DayTripping: The Carter House

 

The 1810 Carter House Tea Room and Gift Shop

 

The 1810 Carter House Tearoom and Gift Shop is a hidden treasure nestled in the heart of Kingston on the Kingston Peninsula in beautiful Kings Co, NB.  A bit off the beaten track, the Kingston Peninsula is accessible by 3 toll-free ferryboats or overland via Hampton.  About an hour and a half from Fredericton, and 40 minutes from Saint John and Sussex, The Carter House is a delightful destination for daytrippers looking for a refreshing repast after a rewarding trip through some of the most picturesque scenery in all of New Brunswick.

Kings County

 

 

Locating Kings Co. on the Map of NB

The Carter House is an historical building owned and operated by Kingston Peninsula Heritage Inc.  Over the past 4 decades The Carter House has evolved into a charming tearoom and gift shop and a bit of a museum. Read about the history of the Carter House by clicking on this link:  Carter House Tearoom and Gift Shop. 

1810 Carter House: 874 Rte. 845, Kingston, NB: 506-832-2902

June to August:  Tuesday to Saturday 9:00am to 4:00pm 

September: Saturdays 9:00am to 4:00 

 

The TeaRoom
At the risk of sounding cliché, the interior of The Carter House is charming.  Even on the hottest of summer days, the tearoom is refreshingly cool while the atmosphere is warm and inviting. 

Refreshingly Cool

 



 Warm and Inviting

 

 

As a frequent visitor, I can attest to the excellent quality of food and service. 

A Special Event at Carter House

Take a look at this menu and its prices--a cup of soup for $2.50!  A sandwich for $4.50!  The sandwiches are available on white, brown, whole wheat or honey seed bread.  Honey seed bread?  Yes, it tastes as good as it sounds.  The dessert of the day is $4.50.  That could be strawberry
shortcake, chocolate cake with boiled icing, gingerbread with whipped cream, raspberry cheesecake, a variety of pies etc., etc. 

 

 Carter House Menu 2014

 

 The Carter House aims to serve foods that are local and in season. 

Fruit Tartlets

 

Did I mention that the cooks of Kings County are beyond compare? 

Chocolate Cake with Boiled Icing

 

When was the last time you had a warm cinnamon bun with butter and a hot cup of tea for $3.00? 

  

Cup of Tea

 

 Being a Tea Snob, I will vouch for the tea.  Although my personal favourite is good ole reliable King Cole, the Carter House Blend runs a close second for me.  Delicious. 

Carter House Blend and King Cole Teas

And the array of teas has recently expanded to appeal to the tea adventurer!

Assortment of Teas

 

Most tea drinkers would agree that tea tastes best steeped to perfection in a china pot and served in a delicate cup and saucer.  The Carter House has an eclectic collection of teapots and an endless supply of fine cups and saucers.  You may even request a particular teapot and a favourite cup and saucer from the friendly staff.   

 

Delicate Cups and Saucers

 

 

Collection of Teapots

 

 

 

The Gift Shop

The Gift Shop offers quality items at excellent prices.  Most products are locally made.  Let's take a look.

 

Gift Shop

 

Need a wedding gift?

Crimmins' Pottery

 

A birthday gift?

 

 

 

 Jewellery

 

Button Bracelets

 

How about a baby gift?



Hand-Knit Baby Sweater ($16.00)

 

And for the "Earthy" baby....

Baby Paws ($8.00 a pair)

 

Babies still use bibs, right? 

Bibs

 

Winter will come....

Hand-Knit Socks and Mittens ($8.00 to $20.00)

 

And we will need socks and mittens...

More Mittens

 

A Christmas gift for your Great-Aunt who has everything she needs...

Preserves, Jams, Jellies

 

We all need honey in our pantries....

Honey

Who does not LOVE the St. John River....??

St. John River Society T-Shirts

 

Learn more about this corner of New Brunswick...

Books by Local Authors

A hand-knit baby sweater for $16.00!?  Why buy local?  Why not?  It stimulates the local economy; the money goes to the crafter who is likely to spend it in our community.  And a percentage of every sale goes to The Carter House.  Buying local is environmentally-correct.  The product did not travel half-way around the world; packaging is minimal.

 

Historical Artifacts

When you have finished your lunch in the tearoom and your shopping in the gift shop, you are welcome to take a look upstairs at the historical artifacts.

 

Baby Carriage

 

Doll and Cradle

 

Front Hall

 

Bathroom Artifacts

 

Heritage Gardens

Before leaving the grounds, be sure to take a stroll in the heritage gardens surrounding The Carter House. 

Path with Bench

 

Flower Beds

 

Roses

 

Garden Shed

 

Future Plans

Recently, Kingston Peninsula Heritage Inc. received funding from the provincial government to help with further renovations to The Carter House.  A reception was held to celebrate this announcement. 

 

There was a cake....

a choir.....

 

 dignitaries....

 Kathleen Fullerton, President of KPHI  and Trevor Holder, Minister of Wellness, Culture and Sport (fifth cousins)

 

 

Student Employment
Over the years, The Carter House has provided employment for more than 200 local students.  As a matter of fact, I was one of those students employed by Kingston Peninsula Heritage Inc. At age 22, I spent the summer at The Carter House with one other student, building window screens and installing pink fibreglass insulation in the crawlspace under the house.  Now, in my retired 50s, I maintain my connection to The Carter House by selling my mittens in the gift shop. 
The Carter House could not function without loyal volunteers and diligent summer students.  This year's crew is enthusiastic, welcoming, efficient, responsible, and eager to please.  And look how happy they are!

Helen

 

Charlotte and Sarah (second cousins)

 

Matt

 

They look forward to serving you at 1810 Carter House Tearoom and Gift Shop.

 

 

Until Next Time.....