Vacationing in Lenox, MA
Tanglewood Among the features of Lenox, MA that has helped to build its reputation and increase the number of people drawn to vacationing in Lenox,MA is the presence of Tanglewood. Uniquely set along Massachusetts’ picturesque western hills, Tanglewood is located on a 200 acre estate in Lenox, MA. Once the home and writing retreat of Nathanial Hawthorne, today Tanglewood is the summer residence of the world renowned Boston Symphony Orchestra. Each summer from late June to Sept 1, Tanglewood hosts a variety of performances of symphonic, chamber, popular and jazz music led by outstanding conductors and featuring well known guest soloists.
For those vacationing in Lenox, MA the summer schedule at Tanglewood is filled with convenient opportunities for tourists to enjoy a quality musical event. Not only are there concerts on week nights ,except for Monday, but the weekend features open rehearsals, afternoon performances and an outdoor setting that allows families vacationing in Lenox, MA an unusual musical treat. Concert goers can spread out blankets, open their picnic baskets, relax and enjoy the sounds of Tanglewood all in the great outdoors.
Pleasant Valley Sanctuary
When you are vacationing in Lenox, MA you will find yourself near the Berkshire Hills, a location filled with wonderful opportunities for nature walks, mountain hikes, and family picnics. The Massachusetts Audubon Society was claimed and long maintained 1500 acres of this pristine land as a perennial sanctuary for birds and wildlife. For those vacationing in Lenox, MA this sanctuary offers seven miles of managed trails which conduct visitors through diverse settings such as deep woods, sunny meadow lands, dappled mountainsides and well established beaver ponds .
For those vacationing in Lenox, MA who want to add a physical challenge to the joy of outdoor exploration, you will find opportunities to sign on at Pleasant Valley for canoe trips up the nearby Housatonic River or you can accept the climbing challenge of neighboring Mt. Lenox.
Pleasant Valley in Lenox, MA welcomes adults and children alike to start or end their visit with a stop at the sanctuary’s education center which houses displays and information about the friendly residents of Pleasant Valley and their lifestyles.
Norman Rockwell Museum and Shakespeare and Company
If you are vacationing in Lenox, MA but can’t quite leave your love of the arts behind in the city, you’re in luck. Just a short car ride away in nearby Stockbridge, MA you will easily discover the Norman Rockwell Museum. Visitors find here an unusual chance to step into the past by experiencing Rockwell’s preserved studio and enjoying the large and truly enchanting collection of some of his finest works.
If your taste leans more to wards drama you can satisfy your penchant and enjoy the beautiful outdoors by visiting “Shakespeare and Company”. This one of a kind attraction allows you to walk, jog, bike or picnic in a 30 acre park that is also home to several theaters and the setting of daily, free outdoor drama experiences. Their well known Bankside Program along the river treats visitors to free plays and concerts throughout the week. Parents can involve themselves and their children in the arts without having to pass on a beautiful sunshiney day.
Antiquing In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston gains respect as a medical center par excellence, Cape Cod is where to go in search of truly outstanding beaches , but the Berkshires call out loud and clear to antique lovers near and far. Vacationers in Lenox, MA who have an interest in or curiosity about antiques will find plenty of shops to fill a day or more of their vacation time In fact, the Berkshire County Antique and Art Dealers Association , organized in 1973 claims 55 members strong. Three of these member establishments are found locally in Lenox, but most of the others are within a short, pleasant drive from the town of Lenox, MA. There are a number of specialty shops and wonderfully unique displays that can be viewed and enjoyed by the entire family. Perhaps the best part about antiquing around Lenox, MA is that as you wander you are surrounded by the beauty of the Berkshires.
The Mount A final must see tourist attraction awaiting those vacationing in Lenox, MA is known as “The Mount”. This elegant , early twentieth century estate was designed, constructed and then resided in by Edith Wharton. As the author of several well known novels and the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize in fiction, Edith Wharton claimed a well earned place in American literary history . “The Mount” shows another aspect of this incredible woman’s talent. During her writing career, Edith Wharton produced a variety of works about garden and house design. Wharton lived in “the Mount” for a decade and used the bountiful space she had created to further experiment with her design concepts.
Today “the Mount” is maintained as a visual tribute to Edith Wharton’s accomplishments. Throughout the year “the Mount” is used as the site for programs and presentations that center on design, gardens, women’s accomplishments and writing. Those vacationing in Lenox, MA can visit “the Mount” , enjoy a 45 minute guided tour or choose a self -guided tour of Edith Wharton’s spacious home and gardens which feature more than 3,000 annuals and perennials for the reasonable admission fee of $16. Stay as long as you want and enjoy an American classic.
Vacationing in Lenox,MA provides ample opportunity for special tours and events but visitors know that in addition to all the “specials” Lenox,MA is a small community that also offers wonderful opportunities for golf, tennis, horseback riding and a host of other summertime recreational activities. There is plenty to do for adults and children when you decided to go vacationing in Lenox, MA.
