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Fall 2004
  Articles on this page: • Taking a break from your studies... Taking a break from your studies... Movie Theaters Regal Cinema 499-2558 Berkshire Mall, Lanesboro First-run, popular movies North Adams Cinema 663-5873 Curran Highway, North Adams First-run, popular movies Look for student discount specials. Images Cinema 458-5612 55 Spring Street, Williamstown Off-beat, vintage and foreign films, as well as special programs. www.imagescinema.org "On the MASS MoCA big screen" films 662-2111 Bennington Cinema Route 67-A Bennington, VT 802-442-8179 Triplex Cinema 70 Railroad St. Great Barrington, MA 413-528-8885 Video Rentals Movie Gallery 664-7880 North Adams Plaza Stop & Shop Plaza, North Adams 663-7282 Freel Library and the North Adams Public Library and Williamstown Milne Public Library all offer a selection of videos Bowling Mt. Greylock Bowl 663-3761 Roberts Drive, North Adams Ten pin bowling. Valley Park Lanes 664-9715 Curran Highway, North Adams Candlepin bowling. Ice Skating Vietnam Veterans Memorial Rink South Church Street 662-5112 Rt. 8, North Adams Under the management of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, the rink sponsors ongoing programs and public skating on a daily basis Chapman Rink at Williams College Williamstown 597-2433 Call for public skating schedule Golfing Local Courses North Adams Country Club River Road, Clarksburg 663-7887 This course has a dress code. Tank tops, ripped jeans or tee-shirts (men need collared shirts) are not permitted. Admission is $14 for nine holes and $15 for 18 holes during the week, $10 for nine holes and $22 for 18 holes everyday. Taconic Golf Club 458-3997 Meacham Street, Williamstown Skyline Country Club 445-5584 Rt. 7, Lanesboro Stamford Valley Golf Course (802) 694-9144 The Lane, Stamford, VT Admission is $8 for nine holes, $14 for 18 holes and $10 for cart rental. This course is a 10-minute drive from campus. Waubeeka Golf Links 458-8355 Rt. 7, Williamstown Admission is $20 for nine holes and $33 for 18 holes. Miniature Golf Baker's Driving Range & Mini Golf Rt. 7, Lanesboro 443-6102 One round of mini golf costs $3.00 per person. On the driving range, a jumbo bucket of 175 balls costs $7.50, a large bucket costs $3.50. Miniature Golf at Jiminy Peak Corey Road, off Rt. 43 738-5500 Hancock Natural obstacles and course. Open weekends from Memorial Day, daily from June 23 until September. One round of mini golf costs $2.50 per person. Packages and group rates are available. Par-4 Family Fun Center 499-0051 Rt. 7, Lanesboro Miniature golf, go-carts, batting cages, bumper boats, food & ice cream. Live Music MCLA Student Activities Council Contact Celia Norcross ext. 5289 Amsler Campus Center, Room 310 Student Activities Council sponsor numerous on-campus concerts and dances, and coffee house programs throughout the school year as well as other programs. Pepsi Arena Albany, NY (518) 487-2000 Lion's Den at the Red Lion Inn Main Street, Stockbridge 298-5545 Live music Sunday - Thursday 8:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday nights, 9:00 p.m. Railway Cafe St. John's Parish Hall 59 Summer St. North Adams Folk concerts & food 664-6393 www.fusf.org/railwaycafe Student Development and Activities Amsler Campus Center, MCLA Room 310 Sponsors a variety of cultural and special events throughout the year including the MCLA Documentary Film Series, Stop the Hate programs, speakers, theater performances, diversity programs, etc. The Office of Student Development and Activities also co-sponsors numerous programs with college departments and student organizations. For more information call 662-5120 or 5129. Smith House Series Concerts and Patrons of the Arts, MCLA Alumni Development 662-5005 Night Shift Cafe MASS MoCA 664-6228 59 Main Street, North Adams Papyri Books Main Street, North Adams 662-2099 Water Street Grill 458-2175 Water Street, Williamstown Live acoustic music Friday & Saturday nights, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Springfield Civic Center & Symphony Hall Box Office Springfield 787-6600 Various on-going concerts and performances. Tanglewood 637-5165 Lenox Summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Box office opens for the season on June 10. Williams College Music Dept. Concert line 597-3146 Hotline for Williams College musical events. Camping Camping in the Berkshire mountains can be a relaxing opportunity to escape into the wilderness. The College's Outing Club has equipment available to all members of the College community. When planning your trip, be aware that during specified times (mainly October - December) you will be sharing the woods with area deer, bear, rabbit, and wild turkey hunters, so dress accordingly. Clarksburg State Park 664-8345 Middle Road, Clarksburg Over 300 acres with 42 campsites. The forest is perfect for bicycling, canoeing, fishing, hiking, hunting, picnicking, cross-country skiing, and swimming. Sites are $10 per night, with new showers and flush toilets. Hidden Valley Campground 447-9419 15 Scott Road, Lanesboro RV and tent camping park with modern bathhouses, swimming pool & pond, rec hall, snack bar and much more. Historic Valley Campground Windsor Lake Road 662-3198 North Adams Within walking distance of the college. Follow the road behind the Windsor Lake parking lot. The camp has an arcade, private beach, canoes and paddle boats to rent, bingo nights, and children's playgrounds. Sites are $20 and include water, electric, flush toilets and hot showers. Mt. Greylock State Reservation Rockwell Road 499-4262 Lanesboro Over 10,000 acres and 35 campsites. Enjoy bicycling, fishing, hiking, hunting, picnicking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and summer programs. Sites are $5 per night for up to five people and group sites for up to 25 people cost $8. Sites do not have water, electricity or flush toilets. Savoy Mountain State Forest Central Shaft Road 663-8469 Florida An amazing 11,000 acres and 45 campsites. Indulge in bicycling, boating, fishing, horseback riding, hunting, picnicking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and summer programs. Sites are $10 per night and do not include water, electricity or flush toilets. Call 664-9567 Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for reservations. Windsor State Forest 684-0948 River Road, Windsor Over 1,500 acres and 24 campsites. Unwind with some bicycling, fishing, hiking, picnicking, cross-country skiing, swimming, and snowmobiling. Sites are $5 per night and do not include electricity or flush toilets. Water is available, but not on each site. Waterfalls Berkshire County offers a score of waterfalls and cascades of various sizes and volume. They offer cool relief on a hot day and help create an environment to achieve peace of mind in any kind of weather. The Cascades Follow the trail beginning on Marion Avenue in North Adams along Notch Brook for about a half a mile. The falls drop about 50 feet, through remarkable folds of rocks. Peck Falls At the McKinley Square statue in the center of Adams, take a right onto Maple Street. At the top of the hill, take a left onto West Road. Take your next right onto Gould Road through Jaeschke's Orchards. At the top of the hill is the Greylock Glen. Park and follow signs which lead to either the upper or lower falls. The upper falls have a drop of about 10 feet and a basin for swimming. The lower falls have a drop of approximately 20 feet. Money Brook Falls Turn off Rt. 7 in Lanesboro at the signs for the Mount Greylock State Reservation. Drive up Rockwell Road to Sperry Road Campgrounds. Drive through the campground to the end of the road. Follow the Money Brook Trail for 2.5 miles. A well-marked side trail takes you to the falls. Tannery Falls Drive down Central Shaft Road in Florida, following signs for Savoy Mountain State Forest. Turn left onto Burnett Road, turning into Tannery Road, a gravel way. Two long slender falls come together to form Tannery Brook. Windsor Jams Take River Road in Savoy to the Windsor State Forest. The trail begins behind the restrooms. Turn right at the fork to come out at the bottom of the gorge. Bash Bish Falls The most spectacular waterfall in the Commonwealth. Take East Street from South Egremont onto the Mount Washington plateau. Turn right at the church and follow the sign to Falls Road and Bash Bish