It’s Getting Warmer

As the weather warms up, (rarely, but often enough) things start happening around here! On my trips to the gym or the grocery store I’ve noticed dogs outside on their runners and even clothes hanging out on clothes lines! As cold as it’s been, Spring is DEFINITELY on her way! I’ve been able to do my own Spring cleaning while enjoying a few open windows myself and it’s safe to say, I am very excited for the warm weather to arrive! And so is the rest of Berkshire County as they are coming alive this week with lots for all of our visitors to do! Everybody else will be here for the Baystate Games but perhaps winter sports aren’t YOUR thing? Have no fear, there are plenty of other things going on that have nothing to do with the Winter games J Enjoy free music concerts, local harvest dinners or even a little wine and painting!

Starts March 19

Daily until June 30, 2014

Nightly Entertainment

The Lion’s Den Pub, located downstairs at The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, MA, offers entertainment seven nights a week, and never a cover charge! Sun – Thur 8pm – 11pm; Fri & Sat 9-12am.

March 19

MIDWEEKMUSIC

Come to the Williams College campus in Williamstown, MA at 12:15pm and enjoy varieties of live music! Bring a friend, bring your lunch, and enjoy their popular midday and midweek concert series. A musical sampler, every week offers up a mixture of traditional fare, with exciting accents of the unexpected. Williams student musicians value the informal atmosphere of MIDWEEKMUSIC and they use it to workshop their pieces, try out something new, show off something that doesn't fit in other concert formats, or just to have some fun. Instructors are encouraged to have their students present themes together, and the impromptu mini-lecture can also be part of the enjoyment.
Relaxed and informal, MIDWEEKMUSIC is a chance for everyone to share the music while seated on the Chapin Hall stage. Enjoy the sound of their Bösendorfer Imperial grand piano in a setting that is at once both regal and intimate.

Maple Fest

When daytime temperatures rise above the freezing mark, while nights stay cool, the Darrow School community swings into action to begin the process of producing its signature maple syrup. Maple Fest will kick off with a pancake breakfast served with Darrow’s all-natural, handcrafted syrup. Following a bonfire and singing, teachers, staff, and students will participate in a variety of outdoor games for younger and older children, including an obstacle course, three-legged and wheelbarrow races, and a Double Dutch jump-rope contest. Refreshments and Sugar House Tours. Come to Darrow School in New Lebanon, NY from 9am – 3pm for festive treats and fun for the whole family!

March 20

Cookies and Canvas

Come to Bisque, Beads & Beyond in Pittsfield, MA for a fun evening for kiddos! A great canvas for boys and girls! Pick your favorite colors to complete your kicks canvas and hang your painting in your room! Create a 12 x 12 canvas. $25.00. 4pm – 5pm. Call to register.

March 21

Adult Cork & Canvas

Come to Bisque, Beads & Beyond in Pittsfield, MA for a fun ADULT evening! Celebrate Spring and create a great canvas for a Mother’s Day Gift with the newest Art & Social Craze – Cork & Canvas. Create a 16 x 20 canvas. BYOB and they will supply the munchies! $35.00. 6pm – 9pm. Call to register.

March Mud Dance Party

No. Six Depot Roastery & Café of West Stockbridge, MA is hosting a dance party! Dance party with DJ BFG (Jacob’s Pillow DJ) for all ages in the gallery. Dinner in the cafe 5-9pm. Wine and beer available. 8pm – 10pm. $5.00 cover. Don’t miss out on this good time!

Starts March 21

Daily until March 24, 2014

Bay State Winter Games

This is an annual Olympic-style winter sports festival going on March 21st thru the 23rd. Games will be held in Pittsfield, Williamstown, and North Adams, MA. There will be figure skating, Alpine Skiing, and Ice Hockey. This is an awesome event for the whole family to enjoy! Be sure to check baystategames.org for more information so you don’t miss a beat!

March 22

BETTY

MASS MoCA in North Adams, MA presents, BETTY! BETTY comes to MASS MoCA’s Club B-10 to perform the irreverent, tongue-in-cheek, and always super-fun music it is known for. The band’s appearance on MASS MoCA’s stage coincides with the presentation of new music commissioned for work in the galleries; Darren Waterston’s installation Filthy Lucre features a voice and cello soundscape composed by the band. In honor of the band’s contribution to Filthy Lucre, museum galleries will be open on the night of BETTY’s performance until 7:30pm for BETTY ticket-holders. Waterston will speak briefly about his work and collaboration with the band at 7pm in the third-floor galleries. The concert is at 8pm. A full bar, dinner and snacks from Lickety Split, are available before and during the show. Tickets: $20 reserved seating; $12 advance; $16 day of; $10 for students.

