When guests ask where they should hike, our favorite suggestion is Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, a Mass Audubon property. It’s minutes from Brook Farm Inn, and you can choose from 7 miles of well-marked trails.  Some trails are more challenging than others, but all offer the opportunity to enjoy the  natural beauty and wildlife of the Berkshires.  You can hike to the summit of Lenox Mountain (a young couple staying at Brook Farm Inn recently got engaged there!) or stroll around the ponds and see the beaver lodges.  This is a destination for any season. 

This is the opening weekend of Chesterwood, in Stockbridge.  It’s right near Lenox, MA, and a visit there is recommended for any visitor to the Berkshires. Chesterwood was the home and studio of Daniel Chester French, who sculpted the Lincoln Memorial and the Minuteman Statue, among other things.  The tour is fascinating, and  a walk of the grounds, including a lovely wooded trail with outdoor contemporary sculpture, makes for a great afternoon.

Brook Farm Inn is a short distance from Steepletop, in Austerlitz, NY.  Edna St. Vincent Millay lived there, and the home is still as it was in her day.  The Society sponsors artists-in-residence, and is restoring her gardens, and hopes to make the home into a museum for visitors.  Part of the grounds are available for visitors to walk, although most of the property is usually closed to the public.  However  this Saturday, May 17th, is the first of two Open Days, from 10-4.  In addition to the gardens, Millay’s writing cabin will be open. It should be a great day.  And a great book about the poet is Savage Beauty by Nancy Milford

Brook Farm Inn in Lenox, Massachusetts, is close to the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington.  This wonderfully restored theater, one of the Berkshires’ best attractions, has announced its program for May through December, and there’s something for everyone. Judy Collins will be performing June 1st, then there’s Renee Fleming, more classical music, Paul Taylor Dance Co., and some summer special screenings, like “West Side Story,” “Oklahoma!,” and “The Graduate.” Also not to be missed is the Metropolitan Opera’s Live in HD series — Saturday afternoon simulcasts from the Met. So go to “Area Attractions” on our homepage and then click on “Mahaiwe” for the entire program. 

You may have been reading or hearing lately about the financial difficulties of The Mount, famed estate of the author, Edith Wharton. Brook Farm Inn is within walking distance of this treasure in Lenox, Massachusetts. A tour of the mansion and gardens are a must for every visitor to the Berkshires, and many wonderful events take place there as well. So Brook Farm Inn is offering to buy admission for guests who book a stay of at least two nights, between May 9th and June 12th. We hope it will not only contribute to the fundraising efforts, but introduce visitors to this historic and literary landmark.

Lenox Ma: You don’t have to wait for the summer for great concerts in the Berkshires. On Saturday, May 10th, the Aston Magna Foundation http://www.astonmagna.org/astonwinter.html will have a concert featuring music of Purcell and Handel. It will be held at the St. James Church in Great Barrington. This is a really talented group of musicians, and the concert is at 6 PM, so you’ll have time for a leisurely dinner afterwards. Here’s our list of recommended restaurants http://www.brookfarm.com/dining-lenox.html. Hope to see you soon!

Lenox Massachusetts: The daffodils are blooming in the Berkshires, so we know it’s time to think about Mother’s Day. At Brook Farm Inn, we can help you pamper your mom (or someone else’s mom who just happens to be special to you, too). The Berkshire Museum is planning a weekend-long Celebration of Art and Flowers, May 9-12. They’ll have floral displays, lectures and even programs for youngsters. We have all the information, and will be glad to pass it along if you phone us at 800-285-7638.

Lenox Massachusetts: The Shakespeare and Company Theater group will presenting WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S 444th BIRTHDAY PARTY on WEDNESDAY APRIL 23rd. Food, Entertainment, Cake, Live music, and a chance to WIN A FREE TRIP TO LONDON !

The Gala Finale performance of A MIDUMMER NIGHTS DREAM. Only $10

Call 413.637..1199 x132for more information

The theater is conveniently located around the block from Brook Farm Inn.

Here in Lenox, MA, we’re right next door to Pittsfield, where we recently visited the renovated Berkshire Museum The new Hall of Innovation is a must see! We were amazed at the number of important inventions that took place in the Berkshires.