You wouldn't think the historic mansion of a 20th-century novelist to be a family friendly place to visit. However after one trip to The Mount in Lenox, you'd be corrected.
The Mount, located at 2 Plunkett Street in Lenox was the country home of Edith Wharton -- one of the most prolific women writers of the 20th century (we're talking over 40 books in 40 years here, folks). Some of her more popular works include, "The House of Mirth," "Ethan Frome," and "Age of Innocence," for which she won the Pulitzer Prize. It is fitting that her estate is one of the few National Historic Landmarks dedicated to women (only five percent of the designated landmarks are).
While exploring the extensive gardens you are sure to stumble upon local artists refining their craft with the beautiful landscape. We had a great time watching and engaging with the painters and sketch artists scattered around the property. Eden can't wait to return with her own brushes and canvas to make a painting of her own. (If you have a little artist in your home maybe bring some supplies with you as a surprise. I think they would love to create there as well). Make sure you have plenty of storage on your phone because you will get some of the best natural photos of your kids in this setting.
There are lots of wooded paths to be explored, hills to run down, and grassy slopes to lie back on. Also be sure to visit the pet cemetery. Edith Wharton was ahead of her time in her adoration of her dogs. She makes PetSmart look like small potatoes. The grounds are stroller friendly and comprise about 50 acres so you definitely want to bring a carriage or carrier if your little one is not a distance walker.
Of course, you can also tour the interior of her beautiful home which is surprisingly family friendly. The kids can learn a lot about history, literature, and architecture. You can indulge your "Downton Abbey" fascination in seeing how the upstairs/downstairs lived right here in our own Berkshires. It is not too fussy and you can go at your own pace with a self-guided tour.
Now through October 31 is an especially great time to visit with kids as the Remix: A New Sculpture Exhibit is taking place on the grounds. As soon as you exit the parking lot on foot to begin your explore of the property, you will notice some of the 28 sculptures on display. The sculptures are made from metal, fiber, concrete, wood, plastic and reclaimed materials. Some of the installations are bold and obvious and others are hidden more discretely among the woods giving kids a chance to find them like a giant game of hike and seek.
We had a wonderful time exploring each one and discussing what we thought it represented. The ideas were endless as we discussed the different creations and what they meant to us. This is truly a contemporary art exhibit that the kids will love.
Admission to The Mount is $18/adult and FREE for children under age 18 -- making it a bargain if you visit with your kids. Also, the admission is good for seven days -- so you can return within the week for FREE. Bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful grounds while having lunch. Don't forget your camera for some winning photos.The Mount is open daily from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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