Parker's Maple Barn restaurant, Mason, N.H.
MASON, N.H. --Parker's Maple Barn is located in the middle
of nowhere. From any direction, you're sure to experience endless
winding roads, pine trees that join for miles, and disbelief that
79,000 people living in Nashua are only 20 minutes away from seemingly
the most quiet place on Earth.
Why anyone would want to travel to seemingly the other side of the
universe for bacon and eggs is sincerely answered upon arriving at the
bumpy, dirt parking lot. You feel like you're home, at a nice, warm
safe place -- perhaps a reminder of what New England used to be like
before the population boom and commercialization of scenic areas.
The maple barn is actually an authentic 1800s dairy barn and silo.
Inside, the antique cow stanchions integrated into handmade wooden
tables and antique farm items hanging on the walls create an instant
time warp atmosphere set to dim lighting, bright service, and
absolutely electrifying comfort food.
Cozy, rustic dining room at Parker's Maple Barn restaurant.
Humorous, fun touches like this studious pig (perhaps unaware that maple baby back ribs are on the menu) add to the overall family-fun experience...
Happy pig statue at Parker's Maple Barn.
Sometimes on weekends there can be a wait -- especially on
Saturdays and Sundays --
so a walk through a charming pedestrian covered bridge en route to the
appealing Corn Crib Gift Shop makes the time go by quickly.
Covered bridge connecting the restaurant and gift shop.
Corn Crib Gift Shop at Parker's Maple Barn.
In the gift shop, the smell of scented candles easily soothes the formerly tense feelings of waiting for a seat. Maple products, jams, gourmet coffee, toys, herbal teas, a folksy book collection, natural log furniture and a great Native American section downstairs with arts, clothing and jewelry make the time go by quickly.
Merchandise at Corn Crib Gift Shop.
Parker's Maple Barn's own maple syrup.
Another great way to pass time
is visiting Parker's Maple Sugar House
(only operating six weeks of the year, usually March and part of
April). Maple syrup production is done the old-fashioned way using
wood-fired evaporators --it is a great appetizer to what's to come when
seated at the dining room.
When that time arrives to be seated in the
dining room, be prepared for
a down-to-earth feast-- Parker's serves breakfast all day and offers
some truly unique lunches. A nice way to start off is with an appetizer
special like the deep fried blueberry bites, cinnamon rolls and
doughnuts holes...
Deep fried baked goods from Parker's Maple Barn restaurant.
For those interested in a hearty breakfast, the Parker's Special is the acknowledged standard with two eggs, two pancakes (or one french toast), two bacon strip, two sausages and ham or ham hash in place of all meats, home fries and toast. Particularly delicious are the pumpkin pancakes, as far away from artifically flavored as could be.
The Parker's Special.
Another outstanding breakfast choice: a thick, oversized waffle with vanilla ice cream and real maple syrup...
Waffle breakfast from Parker's Maple Barn.
Without a doubt, the best lunch item (it's actually a dinner portion) is the sumptuous maple ribs. Why haven't other restaurants thought of this concoction? A half-rack of these gems goes in a hurry as its succulent quality demands for rapid eating.
Maple baby back ribs from Parker's Maple Barn.
Other outstanding lunch choices include maple baked beans with ham and
brown
bread, and a fresh roast turkey dinner.
Roast turkey dinner from Parker's Maple Barn.
A great soup choice is the flavorful french
onion -- it's a meal by
itself. The hearty maple swiss burger with maple caramelized onions is
more a universal favorite rather than an acquired taste, as the flavors
somehow come together. It's a nice alternative to the ribs, if looking
for a lighter meal (although it's not exactly light)
Recommended drinks to go along with the
ample portions of food are the
delicious maples frappe or hot spiced apple cider (be prepared to go
for a second cup of this addictively spiced beverage). The seasonal
blueberry pie with wild Maine blueberries is a top choice for dessert.
The service is always pleasant with salt-of-the-earth waitresses, or
salt-of-the earth-in-waiting younger staff.
Parker's may be in the middle of nowhere, but true New
Englanders
living in distant regions know that the journey can be as enjoyable
as
the end result. It's much like New Englanders enduring the long, cold
winters, knowing there is a jewel at the end. The same can be said
about making the effort to get to Parker's and then experiencing its
wonderful food. It is indeed a must-visit New Hampshire restaurant
destination.
Parker's Maple Barn, 1316 Brookline
Road, Mason, N.H. Tel. (603)
878-2308. Web site: http://www.parkersmaplebarn.com. Facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/Parkers-Maple-Barn-55563722838/
If you enjoyed this article, please share through any of the social media buttons below -- thanks!
ViitingNewEngland Publisher Eric Hurwitz
wrote this helpful, fun New England travel book just for you...
Facebook
Twitter 
Pinterest
Google+FREE SUBSCRIPTION
Sign up for our
free VisitingNewEngland.com E-NEW ENGLAND TRAVEL NEWSLETTER
Featuring our
latest New England travel insider's news updates and stories, discounts
and coupons!
