Every Friday night through Halloween in 2009 you can be “chilled to the bone” at the late writer Edith Wharton’s estate in Lenox, Massachusetts. Friday Night Fright at the Mount is a special ghost tour that visits places not usually open to the public.

Haunted happenings at the estate have been recorded for years such as “footsteps in the stables”, and a “gray-haired woman in the pantry.” And in the last year a number of teams, experts and camera crews have visited the sprawling estate and declared – “there is something here” or words to that effect.

Of course with the impending ghost and witch season almost upon us you can bet the popularity of these tours will increase as we move into the October calendar.

The Mount has been a main attraction in Lenox for many years but has been in danger of being closed to the public due to financial pressures. Earlier this year a grant was secured and at least for now this charming estate of mansion and formal gardens can be enjoyed by all welcome guests – and maybe some unwelcome!

Edith Wharton designed and built The Mount in 1902 and used her knowledge of landscape design in the attractive gardens she laid out. Today three acres of gardens surrounding the house include about 5,000 replanted trees, shrubs and plants, and in 2005 nearly 3,000 annuals and perennials were also planted in the flower garden.

If you have time arrive early and take in a tour of the mansion and gardens in the peace of daylight before the night comes and the spirits awaken… sorry got carried away there for a minute.

In addition to the ghost tour at Halloween there will be special events all the frightful week as they celebrate Hallowe’en at The Mount in style.

The Friday Night Fright tour begins at 7:30pm and lasts for about 90 minutes. Cost is $20 for adults and $10 for 16 years and under. Not recommended for children under 8. Dress warmly, arrive 15 minutes early and reservations are required at (413) 551-5111.

To get to the Mount take the Mass. Turnpike (1-90) to Exit 2 to Lee. From Lee, follow Route 20W for approx. 3 miles. Watch for the blue directional sign, and turn left onto Plunkett Street (opposite Blantyre Rd.) entrance 9/10 mile. Visit The Mount website for more details.

For more ideas and suggestions on things in the region visit our special Berkshires Vacation Guide at our web site.

Another New England post by one of our writers is being prepared right now so be sure to visit again or just subscribe to our RSS Feed here and get notified automatically of events and news.

Joan Daniels
Staff Writer
New England Online Magazine

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