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1771
Publick House Historic Inn
Sturbridge, Massachusetts
277 Main Street, Sturbridge, Massachusetts 01566
Original Property Opened in 1771
Historic Hotels of America member since 2018
presidential
tours
memorabilia
The Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, where good food comes out of Yankee ovens and warm hospitality greets every guest. Ebenezer Crafts opened the Inn in 1771 as a gathering place for citizens of Sturbridge and weary travelers along the Boston Post Road. Through today, each of the spectacular four seasons offer a special opportunity for activities that appeal to the young and the young at heart. From sightseeing to shopping for antiques, from golf to skiing, from cuddling up with a good book to cuddling up with someone special, the Publick House fulfills guests’ needs.
Discover
- Marvel at this 18th-century home, built on land won when Colonel Ebenezer Crafts defeated his opponent in a game of “winner takes all.” The Inn has been painstakingly restored, yet maintains its historic roots.
- Bask in the warmth from the magnificent 6-foot fireplace dating back to the 18th century. Its size accommodated the many functions of a bustling tavern.
- Walk in the same steps as the Marquis de Lafayette, who stayed in the Public House Historic Inn in 1824 during his “Grand Tour” of the USA.
Explore
- Walk through the Dummerston covered bridge in Old Sturbridge Village. It is one of the few remaining in Massachusetts.
- Visit the water-powered sawmill nearby. This careful reproduction functions just as the original did on this site in the 18th century.
- Explore the American Antiquarian Society in Worcester. It houses one of the largest collections of pre-1876 American books, newspapers, and manuscripts.
Experience
- Experience neighboring and historic Sturbridge Village, only one mile from the Publick House. Created by two brothers in the 20th century, they brought historic buildings from all over New England and re-installed them in this carefully designed district.
- Tour Tantiusques nature trail—located near abandoned mines. Take a hike and notice bats hanging from the walls in the shallow former mine shaft.
- Stroll through the Optical Heritage Museum in the nearby town of Southbridge open Wednesday through Friday. This red brick museum occupies the site of the former American Optical factory, which employed 6,000. Outside the museum, notice at the Eyeglasses Monument.
Taste
- Prepare then eat a meal at the Parsonage of the Sturbridge Village Center. Possible meals include “potted cheese” (which utilized leftover cheese mixed with butter, spirits, and salt and pepper), “dressed” macaroni (which includes onion, cheese, spices, butter, and salt), and mulled cider over a fire.
- Dine at Boulevard Diner in nearby Worcester. This diner is one of the original Worcester Lunch Cars and dates back to 1936 and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. It serves standard comfort food and diner fare such as meatloaf, meatball sandwiches, and American Chop Suey (macaroni topped with vegetables, sauce, and beef).
- Taste a classic New England treat known as the johnnycake. Dating back to colonial America (specifically Rhode Island), johnnycakes are a delicious cornmeal flatbread that are beloved throughout the entire region.
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