Stockbridge MA, The Red Lion Inn and Norman Rockwell

Travel Day Trips presents Stockbridge MA, The Red Lion Inn and Norman Rockwell

Just ten minutes north of Great Barrington on Route 7 is Stockbridge. A small, exclusive artsy town best known for its most famous citizen, Norman Rockwell the famous painter and illustrator. Indeed Rockwell painted the main street in one of his famous illustrations when he had his studio in one of the buildings. Today you can visit the Norman Rockwell Museum just outside of the town and see his studio house, his easel and the main museum which houses his most famous pictures that have become part of the American consciousness. To get there follow Route 102 to 183. And to see some of his art visit http://www.nrm.org/.

Downtown Stockbridge is comprised of the main street and a couple of side streets. But sitting majestically on the corner on Route 7 is The Red Lion Inn. http://www.redlioninn.com/ The hotel has, according to its web page, been in business since the 18th century and indeed as you step into the hotel you feel as if you have gone back into time to an old fashion time. The hotel has 108 very pricey rooms but you are staying at a national treasure that is reported to be haunted. They have packages that will pair theatre tickets with accommodations. I have opted to dine at the somewhat gentile dining room. Their turkey sandwich plate is the best and will give you a taste of the Red Lion experience. They have a very nice gift shop and one of the best rest rooms in the area for that all important pit stop.

If you continue down the street, there are a couple of shops to buy souvenirs but beware of the made in China goods masquerading as genuine old fashioned Stockbridge souvenirs. The town can really use a local artisan store with real hand crafted items by local people. And for you baby boomers, you might remember Alice's Restaurant made famous by Arlo Guthrie. It used to be there but no more. Outside of the inn and a couple of stores, there is not much shopping to be had. A better place will be in Lenox which will be featured in an upcoming blog posting.

Just beyond the center, tucked away in Eden Hill is the National Shrine of Divine Mercy, a beautiful little jewel of a church. The church on vast acres of land hosts special prayer retreats and festivals during the year for many diverse populations. One visit there had me at a French language mass for Haitians and was a reminder of the ecumenical nature of the faith.

And before you leave the town you must visit the Botanical Garden located at the intersection of Routes 102 and 183. The Garden is a collection of pocket gardens but the real gem is its garden shop. Spend an hour strolling the gardens and then buy that special plant, seeds or gardening attire at the shop. http://www.gardentraveler.com/cities/Stockbridge-Berkshire_Botanical_Garden.htm