Escape to the Berkshires for a stay at the historic Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Take a long weekend to the 

Red Lion Inn

for a good old-fashioned New England experience

I love the welcoming front porch at the Inn

in 

Stockbridge, Massachusetts

  I recently stayed at the Red Lion Inn.  This area has much history in decorative and fine arts, and just down the road is where many artists congregated in the late 1800s at the Hudson River School.  There is former writer and decorator Edith Wharton's country estate, The Mount, in the neighborhood, as well as  interior designer and fabric/wallpaper manufacturer Annie Selke's headquarters a short drive away.  In addition nearby is the world-famous Tanglewood music center which draws fine artists and musicians from around the world.  For the outdoor enthusiast, the mountains are a short drive to participate in a skiing weekend.

The Red Lion Inn has it's own rich history.  The original owners, Jane and Jack Fitzpatrick, were friends with famous artist Norman Rockwell and there are stories the family sat for Rockwell's infamous paintings that depicted typical Americana scenes.  Throughout the hotel many of the walls are adorned with Rockwell's work.  

The Fitzpatricks were entrepreneurs and had started a curtain business called Country Curtains years before.  Until that point the Fitpatricks had operated their business out of their home, but in the 1960s they saved the Red Lion  from demolition, preserved the historic building and moved Country Curtains headquarters into the inn. We all know Country Curtains is a huge organization today and has grown tremendously, but there is still a small flagship shop in the Inn spilling over with wallpaper, fabrics and trims.  

As you enter the front door you feel as if you are visiting a stylish and hospitable Great Aunt, and the warmth exudes from the very first steps in the front door and permeates throughout.  A welcoming breakfast is served on Blue Willow antique dishware, and this sets the tone for a festive weekend.

the rooms are quaint and outfitted with vintage wallpaper, antiques, fireplaces and 

complete with the original squeaky wood floors.

I was very fortunate to have been given a private tour of the "secret wallpaper" closet in the back of the Inn with archives of many wallpaper patterns going back dozens of years.

there is a whole lot of American decorative art history

in every nook and cranny of this inn

and the surrounding areas

For all you design and art aficionados,
I recommend the Red Lion Inn for a fabulous weekend away. 
  

Happy Nesting XO