I just had to share this photo of a huge carved out tree trunk filled with houseplants which I saw at the Salem Cross Inn in West Brookfield, MA. 

A rustic container

My husband and I went there for Thanksgiving this year!  Yes, our first time ever forgoing the family gathering  – instead opting to go on a romantic date at a place highly recommended when I polled folks on Facebook. 

We really enjoyed the restaurant and tavern because it has an old fashioned New England Hospitality feel to it.  As you enter the lower level tavern room, the first thing you notice is the warmth of a huge open fire pit with turkeys wrapped in cheese cloth rotating above the flames on a device powered by a magnet!  It is a 17th century roasting jack which caught the attention of my husband.  It was impressive.

The architecture in this restaurant, formerly a home, showcases huge wide board pine floors, handmade moldings, paster walls, collectable furniture, wine cellar, and huge ceiling beams. 

Fieldstone Hearth

It was interesting to see the variety of people eating there along side of us.  The place was absolutely packed with people.  When I told my friends of our experience of dining out for Thanksgiving, and mentioned the loads of people there, everyone was surprise to hear of this.  I guess one would find it odd to eat out on Thanksgiving day, but the Salem Cross Inn made us feel right at home.  We walked away feeling satisfied and charmed by the atmosphere.  Would we do it again?  Probably not only because family is so important to spend time with – but we are glad we had a chance to experience this place!