A couple walks hand-in-hand along a path leading to a modern curved building in a park-like setting near North Adams hotels with homes in the background.

Plan a Romantic Getaway to The Berkshires

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Ready to plan a romantic getaway for you and your partner? There’s no better place than the Berkshires. Everyone defines romance differently, but whether you want a charming city steeped in art and history or prefer idyllic landscapes, you’ve come to the right place. Our ideas for a couples’ retreat speak to every love language, set the stage for everlasting memories, and define the very essence of everyday passion. 

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Couple Up at the Spa

spaA trip to the spa is the perfect way to relax and reset your relationship. InTouch Massage & Day Spa offers unique massage options, from Swedish to deep tissue to Japanese hot stone. You can also pair your package with facials, body treatments, or a stop at the semi-private outdoor riverside hot tub for some extra tranquility.

Meet Up at a Museum

Whether a first date or an anniversary, a museum trip can quickly spark romance. MASS MoCA is home to some of the most evocative art in all forms, from sculpture to dance to theater. How can you pass up the opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with your partner and look up in awe at Spencer Finch’s Cosmic Latte? Or how about a stroll through the five rooms of Amy Yoes’ colorful Hot Corners? 

You can also plan to visit the Clark Museum, filled with British works on paper and vibrant geometric prints from Maine artist Elizabeth Atterbury.

Plan an Outdoor Date

There is no shortage of beautiful hikes in the Berkshires. From the Benedict Pond Loop trail to Spruce Hill (which boasts breathtaking views of Mount Greylock), the outdoors is all yours! Bring a basket with your partner’s favorite foods, a comfortable blanket, and a thermos with a warm beverage to show them you cherish quality time as much as they do.

Share a Drink

Berkshire Cider Project

Source: berkshire-cider.com

Something is alluring about bar lighting that can turn an old fling into a new lover or reignite a passion between long-term partners. Luckily, the Berkshires has many options, from the Berkshire Cider Project to the Balderdash Cellars. There’s also The Distillery at Greylock WORKS or Public’s for a quick cocktail or nightcap. No matter where you end up, relive your favorite memories over a glass of Chardonnay or welcome the future while you cheer with sparkling rosé.

Book a Romantic Stay at Porches

Porches Inn is the perfect last stop on your romantic getaway. Unwind in our traditional Finnish-style sauna or year-round heated pool, cozy up by a bonfire, and stay in one of our Victorian row houses. We also offer seasonal experiences that can add an extra bit of charm to your idyllic escape. Don’t wait, book your stay now!

woman hiking in north adams

What to Do in North Adams, MA

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For much of its history, North Adams has been known as a mill town. Today, it’s the perfect blend of old and new, as a fresh vibrance has revitalized the area. Whether you want to reach new heights on the Appalachian Trail or embrace all forms of art at MASS MoCA, it’s clear the soul of the Berkshires is alive and well here. 

Need help planning your North Adams trip? We’re happy to be your guide. From good eats to geological marvels, check out our favorite recommendations.

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Norad Mill

Norad Mill has it all. For the beverage connoisseur, there’s blackberry wine and espresso. For the audiophiles, there are vintage records. For aspiring creatives, there are hand-dyed yarns. One of the oldest surviving buildings in North Adams, Norad Mill now accommodates over 40 local businesses. Stop by to browse, shop, or see stunning views of Mount Greylock, which the tall windows overlook. 

Bright Ideas Brewing

Located on the MASS MoCA campus, Bright Ideas Brewing boasts an impressive menu, from lagers to stouts to ales and IPAs. Voted “Best Brewery in the Berkshires” five years in a row, these local beverage makers give visitors the option to sit and drink or take cans on the go. Throughout the year, enjoy trivia, stand-up comedy, and a recurring midweek session from their resident DJs. The best part about Bright Ideas Brewing (in our humble opinion)? They’re dog-friendly! Bring your pup inside the taproom or on the outdoor patio.

Blackinton Mansion

One of the most elaborate homes in North Adams, Blackinton Mansion has a storied past. Originally an ancestral dwelling, it belonged to Sanford Blackinton, a millionaire and mill owner who provided woolen goods to the Union during the Civil War. Donated to the city after his death, it became the town’s public library and historical meeting place. Stop in to grab a copy of your favorite book or walk by to view the architecture adorned with red brick and brownstone trim.

