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February 2025 – a little history lesson
Have you ever wondered where the word “February” comes from? It’s origin is from the Latin februum which means “purification”, from the purification ritual held in mid February (on a full moon) in the old Roman lunar based calendar. The Romans spelled it februa, and celebrated it every winter as a festival of ritual washing and spiritual cleansing for their citizens and city, welcoming health and fertility. Despite the Romans naming their calendar months after one of their many gods, Februa was not named for their god Februus. Ironically, the god was named after the festival. Februa was one of the last two months in their calendar year (along with January). It stayed that way until approximately 450 BC when it was changed to the second month of the year. Now you know. 😉
January 2025
Happy New Year!! It’s that time again – and a new year brings new resolutions, new experiences, new events, and even some new recipes to try! We enjoy trying something new, particularly desserts that we serve our private House Tea guests. Here’s a bundt cake recipe we think you might really enjoy! If you make it let us know how yours came out!
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup milk
6 Earl Grey tea bags (or any black tea)
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temp, plus a little more or greasing pan
2 cups granulated sugar, plus more or sprinkling
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp kosher salt
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp finely grated orange zest
3 large eggs, room temp
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream, at room temp
Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
DIRECTIONS:
* Heat oven to 350°F. In small saucepan, combine milk and tea bags, submerging bags in liquid. Heat on medium until warm to the touch (do not let milk boil), 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep while preparing cake.
* Grease 10-cup Bundt pan with melted butter, then sprinkle with granulated sugar and tap to coat, including all ridges. Tap out any excess sugar.
* In large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
* In stand mixer, beat butter on medium-high until smooth and creamy, 1 minute. Add granulated sugar and orange zest; beat, scraping bowl as needed, until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. On medium, beat in eggs 1 at a time, scraping bowl after each addition. Beat in vanilla, then scrape down bowl.
* Squeeze liquid from tea bags and discard tea bags. Whisk sour cream into Earl Grey milk until smooth. With mixer on low, mix flour mixture into butter mixture in 3 batches, alternating with milk mixture, just until each batch is completely incorporated and combined batter is smooth (be careful not to overmix). Using rubber spatula, scrape bottom of bowl and fold in any unincorporated batter.
* Transfer batter to prepared pan and smooth top with small offset spatula. Bake until golden brown and wooden pick inserted near center comes out clean, 55 to 65 minutes. Let cool in pan on wire rack 30 minutes. Using small offset spatula, gently loosen edges and invert onto rack. Let cool completely.
* Dust with confectioners’ sugar.
December 2024
Like the line from the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”, we think December is “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!” Winter and shorter daylight hours may be setting in, but we’re excited about December! Not only is it when we celebrate a variety of holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza, etc., but we enjoy driving around the neighborhoods to see everyone’s Christmas lights, and to visit a variety of town commons to see their light decorations. But if that isn’t enough to satisfy your desire for amazing displays, take a drive to Attleboro and see the spectacular light display at La Salette Shrine, or visit Magic of Lights across from Gillette Stadium. If you’re looking for daytime activities, try Winter Skate at Patriot Place or take a walk through nature along the cranberry bog trails behind Bass Pro Shop. Find a local coffee shop when you’re through and enjoy sipping a warm beverage to take the chill off. However you choose to celebrate this festive time of year, we at Proctor Mansion Inn wish you and your family a very happy and safe holiday season!
November 2024 – Thankful
Can you believe it’s November already?? The recent warm weather has definitely made it feel more like summer (which we don’t mind at all!). However, the fall foliage & last night’s trick-or-treaters prove otherwise. This month has a couple of significant dates – the 3rd and the 28th. In the wee hours of the 3rd starts Daylight Savings Time – like it or not – and the 28th is Thanksgiving Day. Whether you and your family celebrate Thanksgiving in the traditional way or not, we at Proctor Mansion Inn wish you a wonderful day filled with the love of those dear to you…and maybe some pie, as well as a nap afterwards! Thanksgiving is a day to enjoy time together and be thankful for all the blessings we have. In reflecting back over 2024, we’re thankful too, and want to say THANK YOU to all who have come here for any reason – an overnight stay, free Movie Night, Murder Mystery Night, private House Tea, High Tea, or any one of many private events. Apart from overnight stays & getaways, we’ve hosted numerous baby showers, bridal showers, weddings, business meetings, graduation parties, birthday parties, various receptions, and several different holiday parties. THANK YOU for allowing us to help you make beautiful and special memories at the Proctor Mansion Inn! We hope to see you again soon!
October 2024 – Wedding bells are ringing!
We’re THRILLED that one of our staff, Micaylie, is getting married on October 12th, and honored that she chose Proctor Mansion’s Carriage House as her venue!! While we’re super excited for her to begin this new chapter in her life, we’re also a twinge selfishly sad because she and her soon-to-be husband will be moving to TN where he is from. Micaylie has been a mainstay here at Proctor Mansion Inn for almost 8 years and has brightened up many event as well as overnight guest experiences. Her masterful breakfast skills will also be missed. Micaylie, from all of your Proctor Mansion Inn family, we wish you the very best, and pray that you experience more blessings in your new life than you could possibly conceive! We love you!
