Step back in time at The publick house sturbridge ma, MA. Enjoy cozy stays, yummy homemade food, and Yankee charm. Book your New England escape today!
Hey friend, picture this. You drive up a quiet road in Sturbridge, leaves crunching under your tires. A big white building with green shutters smiles at you. Fresh bread smells float out the door. That’s The Publick House. It’s been welcoming folks since 1771. Ready to hear its story?
3 Key Takeaways
- Feel 250 years of history with cozy beds and warm smiles.
- Grab sticky buns from the bakery and real Yankee pot pie.
- Plan a quick getaway or big wedding right near Old Sturbridge Village.
What Makes Publick House Special?
Walk inside and the wood floors creak hello. A fire pops in the corner. Staff wave like old pals. This place runs on Yankee hospitality. That means simple kindness and good food.
A Quick Peek at Yankee Hospitality
Every morning, free coffee waits in the lobby. Kids get crayons. Dogs get treats. One family told me their pup got a belly rub from the chef. Over 250 years, millions of travelers have rested here. Historic Hotels of America says it’s one of the oldest inns still open.
Want a quick win? Arrive before 3 p.m. Grab coffee and ask about the day’s fresh pie. You’ll feel at home fast.
Nestled in New England Heartland
Sturbridge sits one hour west of Boston. The Publick House is on Route 131, five minutes from Old Sturbridge Village. That’s a living museum with old farms and crafts. Chain hotels nearby feel cold. Here, elm trees planted in 1791 shade the lawn.
Try this combo: Check in, eat lunch, walk to the village. Come back for supper. No rush, all fun.
Dive Into the History of Publick House
Ebenezer Crafts built the inn in 1771. He wanted a spot for stagecoach riders. George Washington really slept here in 1789. You can stand in the same room.
Born in 1771 Revolution Times
Cannons boomed nearby during the Revolution. Soldiers ate stew in the tavern. Crafts planted two big elms out front. One still stands tall. During the War of 1812, the inn stored gunpowder in the basement. Wild, right?
Ghosts and Giggles in Room 40
Locals whisper about a friendly lady in white. She rocks in Room 40. Guests leave her notes. She tucks blankets at night. Scary? Nope. More like a kind grandma. Book the room if you want a fun tale to tell.
Cozy Stays at the Historic Inn
Pick from three buildings. The main inn has creaky charm. Chamberlain House offers suites with fireplaces. The motor lodge gives easy parking. All rooms stay super clean.
Room Picks for Every Traveler
Classic rooms start around $150 on weekdays. Suites with jacuzzi tubs hit $250. Every bed has fluffy pillows. Modern bathrooms shine. One couple said their kids jumped on the big bed and giggled for hours.
Compared to the Hampton Inn down the road, you trade plastic keys for brass ones. You get rocking chairs on porches instead of vending machines.
Easy Booking Tips for Locals
Call direct for the best rate. Ask about pet fees only $25 per stay. Weekdays in spring save $50 a night. Free parking means no circling lots.
Yummy Eats at Publick House Restaurant
The tavern smells like roast chicken and cinnamon. Wooden beams hang low. Waiters know your name by dessert.
Must-Try Tavern Classics
Order the chicken pot pie. Flaky crust, chunky veggies, creamy sauce. Costs $22 and fills you up. Lobster rolls in summer taste like the ocean. Sunday brunch buffet costs $20. Kids under 10 eat half price.
OpenTable gives the food 4.5 stars from over 500 reviews. Bakers start at 4 a.m. Everything is homemade.
Bake Shoppe Delights to Grab
Step into the shop next door. Glass cases glow with pecan rolls and apple pie. Grab a $5 sticky bun warm. Jars of jam make easy gifts. One dad said his kids ate three rolls before the car started.
Plan Your Event or Wedding Here
Big white tents pop up on the lawn in summer. String lights sparkle. The inn hosts 200 weddings a year.
Dream Weddings Under the Elms
Packages start at $5,000 for 50 guests. You get the garden, food, and cake. One bride said rain came, but the staff moved everything inside in 20 minutes. The Knot rates them 4.8 stars.
Meetings and Family Gatherings
Small rooms fit 10 for a birthday. The barn holds 100 for a company party. Add bakery cookies for $2 each. Everyone leaves happy.
Visitor Tips and Nearby Fun
Fall leaves turn red and gold. Winter brings snow on the roof. Every season feels magic.
Beat the Crowds Smartly
Visit Tuesday to Thursday for quiet. Book brunch at 11 a.m. to miss lines. Pack a sweater old windows let in breezes.
Here are five nearby spots:
- Old Sturbridge Village – step into 1830s life.
- Hyland Orchard – pick apples and pet goats.
- St. Anne’s Shrine – peaceful walk and picnic.
- Wells State Park – easy hikes and ponds.
- Brimfield Antique Show – hunt treasures three times a year.
What Guests Say in Reviews
Tripadvisor shows 4.2 stars from 1,500 reviews. People love the food and staff. Some say bathrooms are small. Bring slippers for cold floors. One grandma wrote, “Felt like my own house, only better.”
Picture yourself here. You wake up to birds. Eat warm muffins. Explore the village. Nap by the fire. End with pie. That’s a perfect day.
The Publick House mixes old stories with new comforts. It’s not fancy, but it’s real. Bring your family, your dog, your sweetheart. Make memories under those big elms.
Ready for your turn? Call today or book online. Grab a sticky bun and start your own story at The Publick House in Sturbridge.
Frequently Asked Questions about publick house sturbridge ma
Where is Publick House in Sturbridge?
The address is 277 Main Street, right on Route 131. It’s super easy to find, just one hour from Boston or Worcester. Turn off I-90, and you’ll see the big white building with green shutters. Free parking is right out front, so no worries about finding a spot. Plenty of room for big groups too.
What are room rates at Publick House Inn?
Rooms start at $150 on quiet weekdays and go up to $250 for fancy suites with fireplaces on weekends. Prices change with the season cheaper in spring, busier in fall. Every stay includes fresh bakery treats in the morning and fast WiFi. Kids under 12 stay free with parents. Call direct for the lowest rate and ask about dog fees if you bring a pet.
Does Publick House have a restaurant menu?
Yes, the tavern serves lunch and dinner every day, plus a big Sunday brunch buffet. Try the chicken pot pie or fresh scallops big portions and homemade taste. The bakery next door sells warm sticky buns, pies, and coffee to go. Kids’ menu has grilled cheese and chicken fingers. Reservations fill up fast on weekends, so book ahead online or call.
Is Publick House good for weddings?
It’s a dream spot for weddings, with pretty gardens under old elm trees or cozy indoor rooms if it rains. Packages for 50 guests start around $5,000 and include food, cake, and setup. The staff handles every detail so you relax. Real couples say the photos turn out amazing with the historic background. Over 200 weddings happen here each year.
Any ghosts at Publick House Sturbridge?
Room 40 has stories of a kind lady in white who tucks in blankets and rocks in the chair. Guests leave her notes and find them moved in the morning. It’s more sweet than spooky lots of kids ask to stay there for the fun tale. The staff shares the lore with a smile. If you love gentle ghost stories, book it and see for yourself.
What’s near Publick House for families?
Old Sturbridge Village is a five-minute drive kids dress in old clothes and churn butter. The inn has a pool in summer and big lawns for tag. Hyland Orchard lets you pick apples and see farm animals. Easy trails at Wells State Park are perfect for little legs. Everything is close, so you’re back for cookies in no time.
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