Rachael Ray

Last week, I needed a low-key break from New York City, and boy, did I get one. I headed up to the beautiful town of Lenox, in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts, to visit friends and do an in-store book signing. After two days surrounded by trees and grass, friendly smiles, and fresh air, I felt like a new person.

Lenox is just one town in a string of pretty, tourist-friendly towns in the Berkshires, but it happened to be where my friends live and where my book signing took place, so I spent most of my time there. I felt well placed, as Lenox has a lot to offer, from sophisticated restaurants to world-class art destinations to breathtaking views.

I arrived in Lenox by bus on Friday night, and was whisked away to my friend’s home. I was treated to chilled wine and a homemade meal - a real treat for this cook. My friend’s new puppy helped to snap me out of my city funk; a mix of Doberman and Black Lab, Neve is rambunctious but sweet, gangly and graceful. Lenox is a town for dog-lovers, and everywhere I went, I encountered pure-breeds, half-breeds, and gorgeous designer dogs of all shapes and sizes. I don’t know how easy it is to bring your dog here on vay-kay, but you’ll sure get face time with other people’s pets.

The next day, I headed over to the Pine Cone Hill Home Store for my book signing. Pine Cone Hill sells pretty textiles, dishes, loungewear, and select items for the home, and a handpicked collection of cookbooks that includes Lucid Food! I gave out samples of my Watermelon Gazpacho and signed copies of the book. After that, I swung by some of the town’s most famous attractions, including Tanglewood, the outdoor concert venue where picnickers enjoy acts like the Boston Symphony Orchestra and James Taylor. I peeked into Kripalu, the retreat center where thousands of people go every year to take yoga and holistic health workshops. A quick trip to Guido’s, the upscale gourmet food store where tourists and locals alike shop for provisions, supplied us with all the makings for a grilled dinner at home, including grass-fed beef, and Berkshire-grown corn and blueberries, all clearly labeled for the benefit of locavores like me.

My final day in Lenox started with breakfast at the popular Haven Café Bakery, where we had to arrive by 9:30 on a Sunday morning in order to get a table - they’re early risers in the Berkshires! After a breakfast of burritos, bacon and eggs, and oatmeal, accompanied by a wonderful homemade chai tea, we got in our exercise hiking at the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is just a short drive from downtown Lenox; trails range from easy to more challenging, and hikers can look out for beavers, birds, and ponds, and climb up to an old fire-tower outlook. It was here, surrounded by quiet, that I felt the city finally slip away.

I can’t wait to go back to Lenox, where I’m told the setting is even more beautiful when colored by the glorious turning leaves of fall.

Nine places not to be missed in Lenox:

Pine Cone Hill Home Store

Uniquely designed bedding, house wares, and clothes

Tanglewood

Outdoor concert venue

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Kripalu

Yoga and retreat center

Guido’s

The see-and be-seen gourmet food market

Haven Café Bakery

Fresh, tasty breakfast and lunch, lots of healthy options

Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

Beautiful trails ranging from easy to challenging, wildlife, ponds

Nudel

Small restaurant serving beautifully prepared seasonal food at reasonable prices, Chef/owner Bjorn Somlo

Canyon Ranch

Splurge-worthy luxury hotel and spa resort, with programs for weight-loss and health

Shakespeare and Company

Renowned Shakespeare theater and acting school

The Mount Estate and Gardens

Event venue and former home of writer Edith Wharton, stunning mansion and grounds built in 1902.

Louisa Shafia is a cook with a passion for healthy eating. She recently penned Lucid Food: Cooking for an Eco-Conscious Life, a collection of seasonal recipes and eco-friendly advice on food. To watch her cooking videos, see her recipes, and find out about her cooking classes, go to lucidfood.com.