Sterling and Francine Clark Institute

Head north along Route 7 toward the border of Massachusetts and Vermont. Along the way plan to visit the Hancock Shaker Village, located outside of Pittsfield, and then (one of my all-time favorites) the Sterling and Francine Clark Institute in Williamstown. This treasure, built by its donors in a town far away from urban centers that at the time might be threatened by war, has collections ranging from the Renaissance to the great American painters of the 19^th and 20^th centuries. There are also displays of furniture and porcelain and (my particular favorite) a wonderful collection of English and American silver. Do find the time for this visit as it’s an extraordinary one—a major museum in a spectacular countryside setting.