Massachusetts Best Attractions 2010
Best Men’s Sportswear
THE BROWNS, Williamstown
From durable U.S.-made Bills Khakis to Jack Victor sportcoats and a lot of quietly cosmopolitan designer clothing in between, this attractive, friendly shop will help redefine your wardrobe without breaking the bank. 16 Water St. 413-458-1618; downtownwilliamstown.com
Best Mountain View
STONY LEDGE, Williamstown
Stony Ledge, accessible from Mt. Greylock’s summit road, combines a vertiginous 1,400-foot view into the Hopper, a steep-sided bowl notable for old-growth woods, with a majestic panorama of the Bay State’s highest peaks. 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough (Mt. Greylock Visitor Center). 413-499-4262; mass.gov/dcr/parks/mtGreylock
Best Melville Primer
ARROWHEAD, Pittsfield
Named for the artifacts he plowed up in the surrounding fields, this rambling 18th-century farmhouse was home to Herman Melville for 13 years. Most of his best work was written here, including Moby-Dick. 780 Holmes Road. 413-442-1793; www.mobydick.org
Best Place to Soar
DEERFIELD ZIPLINE TOURS, Charlemont
Enjoy a series of thrilling descents across the forested flanks of Mount Warfield and finally see things from a squirrel’s point of view. 7 Main St. (Route 2). 800-532-7483, 413-339-4010; deerfieldzipline.com
Best Handmade Gifts
SHELBURNE ARTS CO-OP, Shelburne Falls
This downtown cooperative brings together crafts and fine art from more than 50 members in one fun-to-browse storefront in a picturesque town known for its artisans. 26 Bridge St. 413-625-9324; shelburneartscoop.com
Best Urban Bike Path
CANALSIDE TRAIL, Turners Falls
From crossing the Connecticut River on an old railroad bridge to its northern terminus near the fish ladder, this paved path offers intriguing sights along its 4-mile route through a historic mill town. Easy links to the more rural 44-mile Franklin County Bikeway. Open dawn to dusk. 38 Avenue A. 413-863-3221 (Great Falls Discovery Center); 413-230-9910, turnersfallsriverculture.org/recreation/bikepath
Best Touch of Whimsy
FACES, Northampton
Looking for a gift to brighten someone’s day? This two-floor shop overflows with whimsical wares. Go in looking for the latest footwear and leave with a plastic lawn penguin and a clever kitchen gadget. Browsing heaven. 175 Main St. 413-584-4081; facesmainst.com
Best Selection of Distilled Spirits
YANKEE SPIRITS, Sturbridge
From cognac-quality rums and scads of single-malt scotches to hard-to-find gins and the latest herbal liqueurs, this is your one-stop home bar improvement shop. 376 Main St. 508-347-2231; yankeespirits.com
Best Glassware
TROVE, Weston
Wares from the workshops of John Derian, a leader in the revival of a venerable craft: decoupage of functional glassware. 542 Boston Post Road. 781-642-0484; troveboutique.com
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