Greylock WORKS

Once a cotton-spinning mill, Greylock WORKS has reenergized the Berkshire community. It now hosts an assortment of spots for the self-proclaimed “foodie,” from a craft distillery to a culinary lab to a cidery. It also serves as a co-work community with private studios, perfect for local small businesses to reach their maximum potential. For those in town for a short visit, you can also stop by for conferences, maker markets, and cultural gatherings in the Weave Shed and Engine House.

Hoosac Valley Train Rides 

Enjoy the sights of northern Berkshire County aboard vintage railroad coaches—a classic 1955 Budd RDC, to be exact. The one-hour Hoosac Valley Train Ride operates between Adams and North Adams, offering a unique view of the area that complements the community’s cultural attractions. We particularly love their seasonal events like the Tinseliner and Fall Foliage journeys. 

Windsor Lake

Windsor Lake is the perfect place to satisfy anyone’s wanderlust. The lake itself is a 24-acre reservoir stocked with trout for fishing enthusiasts. Not the hook-and-reel type? Try the Historic Valley Campground inside the park. Any avid outdoors person can pitch a tent or pull through their RV. Plus, campers can access a private beach, playground, and picnic area. On warm summer nights, visitors can be carried away by songs during Windsor Lake’s concert series while others kayak or canoe past. The winter months are just as action-packed, with options to cross-country ski or snowshoe on the lakeside trails. 

Natural Bridge State Park

New England is home to untamed surprises at every turn, but Natural Bridge State Park features a one-of-a-kind wonder. After a quick woodland walk, visitors will find the only natural white marble arch in North America. Made of 550 million-year-old bedrock and formed from glacial erosion over 13,000 years ago, the bridge spans the Hudson Brook, which twists and turns through a 60-foot gorge. The park also includes a marble quarry and a human-made marble dam. Need we say more?

Stay at Porches Inn 

No matter the season, North Adams is the ideal destination for artists and adventurers alike. After you’ve explored our suggestions, escape to Porches Inn and relax in one of our beautifully detailed Victorian row houses. Book your stay now!

man skiing

Skiing Near North Adams, MA

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In North Adams, weekends are spent away on the slopes, taking advantage of each new layer of fresh powder. Whether you’re a die hard for that first chair at dawn, or your favorite part of the weekend is aprés ski closer to dusk, there’s a mountain here we know will fit your fancy. To some, winter may be the season of holidays, hot chocolate, and cozying up by fire but to us, the chilly season will always feature snow and Berkshires skiing. If you’re with us, let’s hit the slopes! 

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Jiminy Peak

Source: Jiminy Peak

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort

When it comes to the Berkshires winter attractions, skiing and snowboarding undoubtedly top the list. Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort offers lessons, night skiing, terrain parks, and a family-friendly atmosphere on their 45 trails covering over 167 acres. Perfect for every level athlete, they have a variety of trails ranging from green to double black diamond. The perfect winter day starts at Jiminy Peak. 

Berkshire East Mountain Resort

If you’re in search of places to ski near North Adams, you’ve come to the right place. Berkshire East Mountain Resort has been run by the Schaefer family for nearly 45 years, and it’s safe to say they know what they’re doing. This mountain resort features modern facilities, lessons, and a variety of on-site dining options. They also take pride in the fact that they were the first ski area in the world to produce 100% of its electricity from onsite renewable energy. 

Stump Sprouts 

While there are a plethora of things to do in the Berkshires in the winter, skiing in North Adams is a family-friendly activity you won’t want to miss—especially if you switch out classic downhill skiing with cross country skiing or snowshoeing. Stump Sprouts Cross Country Ski Center is located atop a high meadow, making for a stunning and wild setting perfect for exploring. Visiting this unique ski center is an experience you won’t want to miss.  

Catamount Mountain Resort

Located right on the New York/Massachusetts border is Catamount Mountain Resort. Though it has events and activities during every season, winter is when this mountain thrives. The resort is known for its varied terrain, perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. They also have alpine racing, tubing, and lessons. 

Ski Butternut 

Since 1962, Ski Butternut has been known as a winter destination for New Englanders who seek quality skiing with a focus on leaving a positive impact on the environment. With 100 skiable acres and 10 lifts, this ski resort is fit for every type of winter lover. Here, they encourage all to get outside, play in the snow, and have some fun. 

