Stockbridge is an easy car ride from Boston, but a world away from the bustling metropolitan life of Massachusetts' capital city. It's no wonder why most Bostonians travel to Stockbridge for a weekend getaway at least once. Stockbridge is nestled in the Berkshire Mountains in the westernmost part of the state. The area has a relaxed atmosphere, but don't be fooled into thinking there's nothing to do here. On the contrary, Bostonians, New Yorkers, Nutmeggers, Vermonters, even Texans, come to Stockbridge for the cultural activities, dining, and mountain scenery.
Stockbridge is an easy car ride from Boston, but a world away from the bustling metropolitan life of Massachusetts' capital city. It's no wonder why most Bostonians travel to Stockbridge for a weekend getaway at least once. Stockbridge is nestled in the Berkshire Mountains in the westernmost part of the state. The area has a relaxed atmosphere, but don't be fooled into thinking there's nothing to do here. On the contrary, Bostonians, New Yorkers, Nutmeggers, Vermonters, even Texans, come to Stockbridge for the cultural activities, dining, and mountain scenery.
Stockbridge's History
In the 18th century, the Albany-Boston stagecoach line ran through Stockbridge. Weary travelers would stop here to rest from the long, hard road.
When the Housatonic Railroad came to town nearly a century later, travel through the Berkshires became easier. Wealthy families built large summer homes and vacationed here to enjoy the fresh air and relaxation. City dwellers from all around quickly found Stockbridge to be the perfect place to spend their summers in the country. The town of Stockbridge became the cultural center of the Berkshires.
Downtown Stockbridge
Stockbridge was once the home of artist Norman Rockwell and with one look at downtown Main Street, you'll see where he got his inspiration. For years he painted in his second floor studio on Main Street, creating some of his most memorable artwork.
The classic New England downtown has a general store, classic 1940's-style luncheonette, and the cornerstone Red Lion Inn.
Where to Stay
Most Bostonians stay at the Red Lion Inn when visiting Stockbridge. The inn is one of a handful in the country that has operated continuously since the 1700's. The Red Lion has 108 individually decorated guest rooms, which make each stay unique. The inn is large enough to give guests the anonymity of a large hotel, but is small enough to feel cozy. The public areas and guest rooms are decorated with fine antiques throughout, and the inn has all the modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. The creak of the wood floors down the long, door-lined hallways to the earthy, smoke smell of the main lobby fireplace add to the charm of the Red Lion Inn.
Dining at the Red Lion Inn
The Main Dining Room of the Red Lion Inn is a lovely place to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner. Here the dining is exquisite, yet relaxed and comfortable. The executive chef, Brian Alberg, is proud to offer a menu rich in New England fare, specializing in locally produced ingredients. There's always a unique game dish, like venison, quail, buffalo, or duck. Traditional favorites are available, and the most popular dish is the Inn's prime rib, potatoes and popovers.
Wine enthusiasts will enjoy the well-rounded wine sommelier who can expertly gauge your wine preferences with the delightful ability to recommend something out of the ordinary. The Red Lion's wine list regularly wins the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.
Things to Do in the Berkshires
Shopping
It's a comfortable walk from the Red Lion to all the shops that line Main Street. These shops sell local gifts, handcrafted goods, and pop culture items from the early to mid 20th century.
A ten minute car ride away, the Prime Outlets in Lee, Massachusetts, is a great place for one-stop shopping. There are 60+ name brand stores, featuring everything from books and home décor, to clothing and shoes.
Tanglewood
Tanglewood is an outdoor music venue located just a few minutes from downtown Stockbridge, in Lenox, Massachusetts. The Boston Symphony Orchestra calls Tanglewood home in the summer, and the Boston Pops are famous for playing this venue, with dates typically scheduled throughout the summer season.
James Taylor is a Berkshire native son, who regularly plays at Tanglewood. His ties to the area come through in his music, most notably with his reference to the "turnpike from Stockbridge to Boston" in his classic hit "Sweet Baby James."
Concerts are held outdoors, with seating either under the "Shed" or on the lawn. Bring your own picnic and bottle of wine for a fun evening you are sure to enjoy.
Norman Rockwell Museum
The Norman Rockwell museum is a must-see destination, situated on the bank of the Housatonic River. Exhibits feature Rockwell's artwork, stories about his life, and views of the impact of his work on American culture. The museum is a wonderful way to fully appreciate Norman Rockwell's art.
The Hancock Shaker Village
For history buffs, there's the Hancock Shaker Village, located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. This registered National Historic Landmark is an educational museum. Here you can experience the Shakers' unique social and religious movement. This village has been restored to its original mid-19th century condition, including its famous round stone barn. There are 20 buildings with unique Shaker architectural designs, over 1,000 acres of farmland and forests, and a huge collection of Shaker artifacts.
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why people come here to get away from it all. City folk in the 19th century used to come to Stockbridge to relax and take in its therapeutic country air, and after spending an afternoon people watching on the Red Lion's front porch, and you'll see that they still do.
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