Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Lenox, MA

  • Published 2022/09/01

Lenox is a small, bustling town known for its outdoor heaven, majestic and expansive green spaces, summer concerts, and the place for the Tanglewood Music Festival.

It is the best place to enjoy the tranquility in parks and mountains, have fun in music shows, and learn about this place’s history in libraries, museums, and so on.

Lenox is the perfect place for your unforgettable trip.

If you want to take on new adventures, here are the 20 best things to do in Lenox, MA:

Experience the Splendor and Beauty of the Mount, Edith Wharton’s Home

Exterior of Edith Wharton’s Home

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The acclaimed American novelist Edith Wharton developed the 113-acre land, The Mount, as her summer house.

The American aesthetic with European designs heavily influenced the studio’s architecture.

Sunken gardens of Edith Wharton’s Home

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Take a day tour to see the grand garden, extensive grounds, sculptures, and home design.

Garden of  Edith Wharton’s Home

LEE SNIDER PHOTO IMAGES / Shutterstock.com

During winter, there is an annual light and sound show, but don’t miss out on other seasonal events, such as dance and music performances.

There is no admission fee for those who are 18 years old and below.

Grand living room of Edith Wharton’s Home

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Witness World-Class Production in WAM Theatre

Make sure you’ll witness the theatrical events and production in WAM theater that focuses on the women’s narratives.

The core mission and vision of WAM Theatre are to fight for human rights and work on equal opportunity in society.

Here, the artists will tell you stories of communities with different backgrounds, races, ethnicities, and nationalities.

In 2010, advocates founded WAM Theatre on a philanthropy mission that donated part of the proceeds to local and international organizations fighting for gender equity.

Attend Music Shows in Tanglewood

Music Show in Tanglewood

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Do you want to hear musical performances and live concerts from world-renowned artists?

Tanglewood is the perfect place to go where you can listen to the world’s best concerts and performances at a reasonable price.

The Boston Symphony Orchestra will even serenade you on the opening day of Tanglewood season, and you’ll witness the performances of the musicians and conductors that are known all over the world.

People at the Music Show in Tanglewood

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The beat of the drums and different instruments will excite and pump you up at the same time.

Summer concert in the Ozawa Hall during Tanglewood Music Festival

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You will feel the excitement of the crowd and the excellent ambiance.

Aside from the lovely music, you can also take your time to have fun in the glorious green lawns and the magnificent trees surrounding it.

The parking is also easy!

It’s something that you must do in the summer months.

Boston Symphony Orchestra at the Tanglewood Music Festival

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Examine Different Collections in Glendale Brook Studio

Do you know the French artist, sculptor, and great abstract painter, Henri Matisse?

If you can’t afford to buy millions of dollars worth of paintings for an original Matisse piece, you can have original abstract artwork of Alex Kamaroff in Glendale Brook Studios.

The bright and colorful acrylic paintings of geometric shapes will undoubtedly impress you.

If you buy Kamaroff’s work, the part of the net proceeds will go to the Foundation Fighting Blindness, dedicated to finding cures for retinal diseases.

Check Out Books and Music Collection in Lenox Library

Outside View of Lenox Library

John Phelan, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Lenox library has a rich selection of reading materials, such as books, local history information, topical resources, audio-visual contents, and even a wide array of music collections.

You need a library card to borrow different resources, and the good news is you can apply for a library card by registering online.

You can also use the library for your meetings by complying with their requirements and following the rental fee, site restrictions.

The auditorium seating can hold 100 people, while table seating has a capacity for 120 people.

Take advantage of the free internet access of this public library.

Lenox Library is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 am to 7 pm, and Friday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.

The library is one of the integral parts of the community, as it holds the historical and cultural life of the people in Lenox.

Reach the Summit of Lenox Mountain

Scenic view from Lenox Mountain's summit

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Do you know that Lenox Mountain is the ancestral home of the Mohican people and this place continues to be part of the history and culture of the Mohican Nation today?

This 2,126-foot mountain is perfect for walking, running, and even hiking, as marked trails are in the area.

There are varieties of hiking trails based on your level, and you can choose the loop with an easy elevation.

There are plenty of activities you can do in the mountain to track wildlife and identify different trees and plants that you’ll encounter along the way.

There is no greater reward once you reach the summit and see the 50-mile surrounding view of this majestic Lenox.

Enjoy the Historical Sights of Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum

Outside View of Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum

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Cross out one of the must-see landmarks on your bucket list as you visit this timeless mansion and museum.

Ventfort Hall Mansion was built during the end of the 19th century when there was rapid economic growth and wealthy people started building mansions.

