Pedrin’s Dairy Bar is a popular fast-food and ice cream eatery that opens when the warmer weather rolls around. The food (try the fish fry) is relatively inexpensive, is served pretty quickly, and is delicious. It’s a mostly-white building, with a hard-to-miss sign, located on Curran highway in North Adams. Pedrin’s is a great place to take the entire family, as it has a good selection of options on the menu—including dessert—and a casual atmosphere. 

At Pedrin’s, the seating is strictly outdoor. There’s picnic tables next to the building and options to sit under a pavilion for shade, or shelter from rainy weather. There’s also a fair amount to do while waiting for your number to be called over the speaker. Birds and squirrels are always around (to watch, not feed), there’s lawn space to walk around (or play) on, and if you have a blanket, you can set up a little picnic space on the ground to eat at when the food is ready. As a side note, take-out is also available. 

North Adams is also home to Mass MoCA, a captivating contemporary art museum (that used to be a factory) just 5 minutes up the road. The exhibits change regularly (around their longer-lasting counterparts), so there is plenty to see each visit. The property also has eateries, a modern craft brewery, and a museum shop.