Looking for a beautiful, walkable downtown with all your favorite outdoor activities just a stone’s throw away? Williamstown has all the lush greenery that transplants come to the Berkshires for, along with a strong arts and culture scene. If you’re considering a move (or trip!) to Berkshire County, Williamstown is a great area to add to your list to explore. See below to learn more about what this charming town is known for.
Is Williams, MA a College Town?
Anyone interested in Williamstown is likely to be familiar with Williams College. This private liberal arts college largely contributes to the sense of community within the town. Their campus is located in the heart of town, integrating its students seamlessly with all the downtown has to offer. This certainly adds an element of seasonality to the type of people you see walking around; expect to see plenty of college-aged residents in the local coffee shops and common spaces while school is in session.
This being said, summer is a time of peak tourism in the Berkshires and Williamstown is no exception. Don’t expect it to turn into a total ghost town come summertime!
Downtown Williamstown
Downtown Williamstowns has plenty to offer no matter the time of year. Within downtown, you’ll be able to walk to plenty of small, local businesses, including great restaurants and coffee shops. You won’t want to miss out on a visit to Tunnel City Coffee while you’re in the area! Purple Pub or Coyote Flaco (located just a bit outside of downtown) are also well-loved places for a bite to eat while you’re exploring the area.
One of the most special parts of Williamstown is Images Cinema, a unique, non-profit movie theater in the heart of downtown. Images Cinema hosts indie films and special events that a film junkie would be sure to enjoy. For example, they’ll frequently partner with Williams College to bring in professors for talks on special film topics. Their other not-your-average film screenings include features from the Golden Age of Hollywood, current and lesser-known indie films, or a horror buff’s dream selection of old-school scary movies as part of their “Nightmare on Spring Street” series.
What to do in Williamstown: Nearby Cultural Attractions
If you’re one who enjoys strolling around a museum on a semi-frequent basis, you should set your sights on northern Berkshire County. The southern end hosts plenty of smaller, interesting galleries, but they don’t compare in scope to what is offered in the Williamstown area.
Williamstown is home to the Clark Art Institute, a fine art museum. Besides the incredible pieces held within, the Clark has a scenic, sprawling campus that is open to the public all year round. At the Clark, you can either walk around on your own or take part in their many events, including educational talks, all-ages art making, and even live music performances or movie screenings. When you’re a Williamstown local, you’ll also be nearby to take advantage of the free admission opportunities that pop up throughout the year, like their “First Sundays Free” initiative from October to May.
Next door in North Adams, you’re a short drive away from MASS MoCA, another art museum. The two institutions have very different feels, given the latter’s focus on contemporary art. Located in a old factory, MASS MoCA’s campus lends itself to large-scale, out-of-this-world contemporary installations that rotate out frequently–if you’re local, there’s always a reason to re-visit. MASS MoCA also hosts a plethora of unique events on its campus besides the typical artist talkbacks, workshops and family events. The museum doubles as a music and events venue, and often brings in artists with significant followings. MASS MoCA additionally hosts recurring music festivals like FreshGrass, and the band Wilco’s Solid Sound Festival.
The theatrical scene in the Berkshires is, in part, defined by the Williamstown Theatre Festival. The annual summer festival frequently features world premieres of plays and musicals as well as revivals. WTF draws well-known actors to its stages–see Matthew Broderick, Uma Thurman, and Blair Underwood as just a few featured players–and has also helped bolster actors at the start of their rise, including Kathryn Hahn and Charlie Day. Outside of their summer run, the festival also supports the development of new theatrical works as well as other programs and training.
You don’t have to go far when you live in Williamstown to find all the arts & culture you could ask for!
Outdoor Recreation: Hikes, Skiing, & More
For those of you that are outdoor enthusiasts, Williamstown will not let you down. Like a lot of the Berkshires, there are tons of trails to explore and enjoy. The nearby Mount Greylock alone is an incredibly popular destination for hiking, or even for a drive up to the summit for the incredible views. The area’s trails are utilized year-round for hiking, biking, and even snowshoeing in the winter. The Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation frequently hosts events like guided hikes, birding, and even tai chi classes for those who wouldn’t prefer to venture out alone.
If you ski or snowboard, there are quite a few mountains within an easy driving distance for you to enjoy in the winter months. Some are better suited for nordic skiing or snowshoeing, like Notchview or Prospect Mountain. Berkshire East and Jiminy Peak are also nearby for downhill skiers to explore. Williamstown also benefits from its proximity to Vermont, putting Mount Snow and Stratton within reach for an easy visit.
Williamstown Real Estate
Williamstown can certainly be a bit more expensive real estate-wise than some of its surrounding areas. If you’re looking for plenty of bang for the buck, take a look at the nearby North Adams as your best option. However, if you are in the market for something more luxurious, Williamstown has plenty to offer that’s well-worth the higher price point!
Williamstown also has a large quantity of historic buildings and homes for those seeking a bit of old-school charm. If instead your tastes are for brand-new builds made exactly to your liking, there’s a fair amount of land still available to make your dream home a reality. There are also some newer builds that come on the market within that luxury price point.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect land parcel, seeking a scenic escape from the city, or you’re hunting for your dream home, I’m happy to help you along your journey. And if you’re looking for an adorable small town that holds a surprising amount of arts, culture, community, and outdoor activities, Williamstown just might be the perfect place for you.
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