Ghostly Encounter at Ventfort Hall

Travel Day Trips Presents Ghostly Encounter at Ventfort Hall

Yes on one of my day trips I finally got to see Ventfort Hall in Lenox, MA. This mid 19th century mansion is now a museum situated on Walker St. just down the road from downtown Lenox. It was a still, hot, humid summer afternoon in August 2008 when I entered the mansion eager to see the house and exhibit. I purchased my ticket and sat down in a folding chair waiting for the tour guide to begin her lecture. In a few minutes two more people came in and sat down. Finally the guide finished her previous tour and joined us, standing in front of us making some small talk before her official speech began. About 20 feet away was a heavy oak door leading out to the back veranda. No one had used the door since I sat down for a good five minutes or more. No one was near the door, or on the veranda. We were all a good way away from the door when it suddenly opened by itself halfway, paused for a second and then shut as if someone or something had pushed it shut. It was exactly as if someone had opened the door and left the room. We all watched this on a sunny hot summer afternoon. There was no wind or breeze, barely a movement in the air outside. The door was heavy, and if it was moved by the wind, it should of stayed partially open of just slowly close again, not as if it was pushed closed. We turned to the guide who had also witnessed this as it to say, and....? She said that she thought that the previous occupants were still here and then changed the subject and began her tour. On the tour one of the interesting tidbits was that previous owners did conduct seances in an area above the main door. No explanation was given for the occurrence but it did happen and there were four witnesses on that day.

Will you see a ghost if you visit Ventfort Hall? I can not say but you will see a very interesting house, one of the remaining Victorian estates left in the Newport of the North that was Lenox, MA. And it was used in the movie, Ciderhouse Rules as the orphanage. The Ventfort Hall Association that owns the house has done a wonderful job of restoring the house which had fallen on hard times. I am sure the previous occupants are grateful even if they get tired of hearing the story from time to time.

http://www.gildedage.org/index.php

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

Sheffield MA Antique Heaven

Travel Day Trips Presents Sheffield MA Antique Heaven

Just before Great Barrington is the town of Sheffield MA. Sheffield itself was settled in 1725 and is situated on the Housatonic River. Indeed the area around the town shows its agricultural roots with open farmland nestled in the foot hills of the Berkshire Mountains. This lovely town contains many antique stores in colonial and Victorian houses. There is the Painted Porch which features country antiques, Cupboards & Roses featuring Swedish antiques and Linden Rosen Antiques that specializes in American country furniture. You can drive through the town on Route 7 and stop every few feet for another antique store. A famous bed and breakfast is also in the middle of the stores called The 1802 House. During the year the town holds art shows and antique fairs in what serves as the town center. If you want to find antique items in a quaint, quiet town, then Sheffield is for you. To get there travel North on Route 7 just above the Connecticut State line and the Connecticut town of Canaan.