Best Wine List in the Area

New England is famous for distinctive inns and comfortable B and Bs. Given its uniqueness, the Stonehedge Inn, located in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts, just a few minutes from the town of Lowell, is not as well-known as it ought to be. Surrounded by pastures full of thoroughbred horses, perfectly manicured grounds and a predictable river, the immediat e impression we had was of an English country estate. Just like a manor house, afternoon tea is served in the formal library.

The spa, a greenhouse-style fitness and beauty center, a few steps from the main building, might be the most relaxi ng part of the Stonehedge experience. There are workout machines, a pool, a Jacuzzi and a range of beauty treatments, 17 in all, such as facials, steam therapy and seaweed body wraps. The spa staff is professional and friendly. Tennis is available on the outdoor courts.

What sets the Stonehedge apart from other inns is the caliber of its restaurant, Silks, which serves acclaimed French provincial cuisine and has argueably the best wine list in the Boston area. Renowned for its cellars, which boast over 26,000 bottles from all over the globe, wine at the Stonehedge is a very important part of dining. The list features over 600 labels and, not surprisingly, has won Boston Magazine's Best of Boston Wine List award.

Stonehedge, Tyngsboro, Massachusetts

We found the food and service to be faultless. The waitstaff had traveled from many parts of Europe and their lyrical accents added to the appeal of the restaurant. The lovely atmosphere was enhanced by a talented pianist playing familar tunes. My companion and I enjoyed the Ducktrap River salmon, which was so pleasing and flavorful it was almost creamy. The goat cheese and Parma proscuitto salad was vibrant and the duck confit with ginger whipped potatoes was a wonderfully hearty dish for a cold winter evening. I can also recommend the tender pancetta-wrapped monkfish with risotto an d mussels.

There are two small meeting rooms for corporate business use. The inn is in the midst of erecting a building that will house a ballroom, banquet room and honeymoon suite and its roof will also serve as a heliport. All the rooms are being refurbished with exotic fabrics and several have Jacuzzi-style hot tubs along with heated towel racks.

The dinner-theater package coordinated with the Merrimack Repertory Theater and the special holiday brunches and dinners have proved popular wit h locals and Bostonians, who like to take a short break close to home.

Attractions

Golf, hiking, skiing, horseback riding and sightseeing in the historic Revolutionary War villages.

Stonehedge Inn, 160 Pawtucket Blv d., Tyngsboro, MA 01879. Tel. 508-649-4400, 800-INSIGNIA. www.stonehedgeinn.com

– Emily Fancher

Fall 1996