The Town of Lenox

Who doesn’t love chocolate? Ok. Yes, there are a select few, but for the rest of us, a website such as chocolateberkshires.com - new this year - bears good news: February is Chocolate Month in the Berkshires! Now, not all of us are lucky enough to live in Lenox, MA, where the ‘chocolate fest’ is a county wide event. For those who live near, and even far, it is well worth a visit.

If you need more temptation than chocolate to lure you to Lenox, allow us to whet your appetite in other ways by describing this small but vibrant New England town of 6,000 residents. Its rural beauty and major cultural attractions include Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Shakespeare and Company’s new international campus, and Edith Wharton’s restored mansion, The Mount. It attracts thousands of visitors annually, but not usually in February. Until now.

Peruse the website and you will find a series of tempting chocolate events scheduled throughout the month, not just on Valentine’s Day. For example, you might stop by the Birchwood Inn on Main Street to enjoy their Chocolate Passion Month. Chocolate is featured for every meal on the menu, including breakfast, and even teatime. To start the day with gusto, bite into warm and fragrant Chocolate French Toast with Strawberries, or Chocolate Chip Pancakes.

Later in the day, if you are brave enough to pair chocolate and wine, head to Brava on Housatonic Street and sample their Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse with a glass of Alcyone Tannat Dessert Wine, or perhaps some Chocolate Springs Chocolates, made in Lenox, combined with a glass of Warre’s Ruby Port.

Of course, you may already enjoy the tradition of celebrating your love (not of chocolate but of your sweetheart) with a trip to Kemble Street for Shakespeare & Company’s annual Valentine’s Day Brunch, always a scrumptious meal. Created by their very own executive chef, this menu features romance-inspired entrees and a wonderful selection of indulgent desserts. Maybe this year you want to go all-out and enjoy both brunch and the 2pm matinee of The Liar.

Another option is to start the day with a bracingly strong cup of hot chocolate, then head out for a hike on some of Lenox’s most beautiful roads and trails (www.walkjogrun.net). After you freshen up, return to Lenox for Valentine’s Day Dinner at the Gateways Inn and Restaurant. This will seduce even the most reluctant adventurers! Relax after dinner with “Songs of Love and Desire” for Valentines of all ages, a special performance by Kathryn Anderson with Bob Shepherd.

Even if you can’t make it to Lenox for Valentine’s Day, don’t fret! The entire month of February brings chocolate tastings. Nearby markets, like Guido’s Markets in Great Barrington and Pittsfield, MA offer Saturday samplings of Kevin Schmidt’s original and nationally famous Berkshire Bark, in all its creative combinations.

Now, for those few who answered “No” to the question “Who doesn’t love chocolate?” (or those who can’t eat it), don’t feel left out! There is even an event for you. Dan Hegerich, author of The Blue Collar Healer, will visit Guido’s in Pittsfield on February 28 at 11AM with samples of his delicious and healthy raw carob bark recipe (recipes will be provided).

For all others, let it be known that the alpha and omega of all things chocolate remains Joshua Needleman’s Chocolate Springs Café, conveniently located in the Lenox Shopping Center.

So, the next time a special day is approaching, or you just feel like taking a little trip in the Berkshires, check out our website at www.berkshirestyle.com. Who knows what adventures might unfold?