Lenox

Lenox is a town in the Berkshires of Massachusetts, about 3 hours from New York City and 2½ hours from Boston. Lenox is an arts-lover's dream, home to Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. There are also several stately mansions and prestigious boarding schools in the area. The town has a charming walkable downtown with shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions.

The Berkshires region offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and historic architecture. Lenox sits at the heart of this region, surrounded by rolling hills, forests, and meadows. The area was a favored retreat for Gilded Age industrialists, and their grand estates remain as museums and cultural centers. Summer is the peak season, with Tanglewood drawing classical music fans from around the world. Fall foliage is spectacular, and winter offers skiing and cozy inn stays.

By Plane

The nearest airports are Albany International Airport (ALB) in Albany, New York (about 45 miles / 1 hour west) and Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Windsor Locks, Connecticut (about 75 miles / 1.5 hours south). Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is about 130 miles / 2.5 hours east.

By Train

Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited stops at Pittsfield, about 10 miles north of Lenox. From Pittsfield, take a taxi or bus to Lenox. The Joseph Scelsi Intermodal Transportation Center in Pittsfield is the hub for the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority.

By Car / Road

From New York City (3 hours): Take the Taconic State Parkway. Exit at "Hillsdale, Claverack, Route 23" and follow Route 23 East to Great Barrington. North on Route 7 through Stockbridge. Left onto Route 7A into Lenox. From Boston (2½ hours): Take the Massachusetts Turnpike to Exit 2, marked Lee. Follow Route 20 West about 4 miles beyond Lee, then left onto Route 183 into Lenox. From Hartford (75 minutes): North on I-91 to the Massachusetts Turnpike West to exit 2.

The small downtown area is easily walkable, and Tanglewood is just a mile from the central crossroads. To go farther, you will probably need at least a bicycle if not a motor vehicle. Berkshire Regional Transit Authority buses run from North Adams to Great Barrington, stopping in Lenox. Service runs roughly from 6AM to 7PM, with trips usually running once an hour. Fares are $1.25 per city traveled. Taxi service is available; call ahead.

• Ventfort Hall Museum of the Gilded Age (104 Walker Street): Gilded Age mansion. Saturday and Sunday 10AM–3PM. Adults $9, children $4. Phone: +1 413 637-3206.

• The Mount: Estate and Gardens of Edith Wharton (2 Plunkett Street): Elegant 1902 mansion and formal gardens designed by the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist. Daily May–October 9AM–5PM. Phone: +1 413 551-5100.

• Lenox Athenaeum: Seminars on classical music, theater, dance, and literature. Music recitals and lectures promoting appreciation of the Berkshires. Phone: +1 413 637-1087.

• Shakespeare & Company (70 Kemble Street): Mid-June through late October. Eight plays on three indoor and outdoor stages. Walking trails, picnic areas, free outdoor family performances. Phone: +1 413 637-3353.

• Frelinghuysen Morris House & Studio (92 Hawthorne Street): Modernist home and studio. Phone: +1 413-637-0166.

• Tanglewood (297 West Street): Summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Tanglewood Music Center, and the Boston University Tanglewood Institute. Concerts and events throughout summer. Phone: +1 413-637-5180, toll-free: +1 888-266-1200.

• Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary (472 W Mountain Road): Over 7 miles of trails on 1,500 acres. Easy trails for birds and beavers, and a 3-mile hike to Lenox Mountain for mountain views. Dawn to dusk. Nature Center 9AM–4PM daily. Adults $5, seniors and children $3. Phone: +1 413 637-0320.

• Undermountain Farm Riding Stable (400 Undermountain Road): Pony rides ($20) and guided trail rides ($55). Phone: +1 413 637-3365.

• Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health (West Street): Offers yoga, meditation, massage, and other healing arts. Toll-free: +1-866-200-5203.

• Kennedy Park (275 Main Street): Compact multi-use park on the site of a former Gilded Age resort home. Free.

• Chocolate Springs Cafe: Pastry cafe known for artisan chocolates and desserts. Phone: +1 413 637-9820.
• Church Street Cafe (65 Church Street): Lunch and dinner with regional and ethnic dishes. Vegetarian items available. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Phone: +1 413 637-2745.
• Firefly (71 Church Street): Lunch and dinner. Wine Spectator "Award of Excellence." Phone: +1 413 637-2700.
• Dish Cafe Bistro (37 Church Street): Breakfast, lunch, and carry out daily. Phone: +1 413 637-1800.
• Blantyre (Blantyre Road): Mobil Five-Star Award and Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence. Phone: +1 413 637-3556.
• Prime Italian Steakhouse & Bar (15 Franklin Street): Great wine list, late night entertainment on weekends. Phone: +1 413 637-2998.

The Lenox area has several options for drinks. The Lion's Den at the Red Lion Inn in nearby Stockbridge offers live music and pub beverages. Church Street Cafe and Firefly in Lenox have wine lists recognized by Wine Spectator. Local bars and pubs can be found along Main Street. Tap water is safe to drink.

• Stockbridge (5 miles / 10 min south): Norman Rockwell Museum, Berkshire Botanical Garden, and the Red Lion Inn.
• Pittsfield (10 miles / 15 min north): Largest city in Berkshire County with the Berkshire Museum and Colonial Theatre.
• Great Barrington (15 miles / 20 min south): Vibrant town with shops, restaurants, and the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center.
• Williamstown (25 miles / 30 min north): Home to Williams College and the Clark Art Institute.
• Lenox is ideally positioned for exploring the entire Berkshires region.
• Albany, New York (50 miles / 1 hour west): State capital with museums and historic sites.