Inside: Discover Extraordinary Living
Centrally located in the heart of the Berkshires, Lenox is a top summer resort destination and year-round charmer that oozes small-town Americana and captivating natural beauty. Home to Tanglewood Music Center, the Edith Wharton mansion, and Shakespeare & Company plus various local museums and studios, Lenox is also renowned as a cultural hub. With easy access to The Berkshire Mountains and the Housatonic River, residents have ample opportunities to relax in nature and enjoy world-class hiking, skiing, and other outdoor adventures. Rounding out the allure is a quaint downtown storefront area with many unique boutiques and restaurants.
Here are some of the best things to eat, buy, see, and do in Lenox:
Dining
Frankie’s Ristorante
80 Main St, Lenox
A local favorite, this cozy Italian eatery offers authentic flavors crafted with care, living up to its motto of serving food “like your mama used to make.” On the menu are excellent homemade pastas; main dishes for carnivores, seafood lovers, and vegans alike; plus artisan cocktails and a robust wine list. Open since 2007, Frankie’s promises quality ingredients from local farms and businesses.
Culture
Shakespeare & Company
70 Kemble St, Lenox
If “all the world’s a stage,” this eponymous stage is particularly well suited for performances of Shakespeare’s most famous plays as well as a diverse repertoire of classic and contemporary works. A community staple since 1978, Shakespeare & Company attracts more than 40,000 patrons annually with a core of more than 150 artists. Boasting three theaters and a 500-seat outdoor amphitheater, it’s a perfect spot for year-round storytelling and artistic innovation. Programming also includes education and actor-training opportunities.
Tanglewood
297 West St, Lenox
The renowned summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops, Tanglewood is an iconic Berkshires destination for the arts, located amidst 500 picturesque acres. Tanglewood hosts a variety of concerts and events that showcase world-class musicians and orchestral performances. In-season, visitors can enjoy a symphony under the stars while picnicking on the lawn—part of the allure that draws some 350,000 visitors to Tanglewood performances, recitals, and seminars each year. In addition to classic orchestra concerts, this summer’s lineup includes shows from John Fogerty, Kool & the Gang, and Jon Batiste, among others.
Shopping
Arcadian Shop
91 Pittsfield Rd, Lenox
When Lenox’s outdoor adventures beckon, residents head to Arcadian Shop to suit up. The popular retailer provides a curated selection of outdoor gear, apparel, and accessories for hiking, camping, skiing, snowshoeing, running, and other pursuits. The store gets rave reviews for its expert service and selection of coveted brands such as North Face, Solomon, Ibex, Patagonia, and others.
Parks & Recreation
Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
472 W Mountain Rd, Lenox
With more than 1,000 acres of pristine wilderness, featuring scenic trails, meandering streams, and diverse wildlife habitats, Pleasant Valley is a favorite local destination for everything from birdwatching and hiking to biking, cross-country skiing or simply enjoying a stroll. It is also well known as home to many beavers and explorers often come across beaver dams, dens, and lodges on the grounds. The Berkshire Nature Camp, a summer camp for children, is also set here and has been operating for 80 years.
Kennedy Park
Route 7 and 20, Pittsfield Road, Lenox,
This town-owned and maintained hardwood forest boasts a network of nearly 15 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing, as well as several old carriage roads. It is also an ideal spot for a relaxing picnic or family outing.
