The 10 Best Things to do in Williamstown, Massachusetts (MA)

The Clark Art Institute is best known for its French Impressionist paintings by Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, and especially Pierre-Auguste Renoir, with more than thirty paintings by the artist. The collection is also rich in American paintings by Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, George Inness, Frederic Remington, and Mary Cassatt; Italian and Northern Renaissance masterpieces; portraits and landscapes by European masters; and an extraordinary collection of silver, porcelain, and furniture. An active program of special exhibitions brings great works of art from around the world to the museum. Designed by renowned Pritzker Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando, the recently opened Clark Center is the centerpiece of the Clark's campus. The center includes special exhibition galleries as well as retail and dining spaces. It overlooks a dramatic three-tiered reflecting pool, integrating indoor and outdoor spaces and creating a stunning visual connection to the woodland surroundings and other buildings located on the campus. This sweeping new landscape design transforms the Clark's 140-acre campus and underscores new sustainability initiatives. In 1950 the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute was founded as a permanent home for the private art collection of Sterling and Francine Clark. In 1955 Sterling-who was an avid horseman with strong family ties to Williamstown and Cooperstown, New York-and his wife Francine presided at the official opening of the museum, sharing their magnificent yet little-known collection with the world for the first time. Since the founding, the museum has gained international stature for the quality of its collection, innovative special exhibitions, and Research and Academic Program.

While on a walk to the campus we spotted Water Street Books in a strip mall. Walking in was a paradise for book lovers of all ages: children's, adults, teens, etc. books; gifts, paintings, future book signings,you name it for any age group. I was literary in heaven, bought several books for gifts, including a beautifully illustrated edition of Frost's "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening"-a gem

This library houses rare editions of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

All-inclusive cultural tours with a focus on art, music, theatre and history. These small group tours provide first-class accommodations, dining and insider access to premier museums, theatres and concert halls. Currently offering vacation experiences in the Berkshires, New Mexico and Vermont.

"Gifts for the curious" We're here to help! "Birthday", "holiday", "just because" and "for me" gifts for young and old and in-betweeners, including brainteasers, puzzles, games, inventive educational and developmental toys, baby gifts, humorous books, novelties, gourmet candy, cards, balloons and on and on... Something for everyone! OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK!

We represent talented local artisans, providing a lovely space in which to present their goods. Pottery, weaving, candles, furniture, jewelry, womens' clothes, hand bags, honey, photography and original art, wood carvings, and more. We are located in the heart of Williamstown, on Water Street, in the well established Mountain Goat building. Our gallery is wheel chair accessible.