parking lot. Wahconah Falls Follow Route 9 out of Dalton, turning right at Dalton Tractor on Wahconah Road. Continue for a mile up the gravel road to a parking lot. The falls, below a reservoir, dive deeply over ledges in a deep gulf. Swimming Very few people think of sun and surf when they think of the Berkshires, but during the warm seasons there are plenty of natural and man-made water bodies to enjoy. Regardless of the season, the Amsler Campus Center Pool is always open for students. Clarksburg State Forest Middle Road, Clarksburg A small swimming pond, but very tranquil. If the gate is locked, park at the entrance and walk down the road on the right to get to the pond. The park is home to a flock of Canadian geese. North Pond Central Shaft Road, Savoy Very scenic, spring-fed pond with a sandy beach. Rope Swing and Swimming Hole Go up the trail (Rt. 2 East) and make a left after the first bridge. Follow the signs for Rowe and the Yankee Power Plant. A half mile down on the left, directly across from a trailer park, make a left onto a dirt road. Park in the dirt parking area next to the railroad tracks. Follow trail to the swing and swimming hole. The Springs Pool & Spa 458-5205 Sand Springs Road, Williamstown Spa open year round, pool open Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Mineral laden water bubbles up at 74 degrees. Admission fee, $10.00, children $8.00. Open 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Mon.-Fri. and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends. Ward's Beach Rt. 100, Wilmington, VT About 35 miles from campus on the reservoir. Windsor Lake (aka Fishpond) Bradley Street, North Adams City park with swimming pond within walking distance of MCLA. Picnics The Berkshires are graced with rare natural beauty, from the breathtaking foliage to the budding gardens of spring, and picnicking is a relaxing and inexpensive way to take advantage of this lush environment. You can use your ARAMARK meal card or pay cash for a boxed breakfast, lunch or dinner to take along with you. For more information, call Grayce Rarick, Catering Supervisor for ARAMARK, at ext. 5238. Clarksburg State Park Middle Road, Clarksburg The abundant, unspoiled forest offers breathtaking views (especially during fall foliage) of both the Berkshire Hills and Green Mountains. Deer Park Rt. 7, Bennington, VT (near the Veteran's Home) Field Farm Sloane Avenue, Williamstown Mt. Greylock State Reservation Rockwell Road, Lanesboro The state's highest peak, a naturalist's delight. Mt. Hope Rt. 43, Williamstown Natural Bridge 663-6392 Rt. 8 North, Clarksburg Beautiful marble rock formations only a ten minute drive from the college. Pittsfield State Forest Cascade Street, Pittsfield Streams, waterfalls, and flowering shrubs abound. A dam holds the clear cold stream water of Lulu Brook in a basin for swimming. Berry Pond is the highest natural water body in Massachusetts. Savoy Mountain State Park Florida Road, Savoy Scenic ponds with wooded edges and hills rising in the distance offer tranquil places for picnicking. The abundant mountain laurel is a real treat. Spruce Hill Best view of the Greylock Mountain Range. Take Rt. 2 East, making a right onto Central Shaft Road. Park on a broad gravel road to the left or right of the sharp curve. Start walking up the logging road on the right of the curve, then follow Busby Trail on the right. The trail is 3/4 of a mile long, starting out flat and wet, then getting steep. Stafford Hill Monument Cheshire From the center of Adams, head Northeast on Rt. 116. Drive up Orchard Street and make a right turn after the high school on your left. Bear left up a hill for about half a mile. Windsor Lake (aka Fishpond) Bradley Street, North Adams Windsor State Forest 684-0948 Windsor, MA 1,626 acres, perfect for picnicking. Biking Interest in mountain biking over the last few years is increasing and the Berkshire mountains are ideal for this activity. Choose one of the detailed trails below, or explore one of the many area state parks. Ashuwillticook Rail Trail 413-442-8928 Lanesborough, Cheshire, Adams, MA. A 10-foot-wide, paved former railbed. Runs from the Berkshire Mall in Lanesborough parallel to Route 