Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
To experience one of the most elegant and enticing estates in New England, visit The Mount, the former estate of literary giant Edith Wharton. Designed by Wharton herself, the classical revival mansion and its stunning grounds—which include three acres of formal gardens—are the essence of tasteful luxury.
Step2
Become one with the universe—or at least have a great time—at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. Housed in a former Jesuit seminary, Kripalu offers a serene retreat focused on the personal growth of its guests; day passes are also available to enjoy the scenic 300-acre grounds.
Step3
You can also escape from it all at the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, where seven miles of hiking trails wind along mountains, past lakes, and through shadowy forests. A nature center is also on site, and canoe trips on the Housatonic are an option May through October.
Step4
Get to the ‘art’ of Lenox by dropping by the Frelinghuysen Morris House & Studio, a sleek home and sprawling estate with a studio boasting works by Miro, Braque, Picasso and others.
Step5
The House & Studio neighbor Tanglewood, an estate and music venue that is a worthwhile stop even apart from its famous summer music festival. Other musical events fill the calendar year-round, and aside from its music halls and auditoriums, the lush grounds also host a gift shop and two cafés.
Step6
Go back in time to the lengthy era stemming the end of the Civil War to the commencement of WWI by visiting the Museum of the Gilded Age at Ventfort Hall. The intricately detailed interior is embellished by colorful stained glass, elaborate stairways, fluted columns and even secret doorways and hidden corridors; tours are offered daily Memorial Day through the end of October and weekends only the remainder of the year.
Step7
Enjoy a cultured shopping spree in the charming downtown, rife with art galleries and fine antiquaries. The majority of these shops can be found right on Church Street.
