Ga$ pri¢e$ got you down?
You don’t have to ditch your vacation plans—just stay close to home
By Jill Vallecorsa
Sturbridge, Massachusetts
Distance from Albany: Approximately 2 hours
Sturbridge, Massachusetts is an example of a classic New England region. Many original water driven mills from the 1700s still reside on the banks of the Quinebaug River. Some have, in fact, been turned into homes and shops. There are numerous state parks and forests in the area allowing visitors to experience the beauty of Sturbridge’s nature. Camping, hiking, kayaking and fishing are popular outdoor activities in the summer season.
What to Do
Step back in time to the 1700s-1800s and visit a small New England town at Old Sturbridge Village. History comes to life here as “history interpreters” (authentically costumed actors) display for visitors what life was like back then. The Village is the largest outdoor museum in the Northeast with 40 carefully restored buildings and 200 acres of land. Visitors can wander through homes, a law office, a bank, a school, sawmill, a copper shop, shoe shop, blacksmith, pottery and more. The sounds of workers plowing the fields and the blacksmith hammering away transports you back to the 19th century as you meander down the back roads of the Village. Don’t forget to take a ride in the stagecoach to experience the transportation of the past on your way through the museum’s many exhibits. For more information: www.osv.org.
Where to Stay
The Publick House – This historic inn was founded circa 1771 and has been hosting travelers ever since. There are 17 guest rooms and suites available with private bath and air conditioning and many are decorated with period pieces. Visitors can choose to dine in either the Dining Tap Room or Ebenezer’s Tavern. The Common, 277 Main Street, Rte. 131, Sturbridge, MA. For more info: 508.347.3313; www.publickhouse.com.
Vienna Restaurant and Historic Inn – Just three miles from Old Sturbridge Village, the Vienna transports guests into the world of “Old Europe”. Artwork, antiques and the sound of classical music set the atmosphere for those who stay. The three-story inn was built in 1812, but only recently opened its doors to visitors in 2003. The landscape includes a 200-year-old copper beech tree that visitors can enjoy while relaxing on the spacious front porch. 14 South Street, Southbridge, MA. For more info: 508.764.0700; www.thevienna.com.
Where to Eat
The Salem Cross Inn – The inn itself was built circa 1705, but the restaurant has been serving diners since 1961. This restored colonial rests comfortably on over 600 acres of land. Visitors can dine in either the dining room or the Hexmark Tavern. Both rooms serve lunch and dinner with entrees like grilled maple salmon, filet mignon bordelaise, baked stuffed shrimp and more. Reservations recommended. Rte. 9, 260 West Main Street, West Brookfield, MA. For more info: 508.867.2345; www.thesalemcrossinn.com.
Bullard Tavern – If you don’t feel like leaving Sturbridge Village to grab a meal, stop into the Tavern located right on museum grounds. Hot entrees, soup, sandwiches are served. 1 Old Sturbridge Road, Sturbridge, MA. For more info: 508.347.3770.
Deerfield, Massachusetts
Distance from Albany: Approximately 2 hours
The historic community of Deerfield, Massachusetts is located in the Connecticut River Valley. During the colonial days, the town’s strategic location made it vulnerable to attack during times of war. In 1704 during Queen Anne’s War, Deerfield was attacked by joint French and Indian forces in what is now known as the Deerfield Massacre. Some historic homes still bear the hatchet and bullet marks from that period. There are many trails to take advantage of, such as the Robert Frost Trail; a popular destination for hikers and mountain bikers alike.
What to do
Visit the 350-year-old National Landmark of Historic Deerfield. The area is a preserved early New England town complete with 13 house museums. The original houses were built between 1730 and 1850 and are still furnished with antiques along with the exhibition galleries. Objects displayed in the houses were made or used in America from 1600-1900. The village spans more than 1,000 acres of scenic farmland. Enjoy a guided or self-guided tour of the historic homes and check out the special exhibits in the Flynt Center of Early New England Life. Adults $14, ages 6-21 $5. Old Main Street, Deerfield, MA. For more info: 413.775.7214; www.historic-deerfield.org.
Where to Stay
The Deerfield Inn – Built in 1884, this traditional country inn is located right in the middle of the Historic Deerfield Village. There are 23 guest rooms, all furnished with a private bath, flat screen televisions with DVD player and free Wi-fi. The dining room is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (dinner is not served on Tuesdays & Wednesday). House guests are treated to a complimentary continental breakfast. 81 Main Street, Deerfield, MA. For more info: 800.926.3865; 413.774.5587; www.deerfieldinn.com.
