-deerfieldriver.com/index.html
Great little know place for family or romantic picnic. No real hiking required. $5 parking fee is worth the $. It is beautiful and is set up for picnicking. See the following link - https://www.yelp.com/biz/natural-bridge-state-park-north-adams
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Natural Bridge State Park
McAuley RoadGreat little know place for family or romantic picnic. No real hiking required. $5 parking fee is worth the $. It is beautiful and is set up for picnicking. See the following link - https://www.yelp.com/biz/natural-bridge-state-park-north-adams
On a hot, sticky summer day, Ice Glen can be a nice escape from the heat. It is located about 45 minutes south of Willliamstown in Norman Rockwell's Stockbridge. The trail head is a stone's throw from the Red Lion Inn and its engaging shops and restaurants. We did the hike last summer with our two year old daughter and two of our teenage sons. It was a little buggy along the way, but the temperature at Ice Glen was a good 15 degrees cooler than the downtown heat and the giant boulders and surrounding pine forest are beautiful.
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Ice Glen Trail
Ice Glen TrailOn a hot, sticky summer day, Ice Glen can be a nice escape from the heat. It is located about 45 minutes south of Willliamstown in Norman Rockwell's Stockbridge. The trail head is a stone's throw from the Red Lion Inn and its engaging shops and restaurants. We did the hike last summer with our two year old daughter and two of our teenage sons. It was a little buggy along the way, but the temperature at Ice Glen was a good 15 degrees cooler than the downtown heat and the giant boulders and surrounding pine forest are beautiful.
On a hot summer day, a drive up to the summit of Mt. Greylock can be a nice way to cool down. The views from the top are spectacular and Bascom Lodge at the top is nice lunch stop.
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Mount Greylock
On a hot summer day, a drive up to the summit of Mt. Greylock can be a nice way to cool down. The views from the top are spectacular and Bascom Lodge at the top is nice lunch stop.
The closest thing we have to a beach in Williamstown. It is a public, cold spring-fed pond. Cool on a hot summer day. Good for a family picnic. Bring bug spray.
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Margaret Lindley Park
1201 Cold Spring RdThe closest thing we have to a beach in Williamstown. It is a public, cold spring-fed pond. Cool on a hot summer day. Good for a family picnic. Bring bug spray.
Essentials
About 3 miles from 181 North Street. It is the main grocery store for the area. It has an excellent sea food department. Pick up a few 1.5 lb Lobsters for the true New England experience. The store will even boil them for you. NOTE: We have lobster crackers and picks in the silverware drawer.
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Stop & Shop
876 State RdAbout 3 miles from 181 North Street. It is the main grocery store for the area. It has an excellent sea food department. Pick up a few 1.5 lb Lobsters for the true New England experience. The store will even boil them for you. NOTE: We have lobster crackers and picks in the silverware drawer.
Entertainment & Activities
Quasi public pool with kiddie pool. Nice for family picnics. Daily/weekly membership is a little on the pricey side.
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Sand Springs Pool, Inc.
158 Sand Springs RdQuasi public pool with kiddie pool. Nice for family picnics. Daily/weekly membership is a little on the pricey side.
Billed as the premier tree-to-tree adventure park, this popular new attraction boasts an aboveground adventure. I have not been, but have heard people rave about it. It gets great reviews. Not a cheap day out, however. See more at: http://ramblewild.com/
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Ramblewild Adventure Park
110 Brodie Mountain RdBilled as the premier tree-to-tree adventure park, this popular new attraction boasts an aboveground adventure. I have not been, but have heard people rave about it. It gets great reviews. Not a cheap day out, however. See more at: http://ramblewild.com/
Zip lines, alpine slide, ropes course, trampolines, bouncy house, alpine coaster, soaring eagle, and much more. A fun, but non inexpensive day out. See for yourself at: http://www.jiminypeak.com/Summer/Attractions/Mountain-Adventure-Park
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Jiminy Peak
37 Corey RdZip lines, alpine slide, ropes course, trampolines, bouncy house, alpine coaster, soaring eagle, and much more. A fun, but non inexpensive day out. See for yourself at: http://www.jiminypeak.com/Summer/Attractions/Mountain-Adventure-Park
Greylock Bowl and Golf is a nice rainy day place to hang out. It has indoor golfing along with bowling and arcade games. It also has a restaurant and sports bar. See more at: https://greylockbowlandgolf.com/
Greylock Bowl
41 Roberts DrGreylock Bowl and Golf is a nice rainy day place to hang out. It has indoor golfing along with bowling and arcade games. It also has a restaurant and sports bar. See more at: https://greylockbowlandgolf.com/
An absolutely beautiful public golf course. Taconic is the in-town private course and the Williams College course. It is a nice course, but the scenic views at Waubeka are unsurpassed. My first job was as a dishwasher at Waubeka.
It paid $3.35 per hour and included free ice cream sundaes and all the golf I could play. Website at: https://www.waubeeka.com/
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Waubeeka Golf Links
137 New Ashford RdAn absolutely beautiful public golf course. Taconic is the in-town private course and the Williams College course. It is a nice course, but the scenic views at Waubeka are unsurpassed. My first job was as a dishwasher at Waubeka.
