50 Years, 50 Days And Lots Of Events At The Red Lion Inn
If you’ve spent your share of time sitting in a rocker on the Red Lion Inn’s front porch, dined in the private courtyard restaurant or connected with the furry feline ambassadors, those memories come courtesy of the Fitzpatrick family, our own Berkshires dynasty that’s been providing fine hospitality to generations of locals and visitors. Now through June 23, Main Street Hospitality Group and The Red Lion Inn will be offering a multitude of programming and events celebrating the legacy of the family and their 50-year ownership of the venerable Berkshire icon.
In May of 1969, Jane and Jack Fitzpatrick purchased and renovated the property, converting it from a seasonal property to the year-round destination it is today. Their daughter Nancy Fitzpatrick took the helm from 1993 until her retirement in 2018. Nancy's step-daughter, Sarah Eustis, carries on the tradition of excellence in the Berkshires.
The 50th anniversary festivities include a series of pop-up events in conjunction with the Norman Rockwell Museum, Tanglewood, Berkshire Theatre Group, and other cultural institutions. These cultural pop-ups will cover topics including "Norman Rockwell and the Fitzpatricks — A Partnership Explored," and "Founding Mothers," a presentation about the Corner House, the original site of the Norman Rockwell Museum. Also noted will be Jane Fitzpatrick's impact as one of the founding leaders of the museum.
The famous veranda gets its own starring role. Visitors will have the opportunity to sip on cocktails of yore, as the Inn offers bi-weekly, cocktail-themed pop-ups on the front porch. There will be libations from 1969 and a chance to learn about some of Jane's favorite chardonnays.
Even the familiar front lobby of the Inn will be going through a change in celebration of the 50th year of family ownership. The first-floor space will extend the lobby into the front dining area to create a living room that will serve as the hotel’s social center. Located adjacent to the lobby, the dining room will be renovated and an extension added that will be transformed into the Fitzpatrick Room for additional dining and events.
If you're looking to celebrate with the Fitzpatrick family in style, go for the gala.
On May 29, the "Fifty Years of Fitz" gala dinner will feature a modern interpretation of the menu from the Inn's opening night on May 29, 1969. The formal gala celebration features a 5:30 p.m. cocktail reception followed by a four-course contemporary re-creation of the original menu. The Tim Ward Jazz Trio will provide the music.
If you've ever been curious about the collection of art and treasures that line the halls, take the Red Lion Inn 50th Anniversary Collections Tour. Led by retired longtime employee Jayne Church, this tour takes guests on a behind-the-scenes trip through time, sharing the stories behind pieces such as Gloria Swanson's shoes, the expansive teapot collection and more. These complimentary hour-long tours are open to guests and the public and run every Saturday at 11 a.m., starting in the front lobby.
Looking to explore downtown Stockbridge in a new way? Take the Fitzpatrick's Stockbridge Walking Tour. Developed in partnership with The Red Lion Inn, this tour of downtown Stockbridge is offered by Bess Dillman, a local hiking guide, and runs every Saturday at 9 a.m. The tour begins in the front lobby and tickets are $10 per person. The stops and attractions include the original Rockwell Museum, the Stockbridge Library, Alice's Restaurant, Main Street fountain, the Congregational Church, the cemetery and Mission House.
For those looking to stay during the festivities, there’s "Fitz's Nifty Fifty," a special 50th-anniversary package. It includes a choice of accommodations, a $50 food and beverage credit and a bottle of Red Lion Inn wine. The package can be booked for stays through June 27 and is based on availability.
Rounding out the #50Daysof50 celebrations will be an anniversary closing party on June 23. Details to come but keep an eye out for more information on the Inn's website or Facebook and Instagram pages.
Congratulations, Fitzpatricks!
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