Marshlands Inn
Sackville, New Brunswick |
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As
we snuggled in to our cozy bed having just feasted on
the wonderful evening's repast, I couldn't help
but feel I was back at Grandma's house. Not that Grammy
Thibault's three bedroom in Melbourne, Nova Scotia was
as opulent as the Marshlands Inn, but the hominess
here made me feel almost childlike.
It all began
on a summer day in 1854, okay I won't get into
all the Marshland's history - suffice to say there's plenty
of it. Built as a wedding gift for the daughter of one
of Sackville, New Brunswick's wealthiest families, the
present day Marshlands Inn maintains the splendor
of a bygone era. Furnished entirely in period antiques
and local Piece D'arts, the Inn has blended today's
amenities with yesterday's charm.
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Some
of the best The Marshlands has to offer is served
up in one of its newest additions, the Dining Room
- built in the 1970's. Here you can feast on their wonderful
selection of beautifully prepared meals, many of whose
recipes span generations. Such as your first table
offering, their oven fresh "clover leaf" rolls, a longtime
Marshland's staple.
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We began
our dinner by choosing from the array of appetizers which
include Gruyere and Lobster Souffle and the scrumptious
Tomato and Artichoke Tart (tomato slices topped
w/ artichoke and 3 cheeses in a cornmeal crust). Carol
chose the alluring Marshlands Inn Salad; a flavourful
medley of fresh greens, blanched almonds, onions, tomatoes
and mandarin oranges, tossed with a delicious poppy seed
dressing. My bowl of Maritime traditional seafood chowder
was hearty and devine. Entrée standouts include
fine beef and fresh seafood offerings such as: Filet
Mignon, Sole Almondine and Dijon Salmon.
Shellfish are also wonderfully prepared here. The broiled
scallops are served on an oyster half shell with a creamy
white wine sauce and a lovely rice medley. My main course
came recommended, Chicken Cordon Blu in the traditional
style: a juicy breast filled with aged gruyere cheese
and wrapped in prochiutto ham, smothered in peppercorn
splendour and accompanied by delicately roasted potatoes
and grilled vegetables - poulet perfection!
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Feast for a King (or Queen)
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For
desert, there's a tasty array of tantalizing tummy teasers
(I love alliteration). Indulge in Bailey's Chocolate
Mouse Cake, Crème Broulè, Marshlands Chocolate
Truffles or their 50 year old favourite, Snow Pudding;
a light and frothy meringue with a sherry custard sauce.
Our final course consisted of drinking in the ambiance of
this wonderful room's antique tables and fine French doors
(plus we wanted to save room for the ginger snaps and
hot chocolate served in the parlor 'round 10ish each
evening ;-)
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Cozy comfort in antique style
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Soon
the crackling fire beckoned us to the cozy parlour
and a seat in a relaxing chair. Then it was story time.
Innkeeper Peter Weedon spins a great yarn about
the Inn's colourful past. After passing on from the original
owners, The Marshlands (named for the many marshes
in the Sackville area) underwent several renovations and
continued to serve as one of the finer family homes
in the area. In the 1930s it was called in to service
as a guest house for the traveler and has remained so
ever since. The Weedons have been the Inn's proprietors
for 5 successful seasons now, after Peter decided to escape
the rat race of his financial consulting company. He still
enjoys that field, but as an independent, who at the end
of a hectic contract, can seek solace in the warm outstretched
eves of The Marshlands Inn. The best part is, you
can too !
Your trip
to the Marshlands can be taken via one of Atlantic
Canada's most colourful Fall foliage routes. The Fundy
Coastal Drive of New Brunswick. This time of year
a drive along this scenic route is a tranquil meander
through splendour.
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