Mom's 75th B'Day Berkshires Trip

Old Jul 29th, 2007, 04:32 PM
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Mom's 75th B'Day Berkshires Trip

My sisters and I are taking my mom on a fall trip to the Berkshires for her 75th Birthday. We would like to stay in a very nice b&b centrally located so that we can walk into town for shopping, dinner, etc.. So far we have looked into the Rookwood Inn and Birchwood Inn (both booked for the weekend we are coming), the Red Lion Inn (the rooms get mixed reviews and we want something special for mom) and the Inn at Stockbridge (we would like two doubles in a room so we can sleep 2 per room - none available) Any other suggestions? We have never been to the area. Thanks so much!
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Old Jul 30th, 2007, 03:44 AM
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Any suggestions?
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Old Jul 30th, 2007, 05:42 AM
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the only one of those you mention that I've actually stayed in is the Red Lion. And the room we were in is fine, if a bit tired. I believe they actually did a major renovation in the last year or so, however, and the rooms may be nicer now. As location goes, however, its excellent. You can walk around Stockbridge, which has some nice shops and a few restaurants. And the breakfast at the Red Lion was really good.

I wish I could offer another suggestion. I have family in the area, so don't stay in the inns.

I do think your Mom might like the Norman Rockwell musuem. Make time to check it out. Its kind of neat to see his famous painting of Main Street, Stockbridge,right after walking on Main Street. It looks almost the same, except for the cars@
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Old Jul 30th, 2007, 05:59 AM
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We used to go to the Berkshires every summer and I just loved it and still miss it.
We rented houses for the most part so I am not much help with the hotels except that you might look into Great Barrington, it is not far from Stockbridge and has some nice hotels and inns.

We loved the Norman Rockwell museum as well as just the drive around the area, there always seem to be crafts and art fairs in the towns in the summer and fall so you might happen upon one..I still have a great little water color that I bought from an artist .. it brings back such nice memories

Remember that fall is a huge busy time so book now if possible..it can already be too late for some places.
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Old Jul 30th, 2007, 06:40 AM
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Everything depends on room assignments at the Red Lion Inn. The main inn is quite old, rooms in "annex" are newer, but not a stroll down the hall to dining, the pub, etc. (not a big deal). If you phone, they will help you select rooms, but it's late to be booking for fall in the Berkshires.

Lenox is just 7 miles north and chock full of lovely country inns and B&B's. Our favorite is the Rookwood (a short walk from town center).

There's much more shopping and dining in Lenox. If the Village Inn still does afternoon tea, that is a lovely experience. (You don't have to stay there, but reservations are essential.)

Finding rooms in B&B's and inns with two doubles (though there may be rooms with twins) will be challenging, especially at this late date for fall. Have a look at the Best Western Black Swan (NOT your typical BW) in Lee.

In Stockbridge, the Norman Rockwell Museum is not to be missed. Always busy in the fall, but don't let that discourage you from visiting.

In Lenox, the Edith Wharton estate is a wonderful place to tour.

One of favorite places to dine in the Berkshires is Mill on the Floss in New Ashford between Pittsfield and Williamstown. http://www.millonthefloss.com/

If you could stay as far north as Williamstown, the 1896 Pondside/Brookside has rooms with two beds. Beautiful rooms (country inn style, but more a motor inn).
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Old Jul 30th, 2007, 06:51 AM
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djkbooks, how recent is your info on the Red Lion? because I think they renovated the rooms in the main building, but I haven't been there to check it out.

that said, I agree, Lenox has more dining, and more shopping so might be a better location.

there are also lots of good restaurants and some nice shopping in Great Barrington.
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Old Jul 30th, 2007, 07:45 AM
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Rooms at the Red Lion are redecorated on a rotating basis (all in cooperation with Country Curtains). In the main inn, they also vary enormously with regard to floor plan and bathrooms.
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Old Jul 30th, 2007, 07:49 AM
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PS We only stay at the Red Lion in winter or spring, when rates are at the lowest and there's a better selection of rooms.
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Old Jul 30th, 2007, 08:05 AM
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Last winter my husband & I stayed at the Berkshire B & B (think that is the correct name) in Sheffield, & we were very happy with the room & delicious breakfast. Sheffield is much smaller, though, than Stockbridge & Great Barrington, so not sure if that is what you are looking for. We did enjoy Great Barrington very much & had a wonderful meal at a restaurant that serves Russian/Scandinavian food. Sorry, I can't remember the name. I agree with other posters that Great Barrington is a great place to stay & right next to Stockbridge. We LOVED the Norman Rockwell Museum!! Hancock Shaker Village is interesting to visit as well.
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Old Jul 30th, 2007, 08:12 AM
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Just remembered...we stayed at the Berkshire 1802 House in Sheffield. We ate at Helsinki Cafe in Gr. Barrington.

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Old Aug 14th, 2007, 05:46 AM
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We stayed at the Red Lion last July and found the rooms to be clean but a bit worn. We were assigned a room in a building outside/behind the main hotel. The staff was very nice. We only stayed one night but there didn't seem to be much around that we could walk to...

We also stayed at Canyon Ranch in Lenox for several nights. It's expensive but a perfect splurge for a 75 year old birthday. They have great food, lots of services available for pampering and many great lectures focusing on living healthier (and happier) longer.
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Old Aug 14th, 2007, 06:15 AM
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Would recommend The Red Lion Inn because of its location. I have never stayed there but lived in the Berkshires until I was 23. Stockbridge is definitely a must visit spot in the Berkshires. Would definitely recommend going to Lenox and up to Williamstown
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