I would sum up the Paquachuck in one word: "Authentic." This is a place that a thousand inns, restaurants, and B&B's would like to be but aren't. Everything about the rooms, the location, and the whole experience is steeped in the history of Westport, MA, its people, fishery, and agricultural past and present. The harpoons and scrimshaw, whale vertebrae, and artwork that surround the house were not just bought at an estate sale and used to decorate; they're as much a part of the house as 19th century timber and fieldstone foundation.
What all this means for the guest may be better said by what the place *isn't* almost as what it is. First, although there were children there during our visit, this is not a place for kids--most B&Bs aren't! No TV, no pool, not a ton in terms of recreational facilities, etc. It also isn't a place to come if you're looking for a "scene." Westport is a remarkable town in this part of the world, genuinely relishing its low key ways. Not a big restaurant scene, few bars, no touristy type places at all, really. (And judging by what we could pick up from local news and discussions, I don't think this is likely to change....thankfully.)
Breakfast was simple and excellent: fresh local blueberries, locally roasted coffee, local eggs, different "porridge" selection each day in addition to breads, granola, yogurt, etc.
Things to do: we took a day trip to the Vineyard, but in retrospect, we should have stayed closer to Westport, Tiverton, NB, Dartmouth--there's enough to do in these areas, though we didn't really know it when I pre-paid for the ferry tickets. (If you do go to MV, the New Bedford ferry is very close and very easy to do.) Horseneck Beach is literally five minutes away, and we had a great day there. We also went to downtown New Bedford to a Thursday night free concert across from the museum with dinner at the Freestone Grill. Terrific night there as well. When we go back, I would love to head over to Little Compton and Tiverton; just couln't fit it all in this trip.
In terms of the staff, Mary is a pro. She communicated everything we needed to know, gave us a few tips here and there, and could not have been more pleasant and helpful. At some of these kinds of places, the owner/innkeeper tries sometimes too hard to be the star of the show, but Mary (and Brenda and Tiffany!) all seem to know that the Inn itself as well as the surrounding area are are the real stars. Having said that, we had a great time chatting with all of them and truly look forward to seeing them again.
