Lord Jeffrey Inn | Amherst

Majestically nestled on the maple-lined Amherst Common and the campus of Amherst College, the Lord Jeffery Inn and their handsome restaurant and bar 30Boltwood warmly welcome guests to the heart of New England. The landscape embraces springtime with well manicured hedges, a crisp green lawn and cheerful gardens of bright yellow daffodils and vivid fuchsia and orange tulips. Original architecture and classic style offer historic charms while featuring modern amenities in 49 stylish guest rooms. This is the place to stay and/or dine if you're visiting the area. 

After we spent the day biking in the neighboring towns of Northampton and Easthampton along the Norwattuck and Manhan Branches of the Western Massachusetts Rail Trail, I was absolutely beat. It took all my energy to shower up for dinner, and I was so grateful we only had to venture downstairs to reach 30Boltwood. We were seated in a cozy brown leather booth with a copper top table lending an exclusive feel; sinking into that tall circular booth it felt like we had the place to ourselves! We were greeted by a jovial and engaging waiter who informed us that all wines by the bottle are $35 each. And with an extensive, expertly labeled list - whites are broken down as either: crisp, aromatic, full-bodied or bubbles, and reds: earthy, rustic or powerful - this proves an incredible deal. 

We enjoyed a Cabernet / Merlot blend from South Africa, Ken Forrester "Petit", alongside Maplebrook Farms Burrata ($12) with smoked red pepper and preserved lemon. The Pan Roasted Duck Breast ($35) was accompanied by a foie gras torchon, polenta, wild mushrooms and swiss chard. A flawlessly prepared al dente House Tagliatelle ($26) arrives with smoked pork shoulder, goat cheese and roasted tomatoes. A bonus round included a sample of the Monkfish over English pea puree, pickled rhubarb, spinach greens and radish. Dessert offered a creative Espresso Crème Brulee Tart ($12) with bourbon whipped cream and pistachio plus a scoop of Sweet Corn and Blueberry ice creams. 

Locally sourced ingredients prepared simply but with attention to detail coupled with intimate dining booths and inexpensive bottles of good wine, 30Boltwood served to impress. Retreating upstairs and sinking my tired and sore limbs into Lord Jeffrey's comfy pillow top mattress and high thread count linens rounded out a perfect Amherst getaway. 

Lord Jeffrey Inn + 30Boltwood
30 Boltwood Avenue
Amherst, Massachusetts, 01002 

*Our stay and our meal were provided thanks to Hampshire County Regional Tourism + Massachusetts Office of Travel + Tourism.