The Lady Smith Manor Summer Market

A Practically Perfect Summer Market at Lady Smith Manor

When the wind changes, a little magic always seems to find its way to Lady Smith Manor—and this summer, it’s arriving by umbrella.

On July 18 & 19, 2026, the grounds of Lady Smith Manor, a historic 1840 Georgian manor in Dorchester, New Brunswick, will once again transform for its 6th annual beloved Summer Market, this year inspired by the timeless charm and wonder of Mary Poppins. Hosted by owners Miriam and Stephen, this annual tradition has become known for its imaginative themes, vintage charm, and thoughtful details, drawing visitors into a world where nostalgia, creativity, and community meet.

A Mary Poppins-inspired Weekend of Artisan Treasures, Whimsical Fun, and Summer Magic in Dorchester, New Brunswick

This year promises a practically perfect weekend filled with artisan makers, vintage-inspired treasures, whimsical activities, and magical surprises tucked beneath the shady trees. Guests can follow clues through a Mary Poppin’s Lost Carpet Bag Scavenger Hunt, add your own colourful masterpiece to Bert’s Chalk Drawing Corner, strike a pose at the Practically Perfect Photo Booth, and compete in the Mary Poppins Costume Competition—whether dressed as a magical nanny, a cheerful chimney sweep, or a kite-flying adventurer.

Add in live music, sweet treats, ice cream, tea, summer refreshments, and a stop at The Thirsty Whippet Beer Garden, and you have all the ingredients for a summer tradition that feels like stepping into a storybook.

Tickets are just $5/Kids under 12 FREE on Saturday, July 18, 2026: 10am-5pm and Sunday, July 19, 2026: 10am-4pm.

Reserve your Lady Smith Manor Summer Market tickets now and let the countdown begin.

Step Back in Time at Lady Smith Manor

This storied property of Lady Smith Manor (LSM) 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 and 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.

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 and 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 and 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.

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 year, 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.

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.

Canada’s Historic Place

Lady Smith Manor is recognized as one of Canada's Historic Places and with the TLC that Miriam and 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 18 & 19, 2026 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 and Stephen have planned.

The Thirsty Whippet Pub

A quirky 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 with a performance by fellow Brit, James Mullinger as the headliner.

Plan to pop by when visiting the Summer Market for a cold drink out in the charming beer garden.

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, Pasta with the Chef, The Stitched Whippet Society evenings, Secret Book Club gatherings, Movies Nights, 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.

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!

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.

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!