ByJonathan Prince & Stephanie Manasseh
Jonathan Prince and Stephanie Manasseh are Co-Founders of Berkshire House, an artist hub bringing creative collaborations in art, design, & gastronomy to the Berkshires. Jonathan is a sculptor from NYC who has lived in the Berkshires for almost 20 years, and Stephanie is an art curator that splits her time between Brussels and the Berkshires. They take us on a journey through their go-to places in and around Lenox, the area of our newest hotel.
For breakfast in the mountains: The Club Room at Berkshires Untold
If you’re staying at Berkshires Untold (Formerly Life House Berkshires), guests can start the day with breakfast staples at the onsite restaurant, inside or al fresco, surrounded by nature. Paired with a range of espresso-based beverages, wellness lattes, fresh juices, and loose-leaf teas.
For a laid-back afternoon: Downtown Lenox Shops
Head to downtown Lenox to experience its undeniable charm. This area is just the place to stroll for casual browsing and shopping. Some of our favorite shops are MacKimmie Co., they have a great selection of Cashmere blankets, and Design Menagerie for a bit of everything home and beauty.
Design Menagerie: 26 Housatonic St
Photo via Design Menagerie
For an art studio tour: Berkshire House
We’d love to welcome you into our home, workplace, and sculpture studio, which Jonathan set up over 18 years ago. We founded Berkshire House in 2020 as an arts hub to host discussions and collaborations around art, digital technology, and architecture. We are also very proud to have an original Sol LeWitt Wall Drawing (WD684C), on permanent loan by the LeWitt family. If you’d like to visit, you can schedule an appointment by contacting us here.
Photo via Jonathan Prince Studio
For a seasonal meal: Nudel
Nudel is a casual restaurant with a comfortable, funky atmosphere, and innovative cuisine. The open kitchen allows you to watch the food being made, and they are committed to showcasing ingredients from local farms. The comfort food focused menu changes daily based on seasonal availability, which means the food always tastes fresh – you really can’t go wrong. To top off the experience, we always go for the black forest cake.
37 Church St
Photo via Nudel
For wine & specialty foods: Dare Bottle Shop & Provisions
Just down the street from Nudel, you can peruse a wine selection rooted in organically farmed grapes with low-intervention that represent place and maker. Plus great craft beers and ciders sourced from brewers in the Northeast region. The pantry is filled with products that focus on craftsmanship and environmental consciousness. They even get naturally-leavened Creature Bread (a Berkshires favorite) delivered every weekend.
11 Housatonic St
Photo via Dare
For contemporary art: Sohn Fine Art
Looking to see some contemporary photography? Sohn Fine Art, also in Downtown Lenox, is known for the best art of today in the region. Local and international artists are represented at this gallery, which furthers their mission to promote the broader understanding of art and community engagement with photographic mediums through exhibitions, lectures, and workshops.
69 Church St
Photo via Sohn Gallery
For live music: The Ostrich Room
Head to an evening dinner and show at Apple Tree Inn’s Ostrich Room and lobby lounge – a hub and community for creatives, with an atmosphere mixing historical and modern cool. They have a rich history of music on the property, with renowned performers throughout the years, like Bob Dylan. Their current diverse lineups are curated by musician Johnny Irion, and range from bluegrass to rock & roll.
10 Richmond Mountain Rd
For a hike with a view: Olivia’s Overlook
We love taking a trail to Olivia’s Overlook, at the center of the 734-acre Yokun Ridge South reserve, right outside of Lenox in Stockbridge. It’s great for a gentle hike with beautiful views of the Berkshires mountains. This trail is ideal for a peaceful retreat to recalibrate and spend time in nature.
Yokun Ridge South, Hiking Trails
Photo via Edgard Nau
For a sweet treat: The Lost Lamb
After the hike, head to a nearby bakeshop to treat yourself. The Lost Lamb is a woman-owned and run patisserie that brings a little piece of Paris to the Berkshires. She makes beautiful macarons in dainty pastel colors and seriously good cakes.
31 Main St
Photo via The Lost Lamb
