Written by Erin Lindsey/Escape Brooklyn. Contributing Local Creative: Mariah Forstmann. Photos by Erin Lindsey/Escape Brooklyn, except where noted. Above: a woman walks through “Into the Light,” an immersive installation by master of light James Turrell at MASS MoCA.

Once an industrial epicenter of Massachusetts, the small town of North Adams is best known for two things: Mount Greylock, the highest mountain Massachusetts – and the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, aka MASS MoCA. Tucked away in the Berkshire Mountains, this weekend escape is equidistant from NYC and Boston, about 175 miles or a three hour drive.

Since MASS MoCA’s opening in 1999, the museum’s presence has helped to put this former mill town back on the map. At 13 acres and housing 250,000 square feet of gallery space, it is the largest contemporary art museum in the United States. Its brick factory building campus once churned out textiles and machine parts; now, it’s the cornerstone of this burgeoning arts community, where many new businesses of all kinds call home.

Read on for our guide to North Adams, Massachusetts, including the best places to stay, eat, drink, hike, shop, and more.

The Lodge at Tourists in North Adams, MA serves as a cozy gathering space for guests. Photo: Nicole Franzen

In 2018, North Adams welcomed Tourists: a stylish boutique hotel perfectly suited for the aesthetically-inclined visitors of MASS MoCA. The roadside motel is anything but “roadside motel” – think high-design-meets-camp vibes, with the heavy use of natural wood, cozy textiles, worn leather, and oversize picture windows connecting to the outdoor landscape. With 48 rooms for guests, plus its farmhouse bar/ restaurant The Airport Rooms, Tourists has become a social hub for both locals and, well – tourists! Other notable features include a suspension bridge over the Hoosic River, yoga pavilion, and a heated saltwater swimming pool. Rooms begin around $200/night.

With a few years under the belt at its now-flagship hotel, 2024 brought three more properties to the Tourists portfolio. As of August 2024, two vacation rental homes at 1388 Mass Ave and 1392 Mass Ave are available for booking – plus rooms at The Manor, the hotel’s more traditional B&B option.

A bit further afoot, the Escape team recently stayed at River Run, about 30 minutes from North Adams. This tennis-centric vacation rental has an outdoor clay court where guests can hit around while enjoying the soothing sounds of the river – plus be close to swimming, hiking, breweries and farm-to-table meals. The home sleeps up to ten guests, and offers a fabulous stone patio and deck with a cedar hot tub. Check out our mini-guide for more intel.

A mole dish at Casita, North Adams’ beloved mezcal bar and Mexican restaurant, steps from MASS MoCA. Owner Mariah Forstmann gives us some local food recs, plus more. Photo c/o Casita

Like any quickly developing region, the food scene in North Adams is changing all the time. Thankfully, we’ve got a foodie on board to help keep our North Adams guide up to date: Mariah Forstmann, owner of mezcal bar/Mexican restaurant Casita. Since arriving four years ago, Mariah and her team have carved a name for themselves in North Adams. You’ll find Casita conveniently tucked into the MASS MoCA campus, with both outdoor and indoor seating – plus a beautiful, intimate bar.

Below, Mariah shares some foodie favorites in and around North Adams:

• Casita: Mariah describes her own restaurant as “a love letter to Mexico by way of the Berkshires.” (And from Escape’s POV, this easily won our hearts as the best restaurant in town.) Casita is inspired by what local farmers are growing; the menu is inventive, fun, and changes often. When visiting, she recommends the specials – currently a Mexican street corn gnocchi – or the staff favorite, the hamburguesa.
• The Breakroom at Greylock Works: Order at the counter at this excellent spot for breakfast or lunch. Part of Greylock Works, a former cotton-spinning mill that is now host to shops, a co-work community, distillery and the Berkshire Cider Project. Also open on Monday and Tuesday evenings for a “chef’s whim” dinner.
• Berkshire Cider Taproom: Sample a cider flight, or drink by-the-glass, at this small batch taproom that’s also part of Greylock Works. According to Mariah: “We love their community cider, made from apple donations grown in our community (backyards, parks, etc.) The champagne cider is perfect for celebrations; our favorite is the dry cider, which is on our list at Casita. We love to spend a rainy afternoon playing their board games and people watching!” Snacks available.
• The Airport Rooms: Tourists’ cocktail lounge and restaurant, open to the public. Expect impeccable vibes and great food, with the menu separated into small plates, big plates and sides that’s ideal for sharing. Check their Instagram for specials.
• Coyote Flaco: Just a few minutes from North Adams in Williamstown, this family-owned spot is charming, delicious and worth the drive. “When we opened Casita, the Coyote Flaco family was the first to welcome us to the neighborhood,” says Mariah. “They gave us all the intel on where to find the ripe avocados when your delivery doesn’t come, and how to get Pacifico in Western Massachusetts.” Favorite menu items? “Carnitas or the flautas!”
• Mezze Bistro + Bar: Contemporary farm-to-table Mediterranean food with seasonal menus. Absolutely delicious, beloved by locals and tourists!
• Blue Bird Co.: By the same owners as Mezze, Bluebird offers a “globally inspired menu sourced with local ingredients, craft cocktails and a curated selection of wine and beer,” according to their website. In addition to a dining room, its large outdoor space with picnic tables has lawn games for laid-back fun.
• Provisions: In nearby Williamstown, Provisions is perfect for those stocking up for a fun night in. Peter, the owner, will help you pair the perfect wines and cheeses.

The expansive Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art – aka MASS MoCA – is the largest collection of contemporary art in the United States. Find it inside a 120,000 square foot former factory in western Massachusetts. Photo: Escape Brooklyn

North Adams is a hub for art, largely thanks to MASS MoCA. Plan at least one day to explore this expansive institution with a dynamic array of contemporary art exhibitions, installations, and performances. Its many large-scale experiences – such as James Turrell’s “Into the Light,” or its 27,000 square foot Building #7 devoted entirely to Sol LeWitt – make this contemporary art museum a bucket-list-worthy destination. Be sure to make reservations for the very popular immersive James Turrell exhibits. (Pro tip: book Turrell’s “C.A.V.U. (Skyspace)” at sunrise or sunset for an unforgettable experience.)

Nearby, the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown offers a more traditional art experience with an extensive collection of European and American art, including works by renowned masters like Rembrandt and Monet. Three minutes away and also in Williamstown, the Williams College Museum of Art complements the regional art scene with a diverse collection spanning from ancient artifacts to contemporary pieces.

One of the Berkshire Mountains’ many waterfalls. Photo: Escape Brooklyn

For shoppers, North Adams offers an array of boutiques for that perfect vacation keepsake. Downtown, and walkable from MASS MoCA, pop into The Plant Connector, Bear & Bee Book Store, Savvy Hive for vintage/thrift, and Berkshire Emporium for antique treasures. For music lovers, check out Belltower Records inside the Greylock Works building – a former industrial complex now home to dozens of small businesses, galleries and shops.

Last but not least, North Adams, MA, promises memorable days outdoors, offering a range of hiking trails. The nearby Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts, features dozens of trails for all skill levels inside Mount Greylock State Reservation. If the options are overwhelming, check out other options including the 2.2 mile Cascades Trail or the trails around Natural Bridge State Park, both recommended by Mariah Forstmann.