Heading North for a quick weekend getaway or a winter vacation, we have some great suggestions! Our partner, STASH Hotel Rewards, includes two historic and quaint properties in Vermont within their portfolio of boutique, independent hotels.

The Norwich Inn puts you at the center of all that the Upper Valley of VT & NH has to offer: exquisite history, diverse outdoor recreation, culinary adventure and proximity to Dartmouth College in nearby Hanover, NH. Steeped in history, the Norwich Inn captures the essence of the region. Dartmouth graduate, Colonel Jasper Murdock originally built the Inn in 1797. After a devastating fire, the inn was rebuilt in 1890. The inn still exudes its original Victorian charm to go along with new lodging buildings, the Walker House and Ivy Lodge.

Located in the heart of Manchester Village in southern Vermont, The Reluctant Panther Inn and Restaurant got its name from the wild panthers that have roamed Vermont’s mountains for centuries. With unparalleled views of Equinox Mountain from one of their twenty rooms & suiteseach room features antique furnishings, fine art, luxury bathrooms and cozy fireplaces. Make a reservation at the restaurant and see why they won the coveted Gold Barn Award for the locally sourced menu featuring contemporary American cuisine paired with an extensive, award-winning wine list in a sophisticated atmosphere.

Vermont can be the perfect place to embrace winter. And there might be no better winter getaway in the state than the Mad River Valley. Just 3 hours from Boston you will feel like you’ve escaped into a Vermont postcard as soon as you get off the highway. The towns of Duxbury, Fayston, Waitsfield, and Warren make up one of the Green Mountain State’s most desirable regions. Here is just a taste of what to do.

DOWNHILL SKIING:
Sugarbush Resort: Two peaks, 111 trails and over 2600 feet of vertical, Sugarbush has it all. It might not get the hype its neighbor (Stowe) up route 100 gets, but for my money Sugarbush is the best Vermont has to offer. Its big but not massive. Challenging but accessible. Perks of a huge report and charm of a family ski hill. Oh, and you’ve gotta get a grilled cheese at Walt’s at The Glen House.

Mad River Glen: Ski it if you can! This ski area is one of a kind. As America’s only cooperatively owned ski area, this truly is a community. Mad River Glen is famous for challenging trails, natural terrain, and of course, the single chair lift. They make it a point to keep the crowds light and remember no snowboards allowed!

OTHER GREAT ACTIVITIES:
Not a downhill skier or looking for some other activities? Check out Cross country skiing at Blueberry Lake or snowshoe with Clearwater Sports. Grab one of Vermont’s best IPAs at Lawsons Finest Liquids and grab a bite at Mad Taco.

WHERE TO STAY: Don’t miss the charming village of Warren and right in the center is the Pitcher Inn. Luxurious rooms, fine dining, and a location that lets you explore all that the area has to offer. The Pitcher Inn is exactly what you wanted when you thought about the perfect Vermont stay.

Traveling with your pooch can seem a little daunting, especially when you are headed to a city. But fear not, we know getting your four-legged friend outside is the key to happiness for you and your pet. Here are a few spots that are close to The Lenox to take your dog.

Commonwealth Avenue Mall

The closest spot to the hotel to get outside for a walk. Comm Ave, located just two blocks north of the hotel, has a lovely park and path running in between the car lanes that is perfect for a city stroll. You and you companion might think you are on a Parisian Boulevard walking on this historic path.

Carleton Court at Ink Block

This is a fully paved fenced in area for pooches to run around off leash. Just a 7-10 minute walk from the hotel off the Southwest corridor heading towards the South End. Ink Block is one of the newest developments in the city so there it’s worth the stroll.

Peters Park

A bit further into the South End is Peters park at 1205 Washington Street. This is a popular spot for the pooches and your dog will be sure to make a friend or two! Right in the middle of the bustling south end, one of Boston’s prettiest neighborhoods.

