The last day of David’s Fall vacation. What to do? Another gorgeous day and the leaves are still so beautiful. James was actually up early to capture this beauty at the old train bridge in Bridgewater.
We decided another drive…a Sunday drive …a different route…a different part of the coast. We are so blessed to live in a province that has coast on all sides.
We skipped church today and left early so it wouldn’t be a late day, took Abby for a short drive to Nana’s ( she LOVES the car) and headed to the valley.
We took Hwy 8 passing Kejimkujik National Park on the way. We wanted to see the site of the really bad forest fires this summer. Such devastation.
Saw this beauty after all the brown and char from the fire.
This drive put us in the quaint town of Annapolis Royal. We walked around Fort Anne and downtown, then crossed the causeway to have lunch at Vicki’s.
After lunch it was out to the coast to Port Royal, Habitation , Victoria Beach and Digby Gut. We thought we could get all the way around the coast on this area but there were no roads so we had to back track and cross over to Parker’s cove. This is a lovely area over looking the Bay of Fundy. I would love to have a cottage here. We followed this route along to Hampton, Port Lorne and Port George before cutting across to Middleton and then catching Hwy 10 home to Bridgewater.
We had a gorgeous day to do a little more sight seeing. It was a wonderful vacation exploring more of our own province. A place where tourists from all over the world visit especially in the Fall.
And it’s back to work for David.
We were actually heading off to bed at 9pm when he got a call from work with a major situation and he had to go in. Technically he’s still on vacation but it’s back to work!
Today I am getting back to my routine and cooking up a special Birthday dinner for our sweet daughter who is 27 today!!! Whoa! How can that be?
It’s the END of Summer!! Well when it’s the last day of August that’s what it means for me! It’s kind of the end of season for eating out at all kinds of interesting spots even though there’s probably another month of quite nice weather. It’s September 1st tomorrow and for many and different reasons I will be starting to eat CLEAN.
So… As promised back in June,
“This summer I thought I would switch it up to include all kinds of local food…East Coast food!
From fish cakes to food trucks to fish & chips to maybe even baked bean and salad suppers haha, we’ll see about that one. So starting now until the end of August when we are out and about and have chance to stop at interesting places, I’ll be sure to order something fun, East Coast style, and at the end of the Summer I’ll show you some of my favourites!
And here’s the BIG REVEAL…
Fish Tacos at the Old Fish Factory Restaurant in Lunenburg
Fish & Chips at The Best Little Oarhouse in Nova Scotia, Bridgewater
The Rugged Dude Burger at The Best Little Oarhouse in Nova Scotia, Bridgewater
The South Shore Fish Shack, Lunenburg
The Holy Haddock Burger at The Best Little Oarhouse in Nova Scotia, Bridgewater
Fish & Chips, Maxwell’s Plum, Halifax
Potato Skins, Grand Banker in Lunenburg
Lobster Sandwich at Goldwater Lobster Shack at The Seaport Market in Halifax
Fish Tacos at Stayner’s Wharf Pub & Grill, Halifax Waterfront
So…this post didn’t quite end up the way I had hoped. After we got back from vacay the end of July, I had a few health issues so we didn’t eat out a lot, not like we are used to in the summer so this “reveal” didn’t end up being quite the blog I wanted it to be..Oh well! We still had some amazing food and enjoyed all the places we went to.
And even had some GREAT seafood at home too!!
Take Out Fish & Chips from the Oarhouse
And I made Lobster sandwiches for a “Special” Sunday lunch
And scallops with fresh veggies
We enjoyed lots and lots of amazing meals on our 3 week vacation too but since they were across Canada, it really doesn’t count.
Tomorrow is.. SEPTEMBER 1st! Here’s to a great September and Fall!
Food truck that is! The Best Little Oarhouse in Nova Scotia.
This is opening week for this new place and we’ve been wanting to check it out!
On a nice evening it’s just a nice little walk to get there, but it’s been so cool and windy that James & I decided that we were just gonna drive down and bring our food home.
There was little bit of a wait, after all it’s opening week. BUT, it was so worth it. The food is delicious! James had the Dude Burger and of course I had to try the fish & chips. Delicious home cut fries and a light batter…so good!
James enjoying his Rugged Dude Burger lol
They have a good selection
Check it out if you get chance! We will definitely be trying out more items on the menu this summer!
The last two Summer seasons I did a blog post about the best fish & chips places in Nova Scotia ( at least the local ones that we went to).This summer I thought I would switch it up to include all kinds of local food…East Coast food!
From fish cakes to food trucks to fish & chips to maybe even baked bean and salad suppers haha, we’ll see about that one. So starting now until the end of Summer when we are out and about and have chance to stop at interesting places, I’ll be sure to order something fun, East Coast style, and at the end of August, I’ll show you some of my favourites!