September 2024
While the anticipation of the crunch of leaves beneath our feet and the fantastic flavor of pumpkin spice dances in our minds, we at Proctor Manion Inn are celebrating Labor Day with you, and hope that you’re enjoying this last official long weekend of summer!
Of course, with the end of Summer and anticipation of Fall comes the excitement of another season of New England Patriots football! We’re cheering for our new head coach, coaching staff, and players, especially newcomer & rookie Drake Maye, as well as the return of Jacoby Brissett. Go Patriots!!! If you’ve got tickets to an upcoming game why not think about staying overnight with us? We’re conveniently located just 3.5 miles from Gillette Stadium. This historic gem will amaze you with her architecture and charm, and our staff is super personable and ready to meet and serve you! We love making new friends and helping to create special memories here. Come check us out! For any season of the year, we’re the perfect place for an overnight stay or a private event, and we’d love to meet you!
August 2024 – Baby it’s been SO HOT outside!
A little spin on the Winter jingle “Baby It’s Cold Outside”…It’s been a very hot, tropical summer here in New England! Many of us have tried to escape the heat by going to the beach. For those of you who haven’t been, don’t like the beach, or are still waiting for your week of vacation, we have a little cold treat we’d like to share with you! It’s an easy to make dessert that is super refreshing & will make you feel like you’re standing under a waterfall! Ok, maybe not quite like that, but, it’s perfect for any hot summer day! The dessert is called Strawberry Icebox Pie. You only need 5 ingredients:
* 1 graham cracker pie crust
* 1 pkg of cream cheese (8 oz)
* 1 box of strawberry Jello (3 oz)
* 10 oz of frozen strawberries, thawed, drained, & sliced (1 cup needed)
* 1 container of Cool Whip
Preparation:
1. Mix the cream cheese in a bowl until smooth.
2. Blend in the pkg of strawberry Jello.
3. Stir in the sliced strawberries with the cream cheese & Jello.
4. Fold in the Cool Whip
5. Pour the mixture into the graham cracker pie crust
6. Chill. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Return any unused portion to the refrigerator to enjoy later!
July 2024 – Welcome to the Proctor Mansion Inn!
In case you didn’t know…Proctor Mansion Inn has been welcoming guests since Jan 24, 2009! Old-world charm combines with modern amenities and facilities at this charming Wrentham, Massachusetts Bed & Breakfast. Elegant French Victorian architecture and furnishing, complete with comfortable accommodations and exceptional service, make every stay memorable.
Proctor Mansion Inn is situated in the heart of the picturesque downtown area. Guests can easily discover a number of antique stores, shopping districts, gourmet dining, local produce farms and more. Located just a few miles from Gillette Stadium, Xfinity Center, Plainridge Casino, Supercharged, Wrentham Premium Outlets, Sweatt Beach, and Wrentham State forest, there’s something for everyone!
Come stay with us and enjoy the Proctor’s cozy guestrooms, each furnished with period antiques, hand-crafted artwork, the original windows from 1860 as well as complimentary wireless internet access and cable TV. In the Summer, guests often enjoy our Victorian garden in the back yard, complete with sitting area and fire pit.
This property has one of the top-rated locations in all of southeastern Mass! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties. Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.6 for a two-person trip. Our personal touches combined with friendly and welcoming staff make a stay here unforgettable, and one you’ll want to repeat every time you’re in this area!
If you enjoy Rhode Island beaches…look up the Admiral Fitzroy Inn, our sister property, located right in the heart of Newport on Thames Street. It’s only one block from Newport Harbor and 1/2 mile to First Beach. Enjoy the beach, shops, or one of many sailboat events, then relax in a favorite spot to watch the sun set.
Why not make plans now and enjoy a summer getaway with us, and breeze off to the Cape or Newport for the day and enjoy the beautiful weather New England is famous for?
June 2024 – Miscellaneous news
This is such a fun time of year. School’s almost out and graduation ceremonies abound! We have had senior prom photo shoots and graduation parties here already, with more fun events upcoming (including our very first Farm to Table on the 28th!). One of our staff has a daughter graduating from High School. Another staff member is getting married here in our Carriage House not too long from now. We have guests coming to stay overnight to celebrate milestone anniversaries or birthdays. Wrentham’s Concert on the Common series has kicked off & we’re in the PERFECT location to be part of the action – right across the street. We’ll be offering some delectable goodies during many of those evenings. We can’t give away exactly what that will be; you’ll have to come see for yourself! There’s always something fun going on at Proctor Mansion Inn!
May 2024 – Excitement!
It’s NHL & NBA playoff time and both the Bruins and Celtics are busy chasing a championship! Living just outside of the Boston area, all of the Proctor staff are huge sports fans…GO BRUINS & CELTICS!!! We’re also huge Red Sox and New England Patriots fans. What New England fan isn’t super excited about the new-look, new-era Patriots coaching staff, and the addition of several key draft choices, including Drake Maye?!? With Jacoby Brissett back with the team, Drake will have an experienced QB to learn from. We just can’t wait to see how this season unfolds for our teams…after all, we’re not called “the city of champions” for nothing!
