Is there a fee to attend?

Yes, tickets are required and can be purchased in advance online.

Are refreshments included?

Refreshments are available at the Terrace Café for purchase.

Is parking available on-site?

Yes, ample parking is provided adjacent to The Mount.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Outside food and drinks are not permitted, but the Terrace Café offers a selection of refreshments.

Is the event accessible for people with mobility issues?

Yes, the estate is wheelchair accessible, and seating arrangements accommodate visitors with mobility needs.

What should I do in case of bad weather?

Performance details and possible cancellations are communicated via email—check the forecast and plan accordingly.

Literary Retreat at Edith Wharton's Home with The Amy Clampitt Fund

Located in the historic setting of The Mount, Edith Wharton’s famous home in Lenox, Massachusetts, this event offers a unique blend of outdoor ambiance and literary magic. Every summer, the Terrace Café becomes a hub for culture, when the Amy Clampitt Fund presents captivating performances of Edith Wharton's short stories. Held on the first Wednesday of each month from June through October, these evenings provide an immersive experience where the natural beauty of the estate complements the timeless storytelling.

The Mount, renowned for its stunning architecture and lush gardens, provides a picturesque backdrop for this literary celebration. Attendees can enjoy the warm summer air while listening to talented local actors breathe new life into Wharton’s narratives. The event’s open-air setting allows visitors to soak up the scenic surroundings—mature trees, manicured lawns, and flowering beds—that evoke the genteel yet compelling atmosphere of early 20th-century New England.

This gathering is more than just a reading; it’s an invitation to step into Wharton’s world amidst the natural splendor of the Berkshires. The Terrace Café offers refreshments, making it an ideal spot for both literary enthusiasts and outdoor lovers seeking a cultural escape. The historic estate serves as a perfect venue, with its blend of history, design, and horticulture adding depth to each story told.

Celebrating local talent and literary heritage, this event underscores the importance of preserving and sharing America’s cultural history. For visitors, it’s a rare chance to experience outdoor performance art amidst one of Massachusetts’ most revered historic sites, making it a stand-out destination for summer cultural outings.

About The Mount, Edith Wharton's Home

The Mount, Edith Wharton’s Home in Lenox, Massachusetts, preserves the life and work of one of America’s most celebrated writers. The property presents a diverse calendar of programs that highlight Wharton’s literary legacy alongside seasonal gardens, outdoor sculpture, and public events. Visitors can attend guided tours, staged readings, author conversations, youth workshops, and thematic tours that illuminate the house, grounds, and cultural context of Wharton’s time.

Programming at The Mount ranges from the recurring “Wharton on Wednesday” summer performances to artist-led Sculpture at The Mount tours, family-centered Kids Sculpture Walks, and youth poetry workshops. Events include staged readings, illustrated talks, nature-writing conversations, and evening performances that invite both local audiences and travelers to engage with literature, visual art, and landscape design.

The Mount’s public offerings serve a wide range of interests: literary audiences attracted to Edith Wharton’s short stories and essays; families seeking interactive outdoor activities; and visitors wanting curated experiences such as Ghost Tours, sculpture exhibitions, and conversations with contemporary writers and journalists. The venue lists options for General Admission and membership, and hosts special events such as staged plays and anniversary celebrations.

As a destination in Lenox, The Mount combines educational programming, seasonal events, and curated tours to create meaningful cultural experiences. The Mount’s schedule emphasizes accessibility and variety, making it a reliable destination for visitors interested in American literature, garden design, public sculpture, and family-friendly programming.