Day trip to the Berkshires from Albany
Cross into Massachusetts in under an hour for MASS MoCA, the Clark Art Institute, and the best mountain scenery within a 40-mile radius of Albany.
MASS MoCA courtyard in North Adams, Massachusetts
Getting there
Two routes work. Route 2 east through Troy and over the Petersburg Pass drops you into Williamstown in 55 minutes with a viewpoint stop on the way. I-90 east to Exit B3 takes you toward Pittsfield and Lenox in 60 minutes. A car is required; there's no useful transit. Both routes are beautiful in fall foliage (early to mid October).
What to do
MASS MoCA in North Adams is a massive contemporary art museum built into a former factory complex — plan 3 hours, admission $22. The Clark Art Institute in Williamstown ($20) is smaller but has one of the best 19th-century French collections in the country. If you have time for one more, the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge is a further 40 minutes south.
Where to eat
In Williamstown: Tunnel City Coffee for breakfast, Mezze Bistro for a real lunch ($22 mains). In North Adams: Public Eat + Drink or the Bright Ideas Brewing taproom inside MASS MoCA. In Lenox: Nudel for a small-plates dinner ($18 per plate) if you’re staying late.
Frequently asked questions
What people ask before they set off on this one.
For MASS MoCA plus the Clark, yes. If you want Tanglewood or Norman Rockwell too, make it an overnight.
Late June through Labor Day. Boston Symphony lawn tickets start at $25 and it's a classic Berkshires evening.
MASS MoCA on summer weekends can sell timed slots; buy online 24 hours ahead. The Clark rarely sells out.
Yes, but the Petersburg Pass gets snow. Check the DOT app and take I-90 in bad weather.
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