The Proctor Mansion Inn is conveniently located 4 miles south of Gillette Stadium. If you’re planning a trip there for an upcoming football game, a day at the Patriots Hall of Fame, simply shopping Patriot Place, or attending a concert, consider staying with us! We offer an historic, charming venue with a super personable staff, and a freshly made breakfast in the morning. Maybe you’re planning a shopping trip to the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets. We’re only 2.5 miles away! Also near by is Lake Pearl, Sweatt Beach (kayak rentals available), the Wrentham State forest, and Dean, Stonehill, and Wheaton Colleges. Of course, there is one of our favorite summer places just around the corner too…Three Pugs Creamery! So much to explore, so much to do! Whatever your reason for coming to the area, be sure to check us out!
April 2024 – Dessert!
One of my favorite Spring (& Summer) desserts is a Strawberry Tart. If you’re as big of a strawberry fan as I am, you’d absolutely love it too! Below is the (un)”secret” recipe that I use…give it a try for your next family get-together, or simply as a refreshing after supper dessert!
You will need:
For the crust –
1 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour
1/4 cup of granulated sugar
1/2 Tsp of kosher salt
10 Tbsp of butter, melted
For the filling –
1/2 cup of heavy cream
2 (8 oz) blocks of cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 Tsp of vanilla extract
For the topping –
1 1/2 lbs of strawberries – hulled & sliced
3 Tbsp of strawberry preserves (raspberry preserve can be substituted)
Directions:
1. Make the crust. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter and stir until dough forms. Press the mixture into a 10″ or 11″ tart pan with a removable bottom, pressing until the dough is smooth. Using a fork, prick all over. Bake until golden, about 25-30 min. Let cool completely.
2. Make the filling. In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, approx 7 min. In another large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla. Beat until combined. Fold in the whipped heavy cream, then spoon into the cooled crust. Smooth the top.
3. Starting on the outside, arrange the strawberries on top of the tart in a circle until the entire tart is covered.
4. In a small, microwaveable bowl, heat together the preserves and 2 teaspoons of water until warmed (about 30 seconds). Brush over the tart. Refrigerate until well chilled (about 2 hrs).
5. Remove from fridge, cut and serve. Bon appetite!
March 2024 – Eager expectations
With Spring & warmer weather right around the corner we’re eagerly looking forward to a variety of things…a new era of New England football, Summer concerts at Gillette Stadium & the Xfinity Center, Concerts on the Common (right here in Wrentham’s hub), hosting more events in our renovated barn style Carriage House and main house L’Enfant Ballroom, as well as serving new overnight guests (or if a returning guest, to welcome you “home”). Warm weather means trips to the beaches and lakes…why not check out Sweatt Beach here in town? Instead of making it a day trip turn it into a mini getaway by staying a night or two with us. We’re just minutes from there & also offer special lodging packages if you’re looking for a bargain. For additional relaxation, book our room with the spa style tub. Enjoy our backyard gardens area; read a book or simply enjoy the nature surrounding you. Perhaps you’ll be headed to the Xfinity Center or Gillette Stadium for a concert or Patriots game? Stay with us! We’re only minutes away. Whatever the occasion, we’re here to serve you! We’re eagerly anticipating the warmer weather & everything that it will bring! How about you? Tell us what your “eager expectations” are by March 31st and be entered in a drawing for a free gift. Email us at: info@proctormansioninn.com. We eagerly await your reply!
February 2024 – We’re doing a new thing!
If you’ve ever been to our annual Valentine’s Day High Tea you know how fun & exciting the event is! This year we’ve decided to add a little extra to our famous High Tea…a Wine & Chocolates pairing! Accompanying Chef Paul’s exquisite tea menu will be Viviane Gontijo, owner of Vivilicious Chocolates, a Brazilian influenced treats shop. Her masterful blend of flavor alchemy & artistry create an unforgettable taste adventure! Paired with just the right wines, THIS High Tea is an experience you don’t want to miss! Check out our Special Events tab to learn more. If you’d simply rather sample Vivian’s creations for yourself, visit her store in Bellingham, MA.
January 2024 – Happy New Year!
2023 is now in the rearview mirror. How fast the time flew by! Looking back, we’re so thankful for everyone who came through our doors, whether it was for a town event, Open House, public movie showing, private event, or overnight stay. Our newly renovated Carriage House hosted many functions, from birthday and graduation parties to fundraisers, Murder Mystery Nights, and, of course, weddings. Each was unique and fun! To those who had a private event here, whether in the Carriage House or L’Enfant Ballroom in the main house, we’re thrilled to have been a part of your special day and help make beautiful memories for you, your family and friends! For those who spent a night or more with us, it was a pleasure meeting and serving you! We do hope you’ll come stay with us again. As we anticipate even more wonderful activities in 2024 at Proctor Mansion Inn, we wish all of you health, joy, and success in this new year! Hope to see you again!