Monthly Archives: August 2020

Eastern Shore Staycation

 NOTE – for accommodations and food it is best to check in advance about hours and opening.

Charlos Cove on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia is just 1 hr 40 minutes from Antigonish but it feels like a world away.  Its a great place for a few days of peaceful relaxing and short explorations.  Even the driving reminds me of my first trip there and “The Road Less Travelled”.  Definitely not a lot of traffic. 

Boylston Provincial Park

Enroute we stopped at Boylston Provincial Park, Day Use park has picnic tables and grassy area with lovely views of Chedabucto Bay.  Walk down to the left of the entrance gate along a shady boardwalk to take you to a foot bridge over to a small island.  A swimming, beach walking looking for pebbles and a shady island path are all great for the whole family.  The park is just a few KM before you reach Guysborough town.

Guysborough Town

The ambiance of the town with its old homes and churches is from the late 1800s.  The Old Court House Museum is a good stop to learn about the history of the area and to get any info you need for your trip. Only the visitor info is available during COVID times. There is a self-guided walking tour of Guysborough. Download the map.  Stop for a meal at the Days Gone BY Bakery for a bowl of chowder, sandwiches and delicious baked goods.  Browse antiques and local art.  Head down to the marina and the Guysborough waterfront.

Charlos Cove

SeaWind Landing Country Inn is situated in Charlos Cove about 30 min from Guysborough town via Lundy.  The inn’s proprietors Dave and Anne Marie are hospitable and welcoming and knowledgeable of the area.  Our room was in the main part of the Inn, with a view of the Atlantic Ocean and the Sugar Islands just offshore.  The water was so calm there was little sounds of the waves.  Great place to watch the sunrise and sit out on our little patio or the chairs on the well-kept lawn.  Of course everything was spotless and all social distancing and masks in place.

The food is always memorable with breakfasts of eggs benedict, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, and my favorite the blueberry stuffed French toast.  Of course with lots of hot coffee.  The evening meal favorites were mussels in Pernod sauce, lobster croquettes, halibut, scallops all in delicious recipes.  Best desert was the crème brule with Baileys Irish Crème.

We were lucky to get the special stay of 2 nights get the 3rd night free.  This gave lots of time for an enjoyable staycation and take small day trips in the area.

Larrys River

Charlos Cove is adjacent to Larrys River.  This is a hub of Acadian culture on the Eastern Shore.   I enjoyed reading “The Forgotten Acadians … a story of discovery” by Jude Avery while exploring the area.   In other years this area would be buzzing with activities for the Acadien Festival on August 15 but all was quiet this year.   No matter when you visit take time to stop at the Acadien Interpretive Site with paintings and interpretive signs illustrating the history of the area – Larry’s Rover Parc de nos Ancestres across from the St. Pierre church.  Also wander down to the footbridge crossing  Larry’s River for a view of the river.

Tor Bay Provincial Park

Boardwalks lead through various types of vegetation to several sweeping sandy beaches with rocky outcrops.  Picnic tables and interpretive panels give insight into the creation and history of the area. 

Black Duck Cove

Just 30 min north of Charlos Cove, towards Canso is Black Duck Cove Provincial Park.  The Canteen at the Parking entrance has ice cream and meals with picnic tables and benches in the sun or shade.  It looked like the locals as well as visitors frequent the place as it is one of the few places available for food in the area.  A series of boardwalks and walking trails lead around the area.   The swimming beach has lovely soft sand and a protected beach.  Benches and picnic tables make it easy to stop and relax weather you are a swimmer or not.

In October 2019 I was on a trip in Guysborough with travel writers sponsored by DEANS.  Darcy and Alex of thank HarbourTone Productions created this video which captured the spirit of our adventures.

https://www.facebook.com/DestinationEasternShore/videos/229771748184589/

For More Information

Antigonish Staycation

by Denise Davies  

I live in Antigonish and find that it is the best of 2 worlds.  We have all the amenities for comfortable living and yet the advantages of a small town set in a delightful rural setting.  I love to show visitors around or give them ideas of what to do and what not to miss.  In these days of the Atlantic Bubble and Nova Scotia residents exploring the province for 2020 holidays what would be better than spending a few days in Antigonish where there is something for everyone.

