Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is a property of Mass Audubon.

If you are a city-dweller seeking a peaceful walk in the woods and a bit of fresh air, make sure to visit Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary – a property of Mass Audubon. With miles of extensive trails through a 1300 acre wilderness, it offers views, forests, wetlands, rare species, and terrain both friendly and challenging for walkers and hikers.

Kennedy Park – a town conservation property for miles of trails – is easily accessed from downtown Lenox by a moderate walk up past the Church on the Hill or via trail access from the Arcadian Shop parking lot. Trails here are open to dogs, mountain bikes, XC Skiers and snowshoers in the winter and is a great place for a traffic-free run. Maps are available at the Lenox Visitors Center.

Looking to get on the water? The Housatonic is a winding water walkway that twists itself around the Berkshires. Grab a friend and call ahead to the Arcadian Shop in Lenox. They’ll deliver two kayaks to Decker’s Landing and pick you up at Woods Pond after a few hours of paddling on the Housatonic and reconnecting with nature.

Want to climb to the stars? At 3,491 feet, Mt. Greylock is the highest peak in the state. With more than 50 miles of hiking trails and most summit trails with 2,000+ foot ascents, Mt. Greylock State Reservation ranks up there with any hiking destination in the Northeast. However, unlike many high peaks in the northeast, Mt. Greylock’s summit is also home to a rustic 1930’s lodge constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. You can even sleep and eat there!

When Edible Manhattan visited Lenox, they said it best, “Without exception, every establishment I visited was remarkable, offering up vibrant, world-class meals in an idyllic rural setting.”

If you find yourself in downtown Lenox, a good choice is Brava, a European-style tapas restaurant and wine bar. There are nibbles like marinated white anchovies and Marcona almonds, or heartier plates like shrimp with garlic, crisp calamari. Don’t overlook their bruschetta and fantastic pizzas! Any choice pairs well with a glass of craft beer or wine.

Around the corner on Church Street is Alta Restaurant and Wine Bar, where your group can choose from an extensive wine list of over 20 wines by the glass and top-tier, mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Enhance the experience by ordering a cheese platter with a selection of cheeses from local farms.

Try out more local favorites such as Bistro Zinc, Prime Italian Steakhouse, Frankie’s Ristorante, Olde Heritage Tavern, or Haven Cafe Bakery. For a sweet finish, visit The Scoop or Chocolate Springs. For grab-and-go meals and organic produce, visit Loeb’s Food Market.