Friday, January 25, 2013

Knitting up a Storm


Photo courtesy of Seemann

What better time to get away from it all for a weekend or a midweek trip with some of your knitting  and quilting buddies, there are some great local shops and a few a few minutes further away that provide a wonderful selection of yarns, quilting supplies, gifts and large variety of classes. Bring your materials back to the inn and pub and enjoy a glass of wine in front of fire and knit up a storm.

Sweet Brook Farm (4 minutes from the 1896 House Inn)
580 Oblong Road, Williamstown, MA
413-884-4246
10am - 6pm, seven days a week
For fiber enthusiasts, they have an extensive collection of yarn, both from their alpacas and other U.S. alpaca breeders and from designers such as Debbie Bliss and Louisa Harding. Roving from their alpacas is available for spinners as well.

A Stitch In Time (20 minutes from the 1896 House Inn)
Rte 8 45 Commercial St, Adams, MA 01220
413-743-7174
Monday - Saturday: 8:00am to 5:00pm
A Stitch In Time has been offering its quilting and knitting lessons and materials to the Adams, MA community since 1995. They specialize in helping you make the best quilted items and gifts for your friends and loved ones. A Stitch In Time Offers: Materials,
Learning Resources and Gifts.

Colorful Stitches (35 minutes from the 1896 House Inn)
48 Main St # 2, Lenox, MA 01240
413-637-8206
They offer the finest natural fiber and novelty yarns for the hand knitter and crocheter from Rowan, Rowan Classic, Jaeger, Colinette, Debbie Bliss, Noro, Jo Sharp, Berroco, Koigu, Classic Elite, Manos, Gedifra, Filatura di Crosa, S Charles, Tahki, Prism, Mountain Colors, Muench, Artyarns, Alchemy, Karabella, Lana Grossa, Misti International Alpaca, Blue Sky Alpacas, The Fibre Company, Malabrigo, Jacques Cartier/Windy Valley Muskox, Buffalo Gold Premium Fibers, Debby Ware and Hanne Falkenberg

Handknits (45 minutes from the 1896 House Inn)
617 Vermont 100, Wilmington, VT 05363
802-464-7887
Fine knitting and crochet supplies.

Metaphor Yarns (50 minutes from the 1896 House Inn)
623 Mohawk Trail, Shelburne, MA 01370
413-625-9191
A six-room shop, filled with yarns, patterns, books, needles, a comfy classroom and Knitting Circle lounge


Friday, January 18, 2013

A Neat Place to Check Out!


From their website

The Studio Club Artworks!
OPEN daily except Thurs. 10 AM to 6 PM • 3301 US Rte 7 Pownal VT

Located in the Pownal Valley along Route 7 just 6 miles from Williamstown, MA.

The gallery features the work of over 200 American artists including a handful of Canadians. One section of the gallery features certified Fair Trade handmade crafts from NGOs operating in developing countries throughout the world. To be certified “Fair Trade” the crafter must be paid a middle-class wage in the context of the local economy and no children can be employed.

American handmade crafts, jewelry and photography. Fair Trade from Africa, South America and Asia.  "I love what you've done with the trash" section features trash-to-treasures. Adjacent to commercial photo studio, Vermont's Best Ice Cream and Vermonster Dogs.

3301 Ethan Allen Highway’ or ’3301 US route 7′. Pownal, VT
802-823-9308

Friday, January 11, 2013

A Touch of History


Photo courtesy of mzacha

For those visitors to the 1896 House Inn looking for a little history of the area while they are visiting, visit
The Williamstown Historical Museum
413-458-2160
1095 Main Street, Williamstown, MA 01267
Monday-Friday, 10 AM – 3 PM and the second Saturday of each month from 10am – 12pm. Appointments can be scheduled at other hours. Please call.
They also offer historical exhibits and public programs.

The Williamstown Historical Museum is less then 5 minutes from the inn.

And

The North Adams Museum of History and Science
413-664-4700
Western Gateway Heritage State Park
North Adams, MA, 01247
November through April: Saturday 10-4, Sunday 1-4
May through October: Thursday through Saturday 10-4, Sunday 1-4   
The North Adams Museum of History and Science is located in a restored historic freight yard with over 25 exhibit areas on its three floors. It also includes hands-on-discovery rooms

The North Adams Museum of History and Science is less then 15 minutes from the inn.

Thursday, January 3, 2013

A Focus on Brookside


  
Shyly hidden from the road on park-like grounds, The 1896 House "Brookside" is a wonderful respite for any traveler!  The delightful "mountain cabin" character of your room, lattice footbridges, perennial gardens and rocking chairs along the porch will remind you of days gone by......

You'll appreciate the quality appointments of Cushman rock maple furniture, Waverly-Schumacher designs, and all the upscale amenities that distinguish your accommodations. The wooden walls that emanate that pine aroma is what our guests repeatedly tell us brings them back!  There is a comforting "retro" feeling here, in a place that resists change…a definitive option among the cookie cutter chain properties of today!

Each room is equipped with a coffee maker, coffee, tea, and supplies, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, color cable television, computer compatible telephone with free long distance and local calls, alarm clock and radio alarm, WIFI, and whisper quiet central air conditioning with individual controls. Of course, you have complete control over how "toasty" you'd like to be when the snow flies!

n warmer months, relax with a cocktail by the brook or in our stately gazebo while you plan your itinerary. Have a brookside picnic, or walk to The '6 House Pub for a cool drink on the outdoor terrace.  All of our guests are welcome to enjoy Pondside's spring-fed duck pond, heated outdoor swimming pool, and Brookside's gazebo and patio tables along Hemlock Brook.

Complimentary high speed wireless internet is available indoors and out. Come tarry awhile - you'll never want to leave!


  

All Rates Include a Full Hot Breakfast Buffet with:
Scrambled Eggs and Bacon
Make Your Own Waffles
A Selection of Juices
Fresh Fruit and Yogurt
A Selection of Hot and Cold Cereals
A Selection of Breads, English Muffins and Bagels for Toasting with Jellies, Jams, Honey, Peanut Butter and Cream Cheese
"To Die For" Raspberry Crumb Cake
Freshly Baked and Glazed Cinnamon Rolls
Milk and Hot Chocolate
Freshly brewed coffee and decaf
A selection of herbal and regular teas