You may recall that it is a tradition of mine to spend several nights in March at The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, which has always been a special place. Last year my post to you – IT IS MARCH — IT IS RLI — 10-13 MARCH 2025 and 12-15 MARCH 2024 – covered two packed trips there, and Gary (number two son in birth order) joined me for dinner on the 12th.

That was again this year’s plan, but in attempting the online booking one thing led to another. Once a family owned and run place, the family acquired another place, but now appears to have gone corporate with nine or so properties. Rates escalated, but offending me was the bottom line, small print, “mandatory restoration fund fee.” Hey, that should be part of room rate determination, not an “in your face” extra. So, I then booked another favorite spot and Gary was going to join me. But then, I related to you in February how some cancellations (not of my making) caused me to seek something else. And, finding new ideas and places, I booked the Barrett House, part of the Grafton Inn in Grafton, Vermont. And, I would not be here today in March 2026, if it were not for a stay Cathy and I had here in May 2002.

Below, coming up Grafton’s Main Street past the library and general store you see the Barrett House on the left with the Phelps Barn Pub and Grafton Inn on the right. Below I parked alongside the Inn and the image on the left looks back to Main Street with the Town Hall and Post Office. (remember you may click my images for larger views).

This outing wonderfully evolved. Gary mentioned to David our plans, and David called and said he and Mari were coming, and so was Alex, off from college this week. And, then the other day Gary called and said Julie could join us. GREAT all my kids here to share the time with me. I arrived Wednesday before 4 pm, and Gary made it from Boston before 6 pm. Thursday David and family arrived from Boston area after 5 pm as Julie pulled in as well from New Jersey. Even though there are great images on Barrett House on the Grafton Inn website upon arrival I took the images below to share – and remember. First gallery downstairs, and then upstairs.

Gary and I had a “plan” to check out another potential place to stay, and decided to do it Thursday the 12th before the others arrived. I had to show him Andy Farmer’s (Chevy Chase) farm from FUNNY FARM, just up the road – sorry no image I was focused on the mud road and getting in and out. We then checked out the two covered bridges in Grafton…

and then down to Townsend, Vermont, to show him additional filming locations, and out Route 30 to West Townsend — checking out the West Townsend Country Store that was “on the list” in conjunction with the potential retreat.

you should know I love old country stores, and have recreated one for my bookshop, In the rear is the post office, and the store is a bakery and serves food.

often times I will walk into our post office to the cackling sound of crates of baby chicks awaiting pickup. Still shipped, a hang-over from rural delivery days, USPS delivers the little things. The jovial post mistress received a parcel while we were there that she excitedly shared – some baby ducks.

Leaving, we crossed the street heading up Windham Hill Road to Lawrence Drive and The Windham Hill Inn. A few weeks ago I called asking if I could see their cottage rental when Gary and I were in Grafton. Jon said fine, and I said I would call — but we just dropped in. “Dad, that says Private Drive – Cottage Guests Only,” Gary hollered as I headed up the hilltop. “Oh, Gary, there are no cars and I called a few weeks back.” Remember Ray and timing. As we were backing out Jason came out from the back apartment – chatted, and next thing we had a tour — now “on the list” for a future escape, and some mid-day meals down the hill at the country store.

downstairs an amazing open space

and a side porch — I forgot to take a view to share from the front porch, but looking out these windows you can get some of that feel.

Then back to Grafton, and David, Mari and Alex soon arrived soon to be followed by Julie at 5:30 for dinner at 6:30 pm in the Phelps Barn Pub (dining room in the Inn closed this time of year).

Here we are – left to right: Mari, RAB, David, Julie, Gary, and Alex.

You know I am low-key about celebrations, etc., but there was a reason that one thing lead to another and they were all here – as explained by image below.

Lots of space in the Bartlett House, but for sleeping Julie booked a room at the Inn, and ended up in one of the buildings across the street. After dinner she toured us there having noted that wall paneling from John Bellows Walpole home was there – as you can see below. Now I need to learn why, and from which Bellows home in town.

I am blessed to have three wonderful children, and what a treat they all made plans to join me. Julie’s three children back at school and busy activities. Alex, David and Mari’s son, is on college break. Here I am with Gary, David and Julie at breakfast Friday morning.

Wednesday night Gary and I did our “usual thing” and watched flicks until 1 am (early for us in this activity) this time catching 10 episodes of ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT. Thursday we introduced Alex to ANIMAL HOUSE, and Friday night still to be determined. Shortly after Julie left out the window we saw, and ran out to see — three dogs riding, in yes a cut down Model A Ford sedan into a work vehicle. I guess I better get Auntie EM out soon — and head over for lunch or dinner — so close, but “so far away in time – at least a century”. Alex and David soon headed off to ski at Magic Mountain, and Mari had a Zoom meeting.

And, sent to me at 2:48:08 from Magic Mountain

After another nice dinner it was chatting, and time for ITS A MAD MAD MAD WORLD – another tradition. But goodness we were all tired. Alex missed the middle of the movie, David vanished at the movie’s “Intermission” (even in the DVD), and Mari faded even earlier. Shocking both Gary and I, we turned it about 11:30. Saturday the 14th leisurely packing up for sad departure, and another nice breakfast in the Inn. Departing at 11 – they home to north of Boston, me less than 30 minutes home to some “work” and then a long Town Meeting almost next door.

Yes, I took lots of “work” with me. Books never opened, file folders with old posts to prepare and share with you — but alas, all not done. Fortunately along the way however I did process the images here and key stroke some words. So, I PROMISE YOU – catch up posts coming. Stay safe and well, luv, RAY