Attractions

The Berkshires is home to many cultural and natural attractions. Topia Inn is at the base of Mt Greylock which has hiking trails, lakes and waterfalls. The bike path which ends in Adams passes directly behind the inn. There are museums, restaurants and performance venues directly to the North and South of town.  Mass MoCA in North Adams is the largest contemporary art museum in the country. It is 8 minutes north of the inn. It exhibits year round and has concerts, and other performing arts events in the evenings.  Clarke Art Institute of Sterling and Francine Clark in Williamstown, includes European and American painting, sculpture, works on paper, and decorative art from the Renaissance to the early twentieth century, nineteenth-century European and American painting, French Impressionists; English silver; master drawings and prints; and, in recent years, the Institute’s growing collection of early photography.  Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, was founded in 1969 with the help of Norman and Molly Rockwell, Norman Rockwell Museum is dedicated to the enjoyment and study of Rockwell’s work and his contributions to society, popular culture, and social commentary.  Edith Wharton designed and built The Mount in 1902, based on the principles outlined in her influential book, The Decoration of Houses (1897), co-authored with architect Ogden Codman, Jr. This classical revival house represents the only full expression we have of Wharton’s architectural interests. It is also one of the mere 5% of National Historic Landmarks dedicated to women.  Hancock Shaker Village has brought the Shaker story to life by restoring the original buildings of the Shaker village and re-enacting the lifestyle of the Shakers. The Shaker Central Ministry closed the Hancock community in 1960 and sold the buildings and surrounding acreage to a group of Shaker enthusiasts, collectors and scholars. The museum opened to the public on July 1, 1961.  The Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield has a broad and varied collection that include pieces from virtually every continent, a mixture of the whimsical and the exemplary, important fine art and sculpture, natural science specimens, and ancient artifacts.  Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival One of the oldest dance centers in the country, Jacob’s Pillow was declared a National Historic Landmark for its contribution to America’s culture. It promotes all forms of dance and features emerging and established dance groups from around the world. The center also has films, talks and exhibits.  Tanglewood  the summer home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Tanglewood is one of the Berkshires premier concert destinations. Tanglewood features classical and contemporary music concerts with musicians like YoYo Ma, John Williams and James Taylor. Tanglewood is located in Lenox, MA, approximately forty minutes from Topia Inn.  Shakespeare & Company  Located on beautiful grounds in Lenox, MA, Shakespeare & Co. performs both classic and contemporary works as well as offers educational programs and workshops for adults and children.  Williamstown Theatre Festival Awarding-winning regional theatre company, the Williamstown Theatre Festival has been around since the 1950s. The festival has helped launch the careers of many actors and continues to attract top talent. Williamstown is only a 15 minute drive from Topia Inn.  Colonial Theatre  Located in Pittsfield, MA the Colonial Theatre was originally built in 1903 and was restored in 2006. The theatre hosts a wide variety of entertaining performing arts events including dramatic plays, musicals, concerts, talks and lectures.  Images Cinema  Images Cinema in Williamstown is a not-for-profit, single screen movie theater which shows mainstream and art house films. Images houses rotating exhibits by local artists in its lobby, and is a fun reminder of what going to the movies used to be like.