Modern Eyes Places To See: North Adams, MA

“As times change, some places are simply too extraordinary to let their story fade. North Adams is one of them. Just three hours from Westwood, tucked into the northwest corner of the Commonwealth, the Spire City was once defined by bustling factories. Now, it’s traded the hum of machinery for the buzz of creativity, as dozens of historic buildings step out of retirement into bold new roles for their next chapter.”
 
To See
 
In the many-steepled historic district, a former church now houses the Berkshire Art Museum, where stained-glass windows glow over geometric forms and organic sculptures tracing the arc of Eric Rudd’s lifework. Nearby, some Northern Berkshire Art Outside installations (Bus Stand, That’s Gneiss, and Big Bling) add surprise bursts of creativity, with many more hidden in plain sight.
 
Former textile-printing factory MASS MoCA is now one of the nation’s largest contemporary art museums, spanning 26 interconnected buildings and 250,000 square feet. Standouts include Vincent Valdez’s Just A Dream (a searing, eerily prophetic commentary on American politics), James Turrell’s Into the Light (a 10-minute full-spectrum color immersion), and Gelare Khoshgozaran’s U.S Customs Demands to Know (a vast dark gallery lit by glowing postal packages). For more, see the extended article at mymoderneyes.com/articles.
 
To Do
 
Main Street thrives with unique stops like The Plant Connector (a plant and lifestyle shop) and Bear and Bee Bookshop (well-curated new and used reads). In a former men’s clothing store, Berkshire Emporium & Antiques brims with 20+ vendor rooms of treasures and oddities, a bakery, and a gift shop. Steps away, former mansion turned North Adams Public Library pairs chandelier-lit reading with art exhibits and a community garden.
 
The West End’s former textile manufacturer, Norad Mill, hosts dozens of businesses, including Norad Toy & Candy Company, with its massive wall of candy jars, and Belltower Records, a vinyl lover’s paradise.
 
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Cascade Falls Trail (stunning waterfalls), Natural Bridge State Park (200-foot marble arch), and Windsor Lake (swimming and camping), where nature’s palette is on display year-round.
 
To Eat
 
Fuel up at Eagle Street Café for a great breakfast and caffeinated creations (like bourbon-barrel maple latte) or Trail House Kitchen and Bar for hearty, allergy-friendly fare. Public Eat + Drink‘s serves inventive plates like slow-braised pork shoulder tacos (yum!).
 
At Greylock WORKS, a former mill turned creative hub, browse the maker shops (and peek into the massive event space), before indulging in multi-faceted Vietnamese-Californian fare at State Food + Drink. As the sun sets, relax at The Distillery where house-made gin infused with locally-foraged botanicals elevates each cocktail. We curled into armchairs as a black-and-white Fellini film flickered on the old mill wall, savoring the Dolce Vita moment.
 
Last Look
 
In North Adams, the bricks are steeped in history, and the doorways open to possibility. While the spaces are captivating, it’s the visionaries, makers, and risk-takers who will inspire you to want to consider your own next chapter.