Things to do in Williamstown
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Sterling & Francine Clark Art Institute
The Sterling & Francine Clark Art Institute is a gem among US art museums. Even if you’re not an avid art lover, don’t miss it. Robert Sterling Clark (1877–1956), a Yale engineer whose family had made money in the sewing machine industry, began collecting art in Paris in 1912. He and his wife eventually housed their wonderful collection in Williamstown in a white marble temple built expressly for the purpose. The collections are particularly strong in the Impressionists. Mary Cassatt, Winslow Homer and John Singer Sargent represent contemporary American painting. From earlier centuries, there are excellent works by Hans Memling, Jean-Honoré Fragonard and Francisco de Goya…
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Williams College Museum of Art
The Clark Art Institute’s sister museum is the excellent Williams College Museum of Art. Around half of its 12,000 pieces comprise the American Collection, with substantial works by notables such as Edward Hopper (Morning in a City), Winslow Homer and Grant Wood, to name only a few. The photography collection is equally strong, with representation by Diane Arbus, Man Ray and Alfred Stieglitz. The pieces representing ancient and medieval cultures are less numerous but equally distinguished. The museum also hosts traveling exhibits and stages its own shows with works from community and regional artists. To find the museum, look for the huge bronze eyes embedded in the fro…
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Ashuwillticook Rail Trail
When Boston and Main Railroad gave up on the corridor between Lanesborough and Adams in 1990, citizens agitated to have it recast as a universally accessible walk/bike path, and thus the 11-mile Ashuwillticook Rail Trail was born. The trail closely follows the Hoosic River and the Cheshire Reservoir through glorious wetlands, with many benches along the way and a handful of rest facilities.
The southern access is by the Berkshire Mall at the intersection of MA 9 and MA 8 between Pittsfield and Dalton, and parking is available at both ends.
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Pappa Charlie’s Deli
Here’s a welcoming breakfast spot where locals really do ask for ‘the usual.’ The stars themselves created the lunch sandwiches that bear their names. The Richard Dreyfuss is a thick pastrami and provolone number. Or order a Politician and get anything you want on it. Downstairs is an organic juice and coffee bar.
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Mezze Bistro & Bar
This chic eatery decorated with touches of red velvet is your best bet for glimpsing actors from the Williamstown Theatre after a performance. Roasted red snapper with creamed corn and chanterelles is one of the more American-style mains. Later at night, it’s the closest Williamstown gets to having a gay bar.
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Hot Tomatoes Pizza
Simply the best pizza in town. You won’t find any sad-looking salads or second-rate pastas here – these folks stick to what they know best: thin-crust Neapolitan-style pizzas. It’s takeout only, but you can head to the riverside picnic tables in the back yard.
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Jae’s Inn
For top-notch appetizers (duck confit spring roll; marinated octopus) and fresh sushi. This Asian joint serves dishes inspired by the cuisines of Japan, Thailand and elsewhere. Eat stir-fries, things from clay pots and great Korean stuff. It’s on MA 7 south of town.
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Mountain Goat
Williamstown and environs, with rolling farmland and quiet country roads, are excellent for biking. Route 43, along the Green River, is one of the prettier roads. Mountain Goat rents bicycles as well as hiking, camping and fly fishing gear.
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Clark Art Institute
The Clark Art Institute focuses on 19th-century paintings with oodles of Renoirs and other French impressionists as well as a solid collection of American paintings by Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent and others.
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Chopsticks
Can't agree on what to eat? Then head to this Asian eatery with everything from fiery Szechuan vegetarian dishes to Japanese sushi and Korean barbecue.
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Concertline
During the academic year, call Concertline of the Williams College Department of Music for information on concerts, recitals and performances.
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Williamstown Chamber Concerts
In the summer the Williamstown Chamber Concerts group stages concerts at the Clark Art Institute.
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Tunnel City Coffee
Come to this student haunt near Williams College campus for potent espressos, light eats and sugar-laced desserts.
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Images Cinema
Images Cinema is a single-screen, nonprofit arts institution screening indie and foreign flicks.
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Water St Books
This is the Williams College bookstore, with a friendly staff that know both books and the area.
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