Your Art & History Tour of Lenox, MA
The off-season in the Berkshires is a special kind of getaway. Not only does the fall foliage or snowy scenery provide stunning views and a cozy, romantic ambiance, but for those of you familiar with Lenox, MA know that this is a destination rich in history and culture. The quiet season (November 1st – March 1st) is the perfect time to experience the great historic homes, museums, and restaurants that make Lenox the #1 small town in the Northeast! See our itinerary below for the perfect winter weekend getaway and stay at the top-rated bed and breakfast in the top-rated town in the Berkshires.
Day 1: Welcome to Hampton Terrace Inn
Check in to our Gilded Age estate and settle in to your beautiful room, suite, or cottage. Please help yourselves to our complimentary cognac and liqueurs in the heirloom bar and toast to your weekend away. Bundle up and either walk or drive just a few minutes into downtown Lenox for a memorable dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, like Alta Restaurant & Wine Bar or Nudel, both a 5-minute walk from the Inn and outstanding. On your way back to the Inn, stop in at Nejaimes, a fantastic wine cellar just down the road, and pick up a bottle and maybe some cheese to either enjoy at our BYOB bar or back in your room.
Day 2: Explore the Best of Lenox
Don’t leave the Inn without indulging in our all-you-can eat gourmet breakfast buffet. Once you’re fueled for the day, head out and choose your own cultural adventure. We consider the following all Lenox “musts,” but depending on how much time you want to dedicate at each place, you might only have time for a few.
Historic Mansions in Lenox, MA
Go back in time by visiting the two historic homes of Lenox. History buff or not, these estates are a treat for all. Explore their exquisite architecture, stroll their enchanting properties, and learn about what they have been and what they are today.
The Mount
Once the home of legendary author and humanitarian Edith Wharton in the early 1900s, The Mount now operates as a year-round cultural center celebrating her legacy through artistic and literary programs and events, as well as daily exhibits and tours. The grounds alone are spectacular and a beautiful way to start your day. Guests of Hampton Terrace Inn will receive a $3 discount this season upon request.
Ventfort Hall
Built in 1893, this Jacobean Revival-style mansion was originally built for Sarah Morgan, J.P. Morgan’s sister and is now home to The Museum of the Gilded Age. It’s also one of the Save America’s Treasures projects, a program created by Hillary Clinton and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. An ongoing restoration project, the home’s first floor and part of its second is open to the public. Learn all about American life in the 19th Century via the museum’s exhibits, lectures, events, and theatrical performances.
Lenox, MA Museums
There are so many incredible museums to visit in the Berkshires. The below are just a few of our favorite art museums that we think would complement your art & history tour of Lenox. If one isn’t enough for you, get a combination pass! Each of the following museums offer a combo admission with the others. See individual sites for ticket information.
The Clark
The Clark is an art museum and internationally recognized research center with a mission to offer higher education and greater understanding of art to the public. Sterling Clark was an heir to the Singer Sewing Machine fortune. He, and his French wife avidly collected Impressionist works, including Monet, Gauguin, Renoir, Van Gogh, and John Singer Sargent. Many consider it one of the finest museums in the world! Right here in the Berkshires! Known for its intimate and impressive galleries and beautiful natural setting, this institution and its collections are worth spending time getting to know. Upcoming exhibitions include The Impressionist Line and Drawn to Greatness: Master Drawings from the Thaw Collection. If you’re visiting during the first weekend of the month, you might want to save this for Day 3 as first Sundays are FREE!
MASS MoCA
The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, or commonly known as MASS MoCA, is a favorite amongst our guests. A one-stop shop for all forms of art, get lost in its extensive galleries and collections or catch a show at one of their performing art venues. Whether you’re a lover evocative film, music, dance, painting, photography, or theater, MASS MoCA is well worth a visit.
Norman Rockwell Museum
Whether you’re a huge fan of Norman Rockwell and his art or not, this place is sure to impress. Housing the world’s largest collection of Norman Rockwell paintings and illustrations, the museum preserves, studies, and celebrates his work and its universal messages of human kindness. Don’t miss the upcoming exhibition, Never Abandon Imagination: The Fantastical Art of Tony DiTerlizzi.
Restaurants
After your day of exploration and education, you’re bound to be famished! You’ll then have the difficult decision to make: where to have dinner. There are so many fabulous restaurants downtown by the Inn as well as just outside Lenox. These are just a few of our favorites and we’d be happy to recommend more based on your preferences.
- Cork ‘N Hearth: A perfect fall or winter venue with its warm atmosphere and comforting menu. Enjoy lake views while you sit by the fire place and warm up with the best bowl of clam chowder or French Onion Soup you’ve ever had. They’re also known for their out-of-this-world duck dishes.
- Wheatleigh or Blantyre: For a real and over-the-top Berkshires dining experience, go to one of these castle-like hotels and partake in one of their incredible prix-fixe menus. Expect impeccable service, an unforgettable meal in a truly unique atmosphere.
- The Old Mill in Egremont: Our absolute favorite restaurant, it’s worth the 25-minute drive outside of Lenox. They don’t take reservations so there might be a wait, but their awesome bar will take care of you. This 200 year-old building doesn’t only provide a memorable setting, but they have a menu to match, featuring traditional and contemporary New England cuisine.
Day 3: Check Out (or Don’t)
Enjoy another delicious breakfast. No two mornings are the same when it comes to our buffet menu. Maybe you still have some Lenox museums or mansions you didn’t get to in Day 2. Either continue on your art & history tour or stroll through downtown and do a bit of souvenir shopping.
Feel like extending your weekend stay? We don’t blame you. Luckily for you, we’re currently offering special low rates for midweek bookings this season! Starting at just $199 a night, why not stay an extra night or two? *Note: the Historic Houses are only open on the weekends November through February.
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