The Berkshires are known for many things, its art scene, luxurious vacation homes, and of course Tanglewood. And over the past few months, it has even popped up on Netflix, thanks to the series ‘Unsolved Mysteries’ about the ‘Berkshire UFO sighting in 1969.’ However, we recently visited the Berkshires for another reason, to check out the coolest hotel in North Adams, TOURISTS. Keep reading to learn how to spend a weekend in the Berkshires at TOURISTS.
Getting to the Berkshires
The Berkshires are huge! Comprised of the westernmost part of Massachusetts, your travel time from Boston will vary depending on what town you are visiting. When we drove to North Adams in December, it took us right around 3 hours from Downtown Boston. Interestingly, the region is actually equidistant from Boston and New York City, so it’s typically a convenient destination for residents of either city. However, right now please be aware that Massachusetts has some travel restrictions and guidelines for visitors from out of state, so please check Mass.gov for more information. Although, for us, since we were just traveling intra-state.
Staying at TOURISTS in North Adams, MA
TOURISTS is a 48-room hotel located in the center of North Adams, MA. Inspired by vintage Americana, the property is laid out like a traditional roadside motel, with all rooms accessed from the outside. However, this is no motel. The property offers chic, premium lodging, with a cool, relaxed vibe. Set on the banks of the Hoosic River, the property is a winter wonderland at the moment, with trees covered in snow, the frozen river gleaming and the trails winding throughout.
All rooms offer either private or semi-private patios, spacious bedrooms, and modern bathrooms, which are complete with heated floors. The cozy aesthetic continues into the bedroom, which is decked out with layers of airy linens and blankets. There are thoughtfully nostalgic touches throughout the room, including polaroid style photos, books, and funky light fixtures that all welcome you right in. It feels as if you’ve stepped into a luxe, Scandinavian summer camp for adults, the stress just melts away.
TOURISTS is just the place for a socially distant weekend in the Berkshires this winter, lots of space, fresh air and privacy!
What to Do Over a Weekend in the Berkshires
There is so much to do in the Berkshires. But what amazes us is how much there is to do outdoors, even in the winter! On our recent trip we visited The Clark to check out an outdoor art exhibit that is currently on show. Ground/work is a completely outdoor art show that is free and open to the public right now featuring international artists’ sculpture work throughout their grounds.
“Migratory DMZ Birds on Asymmetric Lens” by View of the Clark grounds “Knee and Elbow” by Nairy Baghramian
Plan to spend an afternoon hiking through yet another winter wonderland, and the works of art are set amongst their hiking trails.
But once you have had your fill of the outdoors, come inside to warm up at the cool, factory-turned, craft brewery, co-working, restaurant space at Greylock Works. Plan to have lunch at The Breakroom. Their menu has lots of cozy favorites like Bolognese and chicken soup.
But for dinner pre-order from TOURISTS, as they are offering takeout meals exclusively for overnight guests. And the menu features farm-to-table staples like roast chicken, fresh salads, winter vegetables and more! How tasty does this look? And for only $55/person, you get a five-course meal delivered right to your room, and it even comes with a homemade dessert!
For more outdoorsy winter travel ideas, check out our blogs on Stowe, VT and Warren, VT.
