My son doesn’t have the time off to come to my home this year for Thanksgiving, so we have decided to meet somewhere in-between where I live, NE Maine, and where he lives in E. Lyme CT. we would like a nice New England type of restaurant for dinner and will stay nearby for two nights. I’d like someplace not to far off the highway (but not too close either) in NH, MA or CT. Does anyone know of any place that would be really nice for Thanksgiving dinner? I picture one of those old country inns. Thanks for any suggestions.
It certainly wouldn’t qualify as an old country inn, but the folks at Hart’s Turkey Farm Restaurant do know how to cook a fine turkey. It’s in Meredith, N.H., near Lake Winnepesaukee. They’re open Thanksgiving Day, but close at 4 p.m. http://www.hartsturkeyfarm.com/index.html
The Seamen’s Inn in Mystic, Conn., is probably more of the sort of thing you had in mind, but it probably isn’t conveniently located for you. I have no idea if they’re open Thanksgiving, but it is an excellent restaurant (or was as of the last time I visited, 1989 or so).
Well, I was going to suggest Hart’s, too, but I see I was beaten to the punch.
I’m not sure if it’s open Thanksgiving (in fact, I’m pretty sure it’s not, judging by the little old ladies that run it, but it’s worth a call, anyway), but I’d suggest the Wenham Tea House in Wenham, MA. Quaint, very New Englandy, proper tea and Sunday Dinner type place. It’s about 15 minutes off of I-95 and 495, and 3 minutes off of 128.
Here’s a review, with contact info: http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Review_Writeup.asp?Review_ID=293
Ordinarily I’d suggest my house, but it looks like I’ll be away this year. Sorry! I cook a fabulous thanksgiving dinner, too.
Scrumptious food, good wine, hearty beer, and way too much of all 3.
I don’t know much about this place (http://www.sturbridgecountryinn.com/) but it seems pretty nice and seems to fit at least some of your requirements. It’s not directly on the route from Maine nor E. Lyme, but it’s not too far off.
A country inn is definitely the way to go!
I was fond of this place when I was a sturdy Frank Merriwell of a college boy in Connecticut, but I haven’t been there in many years. It’s in Essex, a few miles west of New London, just off Route 95.
The Uke Lady and I had a memorable Thanksgiving dinner and night at a rural inn in Rhode Island, back in the early '80s, but the memories don’t include a name or location. I could tell you everything we drank and ate, though.
You should probably pick up a guide to New England inns at your local independent bookshop (or read one while while standing in Barnes & Noble, jotting down notes) and pick one that fits your tastes and geographical preferences.
Hi Ike. I live on an island from which I can see various and sundry Canadian islands out my back door. I love it here, but we are about 108 miles from the nearest book store. Thank god for internet shopping! In any case, that Griswold Inn looks great. I have a fascination with old buildings. I am consulting with my son after I write this and see what he thinks. Finagle, I was looking at Old Sturbridge; the dinner is booked, but the buffet still has openings. That looks great as well, and so…Historical…great atmosphere. So, Motorgirl, about next year…