Historic Taverns

By Brion O'Connor

“He who has not been at a tavern knows not what a paradise it is.”

— Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Clearly, in the course of history, few experiences have stirred statesmen, literary types, politicians and revolutionaries to the degree that drinking a good ale has. Massachusetts is proof, even to this day. Horst Dornbush, a beer aficionado in West Newbury who discusses the joys of imbibing through his BeerExperience program (www.beerexperience.com), suggests five taverns that capture the fermented flavor of yesteryear.

Longfellow's Wayside Inn - Sudbury

The literary and historical legacy of Longfellow's Wayside Inn is unsurpassed. Originally known as Howe's Tavern (1716–1861), the establishment capitalized on the brisk traffic between Boston and Worcester, prospering as it passed to David Howe's son, Ezekiel, a Revolutionary War hero (his sword, immortalized in verse by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, is still displayed). The Howe lineage continued with Ezekiel's grandson, Lyman. Following Lyman's death in 1861, Longfellow stopped by the tavern, a visit that inspired Tales of a Wayside Inn. 800.339.1776; www.wayside.org.

Concord 's Colonial Inn - Concord

This grand property, actually three combined buildings, overlooks the common of one of the most celebrated towns of Revolutionary War lore. Ownership dates to before 1663, and from 1835 to 1837, the West House was home to Henry David Thoreau and his family while he attended Harvard. In 1855, the Central Building began to operate as a small hotel, called the Thoreau House, but was renamed the Colonial Inn in 1900. 800.370.9200; www.concordscolonialinn.com.

1640 Hart House - Ipswich

Built by one of the town's first selectmen, Thomas Hart, the Hart House is one of the country's oldest homes, and according to lore, some of the first steins of ale in the nation were served here in the late 1700s. Ipswich , a town known for its fried clams, hit its stride after the repeal of Prohibition, and the Hart House hosted such luminaries as James Cagney and Eleanor Roosevelt. Today, the 1640 Hart House still offers finely aged ales from nearby Mercury Brewing Company. 978.356.1640; www.1640harthouse.com.

Union Oyster House - Boston

Though not established as a restaurant until 1826, the Union Oyster House holds a special place in the annals of Massachusetts history. The grand brick building dates to the mid-1700s and housed The Massachusetts Spy , one of the first newspapers in the Colonies, as well as an exiled Louis Phillippe, who returned to France and became king in 1830. Statesman Daniel Webster, partial to brandy and oysters, was a regular customer in the early 1800s, and the Kennedy clan frequented the establishment in the 1900s (a plaque commemorates John F. Kennedy's favorite booth upstairs). 617.227.2750; www.unionoysterhouse.com.

Publick House Historic Inn - Sturbridge

Sturbridge was a major commercial crossroads between Boston and New York during Colonial and Revolutionary times, and the focal point in town has always been the Publick House Historic Inn . Founded alongside the town common in 1771 by Col. Ebenezer Crafts, the great white inn embodies Crafts' hospitable spirit to this day — the grounds still boast the majestic elms and maples he had planted. Nearby, atop Fiske Hill, is an eight-room bed-and-breakfast, owned by the Publick House, named Colonel Ebenezer Crafts Inn. 800.782.5425; www.publickhouse.com.