In the heart of Stockbridge, Massachusetts sits a colonial era landmark that still invites travelers to lay down their weary heads and stay a while.

The Red Lion Inn actually began as a small inn around 1773. According to the Red Lion’s website, Silas Pepoon created this welcome stop for stagecoach travelers between Albany and Boston.

In the centuries since, a number of owners have cared for and grown the hotel and its influence in the Berkshires. For the last fifty or so years, it has been the Fitzpatrick family that has taken it to the next level in terms of physical growth and making it a year round destination.

We didn’t stay there, opting instead for a more cost effective option outside of town but we did pop in to their gift shop and to look around part of the first floor.

There are numerous places to sit and relax in public areas. I really liked this spot near the stairs.

And this one.

It feels every bit its age in the best way possible with high ceilings, gorgeous woodwork, and windows with a view. I could imagine myself curled up with a good book in this room some cold winter day.

Don’t think I’m weird but I was charmed by the wallpaper in the ladies room. Ok, maybe it is a little weird but I like it anyway.

Lots of famous people have stayed here including US Presidents lIke FDR and Teddy Roosevelt, celebrities like Bob Dylan and Oprah Winfrey, and literary giants like Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Someday I’ll stay there but for now am just glad we looked around for a few minutes on our way somewhere else! Want to learn more? Here’s their website.