We traveled to Lenox, MA to see the Berkshires and to visit the faded splendor of Ventfort Hall, the home of financier George S. Morgan, brother of the more famous JP Morgan.  After the mansion, we explored down Rte 183 to Great Barrington, and then eastward along Rte 57 until sunset caught us in Springfield; it was an excellent drive through the mountains.

The staff at Ventfort was knowledgeable and charming. We very much enjoyed the tour, especially the little ladies - a collection of about 60 fabulous mannekins dressed in intricate ladies costumes from 1855 to 1914. When we finished, our guide recommended we visit downtown Lenox for lunch.

We had driven past Lenox a hundred times or more over the years, speeding by on Rte 7 or taking a more leisurely route down 7a, but we never discovered the delightful little downtown stretch that runs for a few blocks just east of Rte 7a. Of particular note there (and worth the drive) was the Patisserie Lenox.

We The Patisserie Lenox is a top-quality bakery in the heart of the Berkshires, nearby Tanglewood and all the old gilded-age mansions. They use quality ingredients and show artistic vision and virtuoso technique in producing showcase cakes and daily pastries.

Lorna had a perfectly-seasoned and delicately prepared puff-pastry filled with mushrooms in a bechamel sauce and an Aranciata soda, followed by one of the fine pastries. I had black coffee, but I really wanted to try one of their two dozen teas in the Samovar!