8 through Cheshire to the Berkshire Visitors Bureau center at the Adams town center. Used by bicyclists, roller bladers and walkers. www.mass.gov/dem/parks/asrt.htm Deerfield Valley Cycling Club 802-464-4040 Organized rides for road cyclists Mount Snow 800-245-SNOW 45 miles of terrain Mount Snow, VT Zavattaro Athletic Complex Trail Take West Shaft Road in North Adams to the baseball field and follow the dirt road. Greylock Glen At the McKinley Square statue in the center of Adams, take a right onto Maple Street. At the top of the hill, take a left onto West Road. Take your next right onto Gould Road, through Jaeschke's Orchards. At the top of the hill, you may park and follow signs which lead to various trails. Mt. Greylock State Reservation The trail begins at Mt. Greylock Greenhouse on West Mountain Road in North Adams. At the cul-de-sac make a right onto Cheshire Harbor Trail and follow for 2 miles. Make a left onto Old Adams Road Trail. It will be a moderately difficult 12-mile climb and descent. Savoy Mountain State Forest Florida Road, Savoy Miles of wooded trails invite recreational use of the forest in all seasons. Stamford, VT Trail Take Rt. 8 North for about 6 miles. Just past the school (on your right), make a left past the Community Church onto Mill Road. This road will turn into a gravel road called Country Road. After the road flattens out, take a left onto West Road which takes you back down into Clarksburg then North Adams, 18 miles total. Windsor Lake (aka Fishpond) Pedal around the lake or take any dirt road off the beaten path. For more information about trails in the area, contact Bob Hatton, Trails Coordinator for Massachusetts Forests and Parks, at 499-4262, or 499-4263. Boating, Canoeing & Sailing Getting the chance to travel in a canoe or kayak can be quite a relaxing experience; the gentle water laps against your boat. Remember, the college has equipment available for all members of the college community. For more information, contact the college Outdoor Trailblazers Club or Becky Barnes, Trails Coordinator for Massachusetts Forests and Parks at 499-4262, or 499-4263. Also read Williams Outing Club Trail Guide and Map, and Hikes and Walks in Berkshire County by Lauren Stevens, a local writer. Battenkill Canoe Arlington, VT (802) 362-2800 Rental canoes and guided trips along the Battenkill River are available. Fifteen miles north of Bennington. Reservations are suggested on weekends and encouraged mid-week between April and October. Clarksburg State Forest Middle Road, Clarksburg Tranquil pond, great for canoeing and kayaking. When gates are locked, you may still use the park at your own risk. You must bring your own boat. Deerfield River Zoar Outdoor Rt. 2, Charlemont 339-4010 Guided white water rafting trips available. Zoar Gap is Class II and III rapids. Group and non-profit rates are available. Rental canoes, kayaks, and instruction are also available. Reservations are required. Open April 15 through October 15. Historic Valley Campground Windsor Lake Road 662-3198 North Adams The campground has a private beach and rents canoes and paddle boats. You must bring your own boat for the city park side. Pontoosuc Lake Rt. 7, Pittsfield Rent sailboats and canoes from the Pittsfield Family YMCA Marina. Call for reservations, 499-0694. Hourly or half-day rates available. Sadawga Lake Rt. 100, Whitingham, VT Approximately 25 miles from campus. You must supply your own canoes. Woodford State Park Woodford, VT (802) 447-7169 Adams reservoir is situated on the park. Paddleboats, rowboats and canoes are available for rent, however no motorized boats are allowed. Office is open to take reservations Monday - Thursday, 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday - Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Hiking Of all the attractions in the Berkshires, some of the most spectacular and popular are those that are natural, not man-made. Hikers tell us that the best way to experience the area's natural splendor is to travel on foot. Each week The Advocate newspaper lists hikes and cross-country excursions (weather dependent). Be sure to pick up a copy and find out about hikes you could join with a group. For