Lenox Bed and Breakfast

History

The area of Lenox was long inhabited by native Americans including Mahicans, Algonquian-speaking peoples who lived along the Housatonic and Hudson Rivers. In the early eighteenth century, the French and Indian Wars ravaged the area, and European colonization did not occur until 1750, when Jonathan and Sarah Hinsdale moved from Connecticut and opened a small inn and general store. Samuel Brown, Jr., bought the land that is now Lenox from the Mahican chief; it was founded as the settlement of Richmond in 1765. Due to a property dispute and a spelling error, by 1767 the town of Lenox (named after the duke Charles Lennox) had been sectioned off and established in its current location.The colonial economy of Lenox relied on farming, sawmillings, textiles, glassworks, and quarrying; by the late 18th century, iron mining was increasingly important. In the early 19th century, Lenox gained a reputation as an art colony, as authors such as Catharine Sedwick and Nathaniel Hawthorne were attracted by the region’s natural beauty. The later nineteenth century saw the construction of sprawling estate homes; from 1880 to 1920, the “Berkshire Cottage era” transformed the town into a Gilded Age resort, akin to Newport in Rhode Island and Bar Harbor in Maine. Annual social events like the Tub Parade--where richly decorated carriages were moved to Main Street--helped establish the town’s reputation.The estate era ended in the early 20th century, due to the Depression and the creation of the federal income tax; some were turned into seminaries and prep schools. Many historic homes remain standing in the region. In the twentieth century, Lenox has gained popularity as an arts destination; it is the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the home of Shakespeare & Company.

Activities

The Tanglewood outdoor performance venue is one of the area’s most popular attractions. Located between the towns of Lenox and Stockbridge--and surrounded by the gorgeous Berkshire Hills--Tanglewood is a sweeping outdoor area with a concert stage where various groups perform throughout the year. Most famously, Tanglewood is the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Since 1937, families and couples alike have flocked to Tanglewood to listen to the BSO perform classical music in the warmth of summer breezes.Lenox is located just a short distance from Stockbridge, a similarly sized town nestled into the Berkshires. Stockbridge is home to the Norman Rockwell Museum, where visitors can view the popular artist’s work and a recreation of his studio. Also in Stockbridge are the Naumkeag Estate, an 1886 mansion surrounded by gardens, and Chesterwood--the former home of Daniel Chester French, who sculpted the Lincoln Memorial. Chesterwood features rotating outdoor sculpture exhibitions. For plant enthusiasts, the Berkshire Botanical Garden is also situated in Stockbridge. Great Barrington, another nearby town, is a perfect location for skiing and summer relaxation alike. The small town--population just over 7,000--is both a summer resort and the home of skiing venue Ski Butternut. It encompasses the quaint villages of Housatonic and Van Deusenville.In between these activities, visitors can take drives through the expansive countrysides of Western Massachusetts. At the Stonover Farm bed and breakfast, for instance, a typical day might include exploring the Inn’s 10 acres in between trips to Tanglewood (2 miles away) and the Norman Rockwell Museum (6 miles away).

atural Features

Lenox is situated in the Berkshire Mountains, a rolling range that covers sections of western Massachusetts. The county has a total area of roughly 1,000 square miles, of which 20 square miles are water. The entire county features mountainous terrain, and the highest natural point in the county--and in the state of Massachusetts--is Mount Greylock, which summits at 3,492 feet.Berkshire County borders three states: Vermont, New York, and Connecticut. The Hoosac Range of the Berkshire Hills runs north to south through the area, and the Taconic Mountains range through the western part of the county.The town is roughly 22 square miles large, bordered by the similarly quaint Berkshire towns of Pittsfield, Washington, Lee, Stockbridge, and Richmond. The highest nearby peak is Yokun Seat, with an elevation of 2, 146 feet. To the town’s east, October Mountain stretches above the Housatonic River, which flows through the eastern side of Lenox and is interrupted by a dam, forming Woods Pond. In addition to the mountainous natural features, marshy brooks are also prevalent throughout Lenox; their water feeds into the Housatonic. A wildlife sanctuary, Pleasant Valley, sits south of Yokun Seat near Lenox.

Things to do

Lenox is home to The Mount, the Berkshire estate home of the celebrated twentieth-century author Edith Wharton. A National Historic Landmark and cultural center, the Mount celebrates Wharton’s intellectual, artistic, and humanitarian legacy through public programs. The beautifully preserved home combines a traditional historic house museum format with a diverse and vibrant lineup of cultural activities--and the beautifully maintained grounds are open for visitors to stroll through.Visitors to Lenox can find more historic homes throughout the city. Ventfort Hall and Mansion, for example, is a historic mansion decorated in Jacobean style, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to its significant architecture and history. Don’t forget to check out the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum, a railroad museum that features historical exhibits. The Scenic Railway Museum also hosts a one-hour round-trip scenic train ride that takes visitors on a winding and relaxing ride through the Berkshires’ natural beauty.Outdoor adventurers will love the October Mountain State Forest--a 16,460-acre forest and recreational preserve that spans the towns of Lenox, Washington, Becket, and Lee. The largest state forest in Massachusetts, October Mountain holds miles of hiking trails and incredible lake views.Ski enthusiasts will also find much to do in Lenox. In addition to the nearby Ski Butternut, skiers should also check out the Bousquet Ski Area, a 200-acre ski area in the nearby Berkshire summit of Yokun Ridge. It features a vertical drop of 750 feet as well as twenty-four trails and a terrain park.

