460606 Wed Nov 14 12:25:16 -0800 2007 8 13 New England 0 3125141 I have business/pleasure in the Conway Massachusetts area in early February, staying at what looks like a nice little inn, the Nestle Inn in Conway. I'd like to take some friends out for dinner and looking for suggestions. I'd like to avoid the Amherst/Northampton/Greenfield area, but I appreciate that Conway is a bit in the middle of the foothills with not a lot of civilization (which is why we want to be there...). Would hope that the drive would be no more than half an hour from Conway Center, but I realize that I may have to be flexible. Any thoughts out there? Wed Nov 14 12:25:16 -0800 2007 13420 Avid Rita 1 3126294 Shelburne Falls is almost right next to Conway. I'd say 10-20 minutes depending on road conditions and "dark road confidence". You have a few good choices there. Check this board; much has been written about the dining options in town. I've linked to the three places in town that might work for you. Also close to Conway, but outside of the A/N/G area Sunderland and Deerfield. I've linked to two delightful restaurants there. You've got plenty of choices. Wed Nov 14 19:15:08 -0800 2007 3125141 23908 hilltowner 2 3134136 Listed above Sat Nov 17 12:42:34 -0800 2007 3126294 18016 Big Fat Moe 1 3134134 From the restaurants listed below I think that Gypsy Apple is clearly the best. I've had three magical evening in a row there. Make sure you make reservations. Tusk N' Rattle is good & fun but a little too casual for a special meal. Cafe Martin has fabulous burgers but the entress tend to be uneven. Blue Heron has a fine reputation but I find it overwrought, overrated, and way overpriced. Haven't been to Sienna in years after a couple of not so great experiences. Don't forget to drive to Elmer's in the center of Ashfield for breakfast. Wonderful food. Sat Nov 17 12:42:07 -0800 2007 3125141 18016 Big Fat Moe 2 3134322 It might not be a "magical" meal, but I do like an occasional burger at the bar at the Blue Heron, and it's definitely more than average, and sitting at the bar keeps the "overwrought" factor to a minimum. Sat Nov 17 14:12:59 -0800 2007 3134134 91237 hollerhither 2 3138987 I agree with the above- Shelburne Falls and Ashfield are the way to go if you want to avoid the Greenfield area. Gypsy Apple for a "special" meal, but the other must is Elmer's for breakfast (or a casual Friday night meal, whatever plate they are serving that night). Mon Nov 19 11:09:53 -0800 2007 3134134 76932 wmassnative 3 3139446 What's the Friday evening meal like? Mon Nov 19 13:10:33 -0800 2007 3138987 18016 Big Fat Moe 4 3142574 It is a fixed menu, no choice (though I hear there is a second option such as mac & cheese or something for children) and the plate varies every week. Usually it seems there is bread, soup, the main plate, and perhaps a dessert. When I went there was only the main plate. It was delicious; garlic sauteed greens, fish cakes, sweet potato oven fries and cornbread. Tue Nov 20 11:16:10 -0800 2007 3139446 76932 wmassnative 3 3153803 Attended the Charles Dickens Dinner at Gypsy Apple on Friday evening: $28 prix fixe: Choice of winter vegetable barley soup or garden salad (artistically arranged) with a light vinaigrette/choice of 4 entrees. We both had a white fig and apple pork roulade with apple cider pan sauce with braised red cabbage and mashed potatoes, and a set dessert of apple crisp with vanilla ice cream and a choice of either coffee or tea. Everything was delicious. The service and atmosphere could not have been better. Sun Nov 25 16:34:49 -0800 2007 3138987 39004 hdb