Red Lion Inn

I consider myself a modernist. My sense of aesthetic leans clean and simple. Think Bauhaus, Swiss Design, and maybe a hint of Scandinavian or Japanese minimalism.

At the same time, I'm a sucker for "gezelligheid". That's the Dutch word for cosiness or "hygge" if you will. I have fond memories of playing with my LEGO in the living room, while Countdown is on the TV and my mom is preparing dinner in the kitchen.

Now, as a grown-up, I love sitting by the fire with a book, a glass of scotch, and a jazz record playing in the background. A cliché, I know, but good old gezelligheid is inevitably nostalgic and a bit cliché.

Newness, innovation, and forward-thinking don't jive well with coziness. At least not by my definition.

My want for a kind of old-timey ambiance is what led me to stay at the Red Lion Inn for 2 nights in the dead of New England winter.

The Red Lion Inn is old. As in, 250+ years old. If you are looking for a blingy kind of luxury, this place is not it. It's got history, character, and cosiness in abandon. But it's not fancy. It's not a grand hotel. Think Great Northern Hotel from Twin Peaks, but older and maybe a bit more treadbare. I gotta say though, it's really gezellig to sit here by the fire in the lobby, and write this post while listening to classical music and the comings and goings of other guests.

PS: As I was writing this post and thinking of my favorite show of all time (Twin Peaks), I found out that David Lynch has passed away. Thanks for all the great works of art you left us with, Mr. Lynch.