Tag Archive for: hiking in the berkshires

group of girls at Porches with smores by the fire

The Perfect Friends or Girls Weekend in North Adams, MA

/in /by

Planning a Berkshires weekend getaway with friends? North Adams offers the perfect mix of art, outdoor adventure, live music, and relaxing places to spend time together. Located in the Northern Berkshires, this creative mountain town is home to world-class museums, scenic hiking, and some of the most unique cultural experiences in New England.

For travelers searching for things to do in North Adams MA, the options range from exploring museums and hiking local trails to concerts, wellness experiences, and evenings around the firepit.

Located directly across from the museum, Porches Inn at MASS MoCA is a North Adams boutique hotel that makes the perfect home base for a friends weekend getaway in Massachusetts or a memorable Berkshires girls getaway.

Explore the Berkshires’ Art Scene

A weekend in North Adams wouldn’t be complete without exploring the Berkshires’ renowned art museums.

MASS MoCA
Just steps from Porches Inn, this massive contemporary art museum features immersive exhibitions, outdoor installations, performances, and events throughout the year.

The Clark Art Institute – Williamstown
A short drive away, the Clark combines world-class galleries with beautiful walking trails and scenic landscapes.

Norman Rockwell Museum – Stockbridge
Heading south in the Berkshires? Visit the Norman Rockwell Museum to explore the work of one of America’s most beloved illustrators.

Together, these museums make the Berkshires one of the most exciting art destinations in New England.

Stay Together at Porches Inn at MASS MoCA

A successful girls weekend in the Berkshires or friends trip starts with the right place to stay.

Porches Inn offers:

  • Spacious one- and two-bedroom suites
  • Rooms on the same floor within the same rowhouse for groups
  • A convenient hotel near MASS MoCA
  • One of the most relaxing Berkshires hotels with a pool, hot tub, and sauna

It’s the perfect place for groups to gather while still having space to unwind.

Catch a Performance at Studio 9

Music and performance are part of the creative culture of North Adams, and one of the most unique venues is Studio 9 at Porches Inn.

Located right on property, Studio 9 hosts intimate concerts, artist residencies, and experimental music performances throughout the year. For guests staying at Porches Inn at MASS MoCA, it’s a special opportunity to enjoy live music just steps from your room during your Berkshires weekend getaway with friends.

Explore the Outdoors Together

The Northern Berkshires offer incredible outdoor adventures just minutes from downtown North Adams.

Two local favorites include:

These outdoor experiences add another layer to a North Adams weekend trip, blending art, nature, and mountain scenery.

Relax and Recharge

After a day exploring things to do in North Adams, take time to unwind. At Porches Inn:

  • Outdoor pool
  • Hot tub and sauna
  • Evening s’mores by the firepit

For a wellness-focused Berkshires girls getaway, nearby options include:

Experience the Berkshires’ Legendary Performing Arts

North Adams is also close to some of the most celebrated performing arts venues in the country.

Together, these iconic venues make the Berkshires one of New England’s most vibrant cultural destinations.

Plan Your Next Berkshires Friends Getaway

From contemporary art and live music to scenic hikes and evenings by the firepit, North Adams offers the perfect balance of culture and relaxation for a memorable weekend with friends.

With spacious suites, shared rowhouse floors for groups, and MASS MoCA just steps away, Porches Inn at MASS MoCA is the perfect hotel near MASS MoCA and an ideal home base for your next Berkshires friends getaway or girls weekend—book your stay today.

woman looking at mountains

Summer’s Not Over Yet: What to Do in North Adams

/in /by

Think summer’s winding down? Not in North Adams! Tucked in the heart of the Berkshires, this vibrant city still has plenty to offer for those chasing sunshine, culture, and community. Whether you’re here for a weekend or planning a summer getaway in the Berkshires, North Adams is your perfect late-summer destination.

Late Summer in the Berkshires: Why North Adams?

The Berkshires are known for their stunning natural beauty and cultural richness, and North Adams is the region’s artistic heartbeat. With its blend of outdoor adventure, music, food, and arts, late summer in North Adams means more time to explore—and fewer crowds to compete with.

Here are some of the top things to do in North Adams before summer officially ends.

1. Enjoy the Windsor Lake Concert Series

Every Wednesday evening through August, Windsor Lake becomes the ultimate lakeside music venue with the Windsor Lake Concert Series. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, enjoy local food vendors, and relax to the sound of live music from regional bands.

Where: Windsor Lake, 200 Windsor Lake Rd
When: Wednesdays, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (weather permitting)
Tip: Arrive early to walk the lakeside trail or rent a kayak!

