We've had relatively well-known people stay here before.   But this was different.   As someone who worked for Dick Clark, spent 20+ years in the concert promotion business, and was affiliated with the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and the National Music Foundation, it is not as if I have not met plenty of "celebrities."   I have.

And it is not that Ken Jennings wants to be a celebrity, or acts like one.   He does not, although he continues to maintain a high profile with books and television show appearances.

But I am among the millions who became addicted to the nightly drama of Ken's relentless march through six months of daily victories and $2.6 million in earnings.   Ken Jennings is someone whom I RESPECT.

And he and his wife Mindy were as nice and unassuming as the persona he projected while appearing on your television screen every night.   Winning at Jeopardy is not about guessing cases or spinning a wheel.  Over the months, you KNOW that some of the most intelligent people in the country sought out the challenge of being the one to wrestle the buzzer out of Ken's hand….    As it turns out, the person who beat him ended up losing the next night…so if an occasional mulligan were ever allowed, he'd probably still be on the show.

So when I took a reservation from a Ken Jennings for a fall foliage mid-week stay, I made a mental note that the caller had the same name as the Jeopardy winner and then I forgot about it.   But when Ken walked in the inn, and I pulled out the Ken Jennings paperwork, I knew it was him.   We know that everyone who stays at our inn is here for a reason, and that reason NEVER includes being made to feel uncomfortable…..so I never let on that I knew who he was….and if any of our guests recognized him, they did not let on to me (or hopefully not to him).

After he left, however, I did e-mail him to see if he would mail a personalized and signed copy of his book, Brainiac, to us as a gift for my mother-in-law, one of the Jeopardy faithful since before Alex Trebek.   It came today.

I do feel okay about putting him in my blog, however.   If you look at his blog, you'll find a list of the celebrities he saw during his vacation to the East Coast.   Turnabout is fair play…

If anyone reading this would like to get an autographed copy of Ken's books, read his daily blog, or hear of his upcoming appearances, I recommend his website, www.ken-jennings.com.

Internationally celebrated director Irina Brook and her company of talented Shakespeare & Company artists have freely adapted Oscar Wilde's story about a very American family that blusters its way into a haunted English manor, thoroughly annoying the stuffy old ghost who can't seem to scare them a whit. In this roaringly original adaptation, Sir Simon the Canterville Ghost is re-imagined as an over-the-hill illusionist reliving his glory days in the 1940's. Beneath the outrageous veneer of Wilde's achingly funny story is a depth of emotion, as the old ghost's long-delayed salvation rests upon a family's ability to trust, and a young girl's desire to believe.

This show runs from now through November 9th and tickets can be purchased by e-mailing boxoffice@shakespeare.org, going to their website and buying on-line, or calling 413-637-1199.

Hampton Terrace is located a block from Shakespeare & Company and frequently serves as a place the company houses its special guests and actors.   We are ranked #1 by Trip Advisor from among 30 Lenox inns, and recommended by BedandBreakfast.com as one of the top places in the country to stay while viewing fall foliage.

So pick a beautiful fall foliage weekend, choose a fireplace/Jacuzzi room at Hampton Terrace, one of the premier Berkshire inns, and prepare for Halloween with The Canterville Ghost at Shakespeare & Company.

We've been doing this for ten years:   (1) taking a hundred calls in September and October asking "are the leaves turned yet?, and (2)  getting 40 requests for our 14 rooms once they do…

So I am letting you know right now…..it's okay.   We are happy to steer you toward the perfect time to come….and remember….the leaves are no redder on Saturday.   If you have the flexibility to come mid-week, you'll save 30% here on our room rates.

First, our location, in case you run across this entry on the Internet (I hope you did), we are located in the Berkshire mountains….two hours west of Boston and 2 1/2 hours north of New York City.   We are in Lenox, the summer home of the Boston Symphony.    2.5 million people come to this area each year….so there are great restaurants, shops, galleries, museums, hiking, horseback….   and everything in Lenox is a two block walk or less from our door.

Here is the first report:   Over the past several years, the summer has been VERY dry and the cold came late…so the leaves turned in late October.

