If you go: Race Brook Lodge
Race Brook Lodge
864 South Undermountain Road (Route 41), Sheffield
413-229-2916, 888-725-6343
What we liked most: The easy access to fantastic hiking.
What we liked least: The street noise that filters into front-facing rooms.
What surprised us: The beautiful post-and-beam architecture that makes each room unique.
You know you're at Race Brook Lodge when . . . you notice the absence of traditional bed-and-breakfast frippery and frills.
Rates: $95-$295 Memorial Day-Oct. 31 ; $80-$195 Nov. 1- mid-May; two-night minimum on peak- season weekends; three-night minimum on certain holiday weekends.
Directions: Sheffield is 142 miles or about 2 1/2 hours from Boston . Take the Mass . Pike (Interstate 90) west to exit 2 at Lee. Follow Route 102 west for six miles to Stockbridge. Turn left at the Red Lion Inn and follow Route 7 south seven miles to Great Barrington. Take Route 23 west (right-hand turn at junction of Routes 7, 23, and 41) through South Egremont. Follow Route 41 south (left at blinking light) 5 1/2 miles. Lodge is on right. 