The Historic 1793 Temperance Tavern
a fine New England Country Inn
at the Junction of Routes 140 & 107
506 Province Road   .   Post Office Box 369
Gilmanton, NH 03237

Tel.:   (603) 267-7349             email:  innkeeper@temperancetavern.com
The Temperance Tavern
of New Hampshire
Welcome to the 1793 Historic Temperance Tavern...

    a unique & beautiful Country Inn \  Bed & Breakfast...
    a place for your wedding, baby shower, business meeting or social gathering...
    a place where the historic 1793 historic architecture has been preserved...
    a place of beauty & art... fine food... good books & music...
    or just a simple "Getaway from it all"... Four seasons of the year...

About the Inn

The Historic Temperance Tavern has been welcoming travellers on the Old Province Road since 1793.  
Lovingly and knowledgeably preserved, with many of its original features still in tact, the inn is still a haven
for visitors.  Its six private rooms (each with a private bath) preserve a rare and authentic federal period
charm.  Its several common rooms, from the historic "Tap Room" to the gracious indian-shuttered parlor,
are the perfect settings in which to sample the best in traditional New England hospitality.  Just 90 miles
from Boston, The Temperance Tavern is an ideal getaway spot for any season.  In the heart of the Lakes
Region of gorgeous New Hampshire, winter and summer sports enthusiasts will find plenty of activities...
while those looking for a quiet retreat will enjoy the relative seclusion of historic Gilmanton and the
surrounding towns.  For variety, the
Shaker Village in Canterbury is a stone's throw away; Gunstock
Mountain Ski Resort is minutes away; and the now famous
NASCAR Loudon Raceway is quickly
reached.  We're just minutes from
Laconia Motorcycle "Bike Week" and all the festivities of Weir's Beach.  
Shopping at
brand name Discount "Outlet" stores, Antique Shops and Art Galleries, Meadowbrook
Musical Arts Center and outdoor Summer Concerts, boating and Summer cruises on Lake
Winnepesaukee, antique auctions and contemporary arts fairs... All are found just minutes from The
Temperance Tavern. For a list of nearby entertainment, click on "
Entertainment." for more!  And if you are
looking for a unique spot to host a private group meeting or special celebration, the Temperance Tavern
is the perfect place.

The house was built in 1793 and was known as the most noted public house in all this part of the
country.  It served travellers on the Old Province Road which ran from Boston to Portsmouth, to northern
New England and Canada.  It was named The Temperance Tavern in 1815 when the  temperance
movement swept New England. "The Tavern" as it is known today continued to serve guests until 1849
when it was bought by Cyrus Gilman and used as a grand private residence.  In 1946, it as acquired by
Richard and Eleanor Small, who discovered and restored much of the original wall stenciling still
preserved and seen in the house today.  In the 1960's, John Collins lived in and further restored "The
Tavern," and for more than two decades, maintained the Tavern as a warm and friendly bed and
breakfast. In the 1990's, Boston attorney Jacob Atwood acquired the Tavern and modernized some
aspects of the operation, while sensitively and painstakingly assuring its preservation and authentic 18th
century New England charm.  Today, The Tavern is owned by author and form Boston University VP, Dr.  
Robert Ronstadt  and New Hampshire artist,  Rebecca Ronstadt.  They continue the restoration process,
finding just the perfect antique or work of art to adorn each room.  Check out Rebecca's art at the Gallery
at the Tavern, or click  "
Art Gallery" for more information.
Please be sure to check our Contact Us page for cancellation policies.