Tag Archive for: things to do in north adams ma

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Fun Things to Do in the Berkshires with Family

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The Berkshires are full of family-friendly activities, like museums, train rides, farms, butterfly sanctuaries, and more! Make it the backdrop of memories you’ll talk about for years and years to come. Read on to find fun for the whole crew. 

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Zoar Outdoor

Plan the perfect family excursion with Zoar Outdoor. They offer a variety of adventures, from white water rafting trips to kayaking clinics to rock climbing classes. We recommend their one-of-a-kind zipline experience. Over three hours, move from treetop to treetop, traversing 11 zip lines, two sky bridges, and three rappels. It’s the best way to experience the beautiful Berkshire landscape above the Deerfield River Valley and connect with loved ones. 

Magic Wings

Spend a day surrounded by butterflies and moths of all colors, shapes, and sizes. At Magic Wings, nearly 4,000 exotic and domestic creatures, from monarchs to tiger snowtails, fly throughout an 8,000-square ft. glass conservatory. Afterward, head outside to experience beautiful blooms in the garden.

MASS MoCA

Experience a world of evocative art at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA). Wander through soaring galleries and stop to admire sculptures, paintings, and photographs from both well-known and emerging artists. Or catch one of more than 75 performances we put on year-round, including contemporary dance, alternative cabaret, and avant-garde theater. 

Hoosac Valley Train Rides

AshuwillticookRail Trail

Source: exploreadams.com 

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. 

Jiminy Peak

Jiminy Peak offers year-round fun for the entire family. Best known for its snow-making capabilities, Jiminy Peak hosts snowboarders and skiers alike throughout the winter months. With 45 trails that wind across 167 acres, suit up and spend your days on the slopes, from casual greens to double black diamonds. Come warmer weather, opt for their aerial adventure park, mountain biking tracks, and scenic chairlift rides. 

High Lawn Farm

High Lawn Farm, a family-owned Jersey dairy farm located in the heart of the Berkshires, is a refreshing stop on your tour around town. Walk around the land and spend time with their impressive cattle herd—hint: you’ll most likely find them in the milking barn or nursery. Before you leave, grab a fresh ice cream cone or artisanal cheese board from the Farmstead Creamery Shop. 

Where to Stay in the Berkshires 

After a day of family fun, unwind at Porches Inn, complete with a community fire pit, sauna, and four-season pool and hot tub for everyone to enjoy. Book 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!