March 23

Reading and Talk by Karen Shepard

The Celestials is a historical novel about a group of 75 Chinese factory workers who arrived in North Adams, Massachusetts in 1870 to break a strike at the Sampson Shoe Factory. Except for the foreman, they don’t speak English. They didn’t know they were strikebreakers. They stayed for ten years. Come to The Mount in Lenox, MA for a lively reading and discussion with Karen Shepard about the fact, fiction and writing process behind her historical novel, The Celestials. This free event is presented with The Berkshire Festival of Women Writers and will take place in the Drawing Room. Seating is first come, first served. 2pm – 4pm.

March 24

Berkshire Grown Maple Dinner at Cranwell Resort

Join Berkshire Grown at Cranwell Resort in Lenox, MA as they celebrate the first harvest of the season with a maple-inspired dinner.  6pm Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres; 7pm Dinner and Live Auction in the Mansion Ballroom. Reservations are required. 413. 528.0041

So come one, come all! We’ve got rooms and you’re not going to want to miss out on Berkshire County springing into Spring! Call me at the front desk and we’ll start planning your trip to the Berkshires and your stay here, at The 1896 House! Rooms are booking fast as the Baystate Games get closer so don’t dilly-dally! 

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!

Check Availability ~ Online Reservations

  

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

What to do this weekend! Get out your Skis!

Looking for some things to do while staying at the 1896 House? Get out and ski or stay inside and get your cultural fill.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Jiminy Peak Opens this weekend!

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort‎ (less then 20 minutes from the 1896 House)

37 Corey Road, Hancock, MA 01237  413-738-5500

Jiminy Peak will open at 9 am this Saturday Nov 10th for skiing and riding!  6 trails (hopefully 8) and 2 chairlifts will be operating Sat- Monday 9 am-4 pm.

Check out http://www.jiminypeak.com/ for more information and details as they have them.

Sweetwood’s Annual Craft Fair

Williamstown, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Sweetwood of Williamstown will hold its annual craft fair at its site on 1611 Cold Spring Road (Route 7) Williamstown. Local vendors include The Village Chocolate Shoppe of Bennington, Nicki Steel Photography, K&M Designs of Bennington Jewelry, Paws Boutique Pet Clothing, Quilts & Crafts by Sue Goodell, Sweetwood's Goodies and personally signed books by Vermont author Ellen Perry Berkeley.

http://www.sweetwoodliving.com/

The Met-Live in HD: The Tempest

The Clark, Williamstown

12:55 PM

British composer Thomas Adès and Robert Lepage’s innovative production recreates the interior of the La Scala opera house as the magical island venue for the otherworldly arts of Prospero, the exiled Duke of Milan. Tickets $25/$22 members/$18 students. Purchase online or at 413-458-0638.

http://www.clarkart.edu/visit/event-detail.cfm?ID=16683&CID=5

Concert Choir & Chamber Choir: La musica de España 

Williams College Department of Music, Williamstown

8:00 PM

Visiting director Katie Gardiner leads the Concert and Chamber Choirs presenting music about Spain or by Spanish composers: La musica de España. The program is the inspiration of visiting director Katie Gardiner who is using her residency to work with a large group of talented singers, “I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the Concert and Chamber Choirs at Williams College for the fall 2012 semester.”  Ms. Gardiner holds bachelors and masters degrees in music education from the Hartt School of Music and a master of music in choral conducting from the Eastman School of Music. The concert is free and open to the public.

More information at http://music.williams.edu/node/1670

Haunted Happenings around the 1896 House

Photo courtesy of  Karpati Gabor

Thursday, October 25

4:30pm – GHOULS IN THE GALLERIES: Williams College Museum of Art hosts “Ghouls in the Galleries: Exploring the Monsters of WCMA’s Collection.” Monsters in the museum will be rooted out by Deena Bak (’13) and she will aid participants in understanding what these monsters reveal about the nature of fear from a variety of cultural perspectives. Best for older students interested in art and cultural studies. 413-597-2376. 15 Lawrence Hall Drive. Williamstown, MA

http://wcma.williams.edu/

6-8pm – BOO BASH: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will host their 18th annual “Boo Bash” for children and families. Come in costume to the Berkshire Towers dormitory building for a costume party & trick or treating. Best for children ages 6-11yo. 413-662-5249. 375 Church Street. North Adams, MA (FREE)

http://www.mcla.edu/ (less then 15 minutes from the 1896 House Inn)

Friday October 26

PITTSFIELD HALLOWEEN PARADE

Downtown Pittsfield - Pittsfield, MA

7PM (less then 40 minutes from the 1896 House Inn)

HAUNTED HOUSE

Lanesborough, 6 - 8 p.m.

