After a few days of pampering in the literary haven of Lenox, Massachusetts, you may not want to go home. By Jillian Ducharme
What was once the home to famed authors Nathaniel Hawthorne and Catharine Sedgwick, Lenox is now bursting with art, culture, and local flavor. This western Massachusetts enclave makes for the perfect mid-winter escape.
Eat Begin your getaway with a fresh cup of coffee with the locals at Lenox Coffee, who proudly take claim to the East Coast craze of the latte. 52 Main St., 413-637-1606. Enjoy flavors that are fresh and new at Nudel, an American pasta bar. Serving food from local farms and focusing on ingredients and excellence, Chef Bjorn changes his menu daily to cater to the freshest pick. 37 Church St., 413-551-7183, nudelrestaurant.com. Bistro Zinc, a French-American restaurant stays open until 1am and offers a copious wine list to pair with a diverse menu in a simple and relaxing atmosphere. 56 Church St., 413-637-8800, bistrozinc.com.
See In a town that’s dripping with literary history, Shakespeare & Company is a must see. Be sure to purchase tickets to Les Liaisons Dangereuses, the play that brought about the saying, “Revenge is a dish best served cold” and can be seen January 29-March 21, both in the afternoon and evening. 70 Kemble St., 413-637-3353. Stroll into The Bookstore for an American literary classic or to view a gallery of local artists. Curl up with a book in the cozy chairs or join the owner of 30 years, Matt Tannenbaum, for “Sit, Knit, and Listen,” in which women do just that while he reads stories. 11 Housatonic St., 413-637-3390, thebookstoreinlenox.com. Rent cross-country skis or snowshoes from Arcadian Shop and head next door to Kennedy Park for outdoor fun. After, grab a coffee or their lunch special while browsing their store of outdoor gear and clothing. 91 Pittsfield Road, 413-637-3010, store.arcadian.com.
Stay Luxury and relaxation are one in the same at Canyon Ranch, where gorgeous gathering rooms with marble fireplaces and deep wood mesh with the best luxury suites outside of New York City. The 100,000-square-foot spa offers lavish massages and body treatments along with exercise classes and fitness facilities. 165 Kemble St., 800-742-9000, canyonranchlenox.com. Situated on 22 acres overlooking the Berkshires, Wheatleigh Hotel offers gorgeous accommodations. Designed as a French country chateau in 1893, it offers 19 suites that have been voted as some of the most luxurious rooms in the world. Hawthorne Rd., 413-637-0610, wheatleigh.com. Built in the 1800s, the Blantyre mansion, with cottages and carriage houses appointed for guests, is draped in luxurious English decor and equipped with an award-winning spa and wine cellar, ensuring that once you arrive, you’ll never want to leave. 16 Blantyre Rd., 413-637-3556, blantyre.com.