more information, contact Bob Hatton, Trails Coordinator for Massachusetts Forests and Parks at 499-4262, or 499-4263. Also, read Williams Outing Club Trail Guide and "Map and Hikes and Walks in Berkshire County" by Lauren Stevens, a Stamford, Vt., writer. State Forests Beartown State Forest 413-528-0904 69 Blue Hill Road, Monterey www.state.ma.us/dem/parks/bear.htm Chester-Blandford State Forest 413-354-6347 Rt. 20, Chester www.state.ma.us/dem/parks/chbl.htm Clarksburg State Park 664-8345 Middle Road, Clarksburg Hopkins Memorial Forest 413-597-2346 Buckley Street and Northwest Hill Road, Williamstown www.williams.edu/CES/hmf/ Mohwak Trail State Forest 413-339-5504 Rt. 2, Charlemont www.state.ma.us/dem/parks/mhwk.htm Monroe State Forest 413-339-5504 Tilda Hill Road, Monroe www.state.ma.us/dem/parks/mnro.htm Mt. Greylock State Reservation Rockwell Road 499-4262 Lanesboro www.state.ma.us/dem/parks/mgry.htm Mount Washington State Forest 413-528-0330 East Street, Mount Washington www.state.ma.us/dem/parks/mwas.htm Pittsfield State Forest 442-8992 Cascade Street, Pittsfield 10,000+ acres with numerous hiking trails. Winter camping for self-contained units only. Open May 14 - October 15. Savoy Mountain State Forest Central Shaft Road 663-8469 Savoy Windsor State Forest 684-0948 River Road, Windsor www.state.ma.us/dem/parks/wnds.htm Some Favorite Trails Appalachian Trail The famous Appalachian Trail passes over Mt. Greylock. Call Bascom Lodge at 743-1591 for trail information. Broad Brook Trail This trail parallels Broad Brook, which flows southwest between the Dome and East Mountain. No swimming or camping is allowed. The trail begins just south of the Broad Brook Bridge in Williamstown on the right. The trail starts as a dirt road through a field and then passes through an open gate in a chain-link fence before entering the woods. Cheshire Harbor Trail This trail begins on West Mountain Road in Adams. It crosses a small brook and terminates at Rockwell Road, intersecting with the Appalachian Trail. The Cheshire Cobbles Furnace Hill Road, Cheshire A rock ledge that offers a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. Take Rt. 8 South to Cheshire. When you come to a big white church and a traffic light, turn left onto Church Street. Go over railroad tracks, make a right at the fork, and take the next immediate right onto Furnace Hill Road. Park at the dead end, then turn to the left and hike for about 30 minutes. Hopper Trail This trail begins at the entrance of Mt. Hope Park at Sweet's Corner on Route 43 in Williamstown. It ascends the south side of the Hopper (Stony Ledge), then turns toward the summit of Mt. Greylock. Pine Cobble Trail This trail begins on North Hoosac Road in Williamstown with a parking lot for hikers on the left. Pine Cobble summit has an elevation of 1,894 feet and offers a panoramic view of the Williamstown valley. Thunderbolt Trail At the McKinley Square statue in the center of Adams, take a right onto Maple Street. At the top of the hill, take a left onto West Road. Take your next right onto Gould Road through Jaeschke's Orchard. At the top of the hill is the Greylock Glen. You may park and follow signs to the trail. Other Places to Roam Sheep Hill Farm Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation. 671 Cold Spring Road (Route 2) Williamstown, MA 01267 413-458-2494 Hiking trails and interpretive center, opened in spring 2003 Zavattaro Athletic Complex, MCLA West Shaft Road, North Adams You can take a short hike to the complex by travelling up Bradley Street and entering the wooded path at the top of the hill. Field Farm, Trustees of Reservations 554 Sloane Road 458-3135 Williamstown Open fields and woodland paths. www.thetrustees.org/pages/303_field_farm.cfm Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary 472 West Mountain Road Lenox 637-0320 Mt. Hope Rt. 43, Williamstown Grassy meadows for hiking. Respect no trespassing signs. Spruce Hill Take Rt. 2 East and make a right onto Central Shaft Road. Park on a broad gravel road to the left or right of a sharp curve. Start walking up the logging road to the right of the curve. Best view of the Greylock mountain range. Also a hawk sanctuary. Stafford