I received an e-mail yesterday with this title…and it reminded me that while many attractions in the Berkshires close during the “off-season,” the Hancock Shaker Village does not…and in fact, they embrace the Winter and Spring, and the opportunities they present…as the Shakers would have done. So a couple of the upcoming reasons to come to the Berkshires, stay at Hampton Terrace, and plan some time at Hancock Shaker Village:
Join them for an evening of Shaker-inspired hospitality in the 1830 Brick Dwelling. During 2008, Shaker Suppers are offered:
Saturday, October 11; Sunday, October 12;
Saturday, November 8; Saturday, November 29; Saturday, December 27.
Guided Tour occurs before supper. Guides dressed in period attire present an introduction to Shaker life as you stroll the grounds and view the Village’s premier collection of Shaker furniture and artifacts in selected buildings. Your dining experience begins with cider and cheese served by hosts in traditional Shaker dress in the spacious kitchen of the historic Brick Dwelling. Dinner is served by candle light in the Believers’ Dining Room.
The menu varies, making use of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Chef Paul Proudy selects soup, a variety of entrees, accompaniments, and desserts from recipes in The Best of Shaker Cooking by Amy Bess Miller. Chef Proudy has been recognized by Yankee Magazine for his outstanding fare and adaptations of traditional Shaker cooking. Dinner is served buffet style so you may savor an assortment of Shaker flavors.
- Butternut squash and carrot soup flavored with ginger
- Garden salad with a vinaigrette dressing
- Bread
- Pot roast of beef with cranberry chutney, ham baked in cider
- Herbed rice and roasted potatoes with rosemary
- Sister Mary’s zesty carrots, green beans with dill
- Bread pudding
- Coffee and Tea
- A plain chicken breast (gluten-free) or vegetarian entree is available by advance request.
A program of Shaker music completes the evening. During the 20-minute a cappella program, enjoy Shaker music in authentic surroundings.
Shaker Workshops Trunk Sale – December 6 and 7
Great deals on Shaker reproduction furniture and household items. Discounts up to 50% off of tables, chairs, lamps and more! A truck load of assembled and finished furniture as well as other goodies from the Shaker Workshops catalogue. Visit the Shaker Workshops website to sneak a peek at all the great Shaker-style items they create. Sale begins 10am Saturday, Dec. 6th in the Visitors Center.
Hampton Terrace is the #1 rated bed and breakfast in Lenox according to Trip Advisor. Located less than a 20-minute drive to the Hancock Shaker Village, Lenox is known primarily for Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony. The BSO only spends two months in the Berkshires, but most of the other attractions are year-round, including the museums, restaurants and shops. See why The Berkshires have become one of the world’s great destinations.