Anyone been to Oak N Spruce lately?

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

I've booked a summer week there to get in my James Taylor/John Williams weekend at Tanglewood... anyone been there this past summer? I'm interested in info re construction and condition of the units... the location is the second best for Tanglewood after Ponds at Foxhollow, and those summer weeks don't get deposited...

I seem to remember Boardgirl was going, but not sure when...

thanks,
G

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

I believe Norm and Tonyg have been there.

[Republiman Member Find all posts View Profile Close Republiman]

I will be going there next week for the long MLK weekend. Will let you know about construction when I get back.

Fred

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

Thanks, Fred. I have a feeling they aren't doing much over the winter, but anything you can find out would be much appreciated! And of course, any tips on unit location, etc. if it matters Have fun, I just love it up there.

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

I will be going there next week for the long MLK weekend. Will let you know about construction when I get back.

Fred

Any news? How was your stay?

Boardgirl, didn't you go up recently, too?

[Republiman Member Find all posts View Profile Close Republiman]

I was there MLS weekend as stated. and a friend of mine was there two weeks ago.

Unfortunately, I did not make a note of our unit number. We were in one of the units which were behind the clubhouse and to its left. A walk of maybe 500 feet to the rear door of the clubhouse.

The construction is across the street from the older units and the clubhouse. It did not create any noise issues for us.

[fwd1 Member Find all posts View Profile Close fwd1]

Oak & Spruce

We were at there from April 28 -May 4. Unit 524 - a 2 Br 2 bt. We found unit a bit small especially kitchen. Our biggest problem is no internet access but you can go to Mall which is about 1 1/2 miles from resort and get free wireless in food court. On the 3rd day one person toldus you could get an access number from your server but it was very slow. The first person had not given this information. A flyer with calendar is given at check in but no welcome meeting to tell you of places or events.
A very large resort. Our balcony faced the swimming pool, put put course and they were doing dirt work to put something else in. The amenities were very sparse. Towels could be changed once and that had to be scheduled.
Enjoyed the area very much. The Norman Rockwell Museum was one of the highlights of our trip.
Price Chopper is the only grocery store in Lee but was told that there was a better one in Great Barrington which isn't far.
Bed in 2nd BR was not very comfortable so asked for a sponge pad to put on and was told none were available.
lots of stairs to get around and no elevators. Management was very good at placing us on the middle level which had no stairs as we had resquested since my husband had just had back surgery. Just about all units are 3 stories with ground floor having stairs going down- middle floor no stairs and 3 floor stairs going up.
They were constructing new bldgs on the other side from the office but we were not in that area.
The weekend had loads of guest but midweek about 3/4 were gone.

[tonyg Goomba & Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close tonyg]

Norm was there last year or the year before, I've never been there- just drive by it from time to time as it is only 30-35 miles from my house.

[BoardGirl Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close BoardGirl]

Just got back at 1 am!!

It was BEAUTIFUL!! We had great weather (until we had to drive home in rain and serious wind - ugh). They started filling the pool and all the pool furniture looks freshly painted. Our balcony had newly painted table and chairs.

We were supposed to get Presidential but there was some kind of RCI hoo hah screw-up so we got a lodge unit - bigger than some of their other property lodge units. We missed having a dvd player and washer/dryer, but since we both overpacked and were mostly on the go, not a big deal.

Our unit's balcony faced the pool and mini golf course. Farther up there is construction and refurbing and it did affect us - loud machinery, circ. saws, etc., but they were doing the same stuff over at the Presidentials, so it would not have mattered had we been placed there. Some of the pres' seemed to have 'temporary railings' and being afraid of heights, I would not have liked that.

Looks to me like they have a lot of different unit types - I would suggest placement "up the hill" - there are more lodge units and what looks to be townhouses. If your balcony faces the 'rec area' Up The Hill, you will hear the construction.

The unit itself was newer (building 25 or so??) and reasonably spacious. I hate the config where the whirlpool tub is IN the bedroom, but being able to soak in the bubble bath while watching tv was ok.