Here’s one to start:
Fishcakes & Salad at the Kiwi Cafe In Chester…delicious! ( and no matter what you order it come with a piece of kiwi)
Why not have your own fun? Order something different you haven’t tried…something very East Coast Style!
My flowering crab apple tree is at it’s peak and so here are a few pictures because by this time next week it will be done and the trees will be green.
I LOVE LOVE weekends that are warm and we can enjoy eating outside ❤
Nothing says East Coast and Christmas more than a great feed of lobster. After all, it’s Lobster season here along the East Coast and it’s time to enjoy our annual Christmas time tradition of Lobster ( a little extra seafood too)
It’s Christmas Season and in Lunenburg County it means Christmas trees and wreaths. The smell of balsam fir delivered to homes all over the world.
One farm in particular…DeLong Farms and owners James(Jimmy) & Tina DeLong are very busy this time of year sending a little bit of Lunenburg County to various regions around the world.
Unfortunately I decorate too early for a real tree, but…I make sure I have a real wreath or two… love the smell (reminds me of my childhood)
And…there’s MORE than trees this time of year….
It’s OFFICIALLY Lobster Season. Atlantic Canadian Lobster is considered one of the world’s premier seafoods and is consistently in high demand. Canada currently supplies more than half of the world’s supply of hard-shelled Atlantic Lobster. The very nature of the harvest, where seasonal and regional fisheries dictate a fluctuating supply, means that there are times of the year when the product is a little bit harder to source than others. The lobster season in Atlantic Canada peaks twice year, once in the spring (April-June) and another now in December.
( Photos courtesy of Tourism Nova Scotia)
My favourite time of year to eat Lobster is December, but really I love it and will have it anytime. So these days as we are all thinking Christmas, some of the local boys are out Lobster fishing. Stay safe guys!
As promised back in May…Here is my second edition RESULTS page of the quest to find the BEST fish & chips places in Nova Scotia. As you know last summer we did this and in the Spring we decided there were just so many places we didn’t get chance to try that we would do another post.
Fish & Chips is a staple food along the South Shore of Nova Scotia. We LOVE our fresh haddock. There are so many great spots along the coast where it is a feature on the menu. So just where is “the BEST”… the best tasting, the best presentation, the best value for your money?
If you want to check out last year’s list you can click on the link below:
And after lots of study and careful consideration…:) Here are the 2015 RESULTS
May 24~ The South Shore Fish Shack, Lunenburg …revisit
We were here last year, their first season open and we loved it. So back we went. Now this was only the second weekend open this year and once again we thought the fish was fabulous. Cooked to perfection and so delicious. They’ve switched up a bit from being served in boxes to served in baskets ( I like the boxes better) and they also switched from bottles of pop to fountain pop ( not a fan) I don’t drink pop but David does and he much prefers his COKE in a can or bottle, but hey they’ve got it right and serve COKE! The South Shore Fish Shack is wonderful and I know we will go back again. PLUS the view on a summery night is amazing!
May 30~ The Turkey Burger, Cookville ( just outside of Bridgewater)
I think Turkey Burger has got EVERY restaurant in the province beat for portion size. Their servings are HUGE!!!!! I remember eating at the Turkey Burger as a teenager…vanilla milkshake, cheeseburger and fries would be my order back then. Tonight I had a milk shake… and David & I ordered the 3piece fish & chips. The milkshake is large and made with real ice cream and so thick and delicious. And the three piece fish…well, we could feed our WHOLE family with that order. The fish was fresh and flaky, so tasty good. This restaurant is a MUST for anyone visiting the area.
July 5~ revisit~ We were impressed with Turkey Burger on May 30th, so when our nephew and his wife were visiting from Ontario we wanted to treat them. However, our second visit wasn’t quite as good. Portion sizes are huge…they were impressed! But the fish was a little overcooked and batter a bit greasy this time. I think I’ve tried enough fish & chips here and will try something different. BUT the milkshakes are THE BEST ( I had one again)
Our son and nephew enjoying the fish & chips 😀
June 7~ The Wharf Wrap Restaurant, Eastern Passage
The Wharf Wrap Restaurant in Eastern Passage is located by Fishermen’s Cove. The restaurant itself is nothing to look at but we’ve heard rave reviews how their Fish & Chips are “the best” so of course, I wanted to go. We ordered the one piece and added a piece of fish to share. Just like last week at the Turkey Burger, portions are HUGE!!! We couldn’t believe it. How can these restaurants afford to serve such large pieces of fish. The batter on this fish was a little different. Its a cracker crumb/batter with “secret special seasonings” that only the owners know. I guess it’s a family secret that even the chef’s don’t know entirely. Well, it was different BUT oh so delicious!!! It is served with fries and their special pineapple flavour coleslaw. Once again we were not disappointed. YUM!!!