Berkshire became the central place for wealthy people, and this elegant Jacobean Revival-style mansion built in 1893 became one of the best destinations for lavish parties in Lenox.

The mansion built by the Morgan siblings, George Morgan and Sarah Morgan, features an expensive lawn, expansive veranda, and hand-carved oak ceilings.

Sculpture in the garden at Ventfort Hall and Gilded Age Museum

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Over the years, it changed from a mansion to a summer hotel and even a community center and a dormitory for students.

But now, you can see the displayed treasures, and you will know more about the Gilded Age history.

The mansion and museum tours are every Thursday to Tuesday from 11 am to 4 pm, but they are open all year-round.

If you want a self-guided tour, make sure you have a reservation for the place.

Aside from the tours, there are also Victorian teas, lectures, theatrical performances, and special exhibits and programs.

Witness Theatrical Performances in Shakespeare & Company Show

Exterior of the Shakespeare & Company theatre

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As the cultural hub in Lenox, you’ll genuinely enjoy the world-class theatrical production of professional actors in their modern interpretations of different classic works.

If you are a theatre lover, you’ll love Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and King Lear productions that the Shakespeare & Company Show brings to life.

Throughout the year, they put on various plays, lectures, workshops, and even classes.

If you are interested in joining and acting, they have professional training for actors who want to share their arts and craft and make it on a higher level.

Check Out the Exhibited Arts in Tom Fiorini Sculpture Yard

As a lifelong resident of Lenox and a homegrown artist, Tom Fiorini has exhibited his sculpture and arts in his backyard for more than 30 years.

Berkshire County visitors from the US, Europe, and Australia buy his great selections of hand-painted signs and hand-carved arts at a reasonable price.

You will surely love Fiorini’s creativity as he used metal and pieces of wood in his artworks and reimagined everyday tools into something exciting and thought-provoking.

It’s like walking in a mini-wonderland!

He also has a unique vision of turning mundane things into something valuable and whimsical.

Fiorini had gotten the media’s attention and the local news outlets when one of his artworks, metal chairs, appeared in a Canadian textbook.

You can drop by at his outdoor gallery and talk about the history of his artworks, as he enjoys meeting new people and making jokes.

Kayaking in Pleasant Valley Sanctuary

A stream at Pleasant Valley Sanctuary

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You’ll never run out of things to do in this 1,000-acre forest with expansive wetlands, meadows along the Lenox Mountain.

For nature lovers, you have the chance to see beavers up close.

Go on hiking in the seven-mile trails consisting of three significant loops in this sanctuary, or you can also do bird-watching and migratory bird tracking in the spectacular views in the woods.

The waters of Pleasant Valley Sanctuary

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The Pike’s Pond Trail loop is less than an hour of the walk, which is excellent for watching the beavers, while the Yokun Lodge Trail Loop and Overbrook Loop have difficult paths going to the top of the Lenox Mountain.

You can also try kayaking or stay in the camping sites with camp programs for kids, allowing them to explore nature.

The government protects the local wildlife under the care of the Mass Audubon Society that gives different educational programs to the visitors throughout the year.

Boardwalk beside Pleasant Valley Sanctuary's pond

NewtonCourt, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Go on Picnic in Kennedy Park

The hardwood forest has over 15 miles of accessible and challenging wide trails, but it is also an excellent place to have a picnic and enjoy the moments with your family or friends.

You won’t lose your way because there are marks in the trails that are easy to follow.

Kennedy Park is quiet, and there are a lot of well-maintained benches.

The park is also one of the best places for mountain bikers because of the trails’ excellent condition.

It is just walking distance from downtown Lenox and five minutes away from the city center, and there are many parking slots in the Arcadian shop.

If you want to get more information about trails, you can go to the Arcadian shop to ask people anything about the park and, of course, to purchase the necessary gear for your all-around adventure.

Take a Train Ride in Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum

A train at Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum

Pedro Xing, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The museum was founded in 1984 to preserve the history of railroads.

In American history, railroads are a sign of economic development.

There is a one-hour educational train ride with interactive exhibits of documents and artifacts about the railroad’s history in the region.

There are also different equipment on display that people restored to retain its glory.

The trains depart from Adams Station to North Adams, giving you informative content, new vantage points, and taking you to many abandoned buildings.

You can only get a train ride if you book 30 minutes before your departure via online purchases, and you should arrive 10 minutes before the train starts.

Buy Artworks in the WIT Gallery

The WIT gallery, an acronym for “Wonders in Time,” has been showcasing art in all media forms since 1999.

You can check out the gallery of artists making different sculptures and paintings.

You can buy works of art from emerging and established artists, ranging from photography, painting, works on paper, and indoor and outdoor sculptures.