Haunted House at the Berkshire Mall. Returning for the third year Village Ambulance Explorer Horrors haunted house. Fri., Join us for some scary fun ;walk through the Haunted house for a screaming good time! All proceeds to benefit the Post 911 Explorer Group.  (less then 30 minutes from the 1896 House Inn)

Saturday October 27

SPOOKTACULAR COSTUME PET PARADE

Williamstown, 1 - 3 p.m.

Sweetwood of Williamstown, located on 1611 Cold Spring Road, Route 7, is hosting a Spooktacular Costume Pet Parade. There will be door prizes and prizes for costumes. Best Pet Costume - first place $200, second $125, third place $75. Owner/Pet Look-Alike prize $100. Registration runs from 1-2 p.m. Leashes are required.

Saturday October 27 and Sunday October 28

PUMPKIN FEST

Lanesborough (less then 30 minutes from the 1896 House Inn)

Bradley Farms and Healing Winds are coming together for three consecutive weekends in October to offer entertaining, educational and cultural activities fun and free for the whole family. This family oriented community event will be held at the Bradley Farm on Route 7 in Lanesboro, 545 N Main Street. There will be Native American storytellers, Native American and regional folk arts & crafts, the large Healing Winds tipi and a children’s tipi. Activities to enjoy include guided nature and riverside hikes, natural horsemanship demonstrations and rides, traditional eye & hand coordination games, pumpkin painting, cultural & historical presentations, local entertainment as well as Native American flute and social friendship dances. The Robbins-Zust Family Marionettes will perform. Please call Healing Winds at 413-443-2481 for more information.

HAUNTED HOUSE

Lanesborough, 2 - 8 p.m. (less then 30 minutes from the 1896 House Inn)

Haunted House at the Berkshire Mall. Returning for the third year Village Ambulance Explorer Horrors haunted house. Sat., Join us for some scary fun; walk through the Haunted house for a screaming good time! All proceeds to benefit the Post 911 Explorer Group.

http://www.theberkshiremall.com/

Monday October 29

HALLOWEEN SCREAMINGS

7 pm

Starring: Kåre Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson

In Swedish with English subtitles

The film screening will be followed by a discussion with Williams College faculty members Denise Buell, Lawrence Raab, Jim Shepard and Christian Thorne.

Lonely, 12-year-old Oskar is regularly bullied by his stronger classmates. A new friendship develops when Eli, a pale, serious young girl who only comes out at night moves in next door. Coinciding with her arrival is a series of inexplicable disappearances and murders. As Oskar becomes more aware of Eli’s tragic plight, he cannot forsake her. However, Eli knows that to continue living, she must keep relocating. But when Oskar faces his darkest hour, Eli returns to defend him the only way she can.

http://www.imagescinema.org/

50 Spring Street, Williamstown, MA

For more events and trick or treating schedules around the area please visit

http://hilltownfamilies.wordpress.com/2012/10/09/hf-576/

Fall Foliage Fun

Nothing beats fall foliage and driving or hiking and seeing the myriad colors and leaf shapes that change hues throughout the foliage season. Wouldn’t it be nice to bring home a bit of fall color and decorate your house for the holidays using some fall leaves.

Here’s some easy fall leaf craft decorating ideas that you can make with some of the beautiful leaves you’ve collected while staying at the 1896 House Inn.

