Sturbridge, Massachusetts is a beautiful historic town that is a favorite of local New Englanders and travelers alike. From Old Sturbridge Village (New England’s largest living history museum), the quaint shops and antique stores, to the Publick House Historic Inn, Sturbridge is packed with American history and has plenty to explore!
History
In 1771, Colonel Ebenezer Crafts built a tavern on a plot of land in the town of Sturbridge and dubbed it “Craft’s Tavern.” His tavern originally had 13 lodging rooms, a small general store, a men’s smoking room and a ladies parlor. During the American Revolution, Craft’s Tavern hosted patriots and soldiers who traveled through the region and ensured they had food, drink and a place to stay. Following the war in 1784, financial constraints forced Craft to sell his tavern and he moved north to Vermont.
Throughout the 1800s, the Inn continued to serve travelers and did so until the 1920s, when the tavern buildings were converted to a women’s boarding house called “The Elms.” Unfortunately, disrepair nearly drove The Elms to closure until it was purchased by a man named Richard Paige. The history and origins of the inn were restored when Paige converted the buildings back to its original colonial charm. Since then, the Publick House Historic Inn (as it became known as) has provided a unique American experience to its visitors.
Interesting Facts
- Richard Paige acquired the buildings that now comprise the Publick House Inn in a card game and allegedly paid only $1!
- Soldiers of the United States Army were welcomed at the Inn in the 1900s while they were traveling through the region, which was reminiscent of the revolutionary soldiers who once staid there
- The historic tavern and inn has never closed its doors in its 250 year existence (this includes when it served as a women’s home)
Our Visit & Recommendations
Sturbridge, Massachusetts is a delightful town that is rich in early American history, including the Publick House Historic Inn. The amazing thing about the inn is that it is not just a lone building, but rather a collection of buildings used for lodging, eating and drinking. With all of this to offer, we were excited to check it out.
We arrived to the Publick House Historic Inn on a cold February day and sought refuge in its warm and welcoming interior. If you are just going for a meal or a drink, there is ample free parking behind the main building.
On site are two outstanding options for food and drink: the Historic Tap Room and Ebenezer’s Tavern (named for the original proprietor). If you wish to immerse yourself in a true colonial ambiance, head to the Historic Tap Room, which originally served as the kitchen (and marvel at the massive fireplace). We decided to head to the more lively Ebenezer’s Tavern for a beer (you will walk through the delectable bake shoppe to get there- but more on that later!).
Ebenezer’s Tavern offers a laid-back vibe that hearkens back to the days of yore. Large comfortable chairs and a couch flank an inviting fireplace with a musket hanging overhead, a scene that will help you connect with simpler times. We ended up having a delightful time at the bar and shared in great conversation with a few wonderful New Englanders we met there. If you desire a more relaxing atmosphere, I recommend grabbing a drink and heading over towards the fireplace seating.
As previously mentioned, there is a Bake Shoppe on the property adjacent to Ebenzer’s Tavern- you literally can’t miss it. They offer an amazing variety of pastries and desserts, including slice and whole cakes and pies. Perhaps the tastiest treat on their menu (and highly recommended by the staff) is their fresh carrot cake. After lunch you can grab dessert and a coffee and relax in the bistro-style seating before heading out to explore the nearby stores.
Of course, if you wish to stay overnight, the Publick House Historic Inn offers a wide variety of rooms and suites (128 in all) at affordable rates. These rooms are spread between its multiple buildings: The Publick Historic House, Chamberlain House, Tillyer House, and the Country Lodge. These unique lodging options each include complimentary coffee and pastries- don’t miss out!
The Publick House Historic Inn has proudly been providing service for 250 years and shows no signs of closing their doors anytime soon. They’ve created a warm and welcoming environment that beckons one to have a seat, a meal and great conversation. I highly recommend stopping in for a day (or night) and exploring all that it has to offer!