Longfellow’s at the Wayside Inn and Grist Mill
Longfellow’s menu reflects many timeless classics and the Grist Mill on the property is still used to make the provisions like corn meal and flour, and some of their additional products are sold in their The Wayside Inn gift shop.
With over 200 years of history, Longfellow’s Wayside Inn is the oldest operating inn on one of the oldest commissioned roads in the United States. The restaurant’s name comes from the fact that Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was inspired when he stayed here to write Tales of a Wayside Inn.
The Food
While most of their menu focuses on old school New England Classics, they also offer items like Butternut Squash Ravioli in sage brown butter sauce to cater to all.
The warm breadbasket made with their own milled products is a nice touch. We were offered a hot spiked cider, which we were temped but decided to wait for next time.
Featured but not used are the Beehive ovens, set in the brick next to the fireplace, used for baking.
And it is great how old school New England Classics are now what we call comfort food.
The Grounds
Only scratching the surface with the ambiance and 300 years of history at @thewaysideinn .
Originally named Howe’s Tavern, it was a stop in 1775 by General George Washington and noted in his personal journal.
Grist Mill build by Henry Ford (when he owned the property) and is used to mill cornmeal and grain still used in the kitchen.
The ghost upstairs has been made famous and we were not allowed in the room (#9) due to covid. (Photo provided by The Wayside Inn)
Pewter mugs hanging next to the bar have the names of the Colonels with stamped medallions.
Mary Had a Little Lamb purportedly took place at the Redstone School, in Sterling, MA. When Henry Ford began building the historic grounds at the Wayside Inn, he brought the one room school house over to the Inn, where it now sits near the Martha Mary Chapel. (Photo provided by The Wayside Inn)
The beauty of this place is there is so much history, justifying a return trip is easy. Especially if you have friends who love a taste of history.
Great review with rich detail! We used to go there as kids – mainly for the penny candy store. Thank you for the thorough review of your experience!