Leaf Lanterns
http://recycledawblog.blogspot.ca/2012/07/how-to-make-leaf-lanterns.html?spref=fb

Pumpkin place cards (with fall leaves)
http://www.midwestliving.com/homes/seasonal-decorating/pumpkin-decorating-projects/page/23/0

Autumn Leaf Luminarias
http://www.marthastewart.com/goodthings/autumn-illuminated?center=0&gallery=274704&slide=273501

Fall Leaf Initial
http://thethriftyabode.blogspot.com/2011/09/fall-leaf-initial.html

Autumn Leaf Wreath
http://www.craftjr.com/diy-fall-wreath-craft/

Leaf-Covered Candles
http://www.marthastewart.com/269676/leaf-covered-candles

Leafy Centerpiece

http://www.midwestliving.com/homes/seasonal-decorating/pumpkin-decorating-projects/page/9/0

A little more about our Barnside Luxury Suites, Suite 204

Suite 204, Victorian Suite 1837-1901

Large & Nostalgic. Featuring Walnut Antiques & Fainting Couch. King "Sleeping Beauty" Bed. Dual Whirlpool Bath, Gas Fireplace, Dressing Room, 27" Cable TV, CD/DVD, Refrigerator, 2-line phone, WIFI, iron/board. Full candlelight breakfast. 

You had both planned an intimate getaway but having chosen the Victorian suite, you were a little apprehensive that he wouldn't be comfortable with too much femininity. With hesitation, you opened the door. The weighted and sophisticated interpretation relieved you while the velveteen tufted sofa and walnut "Sleeping Beauty" bed played to your fancy.

The lavish, silken damask bed coverings were a perfect foil for the tapestries that surrounded you. The room, possessing a grand space, had a warm and enveloping feel. No overdone flowers and lace here! Whew! He loved it! You both appreciated the soft glow of the Tiffany style lamp in the living area and over the dual whirlpool bath.

After a cozy tête-à-tête with a glass of sherry on the two- sided fainting couch, you went off to dreamland like a princess and her prince. Now, after a marvelous night, what you really want to do is nothing! Out of self respect you decide to take the paper to read by that bucolic pond at "Pondside". Maybe you'll even feed the ducks before breakfast! Then, you're off to a perfect day of golf and back to a cocktail by the brook. You'll really have to tell Matthew and Barbara about this place!

A full country candlelight breakfast is provided. With advance notice, we are happy to accommodate special dietary restrictions such as "low carb", "low fat", vegetarian", etc. and of course any food allergies.

 

     Make a reservation! Or check our some our other Barnside Suites at 

http://www.1896house.com/barnside.htm

Fall into the Berkshires

This weekend and next are going to be peak season for fall foliage leaf peeping in the Berkshires.

Check out the fall foliage maps at http://www.yankeefoliage.com/peak-foliage-forecast-map/

Go for a fall foliage drive up to the summit of Mt Greylock and check out the most beautiful views from this 3,491-foot mountain, or take a hike and check out the trails. Mt Greylock is a great place for birdwatching as well. Mt Greylock is less then 1/2 an hour from the 1896 House Inn. 

Driving map with vantage points

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/mtGreylock/downloads/drivingmap.pdf

Summit Hikes (check out the foliage for miles and miles around!!!)

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/mtGreylock/downloads/summithikes.pdf

Full Mt, Map

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/trails/mgry1.pdf

Mount Greylock was the first state reservation in Massachusetts, established in1898. It contains over 68 miles of hiking trails, including 13 miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

Birding: The boreal zone (especially 3,000 feet and above) contains what may be the state's only breeding Blackpoll Warbler. Swainson's Thrushes also nest in the damp coniferous forest, as do White-throated Sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncoes. Mourning Warblers still nest in cutover, regenerating areas. The Yellow-bellied Flycatcher is a strongly suspected nester, and the Olive-sided Flycatcher nested regularly in an area that has now grown up to tall spruces. Historically, a small population of Bicknell's Thrushes nested near the summit. (from http://www.massaudubon.org/Birds_and_Birding/IBAs/site_summary.php?getsite=6)

Birds of Mount Greylock

INFORMATION GUIDE & SIGHTING LIST

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/mtGreylock/downloads/birdsOfGreylockGuideList.pdf

2012 Fall Foliage Festival Continues this weekend and more!

Photo courtesy of PatriciaEGreen

Less then 15 minutes from the 1896 Inn, The North Adams Fall Foliage Festival is a fun time for the whole family.

SATURDAY, September 29

Farmer's Market - 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM - in the St. Elizabeth's of Hungary Municipal Parking Lot across from MASS MoCA, the market is in operation with harvest season fruit, vegetables and other produce and home-made goods for sale.