It takes rain and cold to turn leaves, so the first requirement is met……THIS was the rainiest summer on record.   As far as the cold…..yes…we've had some nights in the 30s and some trees are yellow.   So we are not quite there yet…but a cold snap will do it, I think.

The good thing about the Berkshires, is that you do not have to hit it perfectly.   The are mountains (Greylock is the second highest peak in New England) and there are valleys 4000 feet below..   Vermont is 45 minutes north and Connecticut is 30 minutes south (drives through historic villages and great vistas).    So depending on when you stay here, you can drive up or down, north or south and see the optimum pop of tree colors.

So beginning today….give us a call at 800-203-0656 or e-mail me at stan@hamptonterrace.com.   I will let you know how things look out my window….when I think things will be best….and look up our availability.

P.S.   We were just named by BedandBreakfast.com as "one of the 10 best undiscovered inns in New England for viewing foliage" and we are rated #1 by Trip Advisor in Lenox out of 30+ inns.   We look foward to hearing from you.

As they say, the leaves are no redder on Saturday.   Or at least, I say that.

So considering that you have the same access to the Fall Foliage, the historic house tours, the museums, restaurants, shops and galleries, why pay 30% more for lodging?

Take advantage of our Mid-Week Discount…when every room in our Main House or Carriage House is $190/night, down from $260-$275.   And our King Suites are $250/night, reduced from $345.    And breakfast is as good on Wednesday morning as it is on Sunday.

Actually, I will go one step further….   On the weekends you'll run into lines at the restaurants and shops.   It will be harder to park in downtown Lenox or Stockbridge.  You can't be as spontaneous picking an evening activity.   Sunday through Thursday stay at Hampton Terrace.  

Better experience….pay less…any questions?

Lenox, MA– Hampton Terrace Bed and Breakfast, located in the heart of the Berkshire Mountains, was selected by BedandBreakfast.com editors as one of the best undiscovered inns for fall foliage trips.    Out of more than 7,000 inns listed internationally, Hampton Terrace joins a selection of less than 10 inns in the Northeast earning this designation.   BedandBreakfast.com is considered the leading b&b and inn directory on the web.

 “Lenox, MA has always been one of my favorite fall foliage destinations,” stated Sandy Soule, Editor of BedandBreakfast.com and one of the most highly recognized authors in the B&B industry.  “Hampton Terrace’s fabulous in-town location in the heart of the Berkshire Mountains, stately accommodations and architecture, along with the finest hospitality certainly made them a choice for one of the best places to enjoy fall foliage in New England,” Soule finished.

 “We are proud to be in such good company on this list of great places for fall foliage viewing,” stated Stan Rosen, Hampton Terrace co-owner. “It is gratifying to be recognized among the top inns in the United States for exceptional autumn appeal and quality accommodations. We think that our location, romantic amenities, great breakfasts to fuel a day of leaf peeping, and our attention to guest satisfaction contributed to our being selected by BedandBreakfast.com’s editors,” explained Rosen.

Step into Hampton Terrace, Lenox’s top-rated inn, and return to the gilded age of simplicity and beauty.  Built in 1897, this stately mansion was home to several of the wealthiest families in the country. An Inn since 1937, Hampton Terrace is located within an easy two-block stroll of Lenox town center and is one mile from Tanglewood, home to the famous music festival. Inside the inn, guests enjoy beautifully detailed common rooms and guests rooms, many complete with private fireplaces and double whirlpool tubs.  The inn’s signature three-story suspended staircase welcomes guests who immediately feel the sense of “WOW” from this grand building. While guest rooms are updated, air-conditioned and free wi-fi is available throughout the inn, the distinction of the gilded era is captured in antiques and vintage fabrics and wall coverings throughout the inn. A heated outdoor pool and beautiful gardens make autumn the perfect time to visit. Walk to Lenox's heralded shops and restaurants, alive in Berkshire mountain color, just two blocks away.
 
Call visit 800-203-0656 for reservations or look for more information at www.HamptonTerrace.com for your upcoming getaway.