Stay at Porches Inn

We play hard on the slopes, but we mirror this sentiment when it comes to relaxation at Porches Inn. When the sun sets on the mountains and your body craves comfort and calm after an exciting day of skiing in the Berkshires, this boutique inn is the perfect retreat. With a community fire pit, sauna, four-season pool and hot tub, it’s the ideal place to soak in the coziness of the season. Spend winter in the Berkshires—book your ski trip stay today!

woman taking a photo

What to Do in the Berkshires in Winter

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In the Berkshires, there’s no off-season. No matter the weather, a visit to our neck of the woods is bound to be filled with excitement, adventure, and discovery—the building blocks of unforgettable memories. Now that the summer is winding down and the chilly season is upon us, it’s time to jump into things to do in the winter in the Berkshires. Grab your jacket, a cup of hot cocoa, and join us in the wonderland that is winter in the Berkshires.

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Norman Rockwell Museum 

Snow activities may come to mind when you first think of the Berkshires. But here, the snowy season is so much more than skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and tubing. Stockbridge’s Norman Rockwell Museum is both inspiring and educational with the mission to use art as a way to shape society and spread the values of kindness, respect, and social equity that founder and namesake Norman Rockwell embodied. 

While you can visit year-round to enjoy the permanent and visiting exhibitions, they host seasonal workshops and events in the winter. This year, during December school break week, don’t miss the family art-making activities inspired by the colorful stories of Leo Lionni. 

The Wizards of Winter Show

When it comes to the Berkshires holiday events, we got you covered! This December, The Wizards of Winter will again light up the stage with holiday cheer. Featuring former members of The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Def Leppard, Rainbow, Alice Cooper, and Blue Oyster Cult, along with Broadway and theater veterans, this 11-member ensemble will grace The Colonial Theatre with soaring vocal harmonies, precision string instrumentation, powerful percussion, and stunning keyboard work during the most exciting family rock event of the holiday season. 

mass moca

MASS MoCA

The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art aims to inspire, enliven, and foster genuine creativity for both artists, visitors, and onlookers alike. As one of the world’s liveliest centers for making and enjoying today’s most evocative art, MASS MoCA features galleries as well as indoor and outdoor performing arts venues, making it easy to embrace all forms of art: music, sculpture, dance, film, painting, photography, theater, and beyond. This innovative and thriving museum is located just across the street from Porches Inn—there’s no more perfect place to spend the afternoon on a chilly winter day! 

Studio 9 

Known as an intimate recording studio and performance venue, Studio 9 was designed and built from the ground up with music and sustainability in mind. It’s located right within Porches Inn, providing an unparalleled backdrop for live shows and professional recording. As a venue that hosts an abundance of North Adams winter events, you can always find something unique and exciting happening here. 

Where to Stay in the Berkshires 

The best part about these Berkshires winter attractions is that they begin and end with you! Start your winter getaway at Porches Inn, complete with a community fire pit, sauna, four-season pool, and hot tub. Located just across the street from MASS MoCA, our boutique inn has everything you need—from blazing fireplaces and luxurious comforters to warm staff and homemade comfort foods—to embrace the chilly season with open arms. Book now!

fall in the berkshires

Don’t Miss These Upcoming Fall-tastic Events in the Berkshires

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If you haven’t spent fall in the Berkshires, you absolutely must make this New England region your destination for your autumn retreat. There’s the blazingly colorful fall foliage, the sweet tastes of local pumpkin and apple-flavored treats, the themed events and performances unique only to this area, and more! Everyone in your family will have an unforgettable time ushering in the new season with this lineup of just a few of the best things to do in the Berkshires in the fall. 

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John Legend at Tanglewood

Multi-platinum singer-songwriter and 12-time Grammy winner John Legend will kick off fall events in the Berkshires on September 3 at Tanglewood! This intimate venue setting will set the stage for a once-in-a-lifetime experience of this melodious artist, where you can witness him perform up close and personal. You’ll hear all of his greatest hits re-imagined for this special performance, from “All of Me” and “Tonight” to his recent releases like “Wonder Woman” and “Nervous.” Tickets will sell fast, so don’t wait!