3rd Annual Dog Day of Fall Parade - 8:30 - 10:00 AM - Downtown North Adams.  All dogs are encouraged to participate.  Owners are encouraged to make costumes and enter their dogs into this parade.  This year's parade theme is "Toys on Parade."  Categories are: Funniest, Best Duo (owner and dog), Best Group (dogs), Best Small Dog, Best Medium-sized Dog, and Best Large Dog.  Prizes will be awarded following the parade and ribbons will be given to all participants.  Dog parade winners will be invited to participate in the Fall Foliage Parade on Sunday, September 30.

Dog Day of Fall Pet Psychic - 10:00 - 11:30 AM - North Adams Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.  Following the dog parade, bring your pets to the North Adams Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for a free pet psychic reading.  Regionally-known pet psychic Bonnie Strange, will provide the free readings.  Dogs, cats, and any other pets are welcome.  Parking will be reserved in the Wells Ave. parking lot.  Enter through the Wells Ave. entrance.  Light refreshments, including pet treats, will be provided.

FREE Family Concert at The Range - 11:00 AM - The Range, Curran Highway, North Adams.  Bring the family to The Range for a concert with Terry a la Berry.  This is a free concert, sponsored by the Adams Community Bank, and fun for the whole family.  The Bounti Fare will be on site selling lunch items.  Call 413-663-3030 for more information.

Benefit for the Mohawk Theater: Spirit of Johnny Cash - 8:00 PM - Mohawk Theater.  Supported by MCLA and presented by the city of North Adams with help from MASS MoCA, the celebrated Mohawk Theater opens for one night only with Harold Ford as Johnny Cash and Laura Lucy as June Carter Cash plus a full compliment of musicians forming the Cash Band.  In what is sure to become a historic Berkshire event, Johnny and June's greatest hits illuminate the downtown scene that will benefit the Mohawk Theater Restoration Fund and the Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation.  The music and spirit of Johnny Cash will return to Main Street after almost 25 years in a concert to raise funds for the reopening of the theater.  For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.massmoca.org or click here.

Fall Foliage Dance - 9:00 PM - 1:00 AM - Fraternal Order of the Eagles, 515 Curran Highway.  Enjoy 2 live bands: Phil 'n Blanks reunion and Static performing.  $5 cover at the door.  Call 413-664-9043 for more information.

SUNDAY, September 30

Barbecue Grilling - 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM - BBQ offerings at the entrance of the Walmart parking lot (parade staging area).  Hot dogs, hamburgers, and cold drinks.  Proceeds benefit the Rotary children's Christmas party.

Parade-side BBQ - 12:00 PM - Fraternal Order of the Eagles, 515 Curran Highway.  Call 413-664-9043 for more information.

Annual 5k Road Race - 12:30 PM.

57th Annual Fall Foliage Parade – 1:00 PM – Celebrate the advent of the fall foliage season with a parade highlighting the beautiful foliage.

Information courtesy of http://fallfoliageparade.com, please check out the link for more information.

Also happening this coming weekend is the Berkshires Arts Festival Lenox

September 28, 29, & 30, 2012

The Inaugural Berkshires Art Festival Lenox to benefit Shakespeare & Company programs and services will be held September 28-30. More than 6,000 art lovers from the U.S., Canada and Europe are expected to descend on the Berkshires community for the event. Seventy-two artists from across the U.S. will be displaying works in categories including ceramics, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, sculpture, wood, decorative and wearable fiber, and others.

http://www.berkshiresartsfestivallenox.com/

2012 Fall Specials Valid Mid-Week 9/24-10/25

Custom Hancock Shaker Village Tour Special

Stay 3 mid-week nights and receive 2 passes for a customized Hancock Shaker Village Adventure Tour,

and one $25 Gift Card to the popular '6 House Pub! Click here:, http://hancockshakervillage.org/programs-events/choose-shaker-adventure/ to select your tour.  Call us at 1-888-999-1896, book 3 nights in any room or Luxury Suite, & we'll schedule the tour for you!

Your Hancock Shaker Village pass buys the tour & admission for 2 people to the entire Hancock Shaker Village.

Farm Foods & Finds Special

Stay 3 midweek nights and receive five free $10 Gift Certificates ($50) to spend at our local farm produce & gift shops, and one $25 Gift Card to the popular '6 House Pub!  Your farm adventure will take you to 3 active working farms:

Ioka Valley Farm, http://iokavalleyfarm.com/

Sweet Brook Farm, http://www.sweetbrookfarm.mybigcommerce.com/

Cricket Creek Farm, http://cricketcreekfarm.com/

Here you will witness live animals and the products derived from them, fresh foods grown, and shops where you may purchase locally grown apples, pumpkins, maple products, artisanal cheeses, breads & baked goods, dairy products, honey, alpaca clothing & products, and many other items.  Then come back and enjoy a wonderful meal at the ‘6 House Pub & Tavern!

