The Porches Inn at Mass MoCA
Before leaving western Massachusetts, there’s time to relocate for a few days to The Porches Inn, about forty minutes away in the village of North Adams. Directly across the street from the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass MoCA), The Porches is a sophisticated, multi-building complex of renovated row houses, each with a different color and theme, and each fronted by a long veranda. Catwalks and raised glass ceilings were added during renovations, though much of the original architecture was retained.
Designer Nancy Fitzpatrick searched for pieces that fit her goal of kitschy décor, coming up with such jewels as 50’s-era lamps, stainless steel clothing cabinets, and paint-by-number art. The result is a surprising and perfect symmetry between eclectic fixtures and high-tech amenities. Separate meeting rooms feature state-of-the-art components.
We’re in the Yellow building, with the pool and fitness center just a few steps from the back door. A daily, complimentary breakfast is served downstairs to the accompaniment of a music mix spanning styles and singers from Bessie Smith to Beth Orton. Somehow, it makes perfect sense here; so while Beth and Bessie sing, we enjoy warm, flaky croissants with orange marmalade, freshly squeezed juice, black tea, and freshly brewed coffee.
Next is a sojourn at Mass MoCA, an amalgam of twenty-seven industrial manufacturing buildings recently refurbished to house the largest collection of contemporary art in the country. And large is the key word here. Many of the exhibits are massive in structure. I lose sight of my husband as we wander around and through Robert Wilson’s fourteen stations, a colossal installation that fills the interior of an entire warehouse building. It’s another oddly effective mix, not unlike the Porches decorating scheme – modern works in the shape of video, sculpture, film, performance art, photography, and painting set within the walls of an abandoned 19th-century factory.
Navigating the thirteen-acre site has helped us both work up an appetite. We head a few miles down the road for dinner at the four diamond rated Yasmin’s Restaurant at The Orchards Hotel. Located where a 1900’s era apple orchard once stood, the dining rooms and guest suites reflect an English country style inn. The food, we quickly find, is outstanding. My meal of macadamia nut encrusted Maine scallops is followed by a dish of eggplant and tomatoes layered with mozzarella and white shrimp. Hard as it was to choose an entrée, dessert is nearly impossible. I settle for a baked Delicious apple prepared with butter crumbs, nuts, and maple vanilla sauce – and a bite of James’ Tahitian vanilla yogurt parfait with spiced poached mango.
Goose feather pillows, afternoon tea, a basket of crisp apples in your room, and freshly baked cookies at bedtime are standard here. The Orchards is close to hiking, skiing at both Brodie Mountain and Jiminy Peak, and within strolling distance of Williamstown, Williams College, and Williamstown Theatre.
Tonight, it’s back to The Porches for another good night’s sleep. In the morning, we’ll head back to the airport – but not until I’ve had a last cup of tea and a dose of Beth crooning a good-bye song.
Things to Do
Places to Eat
When the lights go down in Massachusetts (as the Bee Gees once sang so achingly), there’s still plenty to see, hear, and do. For times, prices, and other details, call (866) 444-1815 toll free, or visit www.berkshires.org and www.massvacation.com.
Mass MoCA, North Adams, MA
(413) 662-2111; www.massmoca.org
Salmon Run Fish House, Lee, MA
(413) 243-3900
Yasmin’s Restaurant at The Orchards Inn, Williamstown, MA
(413) 458-9611; www.orchardshotel.com
Tanglewood
(888) 266-1200; www.bso.org
Aston Magna Music Festival
(800) 875-7156; www.astonmagna.org
Chapin Library of Rare Books
(413) 597-2462
Norman Rockwell Museum
(413) 298-4100; www.normanrockwellmuseum.org
Hancock Shaker Village
(800) 817-1137; www.hancockshakervillage.org
Berskshire Theatre Festival
(413) 298-5576; www.berkshiretheatre.org
Berkshire Botanical Garden
(413) 298-3926; www.berkshirebotanical.org
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
(413) 637-0320; www.massaudubon.org
Clark Art Institute
(800) 237-5747; www.clarkart.edu
Williams College Museum of Art
(413) 597-2429; www.williams.edu/WCMA/
Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival
(413) 243-0745; www.jacobspillow.org
address book
Cranwell Resort & Spa
80-minute Thermal Clay Deluxe with Wildflower Grommage, $150. Room rates begin at $165 per night, winter season, and vary according to amenities.
(413) 637-1364 or visit www.cranwell.com
Canyon Ranch Resort
80-minute Healing Touch Treatment, $155. Room Rates begin at $2,666 for 3-night package, single; $2,187 double
(800) 326-7080 or visit www.canyonranch.com
The Healing Place
60-minute Raindrop Therapy, $80
(413) 637-1364 or visit www.thehealingplace.com
Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health
Retreat & Renewal Programs-Rates begin at $483 for 3 night, mid-week packages.
(800) 741-7353 or visit www.kripalu.org
The Porches Inn at Mass MoCA
Weekend rates begin at $210 per night
(413) 664-0400 or visit www.porches.com
July/August 2003
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