In days gone by, The Card Lake Inn was originally built
as a stagecoach stop in 1805 to rest the horses and provide lodging for
the crew and passengers.
Norman Rockwell was known to have frequented our English
style tavern after his local haircuts.
Today, we welcome guests to The Card Lake Inn and
Restaurant located in the eclectic arts community of West Stockbridge.
This charming colonial inn offers comfortable lodging in warm informal
surroundings. Most guest rooms have private bath, air conditioning,
brass beds, quilts and antiques.
We offer a delicious homemade breakfast which is served
in the beautiful outdoor cafe, weather permitting. Family and friends
will enjoy our extensive restaurant menu drawn from a variety of
culinary delights. Relax in our cozy sitting room with TV and assortment
of games.
Rooms:
We offer eight guest bedrooms on the second floor - each
furnished in its own unique style with antiques and county charm.
... a Queen sized brass bed with reproduction Shaker end
table and original lighting and wide plank oak floors.
... a King sized antique white brass bed with matching
end tables and original lighting. Antique sewing machine and oak
dresser.
... a cozy King sized antique white brass bed with
wicker end table and matching dresser. Bright cheerful room with country
charm.
The Innkeepers:
Lisa and Ed Robbins grew up, lived and worked in New
York City before moving to West Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Lisa was an
elementary school teacher and Ed worked as a corporate executive.
As a child, Ed spent many happy summers at camp in the
West Stockbridge area. He shared his memories and love for this area
with his wife, Lisa.
Lisa and Ed came to realize all their hopes and dreams
for the future kept bringing them to this town they love.
Both enthusiastic entertainers with an appreciation for
fine dining and comfort, they often dreamed of owning their own inn.
They wanted to create the type of place that would bring generations of
families back again and again, or couples celebrating special occasions
year after year.
The Robbins purchased The Card Lake Inn in the Autumn of
1992. The area was already a popular vacation spot offering spectacular
fall foliage, the nearby Norman Rockwell Museum, outlet shopping in
nearby Lee, as well as close proximity to Tanglewood and Butternut and
Jiminy Peak ski areas.
Ed quickly reinvented the menu to offer breakfast to inn
patrons and lunch and dinner menus both in the main dining room and on
the outdoor deck, when weather permits. Ed often does a turn bartending
in his pub which offers libations in an atmosphere of total country
rustic charms. Lisa has busied herself redecorating the 8 guest rooms to
inspire a warm, romantic, cozy ambiance that makes guests want to return
again and again. "Our greatest compliment is to hear from new
guests that friends told them to come here, they loved it", says
Lisa.
Lisa and Ed were nervous starting out on a new venture,
but "have no regrets" at having left the chaos of life in New
York City behind them. The Robbins are an outgoing, hospitable couple,
living their dream and enjoying sharing it with their guests. They are
raising a family (new twins!) in this beautiful town.
Directions:
West Stockbridge is situated at junctions of Route 41
and 102 in Western Massachusetts.
From New York City:
- The drive from New York City, which takes
approximately 3 hours, is best made via the Taconic State Parkway
to the New York Thruway (Route 90 East) towards Boston.
- Exit B-3. Exit ramp to stop sign. A quick left and
right turn onto Rout 22 South.
- Route 22 South ½ mile to Route 102 Eastbound.
- Follow Route 102 through West Stockbridge about
3.5 miles.
- You will come to stop sign and flashing light,
make right turn and continue on Route 102 into the town of West
Stockbridge.
- Card Lake Inn is big yellow building on left hand
side of road across from Gallery.
From Boston:
- From Boston take the Massachusetts Turnpike (1-90)
Exit 1, West Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
- A right turn off the exit ramp puts you on Route
41 North just a few yards to Route 102.
- Make left on to 102. Card Lake Inn is about ¼
mile on right hand side.
From Connecticut:
- From Connecticut take Route 8 North to Becket,
Massachusetts.
- Route 20 Westbound.
- Route 20 West to Massachusetts Turnpike.
- Route 90 Westbound towards Albany to Exit 1.
- Proceed as above.