July 2~ Pearles in Paradise …revisit
This is always a favourite when we go to the valley. No complaints, just ALWAYS the same VERY good fish!! That’s why we go back.
July 2~ The Dockside, Digby
Not a fan! Digby is known for it’s scallops and they were delicious but we have had much better fish and chips. The best thing was the view, right on the waterfront, overlooking the scallop trawler fleet.
July 5~ Lanes Privateer Inn, Liverpool
This was a pleasant surprise. A spontaneous lunch stop with some of our family on the way through to the beach. I took took the opportunity to see what the fish & chips were like. They were REALLY good! Home cut fries with lightly battered fish. A perfect lunch, especially when enjoyed on their garden terrace!
July 7~ Acadian Fish & Chips, Hammond’s Plains Road
We have seen this restaurant on our way through to the airport, city or to David’s brother’s place and always comment we should try it! Vacation time is great for eating out. I love their decor outside, lighthouse and little fisherman. It’s a family owned and run business. They serve home cut fries and nice servings with a lemon wedge, tartar sauce and coleslaw. The service is super fast and they are very friendly. A great spot!
July 9~ The Battered Fish- Halifax Waterfront
It was ok. I love the waterfront so eating takeout with a view is so much fun BUT we’ve had better fish & chips.
July 10~ The Blarney Stone, On the 103 in Hebb’s Cross
A small licensed family dining restaurant that has been serving customers since 1983. With a diverse menu offering east coast specialties such as fried clams, fish and chips and other great home style meals like hot sandwiches and burgers. This place is ALWAYS packed and it’s been years since we visited.
Like I said this spot is BUSY!!! The food is great. David & I shared the 4piece fish and chips which was enough for us. The fish was normal portions but lightly done, flaky and not greasy. The chips were just regular ( not hand cut, so nothing special) David did have a side of sweet potato fries which were delicious. A great little spot for good food!
July 18~ Tastee Freeze, Hebbville
This is not the place to get Fish & Chips, it’s a wonderful spot for soft serve ice cream. That being said we just wanted a quick take out of fish and chips to take to the waterfront in our town to enjoy and the Tastee Freeze is just 5 minutes away. We thought we’d give it a try. We’ll be back, we love this spot…but for ice cream!
August 2~ Food Truck Fish & Chips, Huey’s at Halifax Waterfront
Food Trucks set up at the Waterfront during the Busker’s Festival. We had to try Fish & Chips from one. Huey’s was the one that had fish & chips. The experience was cool. The chips were home cut fries which were excellent but the fish was way too much batter for the fish. Oh well…
August 15~ Food Truck Fish & Chips, Irene’s at Chester Yacht Club
Chester Race Week and Chester Village is a busy spot!! A few food trucks were there to help with the event and all the people. We finally got chance to go on Saturday the last day of the races, and had lunch at the yacht club overlooking the harbour so we could watch a bit of sailing. Our food truck choice…Irene’s. Again, not the best fish & chips around but we loved the atmosphere and relaxing lunch.
August 30~ AND for a third time this summer, revisit the Turkey burger in Cookville.
This time was much like the very first time we went. HUGE portions, cooked to perfections. Actually this time even though I didn’t take any pictures ( totally forgot) James, David and I shared the 3piece fish and chips and it was more than enough for lunch!! So I highly recommend this place. If for some reason it’s not quite what you expect the first time, give it a second chance. Now that this year’s Fish & Chips quest is finished, we need to try some of there other dishes! 🙂
So this year instead of going until middle of October with my search, we finished the end of August by returning to a favourite. I am just getting around to getting this blog post ready. There are still so many more places in our beautiful East Coast province that serve this delicious meal, and yes we will keep ordering “Fish & Chips” as we travel about. There are also some other tasty seafood dishes worth mentioning…chowders. lobster rolls, crab cakes, fish cakes, scallops, clams, mussels…hmm…next year I may be on a different quest.
We’re loving these gorgeous days in September and October before cold weather hits. Hope you get chance to go for a nice drive and have lunch or dinner at a local spot.
We took Hwy 8 passing Kejimkujik National Park on the way. We wanted to see the site of the really bad forest fires this summer. Such devastation.
Have a great week friends!
The Rugged Dude Burger at The Best Little Oarhouse in Nova Scotia, Bridgewater
Fish & Chips, Maxwell’s Plum, Halifax
We enjoyed lots and lots of amazing meals on our 3 week vacation too but since they were across Canada, it really doesn’t count.
Check it out if you get chance! We will definitely be trying out more items on the menu this summer!
Why not have your own fun? Order something different you haven’t tried…something very East Coast Style!
Just An East Coast Girl 