I’ve been waiting my whole life to write this post. Feels like it anyway. If there’s one place I adore in all of New England and want the world to know about, it’s Pickity Place in Mason, NH. (!)
It’s a restaurant, but also a destination. And even more so an experience. Quaint. Historic. Charming. Gourmet. Enchanting. This is Pickity Place.
In their own words:
“Since 1786 our quaint little red cottage has graced the hills of southern New Hampshire, seemingly untouched by time. The enchanting cottage was chosen by Elizabeth Orton Jones as the model for her illustrations in Little Red Riding Hood (Little Golden Books, 1948).
Today it is a mecca for gardeners, foodies and anyone looking for inspiration and relaxation. You will still find our hilltop hideaway at the end of the winding dirt road. Lighten your spirit as you step out of your world and into ours. Welcome to Pickity Place.”
On our field trip today, we’ll enter the cottage, check out Grandma’s room as we wait to be called for our seating. Then a coursed, gourmet lunch. And finally an explore of the gardens and shopping at Pickity Place. So let’s go!
Pickity Place, where time stands still…
Can only imagine how ancient this gnarly white ash tree is, right outside the restaurant entrance.
While waiting in the quaint reception area, sneak a peek of WHO is occupying Grandmother’s bed! (Suspiciously, no sign of Grandmother.)
I’ve always loved the stenciling in the parlor waiting area! Pickity has been featured in countless publications including Yankee Magazine and is an award-winning restaurant!
“Our 5-course gourmet luncheon draws guests back to Pickity Place time after time. From appetizers to dessert, the delightfully different luncheon dishes are accented with herbs and edible flowers grown and harvested from our very own culinary garden, served in a quaint, comfortable atmosphere.
Our menu changes each month and we serve at three private seatings each day: 11:30, 12:45 and 2:00. The dining room is open seven days a week and reservations are advised to assure a table. ”
My five course gourmet herbal luncheon included this decadent flourless chocolate brownie dessert!
Time to walk the beautiful grounds, see what we can see…
Cheerful, bright colors everywhere you look…
This little vignette was in the front gardens…..
Now we’re passing the kitchen entrance… 1786 is hiding behind the flag.
Straight ahead is a lovely little gift shop chock full of NH-made artisan items…
Check out the gardens as we follow the little stone pathway down to the herb shop…
You’ll find every herb and flower imaginable as well as one-of-a-kind wind chimes, fairy houses and bird houses…
It smells heavenly in this delightful little greenhouse…
I was smitten with these gorgeous Canterbury Bells that now reside in my garden!
A fun time celebrating Mother’s Day several years ago at Pickity Place with some great moms…my mom, sister and sister-in-laws…
Pickity Place is the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or just for a delightful change of pace. If you’ve never visited Pickity Place, you’re in for a real treat. Add it to your bucket list, you won’t be disappointed.
Other classic New England destinations: Bedford Village Inn and Simon Pearce Glass
Ellen says
What a lovely place. I would love to visit someday!
Allie says
I’d love to share lunch with you there Ellen. And I hope someday is not so far away.
Aunt Pinkie says
Oh, Allie-what a darling place! Wish I lived closer! All of you are so blessed to be able to enjoy it!
Allie says
I wish you could go there Aunt Pinkie, because you would appreciate each little detail. Red Riding Hood’s red velvet hood/cape hangs in the dining room on a hook. Will have to catch a picture of it the next time I am there so you can see it.
Nancy Hammett says
Thank you for sharing this beautiful place in New England.
Allie says
My pleasure Nancy! xo
Julie says
I share your love of Pickety Place! One day, my friend…I shall enjoy lunch there with YOU!!
Allie says
Our day will come….
Leslie Voegtlin says
So cute but ultimately more charming if I could go with all those ladies!!
Allie says
Ha ha, you know we would all love that Leslie!
Eva says
C’est un endroit magnifique Allie!! Si un jour je vais a New England je sais déjà où aller!! Bon vacances!xoxo
Allie says
Merci Eva! Hope you are having a lovely vacation! Smiling as I think of you enjoying time with your family…
Christina @ Christina's Cucina says
What a charming spot! I love the wolf in grandma’s bed! I have not spent enough time on the east coast in general, but now I have another place to add to the list! Lovely photos, Allie!
