There’s a reason “summer in the Berkshires” is a tradition.
If you’re looking for a little getaway, Islands, a travel publication that started in 1981, said you should consider staying in the Massachusetts town that has been called the entrance to the Berkshires, located just off of Interstate 90.
“Thanks to a bustling downtown district bursting with shops, nearby lakes, and hiking trails, the town offers something exciting for all types of travelers,” Islands said.
And for that, the publication recommends Lee, Massachusetts.
Lee — ‘cozy’ small town near ‘idyllic landscape’ of Berkshires
Calling Lee “a postcard town,” Islands recommended people make some time to take in the sights on the Berkshire town, particularly taking in the architecture.
“Start off your adventure in Lee with a walk around the historic district. Here you’ll find the First Congregational Church, a magnificent Romanesque edifice with a majestic steeple towering 150 feet over the square. Next, enjoy a stroll around Church Park, its shady trees and water fountains fringed by stately Victorian-style homes. Anyone who enjoys a good book should definitely stop by the Lee Library, a Carnegie library built from local marble, and history buffs might enjoy the Civil War Memorial Hall, another marble structure where plaques are inscribed with the names of local Union soldiers who lost their lives.”
If you’re into shopping, the publication recommended the Retro Pop Shop, located at 395 Laurel St., for picking up some vintage goods as well as a scoop of ice cream from the adjacent ice cream stand. The shop is closed from Tuesday to Friday.
“Lovers of classic literature and refined architecture shouldn’t miss The Mount,” Islands said. “Found just a 10-minute drive away, this stunning, whitewashed Italianate villa, built around 1902, was the home of celebrated American author Edith Wharton, best known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “The Age of Innocence.””
You can find The Mount at 2 Plunkett St. in Lenox, Massachusetts, just outside of Lee.
“The Mount, built by Edith Wharton in 1902, is a historic house museum, cultural center, and public park. We present over 100 programs year-round,” the Mount website said. “The gardens and grounds are free and open daily from dawn to dusk.”
To tour this inside of The Mount, tickets range from $10 to $22.
Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Lee is a ‘postcard town’ in the Berkshires. What to do if you visit