Wheatleigh, Lenox, Massachusetts: The Best Dining in the Berkshires

For what Travel + Leisure called "some of the best cooking in the United States," head to the lovely rolling countryside in western Massachusetts-- just two and a half hours by car from New York and Boston. Nestled on 22 acres overlooking the Berkshire mountains, Wheatleigh is one of the most coveted destinations for foodies. Built in 1893, Wheatleigh is an Italianate mansion originally designed for a Spanish countess. The Dining Room at Wheatleigh was awarded the AAA Five Diamond Award for Chef Jeffrey Thompson's sophisticated cuisine served in a pretty setting lit by candles and a fireplace. From large windows overlooking the mountains and the lake, the dining rooms offer incredible views-- especially during the sunset or fall foliage season. Menus, featuring the finest ingredients, change seasonally.

Pssst. You can sleep here, too. Wheatleigh offers 19 suites and guest rooms filled with exquisite antiques and contemporary art. Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report named the hotel a Grand Award Winner for 2008.