Allie says
Thank you Christina, I really hope you get to visit Pickity Place someday. You would love it. I also loved Cynthia’s blog post about you Cali ladies having Langham Afternoon Tea tea together one afternoon…http://whatagirleats.com/langham-afternoon-tea-wedgwood-kir-royale/ Lovely!
Robin @ Simply Southern Baking says
This brings back some great memories. I actually got to go there on a New England craft tour I went on many years ago. I didn’t get a chance to visit the restaurant but loved the gift shop and the grounds. It was October so there wasn’t as much in bloom. It’s such a delightful place and I’m so glad it’s still around. I have the same picture of the bedroom too. 🙂
Allie says
Robin, so fun to think you actually visited Pickity Place. So you were on a New England craft tour? That sounds like so much fun. Were you on a big tour bus? I just have to ask because the roads to Pickity Place are dirt and windy, and I don’t know how a tour bus could possibly maneuver them. That would be one amazing driver. Last year I drove there in springtime and it was mud season and I kid you not, I almost got stuck. That could be another of my crazy car stories. Of course there were other ladies in the car so that would be just my luck, to get stuck in the mud, and with an audience to boot. Grandmother’s bedroom is such a hoot. A couple years ago I saw these adorable wool Christmas ornaments of Red Riding Hood and the Wolf in the little gift shop. I cheaped out, said I would get them the next time. Well guess what, they haven’t been there since. Guess I’ll just have to keep checking back at regular intervals to see if the get any more in. Might just have to have lunch while I’m at it…(!)
Robin @ Simply Southern Baking says
Yes, we were on a bus tour and made it up the road! Don’t think I’d want to head up there during mud season though. 🙂
Allie says
Wow, I am so impressed they could get a bus in there!
Susie Mandel says
What a beautiful and charming place! And I loved the picture of those dear familiar faces. 🙂
Allie says
Susie – your New England bucket list is growing…. 🙂
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg says
Allie – The Pickity Place looks like a wonderful spot to relax and enjoy New England living. 🙂 The brownie speaks for itself. Holy Moly! 🙂
Allie says
Hi Erin – this would be nice side trip on your way to Maine some day. Not too far off the beaten path…
Jennifer Wittke says
Oh, what a DARLING place–I want to go, too! Loved the picture of all you Ryder women!
Allie says
Dear Jen – you would love Pickity Place. Was just saying to Maggie that this would make a great field trip at a Fall family reunion….XO
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons says
You’ve got me dying to travel a bit! Would you believe I’ve never tried edible flowers! Love that they’re home-grown!
Allie says
You would love Pickity Place Jenn! Time to start packing….:)
Maggie says
Allie, you’re killing me! I’m practically drooling! I wish I could close my eyes, open them, and see that beautiful place! Looks magical! Hopefully some day…Love that picture of all you lovely ladies:).
Allie says
Thank you so much Maggie – you would absolutely love Pickity Place. Sounds like quite a few of the Fall women have interest in visiting. It would make a fun girls field trip at a family reunion wouldn’t it? XO
Maggie says
That’s a great idea, Allie:). Would be so much fun!
Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom says
What an adorable place and what an amazing spread of food! lucky lady!! I love places that bring literature alive like this too 🙂
Allie says
Thank you Kristen! I am lucky, especially since it is only about an hour away…
Christy Smith says
What a feast for the eyes and soul Allie! Thank you for the beautiful visual tour today. I love the combination of home, gardens and dining! I am with Jenny, the picture of you Ryder girls made this blog visit EXTRAordinary!
Allie says
Dear Christy – you would absolutely love Pickity Place. And I hope we will be able to go together someday. XO
Christy Smith says
I would absolutely love that!! I am cooking up a scheme I will have to share with you by email.
Barbara Child says
Sorry I wasn’t able to go there with you in May! Went a long time ago with my Mom, but want to return sometime! Great write up!
Allie says
Barbara – we really missed you on that field trip. But you had a good reason to not come, I know you are so happy to have your family nearby now! Maybe we can do it again soon!
Linda Jenkins says
I have heard of this place several times from my friend Joanna. I, unfortunately, have never been there. But it does sound like a delightful trip that I need to add to my “bucket list”.
