It’s that time of year again…my mini ‘kids free’ vacation. Each Fall, my partner and I take a long weekend for ourselves and everytime we try to plan diligently to find the right spot. I don’t usually write a lot about my travels (which are far and few these days) but for this trip, I just had to. It’s an artist’s dream…
I’m talking about the Berkshires – specifically Stockbridge & Lenox, Massachusetts. Firstly, it’s the home of Norman Rockwell, who certainly knew how to translate the beauty and colors of the area to the canvas.
The last time I visited his museum was more than 20 years ago, so I was due for another. The painting ‘Freedom from Want’ (pictured left) is one of his most famous but his other works are on display, including all of his covers for The Saturday Evening Post. If you’re ever in the area, you need to make this one of your stops.
Another reason to visit Stockbridge…it’s just beautiful.
Everywhere you look is a landscape ready to be painted. From the quaint streets in town to the green grass and rolling hills. When you’re there, it feels like you’ve gone back in time. It’s almost as if nothing has changed, except some of shops lined along the street. And I say ‘some’ because even the old General Store still sits in the center.
I am taking a ton of photos because I want to remember it long after the weekend is over. And it is almost over 🙁
Since the area is more populated with Bed & Breakfasts (rather than hotels) – and I have never stayed at a B&B (believe it or not) – I was careful to pick one that had the conveniences of a small hotel yet offered a quaint, cozy feel. The Inn at StockBridge did not disappoint.
Nestled between large trees with leaves just starting to turn, but also a short drive from town, it’s the perfect mix of quiet and accessibility. Each night they host a local musician and each morning a delicious home cooked breakfast. The room is spacious, clean and very welcoming. But enough of that.
What I am really enjoying is the drive along endless woodsy roads and relaxing strolls in town scattered with unique shops and art galleries. We were fortunate to have good weather this trip and it made perusing the town all that much nicer.
We enjoyed lunch outside on the porch, at the famous Red Lion Inn which is located on Main St. in the center of town.
After that, we visited the cute little shops, loaded with unique items. It made for a sweet shopping experience. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention of ‘The Lost Lamb‘ patisserie, a local favorite, and their delicious croissants.
Now I have to mention one of my absolute highlights of this trip…. ‘The Mount‘, home of author Edith Wharton (Age of Innocence, House of Mirth). Perched a top of a hill and overlooking beautiful Venetian gardens – complete with bubbling fountains – it seems the perfect place for anyone to delve into their imagination.
I can’t explain it, and the pictures don’t do it justice, but the landscape there is…luminous. The walk up to the house is a dirt road lined with the most magical woods. The forrest bed is hilly, and when the light shines just right, it’s almost as if everything sparkles.
Tucked away on the ground floor of the house sits one of the most adorable bookstores I have ever visited. It’s a fairly tiny shop. However, as you peruse inside, it seems to magically become much bigger. I got lost in all its little nooks & crannies full of unique trinkets, teas and other goodies.
I can’t say enough about the magic this place holds. I could easily have spent the whole day there just strolling through the gardens and forrest.
All in all, though the trip was short, it was very enjoyable. There was plenty to see and the perfect atmosphere to relax. It’s a wonderful place to get some creative inspiration. Which is exactly what I needed.
If you’re ever able to visit Stockbridge & Lenox, I highly suggest you do. You’ll come back inspired and eager to create.
Until next time…
