Local Attractions for Your Out of Town Guests

Local Attractions for Your Out-of-Town Guests Visiting The Ruins at Sassafras

If you’re hosting your wedding or special event at Sassafras, you’ve chosen a stunning and unique location that blends nature and history. The Sassafras property is set in a beautiful, tranquil area of Columbia County; the perfect setting for your celebration. But what about the days before or after the big event? If you have out-of-town guests looking to explore the area, there’s plenty to keep them entertained. Whether your guests are interested in hiking, shopping, dining, or museums, this region has something for everyone. Here’s a guide to local attractions and accommodations to help your guests make the most of their stay.

1. Explore The Ruins at Sassafras

Of course, the main attraction offers a captivating and serene experience. Whether your guests visit before or after the event, they’ll be in awe of the surroundings. Perfect for photography, nature walks, or simply taking in the views, each spot on the property is a must-see and truly unique to the area. 

2. Hiking Adventures in the Berkshires and Columbia County

For guests who love the outdoors, the areas surrounding us are filled with scenic hiking trails and nature walks, ideal for all levels of hikers. Depending on the season, the changing landscape—whether it’s lush greenery in spring, vibrant flowers in summer, or golden foliage in fall—adds to the experience.

• Mount Lebanon State Forest: Just a short drive from the Ruins, this peaceful forest offers several trails with beautiful views of the Catskill and Berkshire Mountains. The area is perfect for those who want to enjoy a peaceful hike through woods and fields.
  
  

• Catamount Mountain Resort: Known for winter skiing, Catamount is also a great spot in the warmer months. Guests can enjoy hiking and even mountain biking, with scenic trails and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.
  
  

• The Appalachian Trail: For the more ambitious adventurers, parts of the Appalachian Trail run through the Berkshires, offering stunning views and a more rugged experience. Perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature during their stay.
  
  

3. Shopping and Antiques in New Lebanon and the Berkshires

Your guests might appreciate some downtime exploring the heart of New Lebanon. Antique shops, eateries and artisan stores reflect the region's spirit and history.

• New Lebanon: New Lebanon is home to several antique shops, where guests can browse for vintage finds and one-of-a-kind treasures. Whether they’re looking for home decor, jewelry, or art, they’ll enjoy hunting for gems in these quaint local shops. The New Lebanon Farmers Market is an indoor farmers market and a classic grocery store with unique and local finds. Visit our neighbors, Woodlife Farm Market, shop goodies to bring home and enjoy the scenic walking loop around their 3 ponds with mountain views.
  
  

• Hudson, NY: A 40-minute drive from New Lebanon, Hudson is known for its burgeoning arts scene and fantastic shopping opportunities. Guests will love the mix of vintage stores, art galleries, and boutique clothing shops, all housed in charming, historic buildings.
  
  

• Great Barrington: If your guests are looking for a more upscale shopping experience, head to Great Barrington, MA, just a short drive away. The town offers a range of independent stores, from fashionable boutiques to art galleries and bookstores.
  
  

4. Dining Delights: Local Restaurants Near The Ruins at Sassafras

After a day of hiking, shopping, or exploring, your guests will need to refuel at some of the area’s best local restaurants. From rustic taverns to farm-to-table dining, the Berkshires offer a diverse range of culinary experiences.

• Blueberry Hill Market & Cafe (New Lebanon, NY): Helping to promote local, offerings within the cafe that include locally roasted coffee, regional craft beers, locally grown produce, dairy and other food products. It has evolved to become a popular brunch spot that includes a small market, barista station and bakery and bar, which serves craft beers and cocktails.
  
  

• M&M Tavern (New Lebanon, NY): As recognized by the Times Union newspaper, M&M proudly holds the title of the best place for wings in Albany County. If wings aren’t your go-to, fear not! Their diverse menu offers an array of options, from indulgent loaded wood-fired baked mac and cheese to mouthwatering, freshly made pizzas. For added excitement, engage in activities like axe throwing or enjoy live music.

• The Prairie Whale (Great Barrington, MA): A modern, farm-to-table restaurant offering creative American fare, The Prairie Whale is a popular dining destination in the Berkshires. The emphasis on fresh, local ingredients makes it a great choice for those looking for a taste of the region.
  
