The town of Lenox is one of the most unique spots in Massachusetts. There’s so much about Lenox that’s worthy of attention, but we love it because of its truly outstanding commitment to the arts, and its profusion of stunning, Gilded Age architecture. If you want to immerse yourself in music and theatre in a town that oozes elegance and natural beauty, Lenox is perfect.
If you’re not from the area, you may most closely associate Lenox with the famed Tanglewood music festival. It’s the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and scores of amazing acts come through all season.
Be warned, however: if you’re visiting for a musical or theatrical event, be prepared to shell out a fair chunk of change for a nice hotel room in town. People come from all over New England to take in the magic of Tanglewood, so ticket sales and booking reservations can get fierce.
Strolling into the town’s downtown area, you’ll be amazing by the amount of impressive homes and buildings lining the streets. This town was something of an art colony in the mid and late 1800s, with literary giants such as Nathaniel Hawthorne and Edith Wharton taking up residence in town.
Their homes are just some of the incredible mansions and seats available for public tours in Lenox. During the Gilded Age (roughly 1880 to 1920), Lenox was transformed from a sleepy New England hamlet to a thriving and luxurious resort town to rival Newport, Rhode Island or Bar Harbor, Maine.
The architectural and cultural legacy of this time is one of the reasons Lenox remains so special to this day. In fact, the Lenox school’s mascots are the "Millionaires," in homage to the town’s moneyed history.
You don’t have to be a wealthy socialite to enjoy all Lenox has to offer today. Besides amazing historical mansions such as The Mount (Edith Wharton’s estate), Ventfort Hall and Bellefontaine, you can visit the incredible Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health for a soothing escape. If nature is your thing, there’s easy access to Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary and Yokun Ridge. Catch an incredible show at Skakespeare & Company, or visit the awe-inspiring Church on the Hill, which was built in 1805 and is a perfect example of the class, white-steepled New England church that you often see on postcards.
If nature is your thing, there’s easy access to Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary and Yokun Ridge.
The sanctuary is disability-friendly, which means the trails are actually easily navigable boardwalks and bridges.
If your idea of a lovely day is just strolling around and taking in the sights, Lenox affords a bit of unexpected beauty around almost every corner.
All in all, Lenox is an incredible place because of its vibrant musical and artistic heritage, and stunning beauty. If you feel like enjoying some gorgeous music while pretending you’ve been transported into the pages of "The Great Gatsby", give this town a shot. For more lovely and peaceful towns across Massachusetts, check out our list here.
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