Are you ready to shake off the pandemic blahs? Try a getaway to the Berkshires in Massachusetts, a destination blessed with natural beauty, world class culture, fine cuisine, and outdoor adventures — A perfect escape just about two-and-a-half-hour drive from the George Washington Bridge.

The area offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxurious resorts to chain motels. We’ve been visiting the Berkshires for many years, and we’ve featured some of the most glamorous hotels, spas, and inns. Recently we stayed at the Apple Tree Inn, a beautiful Victorian inn in Lenox, steps away from the Tanglewood.

The Apple Tree Inn is nestled atop 22 spectacular acres of sprawling lawns, manicured flower beds, and natural forests. Its main building is a restored 1885 Victorian style manor perched high on a hill and overlooking the vast green lawn and the Berkshire mountains in the horizon. The inn’s porch is an ideal spot to sip a cup of coffee, have a drink, or enjoy a book.

Accommodations

The main building houses 13 one-of-a-kind rooms, each individually appointed with a mix of period and contemporary furnishings. It feels as if you are on a Victorian movie set or you are visiting your grand aunt’s country estate. In addition to the main house, you can book one of the 21 rooms in the Lodge Building, just a few steps away. You can view the décor of every single room on the inn’s website before you make reservations.

Amenities

The Apple Tree Inn offers a complimentary Continental breakfast served in a beautiful circular dining room overlooking the lush grounds. It includes a selection of Keurig made coffees and teas, croissants, pain au chocolate (chocolate croissants), and fresh cut fruit. A perfect way to start your day.

On Sunday the inn features a popular a la carte menu, and at night, the round dining room becomes a candle lit restaurant where guests can enjoy elegant dining.

The main building also houses the Ostrich Room, a stylish lounge where you can in indulge in your favorite cocktail or try some of their specialties. On most nights, the Ostrich Room becomes the area’s favorite spot, as bands entertain hotel guests and area residents till the wee hours of the night.

During summer you can enjoy the beautiful, heated pool and a tennis court.

Activities

The inn is a perfect base for exploring the numerous Berkshires attractions. Here’s just a short list of the area’s highlights:

Tanglewood, the summer stage of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and a showcase of classical music as well as numerous headliners, is just a few steps away. A great place to enjoy a music under the stars.

Other performing arts venues include the Jacobs Pillow dance festival, the Shakespeare & Company theater, the Barrington Stage Company and more.

Culture lovers will enjoy world class museums such as the Clark Art Institute, the Mass Moca, the Williams College Museum of Art, and the Norman Rockwell Museum.

In addition, the area is home to numerous cultural gems, such as Edith Wharton’s Home, Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum, Chesterwood (the home of Daniel Chester French the sculptor of the Lincoln Memorial), and much more.

Don’t forget the area’s natural beauty where you can enjoy miles of hiking, various watersports, ballooning, and winter sports.

The Apple Tree Inn is a great year-round escape.