Its best to check with establishments for hours and openings.  Remember to wear your mask and keep physical distancing.

The Arts

Antigonish is known as a hub of the arts.  Strolling along Main Street check out the Red Sky Gallery https://www.facebook.com/redskyantigonish/  for wonderful ambiance and a wonderful selection of Nova Scotia art – paintings, sculpture, jewelry.  Stop in to the Antigonish People’s Place Library  http://www.parl.ns.ca/locations/antigonish.php  for their monthly changing art exhibits and find out what is going on in town while you are here.  This is a hub of community events and activities for all ages.   Local artists are often featured at the Tall and Small Café.   Visit the Down to Earth Gallery for indigenous and a wide variety of artists.

The Antigonish Farmers Market is buzzing with arts and crafts, locally made produce, food and entertainment all in the new Farmers Market building on the Arena grounds on Saturdays.   The new building opened on the August 1 weekend and it was a delight to see the airy and bright space filled with vendors and their wares.  What a wonderful community space. www.antigonishfarmersmarket.ca

Unfortunately most of our summer events are cancelled but there are occasional smaller happenings that you may find.

Outdoors and Recreation

Set in rolling hills Antigonish creates a variety of outdoor activities in town and close by.  For kids the splash pad at Columbus Field is popular and the new Skate Board Park is a wonderful new addition.  For runners the track at Columbus Field and at St.FX, walking and biking on the Antigonish Landing Trail  www.outandaboutns.com/2018/01/31/antigonish-landing /that starts near the Museum.  

The Keppoch Mountain www.thekeppoch.ca  has over 20Km of maintained trails for all abilities including an accessible gravel nature trail for mountain biking, hiking and children’s’ climbing and play area. Relax in the clubhouse and meet some local outdoor enthusiasts. Bike rentals are available at Highland Bike Shop on Main St but check ahead for availability.

There are several beaches within a 30 min drive. Walk run and swim on the long crescent sandy Pomquet Beach with lifeguards, boardwalks with interpretive nature boards.  Look for pebbles and driftwood on Mahoneys Beach often frequented by kayakers.

You can even camp right in town at the end of Main St at Whiddens Campground and have your smores around the campfire.   

Short drives

Take a lovely drive along the Hwy 337 past St. Martha’s Hospital and on past Mahoneys Beach, Jimtown, Cribbons, Ballantyne’s Cove to the Cape George Lighthouse.  You will see signs for hiking trails along the route and spectacular views of the Northumberland Shore  www.outandaboutns.com/2018/05/23/cape-george-lighthouse

There are several beaches within a 30 min drive. Walk run and swim on the long crescent sandy Pomquet Beach with lifeguards, boardwalks with interpretive nature boards.  Look for pebbles and driftwood on Mahoneys Beach often frequented by kayakers.  Enjoy a Pomquet day trip www.outandaboutns.com/2015/08/30/pomquet-day-trip

There are many drives from Antigonish – Arisaig, Eastern Shore, Museum of Industry and more for another posting.

Stroll the Main

Enjoy the fine selection of restaurants along Main Street.  All have take out, some outdoor patios and indoor with physical distancing in place.  There is a new large patio at the Maritime Inn called Mi Patio. 

Explore the shopping on Main with trendy boutiques The Plum Tree, Posh Peppermint.  Find Nova Scotia souvenirs at Happenstance.   Head down to Granny’s Antiques for some lovely antiques, local preserves and sit in the shade.  Antigonish Small Town Big Heart www.outandaboutns.com/2016/03/25/antigonish-small-town-big-heart

Hope you enjoy your staycation in Antigonish and surrounding areas.  I would enjoy seeing your favourite spots in the comment section below.

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