The Deerfield Guest House Bed & Breakfast – This 1840s farmhouse has been extensively renovated over the years, and is located just a few miles away from Historic Deerfield. The inn is known for its rooms with wide pine floors and fireplaces. Three guest bedrooms are available, all with private baths. All rooms are air-conditioned with screened back porches and queen-size beds. The inn is “green” meaning that breakfast is usually made with home-grown fruits and vegetables when available. 108 North Hillside Road, Deerfield, MA. For more info: 413.665.0922; www.deerfieldbnb.com.
Where to Eat:
The Sierra Grille – This restaurant is known for its affordable menu. The “small bites” section lists dishes that are under $3, like roasted garlic, hummus and old sourdough loaf. Entrees include duck breast, rib eye steak and prawns. 41 Strong Ave, Northampton, MA. For more info: 413.584.1150; www.sierragrille.net.
The BridgeSide Grille – A restaurant claiming to be “full of local color.” Dishes served are mostly made using local products, and the restaurant itself is decorated with art by area artists. Many local musicians often stop by to play a set here. Lunch and dinner is served Tuesday-Saturday and breakfast only on the weekends. In addition to many specialty sandwiches and burgers, the entrées include salmon Florentine, steak and lemon chicken. 465 Hepburn Drive, Sunderland, MA. For more info: 413.397.8101; www.bridgesidegrille.com.
Chestertown, New York
Distance from Albany: Approximately 1 ½ hour
The hamlet of Chestertown is only 20 minutes north of Lake George. Founded in 1799, this quiet community is nestled in the Adirondack Mountains. It is surrounded by rivers and lakes earning it the nickname “the Crossroads of the Adirondacks”. These bodies of water add to the scenic beauty of the area, making for a very picturesque stay. Stroll down Main Street in town and peruse the charming shops and don’t forget to stop at the Main Street Ice Cream Parlor for a cool summer treat.
What to Do
The many bodies of water near Chestertown provide a place to enjoy every type of aquatic activity. The shady Adirondacks are perfect for a bike or hike to take in the fresh, cool mountain air in the summertime. Lake George is a short drive from Chestertown, where there is plenty to do: stroll through the many shops, enjoy a cruise on Lake George, shop, eat or play a round at Around the World Mini Golf.
Where to Stay
Friends Lake Inn – This luxury country inn overlooks a small lake in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. There are 17 guest rooms available; many with Jacuzzi, fireplace, and lake views. The Murphy House, a rustic lodge that overlooks Friends Lake and sleeps up to nine people, is also available for larger groups. Relax inside with the country décor or take advantage of the surrounding Adirondacks for outdoor activities. The award-winning restaurant serves elegant cuisine such as grilled veal chop, seafood bouillabaisse and Hudson Valley duck breast. 963 Friends Lake Road, Chestertown. For more info: 518.494.4751; www.friendslake.com.
The Chester Inn Bed & Breakfast – Built in the 1830s, the inn was restored in 1987 and faces the main street of the hamlet of Chestertown. Scattered along the 13 acres of property are meadows, barns, a carriage house and a smoke house. Located on the property is also the historic Fowley Family cemetery. Four rooms are available for guests, all with private baths and decorated with many antique period pieces. Also down the block from the inn, is the Main Street Ice Cream Parlor, an old fashioned soda fountain. 6347 Main Street, Chestertown. For more info: 518.494.4148; www.thechesterinn.com.
Where to Eat
O.P. Frederick’s – Located right near Loon Lake in the Adirondacks, this restaurant and tavern is a local favorite that also offers catering services. Salads, burgers and sandwiches are available as well as a variety of entrees including roast duck, chicken abril and cedar plank salmon. It is open Tuesday-Sunday for dinner starting at 4pm. 5064 State Rte. 8, Chestertown. For more info: 518.494.4141; www.viop.net.
Michael Arthur’s Steak House – A newer restaurant in Bolton Landing, this steak house was built in 1937 and originally served as an A&P market. The place is kid-friendly and known for its steak, but salads, sandwiches and pasta are on the menu as well. 4957 Lakeshore Drive, Bolton Landing. For more info: 518.644.3663.
Woodstock, New York
Distance from Albany: Approximately 1 hour
While the name of the town conjures memories of a famous music festival that happened in 1969, this festival did not actually occur here. The town of Woodstock lent its name to the now infamous Woodstock Music Festival which took place 50 miles south in Bethel. The town itself is a quaint community with a reputation for harboring creative and musical types during the summer season. Staying within the small town vein, Woodstock has no hotel or retail chains.
What to Do
Take a stroll down Tinker Street to peruse the many bohemian clothing and jewelry stores. Antique and art lovers won’t be disappointed with what Woodstock has to offer either. There are many renowned fine art galleries in town as well as antique shops. The Catskill Mountains are also nearby, perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities. Or, head over to the Tannery Brook swimming hole to cool off in this natural pool. To learn more about the town’s history, visit the Woodstock Museum or the Woodstock Artist’s Association.
