Williamstown

With its artistic offerings and scenic countryside, it's no wonder Williamstown is known as "The Village Beautiful." Surrounded by mountains, farmlands and hiking trails, picturesque Williamstown is a quintessential Berkshire village. Here you'll find a wonderful blend of natural beauty, small town charm and heightened cultural awareness. Home of the venerable Williams College, one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country, this community offers much to refresh the mind, renew the soul and stir the imagination.

Among its wealth of natural treasures is the Hopkins Memorial Forest, the Taconic Trail State Park, Field Farm, and Bullock Forest. During summer months, a rich diversity of wildflowers bloom in the meadows, pastures and woodlands. Bluebirds, songbirds and brilliantly colored butterflies complete the landscape.

Williamstown flourishes with art and culture, despite its diminutive size. The Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, Williams College Museum of Art and the Williamstown Theatre Festival are world famous.

The Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute is a fine arts museum particularly well-known for its many French impressionist paintings as well as other significant works.

The Williams College Museum of Art has changing exhibitions and a diverse permanent art collection with works ranging from 9th century B.C. Assyrian stone reliefs to one of the last self-portraits of Andy Warhol.

Summer nights in Williamstown light up with Broadway and Hollywood luminaries performing live at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. From mid-June through August, over 240 dazzling performances take place in the region’s most sophisticated summer theatre.

After the show, stop for cappuccino in an outdoor cafe. The side streets of this not-so-typical college town are lined with delis, shops, bistros and other serendipitous spots.

For more information, call or write the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 357, Williamstown, MA 01267. Call 413-458-9077.