Dancing Bear Guest House


  • The Dancing Bear Guest House is located in historic Moses W. Merrill house built in 1852. The rooms are all decorated in antique furniture. The Dancing Bear is just a 5-minute walk from all of Shelburne Falls' attractions.

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  • Inn Details

    Historic 1852 house in the center of Shelburne Falls. Many antiques. Homemade breads and pastries, fresh fruit, coffee, tea, espresso. 5-minute walk to all Shelburne Falls restaurants, galleries, antique stores, Bridge of Flowers, Trolley Museum, Glacial Potholes, etc. Frequent live events and festivals take place throughout the year.


    Innkeeper Information

    Innkeepers Description:

    Since opening the Dancing Bear Guesthouse in 2006, innkeepers, Philip Bragdon and Edith Bingham have welcomed guests from all over North America and around the world. Philip and Edith enjoy sharing their experiences living and traveling in different parts of the world as well as their enthusiasm for Shelburne Falls and its beautiful surroundings. In addition to running the Dancing Bear Guest House, Philip teaches Spanish and English in the local schools and Edith is a commercial artist.

    The innkeepers speak:

    • Russian

    • English

    • French

    • German

    • Italian

    • Spanish



    Features

    Type:

    • Private Home Bed and Breakfast

    • Bed and Breakfast

    • Urban Inn

    • Historic Inn


    Amenities

    Guest Room:

    • Air conditioning

    • Alarm clock

    • Board games

    • Ceiling fans

    • Coffee/Tea facilities

    • Fridge

    • Hairdryer

    • Internet Service

    • Ironing Board

    • Library

    • Microwave

    • Wi-Fi

    On Site:

    • Copier

    • Fax Machine

    • Fireplace

    • Satellite/Cable TV

    • TV

    • Telephone

  • No results at this time

  • Nightly Rate

    $99 - $119

    Policy

    Reservation Policy

    • Check in: 4 to 7    Check out: 11

    • Minimum stay: A 2-night min, on holiday wknds May-October

    • Deposit amount required: We require a credit card to hold your room, but you are not charged until after your stay. Without a credit card, payment in advance is requested.

    • Cancellations: We will not charge you for your room unless: *You cancel in the last seven days AND, *We have turned away a paying guest AND, *We cannot refill the room. NOTE: We have only had to do this twice in almost three years.

    • Open all year round: Y


    General Policies

    • Smoking allowed: No

    • Guest pets allowed: No

    • Drinking allowed: Yes

    • Drinks available: N

    • Suitable for children: Yes

    • Childcare provided: No


    Discount type

    • Massachusetts Teachers
      Percent off: 10%

  • Breakfast

    • Type: Full

    • Time Served: 8:30 or by prior arrangement

    • Serving location: Breakfast/dining area


    Signature Dish

    Dancing Bear Pecan Rolls
    All our meals are prepared with natural ingredients, locally grown when available. We serve homemade breads and pastries, fresh fruit, egg dishes, coffee, tea, espresso, cereal, yogurt, etc. A favorite since we opened are our Dancing Bear Pecan Rolls made with whole grain yeast bread, butter, brown sugar and lots of pecans. We also regularly serve local blueberry muffins, cinnamon rolls, quiches, fritatas, waffles, etc.


    Special meal options

    • Low fat

    • Restrictive

    • Vegetarian

  • Location Type

    • Canoeing

    • Fishing

    • Hiking

    • Kayaking

    • Rafting

    • Skiing

    • Countryside

    • Downtown

    • Mountains

    • Small town

    • Village


    City

    • Northampton

    • Distance to city: 30 miles

    • Directions to property:
      From North and South, take I-91 to Exit 26 in Greenfield and travel 9 miles west to Shelburne Falls. Take second left turn for Shelburne Falls. This is Mechanic Street. We are in the 4th block on the right hand side. Parking is on either side of house. From Albany, take Rt. 2 east to Shelburne Falls. Take second right turn for Shelburne Falls. This is Mechanic Street. We are in the 4th block on the right hand side. Parking is on either side of house. From Boston, take Rt. 2 west to Shelburne Falls. Take second left turn for Shelburne Falls. This is Mechanic Street. We are in the 4th block on the right hand side. Parking is on either side of house.


    Airport

    • Hartford, CT (BDL-Bradley Intl.) 67 miles

    • Directions to property:
      From Bradley Airport take I-91 north to Exit 26 in Greenfield and travel 9 miles west to Shelburne Falls. Take second left turn for Shelburne Falls. This is Mechanic Street. We are in the 4th block on the right hand side. Parking is on either side of house.


    Area Attractions

    • Antique Shopping

    • Art Galleries

    • Concert venue

    • Gourmet/Fine Dining

    • Historical interests

    • Live Music

    • Movie Theater

    • Museum

    • National/State parks

    • Nature area

    • The Bridge of Flowers

    • Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum

    • Performing Theater

    • Picnic area

    • Religious Services

    • River

    • Ski area

    • Downhill Skiing

    • Fishing

    • Hiking trails

    • Kayaking

    • Shopping

    • Sight-seeing

    • Ski rentals

    • Snow shoe rental

    • Snow shoe trails

    • Water sports

    • Whitewater Rafting

    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    Write a review

    Great B&B in Western MA

    About the reviewer

    • Between 26-35 years old

    • Stays at B&Bs twice a year

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling for a weekend getaway


    • Overall 
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    We had an amazing time during our stay in the Balcony Room at the Dancing Bear. Could not recommend a better place to stay in the Shelburne Falls area. Historic house was clean, warm, charming, and comfortable. Homemade breakfast was great, made with local and fresh ingredients. Philip was a wonderful host; we will definitely be staying again when we return.


    Best accomodation next to the Bridge of Flowers!

    About the reviewer

    • Between 26-35 years old

    • Frequently stays at B&Bs

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling on vacation


    • Overall 
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    We're absolutely excited about this very beautiful B&B. It's not only the great rooms in this spectacular mansion soaked with historic. It's especially the familiar atmosphere inkeeper Philip gives to his guests. An other highlight was the delicious breakfast with all homemade food, Philip prepared for us.


    Great hospitality

    About the reviewer

    • Between 36-45 years old

    • Stays at B&Bs twice a year

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling to visit family


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    Philip & Edith make all feel welcome. A great B&B for families. Great food too.


    Unique. Above the Ordinary

    About the reviewer

    • 55+ years old

    • Stays at B&Bs twice a year

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling for an event


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    My husband and I stayed at the Dancing Bear during the Columbus Day weekend. Comfortable room, very clean...the whole house comfy and cozy, decorated in the Victorian style. We've stayed in many bed and breakfasts throughout the Northeast and elsewhere; the best breakfast we've ever had was here at the Dancing Bear. Phil makes delicious breads, muffins, entrees, wonderful coffee. He is a true gourmet cook. Other positives for us: it's fun to have breakfast family style with the other guests, meet new people and exchange information about local attractions. Phil is a great host, lots of fun to talk to. Can't wait to go back for another of those breakfasts!


    great spot in the mountains

    About the reviewer

    • 55+ years old

    • Stays at B&Bs twice a year

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling to visit family


    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    Kathy and I have stayed at Dancing Bear twice now when visiting our daughter in the Shelburn Falls area. The inn combines historical setting, antiques, and fabulous breakfasts in a great location.


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