Williamstown

Williamstown, Massachusetts

Tucked away in the northwestern corner of the Berkshires and the state itself, Williamstown is your picture perfect, quintessential little village, and often referred to as “The Village Beautiful”. Surrounding the small town you’ll find an abundance of mountains, forests, parks, and hiking trails, typical of any other town in the Berkshires. But, as quiet and charming as it may seem, there’s a lot more to Williamstown than what meets the eye! 

For starters, Williamstown boasts an incredible concentration of art and culture. Williams College, consistently ranked as one of the country’s top liberal arts colleges, lies at the heart of town, exuding creativity out into the local community. The college also has its very own art museum, which is critically acclaimed and considered to be one of the country’s finest.

You’ll also find several other art and theater venues right in town, including the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute and the world famous Williamstown Theater Festival. In fact, during the summer months, it’s not uncommon for Broadway stars to make an appearance at the annual festival, so be sure to check out who’s performing and plan your trip accordingly!

The natural beauty of the Williamstown area is just as rich as its culture. Being right at the border of Vermont and the Green Mountain National Forest, you can expect ample hiking trails in the immediate vicinity, winding through lush greenery and vibrant colors, with beautiful wildflowers blanketing the region during the summer and fall.

Be sure to pay a visit to both the Hopkins Memorial Forest and the Taconic Trail State Park for some of the best trails, and for a stunning panoramic view of the town and surrounding area, take an afternoon to hike up to the summit of Pine Cobble Mountain.

Just to the south of downtown, you’ll find yourself in vast expanses of farmlands, with ample fresh produce and farmers markets throughout the growing season. The offerings of the local farmers include everything from apples and berries, cheeses and meats, and baked goods and jams.

While not necessarily as trendy or well-traveled as other nearby towns like Lenox or Great Barrington, Williamstown is full of its own charm and character. Take a day trip from Lenox to the cozy village and experience for yourself the natural and cultural bounty that makes the northern corner of the Berkshires as magical as it is.