The Publick House - Sturbridge Massachusetts
The town of Sturbridge, Massachusetts is famous for its old 19th century living museum at Old Sturbridge Village, but did you know that you can stay at an 18th century inn, or at least stop to have dinner or a drink there?
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The Publick House Historic Inn
© Diane Macdonald - All Rights Reserved
© Diane Macdonald - All Rights Reserved
© Diane Macdonald - All Rights Reserved
© Diane Macdonald - All Rights Reserved
© Diane Macdonald - All Rights Reserved
© Diane Macdonald - All Rights Reserved
© Diane Macdonald - All Rights Reserved
© Diane Macdonald - All Rights Reserved
The Publick House, situated across from Sturbridge Town Common and right next door to The Old Burial Ground, is nestled on acres of gorgeous hilly New England countryside. Accommodation there consists of 4 different choices - The Publick House Historic Inn built in 1771, the newly built Chamberlain House and the new Tillyer House with spa and fitness center, and a short walk up the hill, the Country Lodge, where the swimming pool is located.
View of The publick House from Sturbridge Common
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Chamberlain House
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The verandah at the Tillyer House
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The Country Lodge
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We stayed at the Country Lodge where we enjoyed a private deck backing onto woodland, giving the impression we were staying at a cabin in the woods somewhere.
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Needless to say, the grounds and The Publick House Historic Inn provide an amazing backdrop for weddings and other functions. Colonel Ebenezer Crafts planted the old elm trees on the property back in 1771, and the grounds are just bursting with flowers every way you turn.
© Diane Macdonald - All Rights Reserved
© Diane Macdonald - All Rights Reserved
© Diane Macdonald - All Rights Reserved
During your stay you can dine at The Historic Tap Room (the Inn's original dining room) or Ebenezer’s Tavern named after Colonel Ebenezer Crafts the founder of the inn who entertained Revolutionary troops there. Wherever you choose to dine, the menu is basically the same and you won't be disappointed with the old-fashioned menu of Yankee Pot Roast, Chicken Pot Pie, and Jumbo Crab Cakes etc.
Ebenezer's Tavern
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No mention of the Publick House would be complete if I didn't tell you about the Bake Shoppe where they serve their famous pecan sweet rolls, muffins and coffee cake with coffee, tea, and hot chocolate free to guests staying at the Inn. A mouthwatering array of pies, tarts, cookies, cakes, breads, jams, pickles and jellies can be purchased either to eat with an afternoon cup of coffee, or to take home with you.
The Bake Shoppe
© Diane Macdonald - All Rights Reserved
© Diane Macdonald - All Rights Reserved
© Diane Macdonald - All Rights Reserved
If you like to browse gift shops, next door is Sadie Green’s Curiosity Shop where you can buy hand-made reproduction vintage jewelry, sea glass items and everything else you can think of that a gift shop would sell!
Sadie Green's Curiosity Shop
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I am always fascinated by old cemeteries, so visiting the Old Burial Ground next door was a must for me – especially since the Clark family was one of the founding families of Sturbridge and my maiden name is Clark. Surrounding the cemetery is a dry stone wall built in 1794 by Revolutionary War veterans.
© Diane Macdonald - All Rights Reserved
© Diane Macdonald - All Rights Reserved
© Diane Macdonald - All Rights Reserved
So, next time you visit Massachusetts, why don't you stop by the Publick House? I think you may be enticed to stay for a few days! I can recommend it!
© Diane Macdonald - All Rights Reserved
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