With the arrival of Summer, travel enthusiast Quinton Mulvey, along with many urban dwellers in New York City, felt the urge to immerse himself in nature. He decided to spend a weekend relaxing amidst the lush landscapes and historic settings of the Berkshire Mountains. His days began with peaceful morning hikes along scenic trails, followed by afternoons spent browsing eclectic antique shops and touring historic landmarks like The Mount. Evenings were reserved for exploring local cuisine and enjoying some reading by the fireside outside the Club Room at Life House, Berkshires.

_DAY ONE 

_MORNING

Start the day with coffee and breakfast in the Club Room at Life House Berkshires. Take the Charcoal Trail up to Olivia's Overlook—a 1.6-mile hiking loop known for its historical charcoal pits and moderate difficulty, offering scenic views of the surrounding mountains (Yokun Ridge South, Hiking Trails, West Stockbridge, MA 01266). Follow the hike with a stroll through The Berkshire Galleries of Great Barrington—an upscale, multi-vendor antique furniture and decor market showcasing collections from celebrated dealers like James Coviello. Offerings include exquisite furniture, tapestries, and vintage fixtures that might inspire you to purchase a nearby farmhouse to decorate.

_AFTERNOON

Continue antique shopping at And All That Jazz Antiques—a more reasonably priced, seemingly endless antique market. With some rummaging, you can discover gems such as original Shaker furniture, collectible books of local poetry, antique pottery, and various tchotchkes. For a pick-me-up, grab some natural wine and cheese and sit by the campfire at Rubiner's Cheesemongers. Featuring a fine curation of cheeses and natural wines, this shop offers every small-batch charcuterie fixing, condiment, and sourdough loaf you can imagine. Owner Matthew Rubiner personally selects each cheese and specialty grocery item.

_EVENING

Dinner at The Main Inn at The Red Lion Inn—a top choice for dinner in the Berkshires. The dining room is richly adorned with historic prints and features colonial pewter furniture. The menu blends traditional favorites and modern interpretations of classic New England dishes. Start with the Harney & Sons Tea Egg as an appetizer, and take a quick walk through Widow Bingham’s Tavern, known for its eclectic Americana decor. Then close out the evening by the outdoor fireplace at Life House, Berkshires with your artisanal cheese and a book from the library.

_DAY TWO 

_MORNING

Grab espresso and freshly baked croissants at The Lost Lamb, a French-Berkshire fusion patisserie run by pastry chef and owner Claire Raposo, a 20-year-old graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Paris. Afterward, take a historic tour of The Mount. Formerly the home of iconic author Edith Wharton, this gilded-age era estate is open to the public for tours of historic interior design and sprawling gardens. Explore beautifully preserved rooms and grounds, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of the late 19th century. Relax in the gardens and soak up the fresh air and Berkshires sunshine. Enjoy lunch at their small outdoor cafe.

Afternoon:
Tour Chesterwood House, the historic home and studio of Daniel Chester French, sculptor of the Lincoln Memorial. Explore exhibits of his sculptures, personal artifacts, and enjoy the beautifully maintained gardens and trails. A perfect stop for art and history enthusiasts.

Evening:
A romantic early dinner at The Old Inn On The Green—a historic restaurant and inn, originally established in the 1760s, offering a unique dining experience. Call ahead to book a romantic, prix-fixe dinner. The dining rooms are entirely illuminated by candlelight, creating a truly unique ambiance.

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Life House, Berkshires is located at 194 Pittsfield Road in Lenox, Massachusetts, and offers accommodations starting at $225/night. For reservations, upcoming Art House events, and additional information, including full buyouts or corporate retreats, visit Life House’s website.