Fall Is The Perfect Time To Visit This Historic Mountain Town In Massachusetts
By Melissa Mahoney|Published October 18, 2021
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
If you’re looking for a getaway destination in Massachusetts this fall, we’re here to tell you that Lenox is the perfect place. Filled with a history that’s deeply rooted in the Gilded Age and incredible Berkshires scenery, there’s plenty to see and explore in this lovely mountain town.
The town of Lenox has a population of approximately 5,000 people. Located in the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts by Pittsfield, it is home to Tanglewood, Shakespeare & Company, and numerous historical sites.
Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Berkshires, fall foliage is incredible to see in Lenox, especially in October when it's at its peak. Hike the grounds of Mass Audubon's Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary where you'll find Lenox Mountain. Hike to the top and you'll be treated to a panoramic sea of fall colors below.
From 1880-1920, Lenox became a Gilded Age resort town for the wealthy who built imposing mansions throughout the town. Several of these homes have been preserved and turned into museums or inns.
One of the most impressive historical sites is The Mount, Edith Wharton's Home which was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1971. This 1902 Gilded Age mansion that once belonged to the American author is set on 50 acres and has two gardens to explore. Ghost tours, a perfect fall activity, are also offered here.
Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum is an 1893 Jacobean Revival-style mansion that was built for the sister of banker J.P. Morgan. Take a self-guided tour of the mansion and stroll the impressive grounds. The museum also offers a Halloween event as well as a Paranormal Investigation in the fall.
If you're looking for a historic place to stay in Lenox, consider Hampton Terrace Inn. Occupying a historic 1897 Gilded Age Mansion, this bed and breakfast offers luxurious accommodations and is only a five-minute walk to downtown Lenox. You can book your stay at Hampton Terrace Inn on the website.
On and around Church Street in Lenox Village, you'll find several shopping and dining establishments. If you're looking for a place to grab a cocktail and a bite to eat, Alta Restaurant & Wine Bar or Frankie's Ristorante Italiano are great options.
Have you visited Lenox, Massachusetts in the fall? If so, we want to hear from you in the comments! For more information, visit the Lenox Chamber of Commerce website.
To find out more about the Berkshires, you can read our previous article.
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