After all that walking I’m sure your pup will want a treat or a souvenir. Here are a few of my favorite spots:
Polka Dog Bakery on 256 Shawmut Ave in the South End
Fish & Bone at 217 Newbury St in the Back Bay
Pawsh Dog Boutique on 31 Gloucester St in the Back Bay
Jack’s Snacks in our very own lobby Lenox Mercantile!

Boston is a four-season city, with all sorts of wonderful things to do outdoors and The Lenox is located right in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay – a perfect starting point for any of the following!

Here’s a list of popular outdoor activities in Boston including parks, walking and running trails, water activities and more. Get outside and enjoy all that Boston has to offer:

BIKING

Located right outside our door on the corner of Boyslton and Dartmout at the Boston Public Library, Boston’s Blue Bikes  have docking stations with rentable bikes. Whether you want to explore the city for an hour or two, or an entire day – this is a great way to do it. Here’s an itinerary that we created for a ride around the neighborhood.

BOSTON WALKING & JOGGING TRAILS

Our Director of Sales Lorna created a great jogging itinerary which follows part of the famed Boston Marathon route – check  it out here.

Boston Freedom Trail –

Take an unforgettable walk through history as you follow the 2.5 miles of Follow the famous red brick path with the kids to 16 historic sites through Boston’s most historically well known neighborhoods that provide a fantastic way to introduce kids of all ages to Boston’s rich history and America’s path toward liberty. Check out our concierge’s itinerary here.

Boston Public Garden –

The Boston Public Garden is the oldest public park in the country, with beautiful winding paths surrounded by antique trees and impressive gardens; and lots of benches to sit and relax. Don’t miss the famous Ducklings sculptures, along with the many hidden fountains and statues within the park.  It’s quite beautiful any time of year

The Charles River Esplanade –

A 17-mile stretch of land runs along the banks of the Charles River. There are paths that span the entire stretch that make for a glorious place to walk, jog, rollerblade, bike or just get some sun and people-watch.

Underground Inkblock –

An 8-acre underpass located between Boston’s South End and South Boston neighborhoods that has been transformed into an active urban park, cultural attraction and parking amenity.  This is a cool alternative to a conventional park, with the added bonus of colorful art murals and whimsy.

The Rose Kennedy Greenway –

Made up of 15 acres of vibrant, public parkland. When Boston’s Big Dig project plunged previously elevated roadways underground, the city found itself rich in prime urban land. The Greenway encompasses gardens, plazas, and tree-lined promenades. Offering beautiful places for relaxation within the rhythm of the urban environment, the Greenway is a key feature of the modern reinvention of Boston.

Castle Island –

Often missed by tourists, Castle Island is a great place to walk along Boston Harbor.  Refreshing breezes, fantastic views of planes taking off and landing from the airport, and lots of wide open space compliment this venue – with the added bonus of the popular Sullivan’s snack shack.   This 22 acre land-bound island (it’s the site of an old armory), features a number of interesting and entertaining sites.

Franklin Park –

Franklin Park is home to Boston’s largest forest, walking trails and lots of wide open green space. It boasts an 18-hole public golf course, tennis courts, baseball fields, old stone ruins, and New England’s largest Zoo.

ON THE WATER

Boston Duck Tours –

The only tour to traverse both land and water, led by ConDUCKtors who give an often colorful spin on the history and landmarks of Boston – this is popular attraction in the city.

Community Boating & Sailing –

Located on the shores of the Charles River, visitors can rent sea kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and windsurfers for a daily fee.

We are all adjusting to the new normal here in the Back Bay, and that certainly goes for our food and beverage options.  But don’t get too down, throughout this pandemic there are still some excellent take out and delivery options available!  Here are a few we recommend.

Lukes Lobsters:

Get your lobster fix right next door at the world famous Lukes Lobsters. Traceable, sustainable seafood, including their famous lobster rolls.  A lobster roll and a bag of chips might be the best summer meal around and online ordering is available!

Dirty Water Dough Co:

A staff favorite pizza spot just a few blocks away on Newbury Street. Excellent pizza and a pretty neat tidbit from their website: “Dirty Water” was the rock band, The Standells, famous ode to Boston in the 1960’s. The song title referred to the then-famously polluted Charles River. At the time, the water was considered too dirty to drink so the fine residents of Boston started using beer instead of water to make bread. That is why we also use our very own home-brewed Dirty Water IPA as the secret ingredient in our pizza dough.