Yes, one towel exchange, and the towels were cheap - thin. Bring your own pool towels, they do not provide them. Kitchen is on the small side, but functional. Plenty of trash bags, dishwasher tabs, dishwashing liquid, etc. No blender.

Storage was very good (especially compared to their GA property where there was almost NO storage). The furnishings were relatively new. Three tvs (2 br + LR).

Grills are EVERYWHERE!! The first night we drove over to the other side of the babbling brook to enjoy the outdoors (given we drove 900 miles looking at it!). Some grills are right beside the units with or without picnic tables so you may decide to port your stuff to one with a table.

While I didn't go into the indoor pool, I made extensive use of the very large, very hot whirlpool. There are steps from the highest units down to the rec area, so you don't have to drive, nor do you have to hoof it back up the steep hill. There are saunas in the changing room and a workout area with passable weight machines, free weights, and newer cardio machines. There is also a tanning salon onsite. And a bar.

We didn't participate in any activities, but looked in at the movie theater - it was a wide screen tv, basically, with theater seating for maybe 25 + wheel chair access. I wasn't as impressed as I had hoped to be, but it's probably a great attraction for families with younger kids - I also believe it's free. All SLs have lots of stuff, so kids will have things to do if so-inclined.

Definitely go to the Norman Rockwell Museum - some of the staff are immortalized in his pics!!! $12.50/adult. Very close to the resort.

Stockbridge, Great Barrington, Lee, Pittsfield, we explored many MANY small towns but were disappointed with the parks system (having our dog with us, I had hoped for great hiking!). We went east to a big reservoir which was quite lovely, did the drive up to Bearland SF (right at the resort entrance) but didn't get out - it was more rugged and desolate than I had anticipated. Hubby liked the railroad museum in Chester and the guy there directed us to more sights of interest in the area so we did find some trails for fluffums. It was already mosquito season there, so be prepared.

We had dinner at the Salmon Run House (or something like that) in Lee. It's a small family-owned restaurant. I had the baked lobster with crab stuffing and was over-the-moon happy with it. Lobster bisque is apparently what people go there for and it was definitely good. Hubby gives thumbs-up to coconut shrimp and the scampi, but was unimpressed with the scrod. Go early if you want the specials that will run out.

Yes, the grocery store in Lee is very small, but it's decent enuf and convenient. After our long drive we didn't want to go far for eats and everything we needed was in stock. Except, strangely, ICE CREAM!!! I didn't ask anybody about it but couldn't figure out where it would be hidden if not with the other frozen foods, like cheesecake and Cool Whip...

The resort is very near the I-90 and their directions are, as usual, very good. You will see the Berkshire Blues Club on 102. We went expecting blues or jazz, but got live hard rock. The band was very good at what they did, and the people-watching was exceptional!!! We didn't see much activity there beyond Saturday night. $5 cover, smoking is outside only. You know you're watching a small town band when they announce that the drummer needs to take a break, and you see him run for the mens' room.

If you have other specific questions, I will do my best to answer!

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

Thanks, BG! I'm glad you had such a nice week, and that the units seemed ok. I guess I will just ask for a newer unit "up the hill" facing away from the construction, does that sound logical?

[BoardGirl Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close BoardGirl]

You could also ask for across the street from the main building - #s 22 - 24 - those seem to be the newest but most buffered from the noise. Up the hill, 25 - 30 have the highest numbers, so would assume newest. That's where we were. The master bedroom faces 'the courtyard' and the noise from construction was very disruptive (they do start early!). With the pool not yet being open, there wasn't much 'visitor noise'.

16 and 17 are the most private, at the far end of the property. It was very quiet over there, not near the rec areas. Not a big walk to the rec area, tho. Looking at the map, there is a building 31 that would also be relatively private and based on the number, pretty new.

18 - 21 would be 'front lines' at the same level as the construction. The second bedroom would be most affected in those, the balconies overlooking the babbling brook.

Would you like me to scan the map and send it to you?