Towns-Lenox

Lenox-Attractions

Tanglewood

The summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, this 210 acres estate once belonged to the Tappan family. It was presented to the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1936. First performances were held in a large tent. The Shed, which can seat 6,000, was opened in 1938. The Theatre-Concert Hall and the Chamber Music Hall were added in 1941. The Edmund Hawes Talbot Orchestra Canopy was built in 1959. The premises were extended by acquiring the adjacent Highwood estate in 1986. Today, Tanglewood attracts more than 300,000 visitors each season.

The Mount, Edith Wharton's Estate & Gardens

This magnificent monument to good taste was one of the great houses of the Gilded Age. The Mount was Edith Wharton's home for about a decade. Inspired by the Berkshires, it was here that she moved from New York. It reflects her taste and sensibilities as outlined in her book The Decoration of Houses. The 50-acre estate has English, French and Italian designs. The mansion's public rooms were restored for its centennial in 2002. It has 42-rooms in all with 3 acres of formal gardens. Visitors can unwind at the bookstore and café on the grounds.

Ventfort Hall, the Museum of the Gilded Age

This Elizabethian style mansion was built in 1893 for the Morgans. It was one of the great houses of the Gilded Age and today showcases that epoch in American history through, talks, exhibits and theatrical performances. It was also the location for the film Cider House Rules.

Frelinghuysen Morris House and Studio

Suzy Frelinghuysen and George K. Morris were two great American abstract artists. Their former home, set in a 46-acre, is now a museum to abstract art showcasing their art and that of American and European Cubists. A monumental sculpture ‘Mountain” dominates the garden. The house was designed by Morris. It is unique for being an extension of the couple's artistic vision.

Berkshire Scenic Railway

Go back in time to the Golden Age of the railroad with the Berkshire Scenic Railway. You can take a two and a half hour round trip from Lenox to Stockbridge in this historic train which uses a diesel engine of 1950s vintage and coaches that belong to the 1920s. The original station burnt to the ground in 1902. A vintage railway coach functions as a museum relating the history of the Berkshires.

Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary covers more than 1,200 acres with remarkable diversity of vegetation. Spread out on the slopes of Lenox Mountain and the valley of Yokun Brook are hardwood forests, meadows and wetlands. It includes hemlock gorge and a limestone cobble. There are 7 miles of trails here. Pleasant Valley has a thriving beaver population. The activities of this endearing animal can be seen all over. Salamander migrations occur here in spring.

Canyon Ranch Spa

A 100,000 sq ft spa with a range of state-of-the-art facilities and treatments. The spa has 300 professionals to serve 200 guests. It also offers its own products. Some 40 activities keep guests busy all day. Its inn has 126 rooms.

Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health

Set on a hill overlooking a lake, the center offers modern age yoga for the stressed out. A variety of yoga programs conducted by reputed yoga gurus. Accommodation, while not luxurious, is clean and comfortable.