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Legendary Lenox is an amazing place for a getaway that combines art, nature, and the finer things in life. There is so much culture waiting in this quintessential Berkshire town. From historic estates to lively art museums, Lenox is a place that ignites a passion for history while making you excited about the world you live in today. If you're itching for a getaway, you won't want to miss these five things to do in Lenox MA.
The Mount, Edith Wharton's Home
The Mount is an iconic estate that routinely hosts installations and exhibits for the public. Literary fans will know that Edith Wharton was a prominent author, intellectual, and humanitarian known for a vibrant body of work that includes "The Age of Innocence" and "The House of Mirth." Wharton famously authored 40 books in 40 years. She is also known for funding major European relief efforts during World War I.
The Mount was constructed in 1902. It features a main home, greenhouse, formal gardens, and a stable. Located at 2 Plunkett Street, the estate's main house and bookstore are open to visitors daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Anyone can tour the grounds for free from dusk to dawn. However, availability may be limited on days when events are happening on the property.
Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Mansion and Museum
Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum is a Jacobean-style mansion and museum that's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A visit here truly brings you back to a point in time when the nation's industry was revving up! The mansion was built in 1892 for the sister of J.P. Morgan by the architect team of Rotch & Tilden. The layout covers 28,000 square feet consisting of 50 rooms. While the original home was on 26 acres, it now stands on a reduced lot consisting of 11.7 acres of beautiful gardens. This stunning mansion and accompanying grounds are open for self-guided tours daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. While there's no need to book reservations, it's required that the final self-guided tours of the day are booked an hour before closing. Ticketed events also take place routinely at the mansion.
Tanglewood
Tanglewood is most famous for being the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. However, this gorgeous attraction is home to the Tanglewood Learning Institute all year long. In fact, visitors are welcome to tour the grounds all year. Nestled on 500 acres that anchor Lenox and Stockbridge, Tanglewood welcomes more than 350,000 lovers of the arts annually for recitals, performances, and seminars. The idea for Tanglewood came to fruition when summer residents arranged for the New York Philharmonic to book an outdoor concert in August 1934. The rest is history!
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Covering more than 1,000 acres of lush greenery in the Berkshires, Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is home to trails and views that are second to none! As you explore the sloped trails of Lenox Mountain, a world of meadows, thick forests, and wetlands will open up for you. You can select trails based on whether you're looking for easy hikes or strenuous excursions. Hours for the Pleasant Valley Nature Center and Barn are daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Shakespeare & Company
Ready for a little bit of "The Bard" in the Berkshires? Founded in 1978, Shakespeare & Company is a theater company that offers performances, education, and actor training in the Berkshires. Operating all year long, the company attracts nearly 50,000 theatre-loving patrons annually. Planning your visit is as easy as simply checking Shakespeare & Company's website to look for upcoming performances!
Start Planning Your Lovely Lenox Getaway
Lenox combines one of America's most beautiful settings with one of the best art scenes! It should come as no surprise that a place with so much art and culture also has a top-notch culinary scene. Sitting down for a great meal will always be one of the best things to do in Lenox, MA! When it's time for dinner, pick a spot from this list of the best steak restaurants in Lenox!