Autumn Fun & Spa Special

Stay 2 nights in any room or Luxury Suite.  Hike to your heart's content in our colorful hiking wonderland.  Or shop till you drop at our antique shops, farm stores, & villages.  Then have a rejuvenating massage at our local "spa like no other", followed by a cozy 3-course dinner at our popular ‘6 House Pub & Tavern! We'll supply hiking info & foliage driving tour maps!  Includes tips for massages and dinner.

Add $119 per person OVER Room or Suite rate

Fall Art, Nature, & Libations Special

Stay 3 mid-week nights in any room or suite and we'll pay the admission for 2 people to the Clark Art Institute. Visit their current exhibitions, http://www.clarkart.edu/museum/exhibitions-current.cfm, and the

the Stone Hill Center set up a nature path amidst gorgeous woodlands and meadows. You will be in the midst of color, art, & beauty. The admission pass will also get you into all of the galleries. After your museum tour, rest your legs, stop by the '6 House Pub, and we'll treat each of you a fall libation! Spend the rest of your time enjoying the beautiful Berkshire Hill villages, shops, & galleries in their fall splendor.  Special includes admission for 2 to the Clark, and 2 complimentary drinks.

Please CLICK HERE to check out the rest of our packages!

A little more about our Barnside Luxury Suites, Suite 202

Suite 202, Turn of the Century Suite 1896-1910

The Smallest & Coziest Suite with Oak Antiques. Romantic King Canopy Bed, Whirlpool Bath for Two, Huge Shower, Gas Fireplace, 27" Cable TV, CD/DVD, Dressing Room, Queen Sofabed, 2-line phone, WIFI, iron/board. Full candlelight breakfast. 

As you're floating in the heated pool staring at the pine trees, you are trying to figure out which was more comfortable, your king size pillow topped mattress last night, or this? You are so happy you'll have another night in that cocoon-like romantic space with the wedding white bed canopy and linens, flowered carpeting, and soothing flecked jade green wallpaper so reminiscent of the early 1900's.

You remember Grandma's quarter-sawn oak furniture pieces just like these, and the damask cinnabar sofa was so comfortable yesterday as you watched your favorite DVD. Then you both really enjoyed those fabulous Crab Cakes with Lemon Dill Sauce, and the Fettuccini Alfredo with grilled mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes, followed by that Warm Brownie Sundae!

This was part of your "Sweetheart Package". You decided to move the "rest" of your package, a bottle of champagne, fresh flower bouquet, and chocolate truffles from your living area to the bathroom, while you soaked by candlelight in that great dual whirlpool. You know this was the perfect treat for yourself and your wonderful husband. Then, a brilliant ideas...! You decide to buy a surprise Gift Certificate to The 1896 House for Mom & Dad's anniversary.

A full country candlelight breakfast is provided. With advance notice, we are happy to accommodate special dietary restrictions such as "low carb", "low fat", vegetarian", etc. and of course any food allergies.

        Make a reservation! Or check our some our other Barnside Suites at 

http://www.1896house.com/barnside.htm

1896 House Inn & Country Lodgings

Bed and Breakfast  ~ Country Inn ~ Country Motels

Route 7 ~ 910 Cold Spring Road, Williamstown, Massachusetts  (MA) 01267

Telephone: 413-458-1896   ~   Toll Free:  888-999-1896

Email:  celebrate@1896house.com 

Lodging Website:  www.1896house.com  ~   '6 House Pub Website  www.6housepub.com

Fall is the perfect time to go trail riding in the Berkshires

Image courtesy of duboix

DeMayos’ Bonnie Lea Farm is located in scenic Williamstown, just 5 minutes away from the 1896 House Inn.

During the late spring, summer and fall, trail riding is available at Bonnie Lea Farm. Trail rides are led either by Lisa DeMayo or by another qualified guide, and can vary in length according to the riders’ abilities. 

Riders must be a minimum of 13 years old and have the proper attire (long pants, shirts) and footwear, preferably something with a heel.

