By Adele Levine (Photos by Art Alpert)
Ready for a spring outing in Becket? Hop in your car or put on your hiking boots, and experience the changes our six local eateries have in mind for the coming summer. Start in the south with the Sherwood Shoppe, and wind your way north to Papa Bob’s, Becket Country Store, the Dream Away Lodge, Route 8 Pub, and the far north’s Neon Newt. Changes are on the way for all six.
Mike and Glenda Hamling are continuing to do what they do best as owners of the Sherwood Shoppe for fourteen years. In addition to beloved favorites, daughter Rebecca is introducing new baked goods and pies. Their expanded raised-bed garden on the hillside behind the restaurant means more fresh produce on your plate this summer. Teas and natural remedies made from homegrown herbs will also be available in the shop. Customers are welcome to wander up to the garden—you may pass their free-range hens on the way. As Mike puts it, “This is a place where customers can slow down, relax, eat all-homemade food, and take a break from a hectic pace of life.”
There’s new energy at Papa Bob’s, with co-owners John Baldasaro and Don Ellershaw taking over from Bob and Tami Scott. The same staff will continue to provide great food and service, with menu favorites continuing alongside new specials like pot roast and cheesesteak. They will be featuring open mic nights, comedy nights, and karaoke on a regular basis. The backyard will soon open for relaxed outdoor dining and live Sunday afternoon music. John and Don also plan to host local benefits. “We want to make everyone feel at home, and also give back to the community,” says John.
The Becket Country Store is ready to surprise you this summer with gourmet and rectangular camp-style pizzas, a wider deli selection, and a partnership with Mel’s Kitchen, offering grab-and-go lunches and dinners including mac and cheese and spaghetti and meatballs. Last summer’s popular frozen non-dairy scooped desserts will be back, too. The biggest change comes later: major expansion plans to include a gas station, EV charging station, and a small grocery store, all recently approved by the Becket Planning Board. “The positive response from the community for these plans has been overwhelming,” said owner Ryan Eley.
Something special is happening in the kitchen at the Dream Away Lodge. Chef Caroline Fidanza has arrived, bringing a successful farm-to-table career forged in some of New York City’s most intriguing restaurants, followed by eight years as a culinary consultant. “Dream Away Lodge really excites me. I’ve received great support from management, and the Becket community has welcomed me with such warmth,” Caroline says. Her menus will be built around seasonal produce from local farms and locally sourced beef and chicken.
Come celebrate at the Route 8 Pub. The weekend of May 15 marks three years in business for co- owners Mo Vandesteene and Trisha Hayes, with a full weekend of celebrations planned: food specials by chef Rodger Ginthwain and live music from local favorites The Rounders Revival, Razz Time, and Colby Robb. Trish and Rodger will soon launch a new summer menu. The popular Sunday music series at 5 pm and Wednesday community sing-alongs will keep the good times rolling. Also, “The Route 8 Pub was voted Berkshire County’s Best Pub for 2026 by the Berkshire Eagle,” Trisha said proudly.
Memorial Day weekend, the Neon Newt bakery once again opens its doors, showcasing owner Olivia Pattison’s locally famous breads, cookies, and sweet rolls—all made with 100% locally sourced grains. Soft-serve ice cream returns with one creative flavor each day, like last year’s favorite: sweet corn with caramel sauce. The bakery and restaurant are open Thursday through Sunday for breakfast and lunch, with Friday burger nights and Monday evening dinners rounding out the week. “Adding to our success is our exceptional manager Liz as well as the famous Simon Guthrie and his sister Lily after she returns from college for the summer,” said Olivia.