Hill Monument Cheshire From the center of Adams, head Northeast on Rt. 116. Drive up Orchard Street and make a right turn after the high school on your left. Bear left up a hill for about half a mile. Glacial Potholes Mohawk Trails, Shelburne Falls Of geological interest, the warm water and flat rocks create an ideal picnic spot. Hopkins Forest Bulkley Street, Williamstown Peace Pagoda Grafton, New York 518-658-9301 Ashuwillticook Rail Trail Rt. 8, Cheshire A paved trail starting at the Berkshire Mall Road and runs to the town of Adams, approximately 8 miles. This trail is suitable for road and mountain bikes, as well as roller blades, walkers and runners. Gardens & Sanctuaries Many gardens and sanctuaries in the Berkshires offer scheduled wildflower and bird walks, as well as other special programs, so be sure to call first. Bascom Lodge 743-1591 Atop Mt. Greylock Berkshire Botanical Garden Intersection of Rt. 102 & Rt. 183, Stockbridge 298-3926 This 15-acre botanical garden features herbs, roses, dwarf evergreens, a gift shop, and more. Admission is $5 for adults and group rates are available. Open through October, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. everyday. Bridge of Flowers Mohawk Trail, Shelburne Falls World-renowned arched trolley bridge transformed into a garden in profusion from spring to fall. Chesterwood 298-3579 Williamsville Road, off Rt. 183, Stockbridge Landmark 1920's estate, studio, garden, museum, woodland walks of Daniel Chester French, sculptor of the Lincoln Memorial. Open daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., May through October. Call for admission rates. Mission House & Naumkeag Museum and Gardens 298-3239 Main Street & Sargent Street Stockbridge Wonderful period pieces, museum, and gardens. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily until Columbus Day. Admission is $5, children 6-12, $2.50, $4.50 for groups. The Mount, Edith Wharton Restoration 637-1899 Plunkett Street, Lenox Pulitzer-Prize winning author of The Age of Innocence, Edith Wharton planned this 1902 American classic mansion and gardens. Open for tours June through October. Call for admission rates. Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary 472 West Mountain Road Lenox 637-0320 This Massachusetts Audubon Society Sanctuary consists of 1,100 acres of beaver ponds, meadows, hills, trailside museum, and 7 miles of hiking trails. Open May-October. Skiing Downhill Skiing Berkshire East 339-6617 South River Road, Charlemont Open daily. Night skiing, Wednesday and Saturday. Bousquet Ski Area 442-8316 Dan Fox Drive, Pittsfield Open daily. Night skiing every day except Sunday. Jiminy Peak 738-5500 Corey Road, off Rt. 43, Hancock Open daily. Night skiing daily. Student rates available. Mt. Snow/Haystack 1-800-245-SNOW Rt. 100, West Dover, VT Open daily. No night skiing. Student rates available. The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Ski Club and Williams Ski Club each offers something for everyone, at all ability levels. Day trips are planned throughout the winter months to local and Vermont ski areas and clinics are offered for beginners. Cross-Country Skiing Appalachian Mountain Club at Mt. Greylock 499-4262 This is the number to call if you're interested in skiing on some off-the-beaten-path trails. Weekends and holidays are the best times to call. Clarksburg State Park Middle Road, Clarksburg Cranwell Ski Touring Center 637-1364 Lenox, MA Hopkins Forest Bulkley Street, Williamstown Mohawk State Forest Rt. 2, Florida Notchview Cross Country Ski Area Rt. 9, Windsor 684-0148 3,000 acre reservation located high in the Hoosac Range. Fifteen mile-high elevation trails. Warming lodge and waxing room. October Mountain State Forest Woodland Road, Lee Pittsfield State Forest Cascade Street, Pittsfield Savoy Mountain State Forest Rt. 2, Florida & Rt. 116, Savoy Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary 472 West Mountain Road Lenox 637-0320 Three miles of trails. No skiing on Saturdays and Sundays. Prospect Mountain Route 9, Woodford, VT 802-442-2575 Taconic Trail State Park Bee Hill Road, Williamstown  RETURN TO TOP |
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