FreshGrass Festival at MASS MoCA

Not only is MASS MoCA a stunning collection of modern art, it’s also a central venue for North Adams events—including the iconic FreshGrass Music Festival! This family-friendly event features the best indie bands in bluegrass and roots music. Over three days, you’ll hear the euphonious sounds of bands like Dropkick Murphys, Sierra Ferrel, Allison Russel, and more roll over the fields, courtyards, and galleries of MASS MoCA. You get free gallery admission with your tickets, too! Don’t miss out on this three-day extravaganza of world premieres, emerging artist competitions, farm-fresh food, local brews, and pop-up jam sessions.

Berkshire Botanical Garden Harvest Festival

fall in the berkshires

Source: https://www.myglobalviewpoint.com/

From October 6-7, 2023, the largest botanical garden in New England transforms its 24-acre garden into the biggest harvest party ever! Hundreds of artists, crafters, and food vendors come from all across the region to sell their seasonal treats and handmade gifts. There’s also a giant tag sale for repurposed items, clothing, and jewelry, as well as a plant sale. Kids can enjoy some fun Berkshires fall activities like hayrides, pony rides, a haunted house, pumpkin painting, a hay maze, and more!

67th Annual Fall Foliage Parade

Of all the iconic fall events in the Berkshires, none is more fun than the annual Fall Foliage Parade. This year’s parade will take place on Sunday, October 1, 2023, on the main streets of North Adams. With the theme “Once Upon a Time in North Berkshire,” you can expect a festive, inclusive, vibrant party celebrating the art of children’s books and fairytales. For the adults, there will be plenty of drinking holes and restaurants to stop in along the way! It’s by far one of the best things to do in the fall in North Adams.

Explore the Berkshires This Fall Through Porches Inn

Porches Inn is at the heart of the fall fun every year in the Berkshires. Just across the street from MASS MoCA, we’re a short walk or drive from apple picking, hiking, and other family-friendly events—including the Fall Foliage Parade! We have connections across the region to help you plan the most awesome autumnal adventure for you and your guests. Whether you’re a pumpkin spice obsessive, an art enthusiast, or a fan of the great outdoors, your fall here will be one to remember. And our hospitable, quirky inn will be the perfect place to rest in between your adventures. Book now!

Clark Art Institute, Visitor Center

Must-Try Activities for Your Berkshires Summer Bucket List

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Visiting the Berkshires in the summer should be on everyone’s bucket list. The warm weather brings out the best of the region, turning the ground into lush lawns, the plants into eye-popping wildflowers, and the lakes into shimmering, inviting waters. It’s the perfect backdrop for the many exciting events that take place each season. From exceptional cultural and art entertainment to outdoor recreational experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the wide variety of Berkshire summer activities.

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Things to Do in North Adams, MAband performing

As the cultural and artistic capital of the Berkshires, North Adams is one of the most colorful towns you’ve ever seen. There are new murals popping up on the sides of buildings every day, and new art installations appearing outdoors and indoors to explore. The crown jewel of this town is the MASS MoCA museum. It has one of the largest collections of contemporary art in the world! There are always new exhibits, as well as live performances, to check out here. 

 

Also nearby are the Clark Art Institute and the Williams College Museum of Art. And at our own Porches Inn, there’s Studio 9—a unique recording studio and performance venue. This architectural wonder is a revolutionary design for style, sound, and sustainability. With euphoric acoustics, top-tier equipment, natural lighting, and stunning views, you don’t want to miss a performance or recording session here from artists both world-famous and up-and-coming.

 

North Adam’s summer activities don’t stop there, though. The food scene is immaculate, with inspirations from around the world as well as local flavors. For the best tacos in town, check out Tres Niños, an authentic Mexican-style taqueria. For happy hour, visit Bright Ideas Brewing, which crafts innovative beers from locally-sourced ingredients. 

Must-See in Lenox 

The Berkshires has one of the most vibrant historic, music, and theater communities in the world. Not far from North Adams in Lenox sits the home of Tanglewood, Boston Pop’s signature venue. During the summer, you can listen to concerts like John Williams’ Star Wars symphonies or join workshops, like a conversation with pianist Andreas Haefliger—outside! Tanglewood’s lawn seats let you bring your own picnic blanket and food for a sensational night of music. There’s also Shakespeare & Co., bringing the bard’s best works to life every summer with creative staging, talented actors, and hilarious comedy.  