Where to Stay
The Wild Rose Inn – This historic 1898 Victorian serves as a bed and breakfast. There are three suites and two rooms available for guests to choose from, all adorned with decadent antique furnishings. Each also has a private bath and television and a gourmet continental breakfast is included with your stay. Many celebrities have stayed the night at the inn including Ethan Hawke, Chevy Chase and Arlo Guthrie. 66 Rock City Road, Woodstock. For more info: 845.679.8783; www.thewildroseinn.com.
The Woodstock Inn on the Millstream – A short way from Tinker Street is the three-acre property of the Woodstock Inn. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the luscious garden, pine trees, and the cascading water that flows from the millstream, visitors to the inn are treated to quite the scenery. There are 18 units available, ranging from standard rooms to studios. All rooms are equipped with private baths, television and free Wi-fi. A continental breakfast is served buffet style daily from 9am-11am. 48 Tannery Brook Road, Woodstock. For more info: 845.679.8211; www.woodstock-inn-ny.com.
Where to Eat:
Oriole 9 Café and Restaurant – Relax and enjoy music as you drink and dine on Mediterranean cuisine. Breakfast and lunch are served each day from 8:30am-4:30pm and dinner is available Wednesday-Sunday until 10pm. Dinner offerings include halibut filet, beef rib-eye and macadamia nut crusted rack of lamb. 17 Tinker Street, Woodstock. For more info: 845.679.5763; www.oriole9.com
The Bear Café – This café was started in 1971 by Albert Grossman, personal manager to legendary musicians such as Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, The Band and more. Patrons can either dine outdoors along the stream or choose to eat fireside indoors. Sesame-crusted Alaskan king salmon, filet mignon and pan-roasted chicken are just some of the entrée you’ll find on the dinner menu. Closed on Tuesdays. 295 Tinker Street, Woodstock. For more info: 845.679.5555; www.bearcafe.com.
Brattleboro, Vermont
Distance from Albany: Approximately 2 hours
The small town of Brattleboro is situated in the Southern region of Vermont and is listed as one of the top 10 art towns with a population less than 30,000. Its location right in between the West and Connecticut Rivers provides beautiful natural scenery for a nice summer’s drive or bike ride. There are many historic homes and inns in the area, giving this New England Town a lovely country feel.
What to Do
The historic downtown area is filled with galleries, bookstores and cafes. There is plenty of shopping to be done, but if you’re looking to enjoy the outdoors take a canoe ride or fishing trip down the floodplains known as Retreat Meadows. The scenic mountains surrounding the area provide visitors with ample opportunity for hiking, horse riding or a nice drive down a dirt road.
Where to Stay
Four Columns Inn – Located just 11 miles north of Brattleboro is this country New England inn. There are 15 rooms ranging from traditional, to deluxe fireplace suites, to luxury suites. Guests receive complimentary breakfast for two each morning, newspapers, free Wi-fi, and afternoon tea and coffee served with sweets. Many of the suites offer scenic views and a spa-size bath. The inn restaurant serves up fine cuisine such as pistachio crusted salmon, rack of lamb and crispy lump crab cakes. 21 West Street, Newfane, VT. For more info: 800.787.6633; www.fourcolumnsinn.com.
Forty Putney Road Bed & Breakfast – This inn is only a few blocks from the downtown section of Brattleboro. Built in 1929, the inn overlooks the scenic Retreat Meadows and boasts a garden as well as a wildlife sanctuary. Book your stay in one of six rooms available all with private bath, free Wi-fi and television. Enjoy a gourmet breakfast each morning made from local ingredients and grab a drink or snack in the Putney Road Pub. 192 Putney Road, Brattleboro, VT. For more info: 800.941.2413; www.fortyputneyroad.com.
Where to Eat
Adagio Trattoria – Right in the heart of downtown Brattleboro, Adagio Trattoria is a family-run restaurant serving up Italian cuisine. A few of the many entrees include Pesto Amorini, Pollo Marsala and grilled salmon. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. 132 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT. For more info: 802.254.6046; www.adagiotrattoria.com.
Steakout Restaurant – This Brattleboro restaurant is popular with locals and visitors alike. Sample the Lounge menu while grabbing a drink or enjoy a nice sit-down meal. Enjoy the many steak, chicken and seafood dishes or try a combination entrée. If you’re really hungry, add the soup, salad, shrimp and dessert bar. 1212 Putney Road, Brattleboro, VT. For more info: 802.257.1333; www.steakoutvt.com.