2. Visit the North Adams Farmers Market

Support local farmers and artisans at the lively North Adams Farmers Market. It’s a great place to grab fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and maybe even breakfast from a food truck. Check out the North Adams farmers market schedule below!

Where: Armory Parking Lot (206 Ashland Street)
When: Saturdays, 9 AM – 1 PM, through mid-October
Bonus: Some Saturdays feature live music and family-friendly activities.

3. Explore MASS MoCA and Nearby Attractions

Art lovers can’t miss MASS MoCA, one of the country’s largest centers for contemporary visual and performing arts. But don’t stop there—there are plenty of things to do near MASS MoCA:

4. Catch a Show or Festival

Looking for events in North Adams? The city’s late summer calendar is full of music, art, and community happenings. Upcoming highlights include:

  • Motorama / Main Street – For all lovers of motorized vehicles from classic cars, tuner cars, fire trucks, etc: to come together and show off their own goods
  • The Chalet at MASS MoCA – Spend the evening in the beloved beer garden featuring live performances
  • FreshGrass Festival at MASS MoCA – Coming in September, but worth planning ahead!

Check the city’s calendar for more great events in North Adams. 

5. Take a Scenic Hike Before the Leaves Turn

Late summer in the Berkshires is the perfect time to hit the trails in and around North Adams. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly stroll or a heart-pumping summit, the views are unforgettable.

Here are some favorites:

  • Mount Greylock – The highest peak in Massachusetts, offering panoramic views and multiple trail options.
  • The Cascades Trail – A short, rewarding hike to a hidden waterfall, just minutes from downtown.
  • Natural Bridge State Park – Explore unique marble formations and an easy loop trail perfect for all ages.

Don’t forget your camera—the lush green landscapes are about to shift to fall color, so now’s the time to catch the last of summer’s glow.

Don’t Let Summer Slip Away

Whether you’re catching live music at the lake, strolling through the farmers market, or diving into world-class art, there’s no shortage of things to do in North Adams this late summer season. 

Book your stay at Porches and discover the perfect place to slow down, soak up the culture, and enjoy the best of late summer in the Berkshires.

hiking trail

Hiking in the Berkshires

/in /by

The Porches Inn in North Adams is your perfect home base for a spring full of hiking in the Berkshires of Massachusetts.

The snow is melting, the flowers are beginning to bloom, and the weather is warming up. It’s time to get back into nature—and there’s no better place to be outside in the spring than in North Adams, Massachusetts!

There are many amazing things to do in the Berkshires in spring. However, hikes are by far a visitor favorite. Nearby trails vary in levels of difficulty, scenery, and terrain. No trip to North Adams is complete without a hike. And the best part is, Porches Inn at Mass MoCa is close to all of the best hiking trails in the Berkshires.

Book Your Stay Now!

Benefits of Hiking in the Berkshires in Spring

Summer is indeed the most popular time to visit the Berkshires. But, spring in North Adams has some amazing opportunities and benefits that rival the allure of the warm months.

Firstly, it’s much less crowded. Booking rooms at our Inn is much easier than at the height of the tourist season. You might even have the trail to yourself! It can also get very hot and humid in the summer, but the cool spring season makes hiking more enjoyable. Picture this: a wooded trail lined with budding blossoms and seed leaves—perfect for your Instagram. 

And if the sunshine happens to turn to rain, accommodating the weather is super easy! Simply bring a rain jacket or some hiking boots, and you’ll have just as much fun on any of our hiking trails regardless of rain, sun, or mud. Their versatility is what makes them the best things to do in the Berkshires in spring.

Hiking Trails Near North Adams, MA

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a newbie, there’s a trail near Porches Inn just for you. If you’re looking for easy hiking in the Berkshires, we recommend you try out Steadman Pond at Hudson-Howard, Monterey. This easy trail is only a quarter of a mile and ten minutes one way. But don’t be fooled: the scenery is expert-level. The new growth along the trail is beautiful in spring and the pond glitters in the seasonal sun. 

If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, try out Stevens Glen in West Stockbridge. This fan-favorite hike features a waterfall that is in full force during the springtime! The waterfalls usually dry out by mid or late summer. 

Or, for one of the best hiking trails in the Berkshires, climb Mount Greylock! It’s the highest point in Massachusetts. And if you take the 4.4-mile paved road before May, you’ll avoid all vehicular traffic and any dirt from the mud season. 

Visit the Berkshires this Spring

Beat the crowds and the heat by staying at the Porches Inn at Mass MoCa this spring! We’re only a short walk or drive away from the best hiking spots in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. And, we’re the perfect, most hospitable place to crash after a long day outdoors. Check our availability today while there’s still plenty of space!