Blackinton Manor Among Yankee's Top Picks
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The historic Blackinton Manor Bed and Breakfast on Massachusetts Avenue has been selected as one of 244 choice New England locations — and the only one in North County — by the editors and contributors of Yankee Magazine. The bed and breakfast is featured in the summer edition of the magazine's Travel Guide to New England.
"We're very, very honored and very proud of the fact that we were chosen," said innkeeper Laura Macionus on Friday. The more so, she said, because the manor with its five guest rooms is small compared to some B&Bs.
"Mill owner Sanford Blackinton spared no expense when he built this Italianate Federal mansion, now an inn, in 1832. Its elegance is undiminished, with tasteful furnishings and gracious hospitality," writes Yankee Magazine.
Macionus and her husband, Paul, purchased the manor in January 2005 and completely renovated it. It's a little off the beaten track but has drawn guests from around the world because of its close location to the area's cultural attractions and Williams College. Yet many area residents aren't aware the B&B exists, said Macionus.
<L2>"We try to promote North Adams to our guests," she said, noting the couple had chosen the city as their home. "We take personal pride in representing our city."
The couple was apprised of the inn's selection in January; they've ordered a number of Travel Guides for guests to peruse.
They're also sure they know when Yankee's reviewers were around; one was obvious, he was carrying a clipboard. The other was a little more discreet.
"We could kind of tell by the line of questioning over breakfast," Macionus said.
Blackinton Manor wasn't Yankee's only selection. For the Berkshire Hills region, allium restaurant in Great Barrington, Homeward Bound interiors in Great Barrington, Chez Nous in Lee, eviva in Lenox, Ventfort Hall Museum of the Gilded Age in Lenox and Lakeside Terrace bed and breakfast in Monterey were Editors' Choices.
Allium is the newest eatery in the Mezze Restaurant Group, which includes Mezze in Williamstown and Cafe Latino in North Adams. Just a year old, the restaurant was also recently been awarded Boston Magazine's Best New Restaurant of 2007.
Yankee Magazine describes allium as a "... newcomer [which] raises the bar with its dedication to regional and organic, from the pasture-raised beef to the artisanal cheeses. Each ingredient is enhanced with slow roasting, wood grilling, savory reductions, infused oils and rich broths."
"Yankee's editors and our trusted legion of travel writers select our Editors' Choice winners," said Yankee Editor Mel Allen in a press statement. "From their own experiences and tips from our readers, they research and find the most deserving establishments in New England. Recipients range from the rustic to the refined, but all are noteworthy and memorable destinations."
Blackinton Manor has received plenty of kudos from travelers in its three years and this latest is particularly nice.
"Yankee has a very good reputation," said Macionus.
