Becket — Fans of the 75-year-old Becket institution that has seen the likes of Bob Dylan now have their answer: Dream Away Lodge, 1342 County Road, will open its 2024 season on May 17, with many changes in store.
For starters, the venue’s partners—Scott Levy and Sheryl Victor Levy—who purchased Dream Away from longtime owner Daniel Osman have welcomed Dan Giddings into the fold, with the latter developing and running the restaurant, bar, and music venue. Osman will continue to handle private events and weddings.
“We are focused on ensuring that the Dream Away remains healthy and strong for generations to come,” Giddings told The Berkshire Edge in an email. “It is a unique place with a beautiful spirit which we all feel fortunate to be a part of.”
According to an April 10 news release, Giddings’ restaurant experience includes founding, partnering, or investing in numerous eateries, including the Williamsburg, Brooklyn establishments of Beco Bar, Lilia, and Casa Publica; Mostrador in Manhattan; and Rise Doughnuts in Wilton, Conn.
Did you say barbecue?
Although the first course of action is to update the rear shed for private events and overflow nights, the partners are planning to add a wood-fired oven, smoker, and grill, equipment that will allow the Dream Away menu to boast barbecue meats, fish, poultry, and game.
Weekend morning fare will also be offered, featuring baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, and beverages.
A plan is in place to landscape the premises with herb and flower gardens, paths, and strolling sites.
Roadhouse menu
Although the release didn’t say whether the updated menu will include its famed burgers, Dream Away will be keeping its “roots as a roadhouse” with house-cured gravlax with labneh, capers, red onion, dill on focaccia; Peruvian woodfire grilled chicken with aji verde and yellow rice; and pork carnitas accompanied by beans, cilantro lime slaw and salsa with fresh tortillas. Dessert wasn’t forgotten either, with the course focusing on cakes, Brown Betties, and coconut cream pie.
Former Chef Amy Loveless will accompany Giddings in the expansion.
New programs, such as a guest chef residency project, will add interest to the menu with new creations while visiting culinarians spend a week on site.
Music is key
Music will once again fill the air at Dream Away this season as the venue hosts Mike + Ruthy (of the Mammals), Billy Keane, Moon Radio, Milton, Wes Pearce, Little Wings, Homebody, Rick Macquire (of Pile), Jackson Whalan, Reliant Tom, and Bobby Sweet. Andy McDowell will continue to advise on musical bookings.
A storied past and a new beginning
According to its website, Dream Away has been known to have had its Great Depression roots as a brothel and speakeasy. Besides Dylan, 1960s icons Arlo Guthrie, Joan Baez, and Allen Ginsberg have passed through the idyllic forest setting with its 200-year-old farmhouse founded by Mamma Maria Frasca.
Osman purchased Dream Away in 1997, operated it until September 2020, and then listed the site for sale in March 2021. A failed plan to open a glamping resort on the property led to the Levys, along with Andy McDowell and Courtney Hayne, to buy the venue in October of 2022, with Dream Away finally reopening in April 2023 after being closed for three years.
The new website will be online by May 1 and provide more information on music and events. Reservations begin May 1 and can be made at Dream Away Lodge’s website or on Resy.
“We are all very excited for the 2024 season,” Giddings said. The venue will end its season November 30.
