Not our name, but our passion
The First Congregational Church in Williamstown was first built in 1765. After many revisions, rebuilding and replacements the current church achieved its final appearance in 1914. Williams College had used the church for functions for many years but now uses a building on campus for commencements and other activities. The church has the Georgian architecture reminiscent of many of the buildings on the Williams College campus.
The Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Parish church in North Adams is know locally as the “Italian” catholic church. I could not find any information on the architecture or building of this church and so do not know its history but it is a impressive somewhat modern looking structure easily seen from MA Route 2 as you traverse the Mohawk Trail Scenic Drive.
The Western Summit on the Mohawk Trail is the location where the four Mansfield sisters opened a gift shop, observation tower and cabins on the newly created scenic drive. The enterprising sisters made this summit in North Adams a must stop for any travelers on the drive. The gift shop is still open. The Wigwam Western Summit now also has hot dogs, sandwiches and baked goods.
As nice as the historic shop and delicious hot dogs are it is the view that draws in the visitors. The overlook looks down on the town of North Adams and there are spectacular views.
There are also some private hiking trails owned by the gift shop.
The Wigwam Western Summit first opened in 1914 as a gift shop serving the travelers on the newly created scenic driving route The Mohawk Trail. In 1913 four sisters purchased the property and opened the gift shop, an observation tower and twelve cabins. Today the shop has been extensively renovated and serves as a coffee shop and bakery.
There are still four rustic cabins on site available for rent and a private hiking trail connecting to the Hoosac Range Hiking Trail.
The baked goods and hot dogs were excellent.
The view overlooking the valley and the town of North Adams is spectacular.
The town of Florida, Massachusetts is the highest point on the Mohawk Trail know colloquially as The Top of the Trail. The Mohawk Trail was for centuries the path Native Americans used to traverse the Berkshires Mountain Range, with the advent of automobile travel in the early 20th century a auto route was established. A number of businesses and overlooks sprang up to meet the tourist’s needs. Today there is a lodge and very nice vista making a nice stopover on your drive.
The Elk on the Trail Monument was erected on the Whitcomb Summit by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in 1923. It has been a fixture on the trail for generations and honors the memory of those who fought in World War I.
Nice views of the surrounding mountains abound.