So if you’re ever Downtown and hankering for a delicious slice of Boston-style pizza, swing by Dirty Dough! Our pies are hand-stretched and come out of the oven with a perfectly thin and crispy crust. With our beer dough, special spice blend, and unique flavors, you’ll be in for a real treat.

The Dirty Taco Pizza is a personal fav of mine!  Delivery and takeout are both available.

Capital Grille:

Looking for that Back Bay steakhouse experience?  It can still happen with our friends at Capital Grille just down Boylston Street.  With some top notch steak and seafood options on their takeout menu, you can even pair your meal with a fantastic bottle of wine!

Eataly:

Pizza, pasta, cocktail kits and more! Take a stroll through Eataly in the Prudential Center for a quick snack or load up a basket for a picnic around town.  Give us a call if you need a recommendation on some outdoor space to enjoy your hand-selected cheese plate!

As always please call guest reception for more recommendations!

And if you don’t want to leave the building – join us at our Irish Pub, Sólás – menu and information here.

With the start of the Spring Season in Boston today and the need for everyone to self-quarantine and practice #socialdistancing during this scary and uncertain time, there is nothing better than a good book to take your mind off the anxiety we are all experiencing. I hope this list is helpful and encourages you to sit back, and lose yourself in a good book!
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Good Girls Lie

by J.T. Ellison
I had the pleasure of attending an author event at my local book store, An Unlikely Story featuring J.T. Ellison in conversation with Hank Phillippi Ryan (one of my favorite mystery writers!). She introduced her newest novel, Good Girls Lie which takes place at a prestigious prep school for daughters of the rich and influential, it accepts only the best and the brightest. It examines the tenuous bonds of friendship, the power of lies and the desperate lengths people will go to protect their secrets. Fast-paced with lots of twists and turns – this book will captivate you from the beginning!

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Such A Fun Age

by Kiley Reid
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid is a provocative, multi-layered debut novel about race, privilege and the idolization of black people. Narrated in third person, Such a Fun Age explores the race relations and power dynamics between Emira and Alix, and Emira and Kelley. Kiley Reid is incredibly talented at making us despise and also sympathise for both Alix and Kelley. My opinion of the two characters kept changing throughout the book — are they genuine? are they really wanting to help, or are they pushing their own agenda? That’s the beauty of this book.

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This Tender Land

by William Kent Krueger
Our book club’s choice in February, we all gave high marks to William Kent Krueger’s
This Tender Land, a wonderful coming-of-age story filled with adventure and many moments where you are left on the edge-of-your-seat, in anticipation for what might happen next to Odie and his gang of Vagabonds as they make their escape down the Mississippi in a canoe.

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Writers & Lovers

by Lily King
I chose Writers & Lovers for our next book club in May – haven’t started yet but looking forward to reading this highly acclaimed book, a #ReadWithJenna Book Club Pick. Described as an “unforgettable portrait of the artist as a young woman. Blindsided by her mother’s sudden death, and wrecked by a recent love affair, Casey Peabody is thirty-one in the summer of 1997 and still clutching on to something nearly all her old friends have let go of: the determination to live a creative life as a novelist.”

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The Lost Family

by Jenna Blum
Jenna Blum, author of one of my all-time favorite books, Those Who Save Us, brilliantly brings to the page a husband devastated by a grief he cannot name, a frustrated wife struggling to compete with a ghost she cannot banish, and a daughter sensitive to the pain of both her own family and another lost before she was born. Poignant, and at times heartbreaking but very satisfying read.

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In addition, here is a great list of books recommended by indie booksellers, compiled by buzzfeednews.com. If you have any book suggestions, please feel free to send me an email at lburns@saundershotelgroup.com.

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PS – be sure to follow The Lenox Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts for announcements on our next Author Events, which have been postponed to a later date this summer/early fall.