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In colonial times a windowed hearth served as a guiding light for travelers, beckoning from a distanced flickering assurance that warmth, hospitality and a fitting end to the day's journey were within reach. The meals that awaited those travelers consisted of indigenous fare, fresh fish from nearby waters, game or birds from New England's abundant forests, or poultry, beef, pork and lamb from neighboring farms, all prepared with a sense of pride and care that enhanced their wonderful natural flavors.

To accompany these meals, the innkeeper might offer a treasure from his cellar, a personal favorite newly arrived from Boston where it had journeyed by boat from its home abroad. There might be fine wine, brandy or liqueurs from France, rum from the Caribbean, whiskey from Scotland, beer from Ireland, Holland or Germany, vintage Portuguese port, Spanish sherry, or fine Madeira - a favorite of the colonists when it became the only imported liquor not taxed by England's King. One can only imagine the enjoyment those travelers felt in the glow of those hearths, safe for the night, warm and contented, telling tales of their journeys as part of the exchange, news from afar, past and current events, future dreams and plans mingling brightly amidst the dancing fire light.

The Windowed Hearth strives to reawaken this sense of reprieve from the day's toil. By offering local products prepared with heartfelt care, a combination of the traditional with the innovative, we seek to provide our guests the finest fare New England has to offer. Using techniques that draw from the many cultures that have influenced our region, our goal is to incorporate all we've learned into a truly cumulative dining experience that is a summation of regional cuisine to date. We also pledge to continue the tradition of serving the finest in domestic and imported beverages that the world has to offer in order to complete your classic New England dining experience.

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