Gt. Barrington and Beyond–the Clark Museum & Bombay Grill

Posted on August 15, 2008 by Auntie M — No Comment

There’s so much to do here in the Hudson Valley, sometimes I forget the riches of the Berkshires. Of course, one should start any Berkshire visit at our Hammertown store in Great Barrington then keep going north for a great day trip.

This past week, Joan, Rosie Chase and I were thrilled when Frank and Katherine Martucci invited us to visit the new Like Breath on Glass exhibit at the Clark Museum in Williamstown, MA.

This show (which will be at the Clark until October 19th) features the works of James Whistler and George Inness. Of course, Whistler is best known for that portrait of his mother and Inness is well-known for his landscapes of the Hudson Valley. His work was influenced by the Hudson River school, and, finally, by the theology of Emanuel Swedenborg, whose spiritualism greatly affected his later works.

It just so happens that Frank and Katherine own one of Inness’ paintings (pictured here) which they have loaned to the museum for this exhibit. It was particularly enjoyable (and a real learning experience) to look at the collection with Frank– seeing it through the eyes of someone who clearly loves and continues to be moved by Inness’s work. This exhibit, along with the very impressive permanent collection of The Clark is worth a visit…in fact, I brought two friends back with me the very next day.

For more information visit: Clark Museum Website

On the way home from Williamstown, we took a route through Lee, MA to check out Bombay Bar and Grill — we had to see what all the buzz was about. I’d read a review of this Indian restaurant on Rural Intelligence website (Bombay Bar and Grill Review) which really says it all so I won’t go into great detail…but I just HAD to taste it for myself.

My friends and I arrived before 6:00 and managed to talk the manager into seating us at this “waterside” table. We split several dishes…among them this “signature dish” Chicken Ammwala (Chicken Tikka with mango and spices), the Bombay Veggie Sampler, raita, popadum…ALL were spectacular…and by the time we left the place was packed with a line out the door! Clearly, it’s not a secret anymore — just make sure you look for a Quality Inn and not the “Black Swan Inn” which is listed in the Rural Intelligence review. I also hear through the grapevine that the Sunday Brunch is not to be missed.