blog @ Applegate Inn B&B » Berkshire Historic Sites

Hancock Shaker Village

Applegate Inn — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:11:29 +0000

Hancock Shaker Village

Less than twenty miles from our Western MA bed and breakfast is a special place known as Hancock Shaker Village. The third village created by the Shakers after their arrival in the New World in 1774, Hancock is a testament to the Shaker commitment to beauty, simplicity and hard work. The architecture of the twenty historic buildings is not fancy, but the symmetry and craftsmanship are awe-inspiring. One look at the round barn, and it is clear that these humble people had something special.

Take time to visit Hancock Shaker Village while staying with us at our Berkshires inn. Learn about the handful of Christians who left Manchester, England, in order to settle where they would be allowed to practice their religion and celibate lifestyle in peace. Witness the many contributions the innovative Shakers made to the greater community thanks to their creativity and industriousness. Eat Shaker inspired food at the cafe. Walk among those glorious buildings.

The Hancock Shaker Village is open for self-guided tours until the first of November. After that, through the month of November the village is open for guided tours only.

Visit the Bidwell House

Applegate Inn — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:42:06 +0000

The Bidwell House, in Monterey, MA, is less than 10 miles from our Lee MA bed and breakfast. Originally built as a parsonage around 1750, the house is a great spot to learn about early American architecture (the house was built in three distinct phases) and life. Bidwell House was lovingly restored to its present state by two gentlemen who dedicated over twenty five years to returning the parsonage to its original state. They went so far as to refer to the original parson’s death inventory when furnishing the house; it is quite an authentic glimpse into the 18th century.

Those of you who feel energetic would find this a delightful destination for a bicycle outing along colorful New England country roads. Be sure to stop for refreshment at the Monterey General Store, which has been operating since 1780. The Bidwell House Museum is open from Memorial Day to Columbus Day, just a few days away. Be spontaneous, give us a call, throw your bags in the car, and take advantage of our “Fill Our Openings Package” .

Even if the museum itself is closed, the Bidwell House sits on almost 200 glorious acres. Stroll through well-tended gardens and untamed woodlands. Indeed, the land in and around Monterey is well-suited for outdoor recreation, with miles of trails – both gentle and strenuous – easily accessible. The Appalachian Trail passes through here, and the Berkshire Fish Hatchery has wonderfully maintained hiking trails.

This is just one of the innumerable local treasures that help make a stay at our Berkshires inn memorable.

Berkshire Gardens

Applegate Inn — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:53:51 +0000

Spring is indeed coming to the Berkshires, and a great place to experience spring is at our Berkshires Bed and Breakfast. The days have been warming the earth and the flowers are starting to show their appreciation. The grounds of the Applegate Inn are a great place to witness the arrival of spring. We have some Berkshire b&b specials this time of year to help welcome the fine, if somewhat unpredictable, spring weather. While here, the Berkshire Botanical Garden is a great place to spend an afternoon. It is hosting a special day camp for children during the week of April 20 – 24 (spring break in this area); your whole family can find interesting things to do during the day, then come together in our parlor each evening to share your stories.

The Mount, Edith Wharton’s estate in Lenox, makes a pleasant day trip from our Berkshires lodging. The restored estate and lovely gardens open for the season in May, but there are a few special events this April for those who cannot wait. Edith Wharton and her husband Teddy had the house built in 1902, and the design was strongly influenced by Wharton’s 1897 book, The Decoration of Houses. Although the couple spent most of their time abroad, The Mount remains an important monument to an influential American author.
Berkshire Botanical Garden Photo—
Originally uploaded by panoramicviewer

Bed and Breakfast Lenox: Chesterwood Museum

Applegate Inn — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:06:11 +0000

Combine art and American history by taking a trip to Chesterwood Museum and Gardens, only 7 miles from our Lenox Bed and Breakfast.

Sculpture by Daniel Chester French

Chesterwood is the country home, studio and gardens of Daniel Chester French, the sculptor of the statue of Abraham Lincoln in the Memorial in Washington, DC, and The Minute Man, Concord, MA. The buildings are furnished with decorative arts and paintings collected by the sculptor. Woodland walks featuring mountain vistas and perennial gardens of French’s own design. The Studio is a fascinating space. It contains a standard-gauge railroad track used to roll large sculpture outdoors for viewing in natural light. The museum holds what is probably the largest single collection of work by any American sculptor.

The homes and gardens are exquisite, and the collections of his sculpture are impressive. Make sure to consider visiting Chesterwood during your stay at our Massachusetts Bed and Breakfast!