Outside of Lenox is Jacob’s Pillow, an internationally-acclaimed dance festival set in the Becket Woods. Every summer, dance companies come from around the world to perform on the Inside/Outside stage on a hilltop for all to see. For history lovers, there are several Gilded Age cottages and Edith Wharton’s home, The Mount, with luscious gardens to explore.

Between the Towns

Even self-proclaimed homebodies will find themselves in awe of the spectacular natural wonders outside of North Adams, Lenox, Stockbridge, and the other nearby towns. Hiking, swimming, walking, skating, and jogging are some of the top things to do in the summer in the Berkshires. 

One of the best outdoor spots in the Berkshires is the Ashuwillticook Trail. It runs over eleven miles from Lanesborough to Adams. Set against the shore of the Cheshire Reservoir, it’s full of beautiful views and exhilarating challenges. There are also zipline canopy tours and white-water rafting trips from Zoar Outdoor to the east of North Adams. For something more low-key, stroll through the Berkshire Botanical Gardens near Stockbridge to enjoy an aromatic experience featuring seasonal blooms. 

Find Things to Do in the Berkshires Through Porches Inn

Porches Inn is at the heart of the summer fun every year in the Berkshires. We’re across the street from Mass MoCA, and a short walk or drive from the best experiences in the area. Our history and connections with the region can help you pack your days with fun experiences, and our hospitable, quirky inn will be the perfect place to rest in between your adventures. Book now and get ready for the most memorable summer of your life.

 

band performing

Where to Find Concerts in the Berkshires

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One of the best things to do in the Berkshires is attend a live music concert. Some of the best music venues, bands, studios, and performance centers in the country exist here in our little corner of the world, drawing musicians of all genres for concerts to excite fans of all ages. Here are some upcoming venues and concerts in the Berkshires you won’t want to miss!

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Tanglewood

Home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, this prestigious performance venue draws in a diverse range of musicians, from classic to eclectic. For example, James Taylor and his All-Star Band will perform two concerts here on July 3rd and July 4th, 2023 to officially kick off Tanglewood’s summer season for the year. And there will be fireworks after the July 4th concert! 

 

A few days later at Tanglewood, the Boston Pops Orchestra will perform Ragtime: The Symphonic Concert. This symphony comes from the 1975 novel by E.L. Doctorow, weaving together the stories of Eastern European immigrants, the Harlem African American community, and an upper-class white family. It’s going to be one of the best summer concerts in the Berkshires this year. 

Later in the summer, multi-Grammy Award-winning, diamond-selling band Train will play at Tanglewood with special guest Parmalee. The group has had 14 songs on Billboard’s Hot 100 and has sold over 30 million tracks worldwide. Hearing them in a setting as special as Tanglewood is an experience you will never forget.

Mass MoCA

One of the largest contemporary art museums in the world sits nestled in the Berkshire town of North Adams but is also a fantastic music venue that brings in the uprising, cutting-edge artists with unique performances that can change your life. On August 5, 2023, Ilana Glazer will grace the Hunter Center of Mass MoCA. A comedian, director, producer, writer, and actress, she will give you a night of raunchy, witty humor and music that will have you rolling on the floor laughing.

At the end of the summer comes one of the best concerts in the Berkshires for 2023. The alt-rocker band called Pixies and the garage-rocker band called Modest Mouse are teaming up for an epic sundown show. This one-of-a-kind collaboration will be one for the history books. Plus, they have a special guest and indie musician Cat Power joining the show!

The Foundry

This music venue used to be a glass-blowing studio, but now showcases some of the best theater, music, comedy, spoken word, and other performances in all of New England. This summer several amazing artists, such as Dayna Kurtz, will grace this stage. A Jersey-born artist who now goes between Vermont and New Orleans, this vocalist, writer, musician, and producer has won many awards for her amazing talent. She’s been on many high-profile shows and tours, and you won’t want to miss her stop here with us.

See Concerts in the Berkshires While Staying at Porches Inn

This is just a taste of a few of the venues Porches Inn is near and just a sampling of the many concerts happening in the Berkshires this summer. We also have our own special concert venue called Studio 9, an architectural wonder with a revolutionary capacity for sound like you’ve never heard it before. You can walk mere feet to hear some amazing artists perform or record. And we’re right across the street from Mass MoCA and many of North Adam’s music venues! 

