Lady Smith Manor's Summer Market

UPDATED MAY 24, 2025

Lady Smith Manor’s Summer Market

Lady Smith Manor’s Summer Market is back! Every summer around mid-July, the grounds of this historic 1840 Georgian manor in Dorchester, New Brunswick, transform into a delightful storybook celebration chock full of fantastic wares for sale. It is a feast for your eyes (and stomach) with treasures galore awaiting your discovery. Be wowed by imagination and swept into a whimsical world of wonder as you experience this Lady Smith Manor’s annual event.

With Lady Smith Manor owners, Miriam and Stephen, orchestrating the whole event, expect charming details and delightful surprises around every corner. Wander through unique booths displaying work from local artisans and vintage-inspired treasures. Join the scavenger hunt, and participate in fun games & activities. Savour tasty snacks and cool treats from the Ice Cream Bar, then enjoy live music and refreshing sips in The Thirsty Whippet Pub Beer Garden. And don’t forget your costume. There’s a prize for the best themed look!

It’s all happening under the shady oaks at Lady Smith Manor, an unforgettable weekend for the whole family. Tickets are just $5/Kids under 12 FREE on Saturday, July 19: 10am-5pm and Sunday, July 20: 10am-4pm. Reserve your LSM Summer Market tickets now and let the countdown begin.

Step Back in Time at Lady Smith Manor

This storied property of Lady Smith Manor was once home to Sir Albert James Smith, former Premier of New Brunswick, and has been lovingly restored by Miriam Andrews and her husband Stephen Trites, since they purchased it in 2019. I had the honour of attending the very first Victorian-themed summer market here in 2021 and have been to almost all of them since. From the beginning, Miriam and Stephen set out to create more than just an event, they opened their doors to the community, offered a peek into a grand restoration in progress, and sparked something magical. And they’ve been building on that momentum ever since.

Each summer, guests are invited to stroll through an old-fashioned market experience. Miriam curates a fresh theme every year: it all began with A Village Vintage Fair, followed by A Country Market, A Secret Garden, Around The World in 80 Days, and in 2025, a magical celebration inspired by The Greatest Showman, celebrating P.T. Barnum and his legendary Barnum & Bailey Circus, where guests were swept up into a whimsical world of wonder, imagination, and 1800’s circus charm.

The Summer Market is a nostalgic celebration of country living from days gone by - year after year. Lady Smith Manor invites you to slow down, browse vintage stalls, wander the gardens, enjoy a scoop of ice cream, sit under the shade of the big oak trees, sip something cool in The Thirsty Whippet’s beer garden, and make memories that linger long after the day ends.

Wedding and Special Event Venue

My impression after my first Lady Smith Manor experience, was that if LSM’s Summer Market was any indication of what we could expect from this wedding and event venue, we were all in for a treat. Miriam and Stephen have continued to amaze me year after year as they continue to host special local community events, as well as weddings. A British-style pub called, The Thirsty Whippet opened in the spring of 2024 (which is all very fitting since Miriam is originally from the UK) and it is a huge hit with locals and visitors alike. A Grand Opening was celebrated on June 21-23, 2024 with a performance by fellow Brit, James Mullinger as the headliner on Saturday night. Plan to pop by when visiting the Summer Market for a cold drink out in the charming beer garden.

Lady Smith Manor is Enchanting

The LSM property is absolutely enchanting. Once you enter the grounds, you feel transported in time. It is surrounded by beautiful mature trees nestled in the heart of a quiet, sleepy, rural, country setting. As you walk up the driveway, you are immediately drawn into a dreamscape of LSM’s former grandeur and mystique, and that’s just how Miriam & Stephen want you to feel. It’s all in the grand plan.

Local Artisans and Vendors

Miriam carefully orchestrates every single detail, including curating an impressive lineup of talented local artisans and vendors. Expect over 20 vintage-inspired booths each year. Miriam incorporates many of the LSM’s 19th & 20th Century antique furnishings into each display and each year Miriam plans extra special surprises. She divulges a few in posts leading up to the event but she also keeps many under wraps until opening day.

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Lady Smith Manor Summer Markets Offer Something For Everyone

Guests are welcome to shop the curiosities, pretty vintage clothes and treasures, as well as homewares and accessories. There is always plethora of offerings from handmade jewelry, candles and décor, artwork, farm-fresh produce, embroidery and fibre art, leather craft, pottery, natural bath and body products, beautiful flowers, as well as delicious summer treats and drinks. As they say, there is something for everyone. Pearl the Alpaca from nearby Llamazing Adventures was there for photos with guests year one. The next, ponies from Beloved Miniature Horses offered rides for the kiddies. There is always something new and exciting to discover at LSM Summer Markets. That’s half the fun seeing what Miriam comes up with.

