Longfellow’s Wayside Inn
Longfellow’s Wayside Inn has been a welcoming destination along the historic Boston Post Road in Sudbury for nearly three hundred years. Countless numbers of travelers have ventured beyond its ancient threshold and experienced genuine “Yankee hospitality” in a venue that has changed remarkably little since its inception. Four generations of the Howe family began an innkeeping legacy of “simple guest comforts” in 1716 that still rings true today.
One hundred and forty five years of colonial innkeeping as Howe’s Tavern, a visit by the poet Longfellow in 1862, and years of ownership by automobile magnate Henry Ford in the 20th century have all contributed to a grand landscape with a rich cultural heritage. Since it was officially renamed Longfellow’s Wayside Inn 1897, this “ancient hostelry” has proudly enjoyed an international reputation as “America’s Inn.”
People are often surprised to learn that the Wayside Inn is actually part of the larger 125-acre Wayside Inn Historic Site; a non-profit Massachusetts Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. The Site includes the Inn itself as well as the Martha Mary Chapel, the Redstone Schoolhouse, and the picturesque Wayside Inn Grist Mill.
Like any successful business, the Wayside Inn has steadily adapted to accommodate a changing clientele while maintaining the quality, service, menu selection, atmosphere and professionalism that generations of families have come to expect. A grand reception tent, interior improvements to some of the dining rooms, an outdoor patio and management of the boutique sister hotel The Wayside Carriage House Inn have all played a pivotal role in making the property an even more attractive destination for a variety of visitors. Adjusting for a changing demographic while meeting the needs of an established customer base remains one of the critical focuses of the Wayside Inn.
The Wayside Inn Historic Site is currently developing additional sustainability initiatives that reach beyond the scope of its restaurant and innkeeping revenues. Through the use of public grants, corporate and private support, as well as the development of major fundraising events like the Wayside Inn Antiques Show, the Site is steadily moving to assure the future stewardship of its multi-building campus.
Longfellow’s Wayside Inn is honored to be recognized by the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce as its 2011 Business of the Year. We will continue to strive to maintain the high ideals of this vital metrowest organization, and greatly appreciate the support of its members.