Their extensive trail systems stretch across beautiful fields, over gentle streams, through shady groves of famous Berkshire foliage, and even off-property for more experienced riders. It is a relaxing way to enjoy horses and the natural beauty of the Berkshires. All of our mounts are carefully matched with their rider to ensure the safety and happiness of both.

Trail Rides:

45 minutes – $50 per rider

1 1/2 hour – $75 per rider

Please note, they do not accept credit cards but do accept personal checks. Groups of 4 or more must send a deposit. Please call or email to schedule your trail ride!

Bonnie Lea Farm

511 North Street

Williamstown, MA 01267

413-441-6349

Check out their website at: http://bonnielea.com/wordpress/?page_id=2

On Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bonnie-Lea-Farm/230292556484

From the South: Take Route 7N into the center of Williamstown, MA (intersection of Routes 2 and 7 at the Village Green), continue on 7N toward Pownal/Bennington VT for one mile measuring from the split of Route 2East. Bonnie Lea Farm is located at the foot of the bridge, on the left side, the second driveway past the Hemlock Brook Condominiums. Continue through the gates toward the barn parking lot.

From the North: Take Route 7S into Williamstown, MA, one and a half miles from the Vermont Line. Proceed over large bridge slowly as the driveway is at the base of the bridge on the right. Continue through the gates toward the barn parking lot.

Or find them on Google Maps and get directions: https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Bonnie+Lea+Farm+511+North+Street+Williamstown,+MA&hl=en&sll=41.500765,-72.757507&sspn=1.64355,2.886658&hq=Bonnie+Lea+Farm+511+North+Street+Williamstown,+MA&radius=15000&t=m&z=13&iwloc=A

Don't forget

Last Minute September Special

Stay 2 nights on September  7th & 8th or 14th  & 15th only and get a $50 Gift Card

to the popular 6 House Pub!

Valid on reservations made after 9/4/2012 only.

Make a reservation today at http://www.webervations.com/magic-scripts/resbook.asp?memberid=1896

A little about our Barnside Luxury Suites, Suite 201

Our elegant and romantic "Barnside" Luxury Suites never fail to elicit a "WOW!" response! They were created to anticipate your every need and to provide a unique and exceptional lodging option in Williamstown. Quite grand and appointed in six unique period styles, the refined fabrics & the individually chosen appointments will pamper your desire for something extraordinary and unique.

A full country candlelight breakfast is provided, and complimentary wireless internet is available in each guest room, on the porch, and in the breakfast room. The "Barnside" Luxury Inn is a 3-Diamond AAA rated property!

All six suites have a ground floor entrance from an exterior wicker-filled country porch. They each provide one grand room, (many with 10 foot ceilings, 48 feet deep), with a king size bed, dining area, large living area, and a mantled gas fireplace. The romantic beds are all pillow topped, and most have canopies or 4 posts. There is a large dressing room that opens up to a spacious bathroom complete with showers and dual whirlpool tubs.

Each luxury suite has a different "period" personality and is furnished with many hand chosen antiques. All suites are equipped with 27" cable TV's and DVD/CD players, 2-line telephones with data ports, coffee makers, irons and boards, terry robes, triple sheeted pressed white bed linens, and fine bathing amenities.

We have a solution for special circumstances: Suite 201 offers a kitchenette. Although all of the suites accommodate 2 persons, Suites 202 and 205 are equipped with a queen sofa bed which may, at additional rate, sleep up to 4 persons of the same family over the age of fourteen.

A full country candlelight breakfast is provided. With advance notice, we are happy to accommodate special dietary restrictions such as "low carb", "low fat", vegetarian", etc. and of course any food allergies.

Suite 201, Early American Suite 1600-1775

Formal & Handsome. Colonial Antiques & Decor. Draped King Canopy Bed, Whirlpool Bath for 2, Gas Fireplace in BR, 2 TV's, Dressing Room, Equipped Kitchenette, Dining Table, Living Area. DVD/CD, 2-line phone, WIFI, iron/board. Full candlelight breakfast.

You've just checked in. You are impressed by all the theatres, museums, and cultural activities there are in the area. As you walk over the flower-laden footbridge to your suite, you notice a couple enjoying a picnic by the brook shore. Upon entering your suite, you just know you've entered another era.

The oversize wing chairs, the camelback loveseat, the draped tester king bed, the crewel-like spread and handmade patchwork quilt take you back to our earliest Colonial period. Oriental carpets and Asian porcelain pieces suggest the influence of the export trade of that time. The elongated room seems to extend forever, and then turns to display your dressing room and bath.