  

• Blantyre (Lenox, MA): For those looking for an upscale dining experience, Blantyre in Lenox offers gourmet dishes in a romantic, elegant setting. Guests looking to celebrate a special occasion before or after your event will find this to be a perfect option.
  
  

5. Cultural Attractions and Museums

For guests who enjoy history and culture, the Berkshires, Columbia County, and nearby Albany offer a variety of interesting museums and cultural attractions.

• Shaker Museum (New Lebanon, NY): Located in the heart of New Lebanon, the Shaker Museum offers a fascinating walking tour of a former Shaker settlement,, which once flourished in the area. Your guests can learn about Shaker industries and the community’s simple, innovative way of life.
  
  

• Norman Rockwell Museum (Stockbridge, MA): A 40-minute drive from New Lebanon, the Norman Rockwell Museum is home to the largest collection of Rockwell’s artwork. Guests will enjoy learning about this iconic American artist and seeing some of his most beloved paintings.
  
  

• Clark Art Institute (Williamstown, MA): Known for its impressive collection of European and American art, the Clark Art Institute is a must-see for art enthusiasts. With works by Rembrandt, Winslow Homer, and others, it’s the perfect place to spend a few hours appreciating art and culture.
  
  

• Albany Institute of History & Art (Albany, NY): Just a 40-minute drive away, the Albany Institute of History & Art is a cultural treasure trove. Guests can explore exhibits of New York’s history, as well as a vast collection of American art and decorative arts.
  
  

The Ruins at Sassafras in New Lebanon, NY, offers the perfect setting for your wedding or special event, and your out-of-town guests will be in for a treat during their stay. From breathtaking hikes and historic museums to charming shops and delicious restaurants, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Your celebration will be unforgettable, and so will their visit!

If you’re not hosting a wedding or event with us, we still welcome you to your adventure Upstate! We offer museum tours, and are hosting a very exciting Music Festival this spring. Check it out here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fras-fest-tickets-1263987995119

Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Growth and Change at The Ruins at Sassafras Museum

As 2025 begins, we're filled with gratitude and excitement for the transformative year we had in 2024. We couldn’t have done it without the support of our amazing couples, guests, vendors, community, and the team that has helped bring our vision to life - a luxury upstate New York venue offering an unexpected experience steeped in history, nature, and exceptional hospitality.

A Year of Growth

2024 brought improvements in our guest experience as we focused on elevating every aspect of our venue. We welcomed Lara Burek as our in-house event planner. Lara knows the perfect touch to make each wedding unique, every guest feel special. and all our couples relish the best day of their lives. She is the perfect fit for Sassafras.

Expanding Our Beverage Offerings with a Full Bar

We also welcomed Dee McGrath as our first beverage manager. Seasoned in the hospitality industry, Dee developed our full bar packages for weddings and events. She specializes in crafting unique cocktails using plants grown at Sassafras, including our favorite: a bourbon drink with sassafras syrup called Ruined at Sassafras.  

The Flower Farm: Fresh Florals at Your Fingertips

In a meadow across the street, we opened our flower farm to offer our guests the freshest flowers possible.  From vibrant dahlias to elegant peonies, our seasonal flowers inspire our DIY brides and offer our design team an array of blooms to create artful wedding arrangements. 

Sustainability at the Core

Sustainability has always been a priority for us, and in 2024, we took it to the next level. To reduce our environmental impact, we now use compostable plastics and biodegradable trash bags. We recycle our event waste and choose vendors who support our desire to protect the planet.

Thank You for a Wonderful Year

Thank you for trusting us with your special moments. Whether it's a fairytale wedding or a corporate retreat, we are grateful to have been a part of your celebrations. We couldn’t have asked for a better year, and we’re thrilled to continue growing with all of you in 2025.

Winter: The Perfect Time to Tour Sassafras

As we enter the off-season, it’s a perfect time to visit The Ruins at Sassafras Museum, whether you’re considering hosting your own event or simply want to learn more about the rich history of our property. Winter tours offer a peaceful opportunity to explore the venue.. Our staff will be happy to show you around and share the fascinating history of Sassafras, one of Upstate New York’s most iconic venues.

Thank you again for an unforgettable 2024! We can’t wait to see what treasures 2025 brings. Here’s to another year of unforgettable events, growth, and memories at The Ruins at Sassafras.

Best regards,

Carol and Jerome