You must visit downtown Lenox to find this top place for creative talent and contemporary art.

Have a Lunch with Friends at Alta Restaurant & Wine Bar

In the summer of 2008, Alta Restaurant & Wine Bar moved into the picturesque Lenox town.

Alta Restaurant & Wine Bar is popular among residents and tourists and was modestly created by three dedicated restaurateurs.

This welcoming neighborhood restaurant serves innovative Mediterranean food paired with wines from worldwide.

This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant’s lunch and dinner meals use a range of organic and locally sourced ingredients, ensuring the food is constantly fresh.

They offer 24 great wines by the glass in addition to a wide wine list

Take a Look at Works of Art at An American Craftsman Galleries

Richard and Joanna Rothbard established An American Craftsman Galleries as a venue for displaying modern American artists working in various craft mediums.

Talented young and experienced artists specializing in woodwork, clay, textile, metal, glassware, leather, and mixed media are featured in An American Craftsman Galleries.

From eccentric presents to beautiful art pieces, from furnishings to sculpture, from art glass to jewels for first-time purchasers to established collectors, a diverse spectrum of work is represented.

Beautiful, exquisite crafts manufactured in America are available from An American Craftsman in a constantly changing selection.

Purchase outstanding pieces of exquisite art, make furniture and clothing, and decorate your home.

Participate in an Exciting Adventure with Berkshire Canoe Tours

A family-run company called Berkshire Canoe Tours will take you and your family on a leisurely, entertaining guided canoe trip down the Housatonic River.

Admire the meandering river’s pristine splendor and the surrounding landscape.

You can bring your camera and explore the diverse fauna and breathtaking plant life.

Red-tailed hawks, owls, or Canadian Geese may be there, along with tall cottonwoods, sycamores, cinnamon ferns, and spicebushes.

On tours, it’s common to see beavers, muskrats, Great Blue Herons, Kingfishers, and numerous painted turtles.

Each journey takes about two hours.

Make Use of the Amenities at Undermountain Farm

At Undermountain Farm, they urge riders of all skill levels to experience the equestrian lifestyle, whether they are galloping through picturesque fields and woods or riding safely in their large indoor ring.

One hundred fifty acres of grassland, forest, and hayfields encircle their lovely Victorian farm buildings.

There are plenty of amenities for your riding enjoyment, including a huge, airy indoor facility, a roomy outdoor ring, and accessibility to miles of riding paths.

The goals of Undermountain Farm are collaboration, preservation, and education.

They offer therapeutic equine-assisted courses to kids and adults with impairments and fun horsemanship and housekeeping instruction.

Through the creative usage and restoration of their structures and land, they hope to preserve the distinctive historical design and function of Undermountain Farm.

Spend the Day Relaxing at Cranwell Spa And Golf Resort

The Tanglewood Live Music Venue is only a short drive from Cranwell Spa and Golf Resort, situated in the Lenox metro region.

It has a beautiful golf course, a modest indoor pool, and a relaxing sauna.

The hotel’s restaurant serves a continental breakfast, while its lounge bar serves energizing beverages.

Visitors may work out in the hotel’s fitness facility, while business travelers will appreciate the property’s conference spaces and business center.

There is a complimentary WIFI connection throughout the entire hotel.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Visit the Home of American Abstract Artists in Frelinghuysen Morris House & Studio

The modern house was the home of the American Abstract Artists Suzy Frelinghuysen and George Morris.

This Bauhaus-inspired place embodies modern innovations and stores the significant abstract works of Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Juan Gris, Joan Miro, and Georges Braque.

The two-story glass block studio also houses furniture by Deskey and Frankl, frescoes, and other paintings, which will truly catch your attention.

If you want to know more about history, there are archival letters, films, and photos, and over 6,000 artwork that you can check out.

Aside from having a guided tour of the place, you can also watch the documentary film or outdoor painting demonstrations or walk in the trails of the 46-acre property of land.

Every week, there are lectures and workshops on the history of abstract art that you should not miss.

Have a Relaxing Retreat in Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health

Inside View of Frelinghuysen Morris House & Studio

Niranjan Arminius, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you had a long and tiring week and you want to go somewhere to relax your mind and body, Kripalu Center is the best place for you.

There are different mindfulness programs and yoga sessions that will help you be present, transform yourself, and connect with your body and soul.

Final Thoughts

Lenox, the heart of Berkshire Hills, offers you a wide array of activities to do and new places to discover!

There are many historical places with many cultural treasures that you should not miss out on, and it provides an oasis of sites to explore and discover.

With all these 15 things to do in Lenox, make sure to have fun and enjoy your getaway with your friends and family.

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