The historic town of Lenox reached its national prominence during the Gilded Age, from 1870-1920. The Westinghouse, Carnegie, Procter families build their summer residences here. Many of the mansions, known as the "Berkshire Cottages " such as Wheatleigh, Blantyre, Kemble Inn - a Summer retreat of President Chester Arthur - have been restored and turned into luxurious Inns and B&B's. As a cultural center Lenox has it's roots in the Gilded Age. Edith Wharton and famed actress Fanny Kemble resided here. Lenox is a home of the famed Tanglewwod Music Festival and Shakespeare and Co. Jacob's Pillow, Norman Rockwell Museum are within a short distance. Lenox has excellent trails for biking, hiking skiing. The Audubon's Pleasant Valley Sanctuary offers nature programs and guided tours. Best information on Lenox events and places to stay is provided by Berkshire Visitors Bureau and Lenox Chamber of commerce.