The wife and I steal away again from the noise of Boston to celebrate our wedding anniversary this weekend. Spurning the more famous Boston establishments, we have a new favorite getaway in a remote, quiet corner of Massachusetts. The town of Northfield boasts two great advantages over anywhere else we might choose: 1) Its proximity to our nearest Orthodox Monastery of St. John the Baptist in Warwick, MA (only 10 minutes by car), and 2) A bed and breakfast by the name of Centennial House which provides a sufficient amount of relaxation alongside of stimulating conversation.

Our children found Centennial House and gave us two nights here as a Christmas present. We stayed between Christmas and New Year’s. Now that we celebrate our anniversary, we could not think of a better place.

The hosts are a husband and wife team that epitomize cultured, friendly New Englanders. Their love of Northfield makes them full of great stories, and their vast life experience means they can relate to people from all walks of life. I especially love hearing the tales of local celebrity and evangelistic phenom Dwight L. Moody, whose life and sermons have recently inspired me expand my Boston Pilgrim tours.

Their hospitality is unmatched in its quiet attentiveness. They are both readily available when you need them and quietly unobtrusive when you do not. They are very accommodating concerning breakfast offerings, and the common spaces are adequate for those who might like to interact with other guests. The beds are very comfortable, the rooms extremely clean, and the overall demeanor of the house is warm and inviting. It truly feels like a home away from home.

So the next time you want to get away with your special someone and wish to make it spiritual as well as romantic, consider booking a few nights at Centennial House in Northfield, MA, and tell them that the Mendicant Monks sent you!