The Aston Martin Owners Club of North America hosted its 52nd Lime Rock Weekend, a weekend event filled with excitement, camaraderie, and exquisite automobiles. This annual gathering featured a variety of activities for members and if you are an Aston Martin enthusiast it should be on your bucket list.
The festivities started with at Lime Rock Park and at this time cars where participants enjoyed the track at level they prefer. A great addition to this year’s happening was a cocktail hour and a private tour of a Berkshire Cottage, The Naumkeag.
The Naumkeag
On Friday, May 17th, we attended a thrilling Stafferton Car Rally through the scenic Berkshire countryside. Starting at 10 AM, participants navigated a picturesque route, showcasing their stunning Aston Martins against the backdrop of rolling hills and verdant landscapes. The rally has a special meaning for long time members as it was created in memory of one of their members whose son Henry attended the weekend. Rally culminated at the Greendales Estate, Broad Meadow Estate, known for its charm and elegance.
Henry Stafferton
From 1 PM to 4 PM, attendees enjoyed a Southern Comfort buffet lunch at Broad Meadows, featuring a seafood boil, jambalaya, collard greens, mac and cheese, and more. Various vendors were on hand to enhance the experience. Higher Bar offered craft cocktails, creative mocktails, specialty curated beer and wine, and a selection of soft drinks. Casablanca, a luxury boutique for women and men, had a pop-up shop for high-end retail therapy. Battleground Cigars hosted a cigar rolling booth, celebrating the rich history of Connecticut with their boutique cigars.
For dinner, attendees were encouraged to explore recommended local spots, offering diverse dining experiences to suit all tastes.
The Concours Day
The second day, Saturday, May 18th, was dedicated to the Concours d’Elegance at Broad Meadows. The day began early with car preparation from 7:30 AM to 8:45 AM. By 9 AM, all cars were parked, and the rules reviewed. Judges and club officers were introduced, setting the stage for the main event. At 9:45 AM, the “rags down” call signaled the start of the judging, which continued until 12:30 PM.
Throughout the morning, participants enjoyed offerings from Stockbridge Coffee and Tea, as well as Tiffany’s Cafe, serving breakfast sandwiches and pastries. Lunch was served from 1 PM to 3 PM, featuring a menu designed to satisfy the palate, with beer and wine available to complement the meal.
The afternoon featured various vendors. MS Walker’s Bruce Beckwith hosted a wine tasting, offering samples and the opportunity to purchase select wines at Elm Street Market. Berkshire Mountain Distillery provided a cocktail tasting, showcasing their spirits with the option to buy. Township Four presented a floristry and home pop-up shop, while Sidetracks Gift Shop offered unique gifts and apparel. Mill Brook Sugarhouse brought their famous maple syrup to the event, allowing attendees to take home a taste of New England.
The Awards Dinner
The grand finale of the weekend was the Awards Dinner at the Red Lion Inn, located at 30 Main Street, Stockbridge. Cocktail hour began at 5 PM on the Side Piazza and Side Parlor, where guests enjoyed beer, wine, the signature cocktail “The Aston Martini,” and passed hors d’oeuvres.
The Aston Martin Owners Club of North America buffet dinner, starting at 6 PM, promised a delectable selection, including a soup and salad station, roasted chicken, pan-seared Faroe Island salmon, braised short ribs, a grilled vegetable medley, roasted potatoes, and a warm fruit crisp for dessert. Beer, wine, and the signature cocktail were included, with mixed drinks available at the cash bar.
The evening culminated in an awards ceremony, recognizing the standout vehicles and participants of the weekend.
The Aston Martin Owners Club of North America 52nd Lime Rock Weekend was a memorable event, celebrating the elegance and performance of Aston Martin automobiles and the camaraderie of their owners. It was an opportunity to partake in a weekend of luxury, fine dining, and automotive excellence.
Tiffany Greendale shared her experiences and changes over the years, emphasizing her introduction to the club five years ago and her immediate love for the people more than the cars. Two years later, during the 50th anniversary, she hosted a luncheon for 180 people amid the challenges of the pandemic, determined to make each subsequent year better.
This year, they centralized activities in the Berkshires, keeping everything close except for the Lime Rock visit and the road tour. They varied the routes to showcase the area’s beauty and historical significance. Last year, she introduced a single vendor, Casablanca, at the pool house. This year, she expanded to include various vendors, offering diverse shopping and local products, like wool blankets and maple syrup. Each day featured different vendors to support local businesses.
Tiffany, now a board member, aims to build the club’s social media presence to attract younger members while maintaining long-standing friendships. She looks forward to bringing more vibrancy and excitement to the Aston Martin Owners Club.
Chris Greendale, former chairman of the club added insights into the club’s history and the significance of Lime Rock Weekend, a celebration centered around Lime Rock Park in Connecticut. He emphasized the importance of friendships formed over the years, stating that the cars bring members together, but the friendships last forever. Chris has been a member for about 25 years and served as chairman for three years, cherishing the relationships he’s built. The weekend features track time, a rally, assorted meals, and the Concours, showcasing cars and awarding prizes based on presentation.
He noted the shift from vintage cars, like the 1965 DB5, to more modern models, as the older cars have become extremely valuable and are less frequently driven on the track. Despite this, owners of vintage cars still attend to be with friends. This year, Tiffany’s efforts made it the best weekend ever, and she looks forward to making it even better next year. Chris’s favorite parts of the weekend are the Stafferton Turn Road Rally and the Saturday night awards banquet.
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