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Photo Courtesy of The Thirsty Whippet

Photo courtesy of Lady Smith Manor

Lady Smith

Miriam (or “Lady Smith” as the locals like to call her), is always milling around. Look for her at the LSM coffee bar or out and about welcoming guests. Stephen is never far away either, you might find him in the pub bartending, or greeting guests, too.

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Lady Smith Manor Diaries

Believe it or not, Miriam also finds time in the midst of renovating this 25-room, 8000 square-foot manor, to record a vlog diary of weekly progress. She often shares techniques, or gives helpful tips. Miriam also manages a website with an online shop of branded clothing, a special blend coffee and lots of LSM swag. For more information on how to book your event or to discover what is up and coming at Lady Smith Manor, visit LSM’s website, connect with LSM on Facebook, and/or follow Lady Smith Manor Diaries on YouTube.

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Canada’s Historic Place

Lady Smith Manor is recognized as one of Canada's Historic Places and with the TLC that Miriam & Stephen are giving this grand lady, she will surely become a top event venue destination, as well. LSM’s mission is to offer unique experiences, unexpected moments, inspired spaces, and unforgettable events. You can be guaranteed that LSM delivers all of that, and then some.

So, mark your calendars for July 19 & 20, 2025 and turn back time to stroll into a country Summer Market. Be allured by the charm of an 1840 Georgian Manor nestled in the village of Dorchester, New Brunswick. Discover vintage treasures and local artisans, family-fun activities and old-fashioned summer treats. Treasure an unforgettable experience at Lady Smith Manor.

And be sure to put LSM’s Christmas Market on your calendar, too. It’s one of many annual events, and unforgettable experiences Miriam & Steven have planned.

Lady Smith Manor is a Special Events Venue

Miriam and Stephen reach for the stars to make each special event getting bigger and better from their annual Markets, Vintage Picnics, Afternoon Teas, Movies Nights, Book Clubs, Live Music events, The Thirsty Whippet Pub, Comedy Nights, Whiskey Tours, Murder Mystery Nights, and a New Year’s Eve Ball.

Escape to the Manor

Lady Smith Manor offers two luxurious suites for you to enjoy, with the option to book a single night or take advantage of a discounted rate when you stay for two nights. Book a stay in the Parisian Suite or the Sandpiper Suite at the Manor. Take a peek below at the elegant suites and take my word for it, a stay at Lady Smith Manor is as dreamy as it looks. I have had the privilege of being hosted in both these suites and I know you will love it, too.

The Parisian Suite

The Parisian Suite exudes vintage elegance, featuring a grand four-poster bed, a clawfoot tub with sunset views, and luxurious touches like a private dressing room, and sumptuous bedding & towels. Enjoy breakfast delivered to your door in a charming picnic basket, adding a delightful start to your serene escape.

The Sandpiper Suite

The Sandpiper Suite is a vintage-inspired haven, blending timeless charm with modern luxuries like a stunning copper tub, heated towel rails, and sumptuous bedding and towels. Indulge in cozy elegance with luxurious bedding and thoughtful touches that promise an unforgettable retreat.

The Thirsty Whippet Pub

Step into the world of The Thirsty Whippet Pub and experience something truly unique. Enjoy this quirky English style Pub nestled amongst the majestic trees of the New Brunswick countryside and surrounded by the old style grandeur and period character and charm of Lady Smith Manor.

Book Lady Smith Manor for your Special Event

LSM offers bookings for photo shoots, creative workshops, meeting spaces, and corporate events. An Exclusively Yours Weekend Wedding Package is available, too. It includes LSM accommodations, use of the complete manor including The Thirsty Whippet Pub, wedding planner-assisted support, personalized decor design and setup, rental of all furniture, tableware, and much more. LSM also offers an Elopement-Style Wedding Package option.This 1840’s Georgian Manor is the perfect backdrop for your happy occasion or special event. Know that you are in excellent hands with the impeccable organizing and styling that LSM offers here.

Whether you book for a personal function or attend one of LSM’s annual events, you will be glad you did. Miriam and Stephen have created an event venue that this province has never seen the likes of before. It is a magical place and I hope everyone gets a chance to discover it.

Hope to see you at the Manor!

James Mullinger, Thirsty Whippet Pub Grand Opening Photo Credit: Megan Snair Photography

Christmas at the Manor

Welcome to Christmas at the Manor - an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas Market at Lady Smith Manor. Shop for unique holiday gifts and stocking stuffers as well as delectable sweets and treats all made by local makers and creators. Discover vintage-inspired vendors and local artisan booths, and festive family-fun activities on the grounds of an 1840 Georgian Manor nestled in the village of Dorchester, New Brunswick. Don’t miss this festive event that happens each year in November.

Christmas at the Manor

This post was sponsored by Lady Smith Manor; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Follow Maritimes Maven on FaceBook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn & Threads. Subscribe to be the first to receive my latest articles. Share articles you love with your social media community so they, too, will discover, There’s No Place Like Home!