How about a city timeout with a lovely weekend at the newly open motel, TOURISTS? A 2.5 hour drive from Boston. Upon arrival you wonder why haven’t we done this before and when are we doing this again? Check out my earlier blog post if you missed the introduction. TOURISTS is even better in person. The aesthetics can be summed up with Hasami Porcelian. This is their everyday multifunctional dinnerware from Japan. The over all space is inviting, spacious, bright, minimal, and armed with all the amenities one needs for a restful or adventurous weekend. It is a place that has that good worn-in feel but everything is new. The rooms are cozy, comfortable, and well stocked including foldable chairs conveniently hanging on a wall waiting to be put to use for an outing. Also each room is complete with an outdoor shower.
TOURISTS is a peaceful experience surrounded by woods, trails, the Hoosic River, and Mt. Greylock which happens to be the tallest peak in Massachusetts. It is perfectly situated for you to enjoy museums, hiking, and exploring. Start and end your day lounging around the pool or in one of their communal areas to relax and listen to nature. Being a motel means you are roadside. But once you enter TOURISTS, you feel at ease with the city life behind you.
Three places to visit in a weekend (but there are endless ways to spend your time inside and outside):
MASS MoCA is located in an old factory offering all forms of art including areas for performances. The space can overwhelm with its magnitude but it will not disappoint you. It will amaze you!
The Clark is a stunning world-class museum that requires you to not be in a rush. This is the perfect marriage of art and nature.
Drive up to the summit at Mount Greylock. A lovely drive with plenty of look out spots for pictures and places to picnic. Pack your hiking boots if you want to explore and hike the many trails of this area.
To Eat:
Tourists offers a light breakfast fare and a late afternoon into evening menu. The food is delicious and thoughtful. It is casual and hits the spot. Currently they are working on a tavern that will offer another option for on premise dining. Stay tuned.
A.OK BBQ shack and Bright Ideas Brewing are across from each other at the entrance to MASS MoCA. Both are perfect for lunch and diner but certainly for a refreshing cold beer or tasty homemade kombucha.
In Williamstown enjoy your breakfast, lunch, and other provisions at The Spring Street Market Cafe. Or stroll across the street to The Smoothie Spot for fresh smoothies, juices, and acai bowls.
Not to be missed is Pedrin’s, an old school diary bar serving some seriously good soft serve ice cream.
Where else can we explore that is within a 2.5 hour distance of Boston? Happy Fall!
For your curiosity and your table: Hasami Porcelain
isostilo 