If you are planning for some great Boston and NE area spring and summer events, check out Pickety Place in Mason, NH. The long and winding road to PIckety Place in Mason, New Hampshire leads to an English garden hidden in the middle of the woods that yields one of the most delicious and unusual five course gourmet herbal luncheons in all of New Hampshire, if not New England.
Pickety Place is a hidden gem in scenic Southern NH
Driving along the back roads of central Massachusetts to Pickety Place, located in scenic Southern, N.H., this writer had a few doubts. Just where would this journey lead? When the car hit the final stretch of dirt road that eventually led to the entrance of this enchanting spot nestled among the trees, I almost wanted to turn back, thinking that perhaps we had taken a wrong turn.
Pickety Place is a great spot for a ladies’ day trip
However, memories of one of my favorite childhood books The Secret Garden came to mind at the entrance to this 200 year old cottage, turned restaurant, and its five acres of picture post card herb and flower gardens. Footpaths woven throughout the grounds seemed to invite visitors to meander a while before lunch to take in the serenity and beauty of this special place.
Many women of all ages strolled the grounds but few men seemed to be wandering about, unless accompanied by a woman. Men are of course, welcome, but Pickety Place is more of day trip for ladies: mothers and daughters or groups of friends and relatives out for a "girls' lunch" or a special occasion.
What makes a Pickety Place luncheon so special?
The herb gardens are not just for show at New Hampshire’s Pickety Place. Fresh herbs are in fact, gathered every day from the Pickety Place Kitchen Garden and used to create the unique five course herbal luncheons.
Dining on fresh ingredients accented with edible flowers and herbs from the Pickety Place culinary gardens is a treat to be savored. Luncheon menus have monthly themes such as the July menu that included a garden ranch dip, a harvest summer salad, with New England buttermilk dressing and a choice of either beef ravioli with Sauce Al’Lamariciana or Adobo Roasted Vegetables. Very tasty!
Hours of operation and reservations at New Hampshire's Pickety Place
Though the quaint 1786 cottage is nestled far away from city life, Pickety Place was fully booked the day we visited. There are three seatings for the Pickety Place herbal luncheon: 11:30, 12:45 and 2PM. Though reservations are recommended, walk ins are also accepted.
There was a short wait for my party’s 2PM reservation, but this just gave us more time to enjoy the gift shop and gardens. Pickety Place is open year round, seven days a week except on major holidays. A childrens' menu is also available. Reservations can be made via phone at (603)-878-1151 Ext 0.
For more information
Visit the Pickety Place website
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