It paid $3.35 per hour and included free ice cream sundaes and all the golf I could play. Website at: https://www.waubeeka.com/
The Williams College Track, Football, and Lacrosse Fields. Fabulous facilities. Open to the public. See video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoR2mjyj9Ok
Lamb Field
The Williams College Track, Football, and Lacrosse Fields. Fabulous facilities. Open to the public. See video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoR2mjyj9Ok
Looking for something different to do on a Saturday night? Meissner's is a neat little auction house in nearby New Lebanon, NY. A number of items in the flat, including the dining room chairs (a recent addition), came from Meissners. It is a friendly little country auction house that often has quality antiques that can be obtained for great prices. Check them out at: http://www.meissnersauction.com/index.shtml
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Meissner's Auction Service LLC
438 Columbia PikeLooking for something different to do on a Saturday night? Meissner's is a neat little auction house in nearby New Lebanon, NY. A number of items in the flat, including the dining room chairs (a recent addition), came from Meissners. It is a friendly little country auction house that often has quality antiques that can be obtained for great prices. Check them out at: http://www.meissnersauction.com/index.shtml
Public play structures, swings, slides, outdoor basketball court, open fields for playing ball. Great place to take young children to burn off some energy.
WMST. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
115 Church StPublic play structures, swings, slides, outdoor basketball court, open fields for playing ball. Great place to take young children to burn off some energy.
Sightseeing
Just an interesting place to visit in an extremely bucolic setting. Also recommend driving along Oblong Road, Woodcock Road, Torrey Woods and Sloan Road for
a taste of rural Williamstown.
http://cricketcreekfarm.com/meet-the-people/
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Cricket Creek Farm
1255 Oblong RdJust an interesting place to visit in an extremely bucolic setting. Also recommend driving along Oblong Road, Woodcock Road, Torrey Woods and Sloan Road for
a taste of rural Williamstown.
http://cricketcreekfarm.com/meet-the-people/
An "off-the-radar" sightseeing stop in North Pownal. It is a neat stop for kids and features a scenic drive along the back roads of Pownal. See trout from fingerlings to full size.
http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/fish/fish_stocking/vist_a_hatchery/bennington_fish_culture_station/
The Fish Hatchery
South Stream RoadAn "off-the-radar" sightseeing stop in North Pownal. It is a neat stop for kids and features a scenic drive along the back roads of Pownal. See trout from fingerlings to full size.
http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/fish/fish_stocking/vist_a_hatchery/bennington_fish_culture_station/
The library and the quadrangle that it faces is a spectacular space. It is an amazing place to just go and hang out. See the following video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CS1BcMbG9SE
Sawyer Library
26 Hopkins Hall DriveThe library and the quadrangle that it faces is a spectacular space. It is an amazing place to just go and hang out. See the following video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CS1BcMbG9SE
Shopping
World's best cider donuts. Fabulous homemade pies and baked goods. Maple syrup, cheeses, etc. A great gift shop.
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Apple Barn Country Bake Shop
604 US-7World's best cider donuts. Fabulous homemade pies and baked goods. Maple syrup, cheeses, etc. A great gift shop.
Where'd You Get That Inc
100 Spring StUnique children's gifts, toys, games, and candy.
Arts & Culture
World class art museum. Known for its Impressionist and Realist collection, the museum has much, much more to offer, including fabulous grounds. http://www.clarkart.edu/
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The Clark Art Institute
225 South StWorld class art museum. Known for its Impressionist and Realist collection, the museum has much, much more to offer, including fabulous grounds. http://www.clarkart.edu/
This quaint little museum's mission is to record the history of daily life in Williamstown. For those who hanker to know more about the history of the down, admission is free. The museum recently moved from the address listed above to the Little Red School House on New Ashford Road next to the Store at Five Corners. See website: http://www.williamstownhistoricalmuseum.org/weve-gone-digital/#
Williamstown Historical Museum
32 New Ashford RoadThis quaint little museum's mission is to record the history of daily life in Williamstown. For those who hanker to know more about the history of the down, admission is free. The museum recently moved from the address listed above to the Little Red School House on New Ashford Road next to the Store at Five Corners. See website: http://www.williamstownhistoricalmuseum.org/weve-gone-digital/#
A uniquely engaging art experience, even for those who might not normally be the "museum type." Art on a scale not seen anywhere else. See the following link - http://massmoca.org/
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Mass MoCA Way
Mass MoCA WayA uniquely engaging art experience, even for those who might not normally be the "museum type." Art on a scale not seen anywhere else. See the following link - http://massmoca.org/
Nice local art and natural history museum. A great rainy day place for kids. Also a nice Hudson River School painting collection. https://berkshiremuseum.org/
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Berkshire Museum
39 South StNice local art and natural history museum. A great rainy day place for kids. Also a nice Hudson River School painting collection. https://berkshiremuseum.org/
Norman Rockwell safn
9 Glendale Rd45 minute drive to Stockbridge - https://www.nrm.org/
American Cubists - Suzy Frelinghuysen & George L.K. Morris along with works from their European contemporaries, such as Picasso, Braque, Leger, Gris, Matisse, etc. http://frelinghuysen.org/
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Frelinghuysen Morris House & Studio
92 Hawthorne StAmerican Cubists - Suzy Frelinghuysen & George L.K. Morris along with works from their European contemporaries, such as Picasso, Braque, Leger, Gris, Matisse, etc. http://frelinghuysen.org/
Located in the heart of the campus near the top of Spring Street - https://wcma.williams.edu/
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Williams College Museum of Art
15 Lawrence Hall DrLocated in the heart of the campus near the top of Spring Street - https://wcma.williams.edu/