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After a fun night of live performances, you can rest easy at our cozy accommodations and feel right at home. Book now so you can see your favorite concerts this summer!

natural bridge

Plan An Outdoor Adventure at Zoar Outdoor Near Porches Inn

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North Adams is a quaint little town known for its artsy vibe and imaginative culture. There’s a plethora of museums, galleries, and artistic businesses on every street. But since this town is in the Berkshires of New England, it’s in a prime location for enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors. Not too far away from Porches Inn is Zoar Outdoor, one of the best places in the region for memorable outdoor adventures. No trip to the Berkshires is complete without enjoying one of their many exhilarating experiences.

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Rafting

Source: Zoar Outdoor

The Berkshires are full of pristine ponds, lakes, and even rushing rivers—perfect for whitewater rafting! On a hot summer day, cruising down the Deerfield River is a sight to behold. Zoar has hosted these rafting adventures for over 30 years, and they know every bend and curve in the river. Their guides are seasoned professionals who can guide you and your group safely through the class III rapids and turns—all while having a blast!

White water rafting in the Berkshires is a great group activity for families, friends, or even coworkers. Nothing bonds people like working together to navigate the river’s obstacles and challenging waves. Zoar also handles all of the logistics. No need to worry about paddles or transportation, just show up to their location and they’ll walk you through everything. All levels of paddlers will enjoy this river ride!

Kayaking

If you want to explore the white waters of the Deerfield River solo, Zoar takes kayaking to a whole new level with its whitewater kayaking adventures. Have you never been kayaking before but want to learn? They offer lessons too! The instructors have numerous awards for their teaching prowess and can show you how to do everything you need to know to kayak. By the time your lesson is over, you’ll be able to navigate whatever the river throws at you with ease.

Zoar offers several different kinds of trips for kayaking in the Berkshires. You can start out small with an afternoon-long guided river kayaking experience. Or, you can sign up for a multi-day advanced whitewater expedition that will take you through every rapid in the river. Whether you go with a group or kayak by yourself, you’ll get an up close and personal encounter with the water, unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

Ziplining

There’s no better way to see the New England landscape than ziplining in the Berkshires! Zoar’s one-of-a-kind zipline course sits right at the tops of the trees so you’re truly in the canopy of the forests. It’s an intimate yet thrilling feeling of hopping from one tree to another, almost like a monkey. And of course, there are the zip lines that will make you feel like a bird flying above the Deerfield River Valley!

Zoar’s three-hour canopy tour has 11 zip lines, two sky bridges, and three rappels with scenic views of the entire Berkshire landscape. This award-winning experience is the only one of its kind in New England! Afraid of heights or never been in a harness? Our expert staff will patiently guide you through the course and show you how to brake, ride, and climb safely so you’re having too much fun to think about anything else. 

Zoar By Day, Porches Inn by Night

Zoar offers a truly unique outdoor adventure in the Berkshires unrivaled by any other experience. After a day of making memories outside, take a short trip back to Porches Inn to get a good night’s rest. Whether you’re into art, the outdoors, history, or anything else, the Berkshires have it, and Porches Inn is the perfect place to stay in between your adventures. Book a stay with us and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.

mass moca

What to Expect When You Visit Mass MoCA

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The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (Mass MoCA) is the premiere attraction of North Adams and the entire Berkshires area. As one of the largest collections of modern, contemporary, visual, and performative art in the entire country, people from all over the world come to visit this extraordinary place. No trip to the Berkshires is complete without a tour of this museum. Here’s everything you need to know to have the best visit possible.

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What is Mass MoCA?

woman and children at the art exhibition

Source: MASS MoCA

The short answer is, MASS MoCA is more than just a museum. It’s a center of community and culture for all of the Berkshire area. It has vast galleries for hosting large art collections, as well as indoor and outdoor venues for performances. This allows the space to host artists of all kinds and mediums. Music, sculpture, dance, film, painting, photography, and other groundbreaking genres have all had their day in MASS MoCA. Its mission is to help artists make fresh, forward-looking pieces that the entire community—and even the world—can enjoy. 

What’s the history of MASS MoCA?

MASS MoCA’s history is complex and far-reaching, but here’s a short synopsis. Long before Westernization came to America, the land where MASS MoCA now sits was the ancestral homeland of the Mohican people. When European colonizers arrived, the land became a popular trade and industry landmark due to its location on the Hoosic River. 

