by CHarkness

Created on: November 24, 2011   Last Updated: November 28, 2011

North Adams is a small town that makes a great weekend travel getaway for anyone. The town combines culture and outdoor activates in its own unique way.  The town was once an industrial town, but is now going through a transformation and becoming a trendy, lively art town.

Sights

Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Arts

This is center for contemporary performing and visual arts that was opened in 1999. It is a huge center, located on 13 acres of land and occupies nearly a third of the downtown business district. The space before was a large factory. It has been converted into galleries, studios, cafes, shops exhibition spaces and preforming venues.  

North Adams Museum of History and Science

This museum may be difficult to find, but it shouldn’t be missed. The building was once part of a railroad yard and has many exhibits spread across the building´s three floors.

Western Gateway Heritage State Park

This park is where the old Boston and Maine Railroad yard once was. There is a visitor’s center with useful information and exhibits, including a 30 minute documentary about the Hoosac Tunnel.

Activities

With the Hoosic lakes just nearby, kayaking is one of the best ways to see the landscape. But there are many different options to choose from for getting outside and seeing the town. Bicycles can be rented at many shops. A leisurely ride around is a great way to soak in all the towns sights. If you are in town during the winter you can rent or buy skies or snowshoes and find some amazing trails and see some wildlife.

Entertainment

Downtown Street Art

Located right downtown you can find Downtown Street Art. This is a public art project. It uses other art organizations and events and usse vacant spaces to create art exhibits. It operates from June until October, creating a lively, vibrant town for most of the year.

Topia Arts Center

This center hosts live theater and film screenings throughout the whole summer. Topia has different events including music, dance, theater, circus arts and also educational programs through the year. It also holds a world music and jazz festival in its café.

Restaurants

Gramercy Bistro

This little spot was once a downtown diner, but has been renovated into a funky, upbeat eatery. The wood ceilings and walls of black and white photos create a cozy, intimate feel. The chef tries to use organic produce and meat as much as possible and all locally farmed foods.

Harrington’s

This was once a nursing home, but now is a local favorite place for dinner. There are many all you can eat specials to be found during the week.  The restaurant has a homey, relaxed feel with the large TVs often showing sports.

Hotels

Porches Inn

This Inn was once a mill worker´s house built in the 1890’s. It has been renovated to become one of the most popular hotels around. The rooms are decorated with a 1950’s retro décor, giving them a fun look. But, the bathrooms are the highlight with slate floors, hot tubs and mirrors made from old window frames.

Topica Inn

This is the greenest hotel in the area. It uses a solar hot water system, soybean oil heating, has natural clay walls, linens are organic cotton, organic breakfast  and toiletries are nontoxic. Each room is decorated with its own theme and bathrooms have spa tubs and steam showers.

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