From tiny Florida, you pass the breathtaking Western Summit and take the Hairpin Turn into North Adams. In the nineteenth century, North Adams was the bustling hub of industry in the Berkshires, leading the area in the production of paper, textiles and leather goods. Much of this industry has now passed from New England, but North Adams continues to be centered in future growth with its new Heritage Park, fine educational facility and MASS MoCA; the international multi-disciplinary cultural center. A museum beyond the visual arts, it offers an unprecedented variety of cultural activities including music, history, commercial activities andtechnology. The museum boasts vast exhibition halls to intimate galleries, roof-top cafes and fine lodging.
North Adams is the center for year round recreational areas. In winter, fine ski areas are within minutes and ice skating, both indoors or out, is available. In summer, golfing, tennis, camping and swimming make the scene. When the gorgeous Fall blankets the hills in scarlet, gold and crimson, folks flock from near and far to view the Fall Foliage.. Then there is the pageantry of Fall portrayed by North Adams' nationally famous Fall Foliage Festival. Marathon race, street fairs and dances highlight the festival week in a mammoth parade.
For those into thrills on another level, the spring sky over Harriman-West Airport provides a place for sail flights. The beautiful Berkshire Hills over the North Adams valley are a place for hang gliders as well. The wide variety of hills and mountains facing in many directions provide conditions that attract many visiting pilots, including world champions. The colorful kites can be seen most afternoons, riding the abundant "lift" produced by the breezes from the valley. This fascinating sport is almost as much fun to watch as it is to do!