Breathtaking Autumn foliage, a stately author’s residence, eclectic art and music, and superb vegan dining are what awaited me during my second day’s visit in the Berkshires Mountain region of western Massachusetts. I started the morning with breakfast at the super vegan-friendly Starving Artist Creperie (Starving Artist Creperie) in Lee, Massachusetts. My breakfast selection was the Autumn Apple Crisp crepe with apples, raisin, and chopped nuts; wrapped in a buckwheat crepe and a side scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream. Such a delicious taste!
For my AM beverage, I chose a raw juice of orange, carrot, and ginger. I enjoyed it very much. The cafe offers several raw juice combos and smoothies made with soy or almond milk.
A display case filled with vegan treats is found beside the counter. I purchased the carob and coconut breakfast bar as a tasty sweet for later in the day.
After my terrific breakfast, I hit the road for a visit to “The Mount” in Lenox, Massachusetts; home of late 19th and early 20th century author Edith Wharton. Ms. Wharton is known to be one of the first authors of travel guides, in addition to her popular fictional works. Born in 1862, she grew up in an era when women were discouraged from accomplishing anything besides marriage. Edith defied these odds and became an accomplished author of over 40 books, including “The Age Of Innocence”, “Ethan Frome”, and “The House Of Mirth”, as well as guides on architecture, gardens, and interior design.
Her home “The Mount” was built in 1902. Harmony and simplicity are two of the traits that she felt should be incorporated into residence. As visitors stroll through the lengthy wooded path to her mansion, their gaze is set upon the many sculptures and artwork throughout the grounds.
The mansion’s sizable exterior is surrounded by well-manicured greenery.
Edith entertained her author friends, including Henry James, in her elegant dining room.
It is believed that Edith Wharton actually penned her literature while in bed, not at a desk. Several of her writings are on display on the bed in her room at The Mount. The window view to the gardens provides a bright and well-lit location to do some writing.
An exquisite living room defines elegance and class. She is known for her style and superb interior design. Several of her works reflect upon the subject of the architectural design of homes.
Gardens of colorful flower varieties, lush greenery, and a water fountain are found surrounding the residence.
Next on my itinerary was the Schantz Gallery in the town of Stockbridge. This ‘hidden gem’ fine arts gallery features contemporary glass sculptures by a variety of artists, including Dale Chihuly and Lino Tagliapietra. Each piece is truly unique. Geometric shapes, human form, wildlife, and nature are some of the subjects reflected in the media of glass.
I was truly impressed by the works in this beautiful gallery and highly recommend visitors to the region to stop by to view the art for themselves.
Starting my foliage drive from Route 183 in Lenox, I headed south to the town of Great Barrington. Baba Louie’s Pizza(Baba Louie’s Pizza) in Great Barrington is where I decided upon for lunch. This vegan-friendly casual restaurant serves up vegan pizza with soy mozzarella cheese. I opted for the “Vegetazione Bravo Spelt” pizza with soy mozzarella, tofu, broccoli, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, spinach, chêvre, tomato sauce and tarragon. It was really delicious!
After a truly yummy meal, it was time to commence my foliage drive from the southern town of Barrington heading north on Route 41 into West Stockbridge, through Richmond, onto Hancock Shaker Village. Then I proceeded onto Route 20 east into Pittsfield. During my drive, I observed many spectacular and stunning views of the Autumn foliage through the forests, by lakes and ponds, on the rolling hills, and surrounding the vast fields.
Oranges, yellows, reds, browns, and greens; the trees were showing their best colors of the season.
My foliage drive led me to South Mountain in Pittsfield, where I attended a wonderful classical music concert. Mozart and Shubert pieces were performed by the Dover String Quartet.
The day was drawing to a close, so I headed to the town of Stockbridge for dinner. Boutiques, gift shops and restaurants line the main street. I decided to dine at the fancy “Red Lion Inn Restaurant”(Red Lion Inn Restaurant). The entrance is adorned with two giant pumpkins. This upscale dining establishment offers a couple of vegan options on their menu.
I selected the chickpea and quinoa patty over greens. I really enjoyed my flavorful evening meal.
My Fall Foliage weekend getaway in the Berkshires had come to an end. I truly enjoyed my foliage drives, the arts, and the vegan dining in the region! The region truly lives up to its reputation. For magnificent foliage, a superior arts and music scene, and fantastic vegan meals; I recommend a visit to the Berkshires of western Massachusetts.
Admission to The Mount provided as a guest of “Berkshires Visitor’s Bureau”