Three Pines, while not found on any map, is inspired by real locations, including Hovey Manor, the inspiration for Manoir Bellechasse — the inn where the Gamaches vacation every summer.
If you were to plan your perfect Three Pines vacation, where would you visit first?
17 replies on “A Return to Three Pines: A Rule Against Murder”
When I was doing some family research I found I had had some family living North of Sherbrooke in Asbestos. My 5xs great grandfather married a women from a neighboring town (I think Warwick) back in the early 1800’s. They eventually moved south into the US but when I first found Louise’s books I felt not just a connection with them but also to the location and a longing to see the area. So I would of course do the Three Pines tour and head North a bit for more family research and to work on that connection.
I’ve already had a Three Pines vacation and this is still a tough question! Six years ago, we went to Quebec and I made sure we spent a few days in the Eastern Townships. They didn’t have the Gamache walking tour in Quebec City at that time, but we did walk some of those areas on our own, and I fell in love with Quebec City. I loved Sutton, Knowlton, and Magog. Visiting the abbey in Saint-Benoît-du-Lac and attending mass with Gregorian chanting made me feel like I was living The Beautiful Mystery. We found Manoir Hovey by accident but as soon as I saw it I knew it was Manoir Bellechasse. I had the same experience when we went into Brome Lake Books (the old location) and several other shops, bakeries, and bistros–Louise’s descriptions are so perfect that many places we saw in person matched the mental image in my head. I was delighted when I stumbled across the Three Pines corner at Brome Lake Books. I was thrilled to see their map of Three Pines locations, because I didn’t know such a thing existed. Either I hadn’t done any research or it wasn’t online at that time. On my next trip, I would make sure to include a stay at Manoir Bellechasse. I would also revisit all of the other locations in the books, this time with advanced planning. 🙂
Yorkshire, countryside. Jasper National Park, looking at Mt. Edith Cavell, Newfoundland, Vancouver Island, Akaroroa, New Zealand…..really almost any place in Canada or the UK In the US, any of the northern states.
I love “their ears had heard more than they cared to” ! I can relate to this though on a less extreme level, thankfully. Such a great description. My vacation choice would be somewhere where I did not hear anything like that!
Since Three Pines itself is only available in daydreams, I’d happily settle for Sutton, Knowlton or the surrounding area. Longing for the border to reopen!
I share your longing to reopen the border. I want to visit locations highlighted in the Northwest Rebellion of 1885, a fascinating story in multiple respects.
So many places I could name, but basically a place that has the perfect balance of natural beauty, interesting culture, architecture, and food, all enjoyed sitting at a sidewalk cafe with a good book beside me!
We stayed at the wonderful Hovey Manor. Such a lovely hotel and we were thoroughly spoiled. That was several years ago and I look forward to returning one day.
Save me a seat by the window. I need to go next door for a book. Then need a pinot Grigio with my croissant, maybe a slice of prosciutto and a piece of cheese. If you have a guest then maybe you can hold one of the old leather chairs by the fire for me. I need a foot rest for a bad leg and maybe Ruth would stop by with her latest poem. I know warmer weather is coming here on the U.S. East Coast but I can’t imagine a place I’d rather be than Three Pines on a chilly day, storm clouds about to bring snow.
I would sit at a window in the bistro drinking cafe au lait and eating warm croissants and visiting with the locals. Then I would walk around the town square and go to the Gamaches cottage .
My Three Pines vacation would be to… Three Pines! My first stop, the Bistro for a meal and a drink, then the B&B to set up for the night, then, oh, then… over to the park bench where I would sit with Ruth, sip Scotch, and insult everyone who walks by.
Me too
So many beautiful places in Canada, but for sure, Tremblant, Prince Edward County, Niagara on the Lake to name a few.
Muskoka (especially in the fall!)
Britain! Scotland in particular and the countryside! Yes…
I want to go back to Scotland also – and the rest of the UK & Ireland. But for my “perfect Three Pines vacation” I’d be with Rebecca & Linda at the Bistro and have my reservation for the B & B. After a restorative snack, I hike up into the forest.
This is a no brainer. When I’ve won the big game in my dreams, I’m announcing to the media question of what’s the first thing I’m doing is, “I’m going to Three Pines!” (Or Margaritaville, which are both joyful State of Mind destinations.) In real life, Montecatini Terme, in Italy’s Tuscany region offers healing waters, strolls, nature, life-changing food, and lovely conversations that linger for as long as you’d like-a magical destination. Much as I want to experience new destinations, sometime you want the comfort of home away from home. Thank you Louise. ☮️