Weekend At TOURISTS, The Berkshires

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

24 Hours in Bozeman, MT

Anytime of the year is a perfect time to visit Bozeman, MT.  A one hour drive from Big Sky and just a short distance from the airport.  A pretty perfect scenario.  Bozeman is a college town located in a valley surrounded by mountains.  No matter where you stand in this city you will have stunning views of the mountains.   Main St. is lined with old Art Deco buildings and neon lights that transform this city at night to hip and happening.  Enjoy strolling Main Street while taking breaks for a bite to eat, a drink, and to explore boutiques.  The vibe is nothing short of cool with an old western charm.  You immediately know that 24 hours will not be enough!

Stay:

The Lark, formerly a run down Old Imperial Inn from the 60’s has been transformed into a modern hip motel with attention to design, efficiency, and style.  The Lark collaborated with local artists for wall installations that tell the story of the area.  The rooms are charming, cozy, and equipped with all your needs to recharge yourself and your tech gadgets.  Each room has built-in wall units made of steel and wood perfect to tuck your gear away.  There are two common areas that are extensions to the rooms.  Enjoy the spacious outdoor patio with bright orange Eames chairs, wooden benches, and an outdoor fireplace.  Relax on the large leather sectional with your feet up or take a seat at the communal wooden table.  Sip some local coffee from the beverage cart.  It is a hip hotel/motel and you want to hang out longer than you should but there is too much to explore. At the end of your day, you will be happy to return to your base camp to sit by the outdoor wood burning fire with a cocktail in hand.

A Few Stand Outs:

Bozeman downtown offers an eclectic mix of shops to explore.  Standouts are Cactus, a funky record shop with the low down on the music scene, Hey Day, a lifestyle boutique that is big and airy, and dawn Josephine collective, a beautifully curated shop with local artists being represented.

A stand out is the Montana Honey Bee Co.  This shop is half artisanal honey and the other half showcasing all your needs to become a bee keeper.  You are educated about bees while sampling the wide varieties of honey.  It is a wonderful store bringing your awareness back to nature.  You will walk away contemplating the idea of designing your own bee farm at home.  It is so sweet! (no pun intended)

Places to Eat:

Bozeman does not lack character.  It is a place that gives you an idea of how life has been.  The city has done a beautiful job combining the old charm through restoration, preservation, and combining their history with modern updates.  Restaurants, bars, cafes, and coffees shops are lively, youthful, and inviting. Sure winners are:  Wild Joe’s coffee spot,  Jam for an over the top breakfast, Copper for a cocktail, and Montana Ale Works for dinner.

If you are thinking about Bozeman for this summer or any other time of year then check out this Bozeman blog.  Great resource!