Not only is there a television in the living area, the armoire in the bedroom opens to reveal a second television and DVD/CD player. Instead of unpacking, your wife is already nestled in a bedside wing chair, flipping through her favorite periodical by the fireplace! She mentions that in the coming days with this convenient kitchenette and so many things to see, it may save time to have lunch right here in our very own private dining space. You sense that she has really settled in and has planned a packed itinerary. You decide to extend your stay!

Make a reservation!

Don't Forget! August Special:

Summer Weekends Last Hurrah!

20% off all room rates Labor Day Weekend 

(Friday, Saturday & Sunday).

Must mention this special.  Not applicable to current reservations, and not valid with other offers.

Call 888-999-1896, or mention online when booking!

1896 House Inn & Country Lodgings

Bed and Breakfast  ~ Country Inn ~ Country Motels

Route 7 ~ 910 Cold Spring Road, Williamstown, Massachusetts  (MA) 01267

Telephone: 413-458-1896   ~   Toll Free:  888-999-1896

Lodging Website:  www.1896house.com  ~   '6 House Pub Website  www.6housepub.com

Now is a great time to go berry and apple picking picking!

Right now is the perfect time of year to go fruit picking in the Berkshires! A great way to spend quality time with the family, stock up the pantry and get ready time bake up a storm or just enjoy them fresh with a little whipped cream.

The area abounds with farms and PYO farms, a lovely mouthwatering way to take home a taste of the Berkshires not far from the 1896House and great Saturday or Sunday bit of fun in the sun.

A great tip to hold your fresh berries and keep them fresh a little longer. Mix 1 tea. white vinegar with 1 cup fresh water, rinse the berries briefly and pat dry. Store in the refrigerator in a glass container. The berries don’t pick up the vinegar flavor but kill the mold spores on the berries.

The Apple Barn & Country Bake Shop (20 minutes from the Inn)

Strawberries, blueberries, Fall red raspberries

Rt 7 South, Bennington, VT 05201.

888-827-7537

Pick Your Own, Weather Permitting; Everbearing Strawberries - Mid June until October; Blueberries - Early July - Early August; Red Raspberries - Mid August to late September. Open: Call for PYO hours and availability.

http://www.theapplebarn.com/index.php

Lakeview Orchard (25 minutes from the Inn)

Sweet and Tart Cherries, Apples, plums, raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (black), Honey from hives on the farm, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises)

94 Old Cheshire Road, Lanesboro, MA 01237.

413-448-6009

Early July to October 31; Tuesday through Sunday 9 am to 5:30 pm; Columbus Day Monday.

http://www.lakevieworchard.com/

Mountain View Farm (25 minutes from the Inn)

Blueberries, strawberries

90 Old Cheshire Road, Lanesboro, MA 01225.

413-445-7642.

Open: Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm; Saturday and Sunday, from 8am to 4pm. http://mountainviewfarm.org/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mountain-View-Farm/106412962736471

Bartlett's Orchard (45 minutes from the Inn)

Apples, raspberries and flowers 575 Swamp Road, Richmond, MA. 

413-698-2559.  

PYO, call for hours; Stand open 8-5pm, 7 days a week

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bartletts-Orchard/146680312027115

Hilltop Orchard / Furnace Brook Winery (45 minutes from the Inn)

Apples

800-833-6274.

Open: Wed to Sunday, 9am to 5pm Labor Day until Columbus Day for PYO

Containers provided, children welcome, picnicking and free hayrides on weekends.  View cider mill and offer hard cider.  Year round stand and bakery

Kirchner's Farm (45 minutes from the Inn)

Blueberries and raspberries

131 Churchill Street, Pittsfield, MA.

413-443-7645.

Open: Mid July thru early September Call for appointment.

The Maple Connection/the Harvest Pride (45 minutes from the Inn)

Apples, maple syrup

Route 143, PO 565, Hinsdale, MA 01235

413-842-7592.

Crops are usually available in February, March, April, September, October, November. Open: year round please call ahead for times and crop we are picking and or boiling maple syrup; Please call ahead for PYO

Strawberry Acres Farm (45 minutes from the Inn)

Blueberries

370 Pittsfield Road, Hinsdale, MA 01235. Phone: 413-655-2672

Open: 9am to 5pm daily.