The charming Tattingstone Inn in Wolfville (on Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy coast) is a beautiful and comfortable B&B from which to explore the Bay of Fundy, visit interesting historical sites dating back centuries, go for a hike, sample wines at a variety of area vineyards or visit someone at Acadia University in town. Wolfville is less than a 2-hour drive from Halifax (about 60 miles/96 km) and a great place to visit after taking in the highlights in Halifax. My husband and I stayed at the Tattingstone Inn for several nights and used it as a home base to explore the region. It was a luxurious stay as we enjoyed the relaxing comforts of our guest room and the inn itself as well as the delicious made-to-order breakfasts.
Tattingstone Inn: 620 Main Street, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada / Tattingstone Inn website / 800-565-7696
DISCLAIMER: My husband and I have stayed in many hotels, inns, and other properties in our travels, but a few stand out above the rest — this is one of them. Although I am highlighting this property that we enjoyed, we have not accepted free trips, endorsements, or gratuities from it. All the opinions, along with the photographs (unless otherwise noted), featured on this page are my own. I simply share this property profile because it was unique in its location and hospitality, so I think others may consider staying there as well. Happy travels!
Why Tattingstone Inn?
- Well-appointed guest rooms offer comfortable beds and amenities including mini-refrigerators, corkscrews, and wine (to purchase) in each room. There are 14 guest rooms: 4 Classic, 4 Deluxe, 4 Premium, and 2 Suites. Harwood Suite and Premium Queen Room #10 each have a private deck.
- Coffee and tea stations are in each guest room.
- Several comfortable common spaces invite you to just relax: the deep wraparound porch, the garden, and the living room. Take your pick.
- Made-to-order breakfasts are always on the menu. Choose savory or sweet. Go with traditional favorites like eggs and omelets or splurge on California Benny (a tasty Eggs Benedict version; see recipe below) or the East Coaster with sunny-side-up eggs and fish cakes.
- The inn staff is helpful in providing dining and activity suggestions.
- Tattingstone Inn offers special events like Supper Club evenings with a 6-course dinner onsite. They can also arrange tours of the area.
- A 15-minute walk takes you into town for great restaurants and shops.
- Acadia University is just down the street from The Tattingstone Inn.
Hospitality Focus: Recipe
The Tattingstone Inn breakfasts are a fabulous way to start each day. When you arrive in the sunroom for breakfast, take a few moments to glance at the menu and decide what you’d like. Place your order and relax while sipping coffee or tea. A short while later, you’ll be served. One highlight on the menu is the California Benny; the innkeepers have graciously shared their recipe for you to enjoy at home.
California Benny
Equipment
- waffle maker
- double boiler for the Hollandaise sauce
- large, shallow pan for the poached eggs
Ingredients
Waffles
- 2 cups flour
- 1 1/2 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tbsp sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/2 cup buttermilk
Hollandaise Sauce
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
Waffle Toppings
- 1 avocado
- 8 cherry tomatoes
- 1 bunch micro greens, fresh
Poached Eggs
- 8 eggs for poaching
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Waffles
- Mix the 7 waffle ingredients well and pour batter into a hot waffle iron. Cook approximately 3 minutes until golden brown.
Hollandaise Sauce
- Briskly whisk the egg yolks and lemon juice together briskly in the top of a double boiler until the mixture is thickened and doubled in volume. Place the top of the double boiler over its base pan with barely simmering water. Continue to whisk rapidly, being careful not to let the eggs get too hot or they will scramble. Slowly drizzle in melted butter and continue to whisk until the sauce is thickened. The mixture should double in volume. Remove from heat; whisk in the salt and cayenne pepper.Cover and place in a warm spot until ready for assembling the dish. (If the sauce gets too thick, whisk in a few drops of warm water before serving.)
Waffle Toppings
- Slice the avocado and cherry tomatoes.
Poached Eggs
- Bring a large, shallow pan with about 5" of water to a simmer. Add the vinegar and a pinch of salt; this will help the eggs take shape easily. Crack each egg into a separate small custard bowl. Gently submerge and tilt each bowl in the water, being careful to gently slide the eggs individually into the water. Make sure the eggs are not touching each other. Lower the heat so the water is barely simmering. Cook the eggs for 3-4 minutes. The whites of the eggs will firm up and turn completely white.Use a slotted spoon to gingerly remove the eggs, one by one, placing them carefully on a kitchen towel to drain any excess liquid. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble "California Benny"
- Place waffles on individual plates. Layer sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and 2 poached eggs on top of each waffle. Drizzle Hollandaise sauce over each waffle serving. Sprinkle with fresh micro greens.
Things to Do In and Around Wolfville, NS
Wolfville has some interesting history that details the early communities of people to live here: the Mi’kmaq people and later the French Acadians and British settlers. Learn much more about them at the Grand-Pré National Historic Site in town. In addition, there are also some great wineries to explore. Check out my guide to five fabulous wineries in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.
Beyond Wolfville, there’s the amazing Bay of Fundy and its ever-changing tides; experience that in points north of Wolfville. South of Wolfville is Annapolis Royal with some more interesting historic sites; Digby with its scallop-focused economy and dining options; Balancing Rock, an incredible natural rock formation along St. Mary’s Bay; and Kejimkujik National Park that’s southeast of Wolfville.
Final Thoughts
As mentioned, Wolfville was one of the destinations my husband and I chose to explore while in Nova Scotia. We flew into the provincial capital, enjoyed the many highlights of Halifax, and drove our rental car around to other fascinating spots. Included in our journey was Wolfville. We so enjoyed our stay there because we got to learn more about the province’s early history and sample delightful wines at some of the many wineries in the region.
Research Paid Off
When planning a trip, I tend to spend quite a bit of time doing online searches for lodging choices. I read online reviews. I map out where a B&B (or hotel) is relative to the sights we want to see. Long story short, Tattingstone Inn came out on top and is the best Wolfville lodging choice in our eyes.
My husband and I can attest to its high ranking among fellow travelers. We were greeted warmly, escorted to our room, and given details about it and the inn itself. On the following mornings, we savored the breakfasts in the inn’s cozy sunroom. Then we set off for the day. After returning to Tattingstone Inn at the end of the day, we relaxed outside, walked to dinner in town, and then returned for a good night’s sleep. A perfect stay! You’ll enjoy a bit of luxury during your stay at Tattingstone, and that will surely make your trip all the more enjoyable.
