Fall Foliage Trip to Lenox, MA
 

Hello Everyone,

My boyfriend and I are taking a fall foliage trip to Lenox, MA the weekend of October 14. I'm hoping that this won't be too late to see the leaves? We'll be staying at the Birchwood Inn.

My questions:
1) Any comments on the Birchwood?
2) What are some "not to miss" activities?
3) Any good places to eat in the area? We'd like something reasonably-priced and unique to the area.
4) Is there someplace in the area that we can go apple picking?

Thanks so much in advance!

Peak is difficult to predict, but it is normally right around then and my best guess is your timing is near perfect. Color will be good, no matter what (barring a freeze and heavy snow which takes branches and entire trees down, as happened about 12 years ago!)

I don't know of anyplace that allows apple picking. So much of it is done on ladders, I would think it'd be too much of a liability issue and in this litigious age, that perfect apple, just out of reach luring someone to climb, would probably be declared an attractive nuisance...allowing for a suit! :) I do know of an orchard where you can buy just-picked apples and freshly made, no preservatives added cider, however: Bartlett's Orchard in Richmond. You'd have to google directions...I only know back ways. You can drive through the orchard, so picturesque with the apple trees and apple picking ladders all about. It's on a steep hill which has a gorgeous view back out over the Berkshire Hills from the top--worth the short drive from Lenox, IMHO to see a working orchard, pick up the freshest of apples, catch one of the prettiest of Berkshire views, and take in back road scenery (far better for leaf peeping than jam packed Rte 7--see if you can find a county map) on the drive over from Lenox.

you can drive to Monument Mountain, and take the short hike to the top. Its very pretty up there, and a very easy walk.

There are quite a few good restaurants in Lenox. Church Street Cafe is one of my favorites. I happen to know Great Barrington better, and there I like Verdura, which is a rustic Italian style, and Pearl's which is a contemporary steakhouse. I'm also fond of Aegean Breeze which serves Greek food. I think all of the above are on the upscale side of the price range. Not sure if that is "reasonable" by your definition.

If you are looking for something indoors to do (if it rains, especially) there are some wonderful museums. You can drive up to the Clark in Williamstown, which has a very nice collection. The Winslow Homers, and the impressionists are my favorite. The Rockwell musuem in Stockbridge is always fun. And if they still have the special exhibit of New Yorker covers, I've heard thats wonderful (not sure if it will have closed by then).

I don't think you will be too late for the leaves. Personally, I think hitting the "peak" is overrated. I usually find the late color more interesting. Your timing should be pretty good. ALthough, as OO mentions, a hard freeze, or a hurrican, can ruin things in a hurry.

Laya~we will be at the Birchwood the same weekend! I've begun to do some research. Check out some of the sites the Birchwood has listed. We are especially interested in the Mount
Friends just returned from Kripalu yoga center and thought the massages there were GREAT. SEARCH this forum as well. I've gotten some good tips by reviewing old posts on Lenox and the surrounding area. I also just bought the Fodors Guide to the Berkshires and the Pioneer Valley.

What a neat coincidence! GTG at the Birchwood, October 14! :) Actually a GTG perhaps isn't a far fetched idea...I wonder how many others opt to come into the Berkshires after the Columbus Day madhouse??

The Mount (home of author Edith Wharton) and the Clark Museum are definite musts!