Soon buildings rose up, including the O. Arnold and Company printing works. The building produced textiles for many years until the Depression forced it to close. Bought out by an electric company, the new owners renovated the space. It became a lab for designing high-tech weapons in World War II.

When the war ended, town leaders of North Adams sought to creatively re-use the complex. In partnership with many others, they laid the foundation for what is now MASS MoCA.  

What exhibits is MASS MoCA showing right now?

Most of the performances and exhibits at MASS MoCA are temporary, so many artists get the chance to display their work. Artists like Lee Boroson and Barbara Takenaga have had exhibits at MASS MoCA. There are also music festivals and concerts hosted there, like the annual FreshGrass Festival. You can see what’s on display right now at MASS MoCA and what events are coming up on their events page.

What is the admissions price for MASS MoCA?

The admissions price for MASS MoCA differs on age and member status. Members get in for free, adults are $20, seniors and veterans are $18, and children ages 6-16 are only $8. Students who bring a valid ID can enter for only $12. 

We recommend reserving a timed ticket so you can skip the line and ensure tickets don’t sell out on the day you plan to visit. Hours are from 10am-5pm Wednesdays through Mondays. You can spend the whole day at the museum, but we suggest you take your time and move at your own pace as you observe the exhibits. 

Where is the MASS MoCA parking?

There is no official parking for MASS MoCA. But there is lots of parking a close walk away in the town of North Adams. Check out this parking map of MASS MoCA for some recommended parking spots. Or better yet, stay at the Porches Inn which is right across the street from MASS MoCA and walk over!

Stay at the Porches Inn Today

If MASS MoCA is the cultural center of North Adams, Porches Inn is the town’s heart. Within walking distance of the museum, downtown, and the best local eateries, our humble inn is waiting to welcome artistic pilgrims and Berkshire tourists like you. Come stay with us on your visit to North Adams to be the first at MASS MoCA when it opens!

Sand Springs Pool

Best Places to Go Swimming in North Adams, MA

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Summer is officially here, and so is the hot weather. There’s no better way to beat the heat than to go swimming. There are so many rivers, ponds, lakes, springs, and more to try around our quaint town of North Adams, you’ll have fun staying cool all summer long. Here are some must-see places to go swimming in North Adams, MA.

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Best Swimming Spots Near North Adams

 

Windsor Lake

This small but charming lake is a beautiful hidden gem for anyone, from nature lovers to casual tourists. You can not only swim but also boat, fish, kayak, and more in Windsor Lake. Bring a picnic and stay all day on the beach, then catch a Concert at the Lake at night! Live outdoor concerts free to the public run here every Wednesday evening from June through August.

Sand Springs Pool

Sand Springs is one of the only thermal springs in New England. Native Americans used the naturally-filtered and tempered water as a primitive spa, water source, and healing spring. Today, the site hosts a non-profit, community pool open to everyone, as well as a recreational center for sports, activities, and special events.  

Ponds in Savoy Mountain State Forest

This forest is only a short drive from North Adams, but its rugged rural landscape will make you feel like you’ve left the everyday world behind. Savoy Mountain State Forest has the North and South Ponds at either end of the park for a tranquil place to fish, swim, or picnic. There’s also several hikes that lead to waterfalls such as Tannery Falls and Parker Brook Falls. Make sure to check the park’s website before swimming in any of the falls though.

Rivers in Mohawk Trail State Forest

The Deerfield River is a clear, cold cascade that runs through the pristine Mohawk Trail State Forest. The short drive to and through it from North Adams is one of the best scenic woodland journeys in all of Massachusetts! The river provides miles of trails and water for trout fishing, swimming, hiking, and more. There’s also a designated swimming area at one calmer bend of the river for younger swimmers. 

Swim at the Porches Inn in North Adams, MA

Sometimes the thing your body needs after a long day of exploring the Berkshires is a dip in a heated pool or hot tub. At the Porches Inn in North Adams, we have both of those! They’re heated year-round and available to all our guests during the day. Grab a chaise by the pool to soak up the sun or relax in our heated spa tub with pulsing jets. 

Contact Us Today!

Make your summer season the best one yet by seeing all of the amazing swimming places near North Adams, MA! Porches Inn is the perfect place to soak in all the water fun as we’re only a short walk or quick drive to all the best swimming spots around. We can’t wait to have you stay with us.