Dr. Lili Nasseri - Freelance Travel and Health Writer

Shediac is for Lovers Maritime Traveller Times & Transcript, Moncton N.B. Published: Saturday Feb 3, 2007 Page: G4 With temperatures reaching well below zero over the past few weeks, it is easy to understand the desire to stay indoors. St-Valentine's Day is around the corner however, and it would probably be a good idea to plan a little 'outside' adventure. Perhaps you could get pampered at the spa, share a candle-lit dinner or spend the night at an inn. Why not combine all three? Shediac, just twenty minutes Northeast of Moncton, is an ideal destination for a romantic escapade. Although most would think of the 'lobster capital of the world' as a decidedly summer destination, it actually offers some of its treats year-round. Begin by indulging your senses at the Gatehouse Spa which only opened its doors early last year. The Gatehouse Spa is located in a 100 year-old Victorian home and it is tastefully decorated with antiques from all around the world. You could go for a 'rejuvenating' body blizzard wrap or perhaps better yet this chilly winter, consider a hot stone massage. The spa offers a whole gamut of packages, some of which are well-suited to couples and would be ideal for Valentine's Day. Next, make your way to Maison Tait, a historic mansion built in 1911. A large mahogany door with an iron door knocker greets you and beckons you to knock before entering. The glass alongside the door is a spectacle of light and cost over a million dollars to build. As you walk through the entrance, you immediately feel as though you are being transported to another place. From the eccentric art dotting the walls to the chandeliers that resemble rainfall frozen in time and space, Maison Tait is most definitely a feast for your eyes as well as your taste buds. Though everything on the menu promises to be good, for Valentine's Day consider indulging in a tête-à-tête by beginning your meal with a cheese fondue as a starter, a beef fondue for your entrée and ending with a delectable chocolate fondue. If you have had too much to drink, you can spend the night as the restaurant doubles as an auberge and offers beautiful rooms. You have your pick as each room is different and you can choose between a room with a fireplace, one with a canopy bed and even another clad with a shower with full-body jets. On your way home, that night or the next day, stop at the Rotary Park to pay homage to a familiar piece of art. The largest lobster in the world is 15 feet wide, 35 feet long and weighs 90 tons. It was unveiled in 1990 at the opening of the annual summer lobster festival. The sculpture was created by the late Winston Bronnum, a resident of Penobsquis, who was fighting cancer at the time. The lobster is his last public piece. On that note, no matter what you choose to do this frozen February, remember to cherish your loved ones, cuddle, eat chocolate and be merry. Happy Valentine's Day!

Shediac is for Lovers

Maritime Traveller
Times & Transcript, Moncton N.B.
Published: Saturday Feb 3, 2007
Page: G4

With temperatures reaching well below zero over the past few weeks, it is easy to understand the desire to stay indoors. St-Valentine's Day is around the corner however, and it would probably be a good idea to plan a little 'outside' adventure. Perhaps you could get pampered at the spa, share a candle-lit dinner or spend the night at an inn. Why not combine all three?

Shediac, just twenty minutes Northeast of Moncton, is an ideal destination for a romantic escapade. Although most would think of the 'lobster capital of the world' as a decidedly summer destination, it actually offers some of its treats year-round.

Begin by indulging your senses at the Gatehouse Spa which only opened its doors early last year. The Gatehouse Spa is located in a 100 year-old Victorian home and it is tastefully decorated with antiques from all around the world. You could go for a 'rejuvenating' body blizzard wrap or perhaps better yet this chilly winter, consider a hot stone massage. The spa offers a whole gamut of packages, some of which are well-suited to couples and would be ideal for Valentine's Day.

Next, make your way to Maison Tait, a historic mansion built in 1911. A large mahogany door with an iron door knocker greets you and beckons you to knock before entering. The glass alongside the door is a spectacle of light and cost over a million dollars to build. As you walk through the entrance, you immediately feel as though you are being transported to another place. From the eccentric art dotting the walls to the chandeliers that resemble rainfall frozen in time and space, Maison Tait is most definitely a feast for your eyes as well as your taste buds.

Though everything on the menu promises to be good, for Valentine's Day consider indulging in a tête-à-tête by beginning your meal with a cheese fondue as a starter, a beef fondue for your entrée and ending with a delectable chocolate fondue.

If you have had too much to drink, you can spend the night as the restaurant doubles as an auberge and offers beautiful rooms. You have your pick as each room is different and you can choose between a room with a fireplace, one with a canopy bed and even another clad with a shower with full-body jets.

On your way home, that night or the next day, stop at the Rotary Park to pay homage to a familiar piece of art. The largest lobster in the world is 15 feet wide, 35 feet long and weighs 90 tons. It was unveiled in 1990 at the opening of the annual summer lobster festival. The sculpture was created by the late Winston Bronnum, a resident of Penobsquis, who was fighting cancer at the time. The lobster is his last public piece.

On that note, no matter what you choose to do this frozen February, remember to cherish your loved ones, cuddle, eat chocolate and be merry. Happy Valentine's Day!