There’s a great new place for lunch in Lenox Massachusetts.  It’s called The Haven, and it’s on Franklin Street, in the heart of the historic district.  It’s centrally located for your visit to the Berkshires. The food is fresh and the presentation is appealing.  The decor is minimal, filled with natural light.  There’s something for everyone on the menu, including dishes with meat, or chicken, or vegetarian.  Luscious baked goods are available with a big mug of delicious coffee or tea. We had a great lunch there yesterday, and we’ll be recommending it to the guests of Brook Farm Inn.

We’re delighted and proud to announce that Bob Jacob, former owner with his wife Betty of Brook Farm Inn, has been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. Now a resident of West Hartford, CT, Bob has touched the lives of countless persons with his poetry. His latest book of poetry, “Perspective,” was nominated recently for these two highly prestigious awards.  Bob was responsible for bringing the theme, “There is poetry here” to Brook Farm Inn in Lenox, Massachusetts, in the Berkshires.  A lover and writer of poetry for decades, Jacob, 76, said he started writing the book’s 62 poems, which he prefers to call “loving words” instead of poems, while doing volunteer work at the Connecticut Hospice in Branford. There, Jacob reads poetry to the dying and their loved ones every other week and says the work is draining, but rewarding. We’ve been inspired by Bob’s poems ever since we met him, and he’s been back to the inn for readings. Revenue from the book is donated to the hospice. 

Right here on Hawthorne Street, 1/2 mile from Brook Farm Inn in Lenox Massachusetts, is the wonderful Frelinghuysen Morris House & Studio.  Visitors to the Berkshires can now see it Thursday through Sunday.  This was the home of a glamorous, artistic couple who painted and collected abstract art in the 1930’s and ’40’s.  See how art and architecture meet in their house, set on a manicured estate. 

A favorite of summer visitors to Brook Farm Inn in Lenox Massachusetts has always been the author lecture series at The Mount, home and gardens of Edith Wharton. Lectures take place on Mondays at 4 PM, starting July 7th, and they’re followed by tea and book-signing. We’re also glad to announce  Wharton on Wednesdays at 5 PM in July and August, which consists of live readings from her works.  Also a wonderful new idea is called Some Enchanted Evenings — wine & hors d’oeuvres on the Mount’s terrace, 5 - 8 PM Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  A great prelude to any summer evening in the Berkshires!

This Sunday,  The Clark will open its new Stone Hill center.  The famous art museum in Williamstown, Massachusetts has a spectacular collection, and is set on 140 acres of beautiful Berkshires scenery.  The new center was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect, Tadao Ando.  In his honor, the community open house on Sunday will offer a barbecue, picnic, and Japanese drumming.  The Clark has always been a favorite destination for Brook Farm Inn visitors, and it’s an easy ride from Lenox.

The Barrington Stage Company, which is located in a beautiful theater in Pittsfield, is welcoming back The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.  Originally created and developed by BSC in 2004 the Tony Award winning play is returning home.  It is an absolute delight and a must see.  We saw it last week.  The cast is incredibly talented and 4 members of the audience got to compete in the spelling bee.  They may select you. 

Performances are every day accept Monday.  There are even some 2PM matinees.  Check their schedule on http://barringtonstageco.org or call 4134995446.  Avoid the weekend crowds and come mid week.  The Berkshire Theater Festival is also performing on weekdays.  More on them in a future blog.

Book your room at Brook Farm Inn in Lenox Massachusetts and enjoy great theater only minutes away.

Our newest promotion gives you free golf.  When you book a minimum 2-night stay between June 14th and September 1st, that fills our holes, we’ll give you 2 gift certificates for 9 holes at Greenock Country Club.  Click  “Availability “on the menu to the left, and if your reservation fills the blanks  between two other reservations, you qualify!  (Tee times are subject to availability, cart fees are extra. Valid only for new reservations made between June 14th and Sept. 1st.)

Greenock is a nine hole course that is one of the most scenic in the Berkshires.  It was originally designed in 1895 and redesigned by Donald Ross in 1927.  In our opinion it is the best maintained course in the county.  Located in Lee Massachusetts, just 4 miles from Brook Farm Inn in Lenox Massachusetts.

Ventfort Hall, in Lenox Massachusetts, is one of the Berkshires’ gems.  It’s a mansion and Gilded Age Museum.  Guests can enjoy, in addition to tours and exhibits, lectures and picnics on the porch, and special events.  This weekend we recommend the play, “They Called Me Lizzy…from Slavery to the White House.” See it Friday and Saturday, June 13 and 14. It’s the true life story of ELizabeth Keckly and her rise from slavery to entrepreneurial freedom, then scandal and decline.  She was dressmaker & confidante of Mary Todd Lincoln.  You can walk to Ventfort Hall from Brook Farm Inn!

The summer weather has come to Lenox Massachusetts.  Temperatures have reached the 90’s.  At Brook Farm Inn the air conditioners are ready and the pool is crystal clear and cool.  The Berkshires has always been known for cool evenings and tonight the temperature drops to the low 60’s.  Our pool heater has recently been refurbished so we can keep the water temperature comfortable.  Call to reserve a room and get away from the city heat and enjoy some time in the country.

Guests of Brook Farm Inn in Lenox, Massachusetts have lots of places to choose from, if they enjoy a  casual nightclub with live music. There’s Castle Street Cafe in Great Barrington, Club Helsinki also in Great Barrington, and Lion’s Den in Stockbridge. All of these have intimate, friendly atmospheres, good food and drink, and great music.