Weather

Western Massachusetts experiences a “humid continental” climate, with warm summers and cold winters with heavy snowfall. This combination makes Lenox a popular destination as both a summer resort and a ski destination. Summer rainstorms are also common, and occasional Nor’easters can be expected in the winter.The elevation of the Berkshires helps lend the area a pleasant summer climate. Because there is less humidity in the elevated county, it regularly receives summer visitors from the eastern lowlands of Massachusetts.

Food and Drink

Lenox features restaurants and bars serving up a range of different cuisines.For casual dining options, visit Arizona Pizza Co.; its menu includes pizzas, quick bites, and a full drink menu, plus daily specials, which makes it a family-friendly dining destination. Bagel & Brew serves a unique combination of bagels and drinks, with a wide selection of microbrew, tap, and bottle/can options. Bagel & Brew hosts a beer garden in the summer months--a popular performance spot for local musicians. The Old Heritage Tavern is a classic staple of the Lenox dining scene, serving American dishes and a full bar of beer and cocktails.If you’re on a romantic getaway, Lenox offers upscale dining options as well. The Alta Restaurant & Wine Bar is a fine dining establishment that serves Mediterranean-inspired American cuisine and includes a porch for outdoor dining. Walker Street Grill at the Gateway Inn & Restaurant serves dinner in a opulently decorated dining room.To satisfy a sweet tooth, check out the Chocolate Springs Cafe, which sells fine European chocolates.

Lenox Bed and Breakfast FAQ

Why Stay at a Bed and Breakfast Inn in Lenox MA?

A bed and breakfast is perfect for Lenox because the town is small, quaint, and charming--not words that come to mind when one thinks of a hotel chain! The bed and breakfasts in Lenox are optimal getaway destinations; they’re surrounded by natural beauty and feature a full range of amenities to make your trip unforgettable. With convenient check-in times and friendly innkeepers, booking and staying at a Lenox bed and breakfast is a stress-free experience. Plus, there’s the opulence of the homes themselves, from vintage-decorated cottages to restored Victorians that date back to the Gilded Age.

What type of amenities can I expect when booking a Lenox Bed and Breakfast

While many of Lenox’s bed and breakfasts feature vintage or antique decoration and Gilded Age architecture, they are also equipped with modern amenities. These range from free WiFi, to hair dryers and luxurious robes, along with fresh linens, private label amenities, and en-suite private bathrooms. Visitors can also expect flat-screen TVs, period antiques and vintage fabrics. The guestrooms in Lenox often come with fireplaces and spa tubs, and bed and breakfasts are outfitted with air conditioning for summer months. Look forward to outdoor pools--including heated pools--and free parking, among a wide range of additional amenities and complimentary gifts.

How can I get around Lenox?

Many bed and breakfasts are located within walking distance or biking distance of the town’s main attractions, from its Main Street to the Edith Wharton home and other historical houses.The town can be accessed by train: the Housatonic Railroad route between Pittsfield and Great Barrington passes north to south through the town, and Amtrak rail service on the Lake Shore Limited line stops in nearby Pittsfield, with regional bus service through the town.The closest regional airport is the Pittsfield Municipal Airport. In addition, Lenox is located roughly equidistantly between two airports with national flights: Bradley International Airport in Connecticut and Albany International Airport in New York. Lenox is approximately 125 miles from Boston, where Logan International Airport is situated. Car rentals and bike rentals are available in Lenox.

What Are the Different Types of B&Bs in Lenox?

The Rookwood Inn is one of the best bed and breakfasts in the Berkshires. Situated in a restored Queen Anne Victorian, the Inn features twenty individually decorated rooms, filled with antiques. Enjoy luxuries ranging from fresh linens to special bathrooms, and begin each day with a delicious and healthy breakfast. Choices include a blintz souffle and French toast strata paired with fruit and bread. In the afternoons, enjoy refreshments on a front porch overlooking the rustic natural scenery.The Hampton Terrace Inn combines Gilded-Age luxury with modern convenience. Within walking distance from Lenox dining and shopping, the Inn features public rooms with sconce detailing, fireplaces, elaborate moldings, and a centerpiece three-story suspended staircase. Enjoy a glass of wine at the BYOB antique bar.The Garden Gables Inn is located within walking distance of Tanglewood and the historic Lenox Village. It features personalized service, massages and facials, a 70-foot heated pool, and a private orchard, the Hilltop Orchards and Furnace Brook Winery. There you can pick apples, taste wine, hike and snowshoe. The Summer White House is an option located just one mile from Tanglewood, close to Lenox’s fine dining and specialty shops, as well as the Berkshire Theater Festival. The Seven Hills Inn is a Gilded Age Mansion on 27 lush acres of hills and gardens, featuring a Manor House, Carriage House, and Terrace Country Motel, as well as outdoor pool and a wedding host option.The Birchwood Inn is perfect for a ghostly getaway. Brook Farm Inn, Apple Tree Inn, and the Gateways Inn are also excellent Lenox bed and breakfast options. Devonfield Inn and Yankee Inn are also two of the best bed and breakfasts in Lenox.