Marilyn Sylvester says
I really need to go there! It sounds like a great NH excursion!
Allie says
Yes you do Marilyn! You will absolutely love it, and it’s not that far…
Catherine says
Dear Allie, what a charming place to visit. I would love to visit someday..it looks so peaceful and fun. I would have a ball just wandering around there…my daughter would love its quaint country style too. The food looks beautiful. All in all, a perfect place to escape to especially for an end of summer retreat. xo, Catherine
Allie says
Dear Catherine, I know you and Tammy would absolutely love this. So many beautiful touches everywhere you look and the meal itself is always a work of art. I hope you can visit some day. XO
Carina Spring says
Allie, I loved reading about this unique restaurant and enjoyed the pictures. It sounds like a delightful place! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Allie says
I was so hoping you would see this post Carina. I know you would really love Pickity Place. It’s a quiet and reflective kind of place…
Carina Spring says
Thanks, Allie! One never knows, and maybe someday I will find myself enjoying one of their beautiful desserts in person! 🙂 Wonderful post!
vicki dufresne says
Allie, Pickety Place is one of Claire’s most favorite places, sadly I have never been. I guess it is something she and I should do together before she graduates. Thanks for sharing it does look like a beautiful place.
Allie says
Ahhh…confirmation that Claire has excellent taste!:) You will love it Vicki, and that would be such a meaningful thing to do together…
Tracy says
I have only been once a long time ago. I have been wanting to go back for quite awhile! I think I will try and go this summer, thanks to your great piece with such fabulous pictures! Loved this!
Allie says
Oh thank you Tracy, I had so much fun doing this piece. I really hope you get to go, it’s such a relaxing place. RELAX IS GOOD!
Kim @ Pickity Place says
Hi Allie! Thank you so much for your wonderful blog! We are so happy when we encounter guests that love Pickity as much as we do. We truly put out heart and soul, everyday, so that people like you experience the best of our gardens, luncheon, and gift shops!! So looking forward to meeting you the next time you come for lunch- in the mean time we look forward to reading your blog! Keith and Kim Grimes
Allie says
You are very welcome Kim and Keith, my pleasure. It’s easy to write about something you love. You have both outdone yourselves. Pickity Place has been the backdrop for some very special times through the years. Looking forward to many more great memories to come. Will definitely let you know the next time I drop by. Until then, cheers!
denise says
I was so glad to come across this post that you did. When we visited NH about 11 yrs ago, this was on our list to do, and we ended up scratching it off the list. I’ve always regretted it, and now I’m putting it back on our next to do list -for the 30th anniversary! Thank you!
Allie says
So glad Denise, you’ll love it! It’s a real New England gem.
Jacqueline Paré says
This is my favorite place to spend an afternoon. Great food, friendly employees, beautiful gardens, the wolf waiting in bed for Little Red Riding Hood, interesting gift shop, a delightful thing to share with friends. I have never been served something I didn’t love from the flavored water to the fresh bread, all the way through dessert. Hoping to come again soon.
Karl Thorkildsen says
I am so lucky to live in Mason. I’ve eaten there many times and it’s always a wonderful experience!
Eva says
Cet endroit a une charme fou! I would like to lunch here with you !
Brianna says
Hi Allie! I just stumbled on your blog by coincidence, googling for a recipe for coffee whipped cream. I am born and raised in NH, so the mention of the Black Forest Cafe caught my eye, and then I had a peek around your whole website–as a born and raised New Hampshirite I’ve been going to Pickity Place since I was a little girl, it is one of the most special places in New England to me. Just wanted to say hello from Goffstown and that its lovely to stumble across a blog paying homage to all the places and things that make New England so special!
Allie says
Hi Brianna – what a treat it was to get your nice message. Fun notes like yours are few and far between in the blogging world. When we moved back to NH in 2004 we lived in a duplex in Goffstown off Tirrel Hill Road, until we bought a house not long afterwards in Manchester. I’m so glad you stumbled onto this site by accident… and we both have a common love of this beautiful area. Maybe we’ll run into each other at Pickity. That would be awesome. Hope you’ll drop by again – have a super weekend!