GO 2018

your day-by-day artful explorations

Thursday, Oct 18:

AFTERNOON:

The trip begins with a rendezvous at the Albany, NY, airport. Travel via Luxury Van to The Porches Inn in North Adams, MA. 

EVENING:

Settle in and relax in the unique historic accommodations, and then join the group for a pre-dinner cocktail. Dinner is hosted at a wonderful, locally-owned restaurant in North Adams.

Meals included: Welcome reception.

Friday, Oct 19:

MORNING:

After breakfast at The Porches, the museum visits kick off with a private, curator-led tour of MASS MoCA. MASS MoCA is one of the world’s liveliest centers for making and enjoying today’s most evocative art, and one of its most celebrated. With vast galleries and a stunning collection of indoor and outdoor art venues, MASS MoCA embraces all forms of art: music, sculpture, dance, film, painting, photography, theater, and new, boundary-crossing works of art that defy easy classification.  There will be time to explore the sprawling museum campus on your own, before we reconvene for lunch at the museum cafe.

AFTERNOON:

Optional group activities in the afternoon include touring local galleries, artist studio visits, and hiking to landmarks such as the Natural Bridge, where MASS MoCA has a sound installation.

EVENING:

The group will gather for dinner in North Adams, continuing to savor this local community.

Meals included: Breakfast at The Porches.

Saturday, Oct 20:

MORNING:

The day begins with breakfast at The Porches, then a private tour of The Clark. Opened to the public in 1955, The Clark has built upon its extraordinary founding collection to become a beloved and respected art museum, known for its intimate galleries and stunning natural environment. One of the few institutions in the United States that combines a mission to serve the public as a museum and a research center, The Clark is now a leading international center for research and discussion on the nature of art and art history.  After this special visit, we head to the Williams College Museum of Art to tour its dynamic collection and engaging exhibitions, then for the annual Plonsker Family Lecture examining current issues in contemporary art. Past lecturers include artists Sharon Hayes, Lynda Benglis, Kerry James Marshall, Jessica Stockholder and Jon Rubin.

AFTERNOON:

Later in the day, optional planned activities are available.

EVENING:

The group dines together this evening at the Dream Away Lodge, where we also will enjoy cocktails and live music. The Dream Away Lodge has been a true Berkshire legend for more than 90 years. Rumored to have been a brothel and speakeasy during the Great Depression, this two hundred year old farmhouse has had a colorful and always musical history. In keeping with its guiding principle that sitting down with friends and sharing a meal makes us human, it features local, seasonal, and sustainable food. And with a unique cocktail lounge and nightly music, this will be a place that you won’t soon forget.

Meals included: Breakfast at The Porches.

Sunday, Oct 21:

MORNING:

The trip concludes with a final breakfast at The Porches, and group transfer by private, luxury van to the Albany airport for return flights to Richmond. 

Meals included: Breakfast at The Porches.

A NOTE ON ALBANY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE  

Guests are responsible for their own air or other transportation to/from the Albany International Airport, from where a private luxury vehicle will make the 46 mile journey to North Adams, MA.  Airlines with regular service to Albany include American, United, and Delta. Guests should arrive at the Albany airport no later than 2:30 pm on October 18.  On October 21, the group will depart from the hotel at 10 am, arriving at the Albany airport at approximately 11 am. Please make your travel plans accordingly. Flourish Travel is happy to assist guests with airline bookings as well as extensions of their stay at the Porches Inn or elsewhere in the Berkshires area.

*** Disclaimer ***

The trip itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of LookSEE and Flourish Travel.