A Unique Place

Unique, unspoiled…tucked away at the end of a rocky beach. A trail that is 6.5 km round trip. It consists of marine, terrestrial and wetland ecosystems. Both sides  have steep cliffs and tidal pools, shale beaches and just AMAZING views along the shoreline. Just a perfect little walk for such a gorgeous afternoon!

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What a beautiful afternoon!

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La Tour de Fury

September is my husband’s favorite time of year. It’s his Birthday month and it’s usually when he takes a vacation. He loves Fall. Nice warm sunny days ( not too hot) and cooler nights. Although this September we’ve still been running a bit of air conditioning.

Today is officially his first day of Vacay and PRIORITY for this week was a long bike ride! So this morning bright and early off he went with a fellow colleague…

LA TOUR de Honda Fury

First stop…Middleton in the Annapolis Valley. Coffee time, of course!

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It was a beautiful Saturday and lots of picturesque places along routes in our province. Unfortunately getting pics proves difficult on a bike unless you are making lots of stops. For the most part they just enjoyed the ride!

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And lunch at a great Turkish restaurant ( David said it was my kind of place and we would have to go sometime)

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They had a great “tour” and it might have been nice to see a few more places, they both agreed that they are not “long distance” bikers. But then again this was the first long ride and maybe with a few more stops and (pictures for me lol) they would love it.

On the list of things to do… Long bike ride ✓

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In Search of Nova Scotia’s BEST Fish & Chips…the results! SECOND EDITION

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:

https://adventurefortwo.wordpress.com/2014/10/15/in-search-of-the-best-fish-chips/

And after lots of study and careful consideration…:) Here are the 2015 RESULTS

May 24~ The South Shore Fish Shack, Lunenburg …revisit

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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)

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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 :D
Our son and nephew enjoying the fish & chips 😀

 

June 7~ The Wharf Wrap Restaurant, Eastern Passage

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IMG_4183The 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

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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

IMG_5052Not 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.

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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!

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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!

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IMG_5931IMG_5932July 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.

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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!

IMG_6084 IMG_6085July 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!

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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…

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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.

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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.

Life’s a BEACH!

Sandy Ocean Beaches, Lake Beaches, Rock Shore Beaches… Nova Scotia has some AMAZING Beaches! Nova Scotia Beaches aren’t known as “warm” beaches. Not like beaches in the Caribbean or South America that we’ve swam in BUT Nova Scotia has some of the most beautiful clean water beaches around and if you can brave the  cold ( or get a really nice warm  current in the middle of August) …you’ll see.

One thing on our list of “to see/do” this summer is checking out some of the”local” beaches. The ones closest  to home. Back to our favourites, some we haven’t been to for awhile and also some new ones that we’ve never been to.

So to start… I REALLY, REALLY wanted to go to Carter’s Beach! It was always a favourite of ours. A little distance to drive but ah… so lovely!

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Fort Point Beach about 20 minutes from Bridgewater.

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Risser’s Beach~ About 30 minutes from home. I love the boardwalk there.

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IMG_4583 IMG_4606Crescent Beach~ is close too, just before Risser’s and the beach that we go to the most. It’s great for walking, and it’s the ONLY beach around that cars can actually drive on the beach.

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Feltzen South Beach~ a rocky beach especially when the tide is high. Supposed to be a great beach to find glass but we went at high tide, so we’ll have to go back. It was a beautiful view.

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Rose Bay Beach…aka. Sand Dollar Beach

“The Beach” to find sand dollars in the area. Well, that is if you get there first BUT on a HOT, SUNNY beautiful Nova Scotia Saturday that’s kinda hard because many people, locals and tourists flock the beaches.

The tide was low and so the shore line long and ripply. We went for a drive and a walk along the beach with our “Goode Family”  on reunion day. It’s not a beach to lay on the beach and tan but the water was warm like bath water to do a little wading and we did manage to find 3 sand dollars among our group.

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IMG_6834 IMG_6868 IMG_6872Clam Harbour Beach~ 2hours away in Clam Harbour on the Eastern Shore

Home to the Annual Clam Harbour Sand Castle Competition. We went on “the” busiest day of the year. But I really wanted to see what made this beach famous. Unfortunately, it was so foggy and very crowded that we weren’t able to get a good view BUT the beach had wonderful sand, was very clean, and the sand castles were AMAZING, some of the best we’ve seen. Our son and his fiance were there on a different day (far less busy) and this beach is one I definitely would like to visit again.  And this beach…if you’re lucky…you’ll see starfishes!

IMG_7467IMG_7464IMG_7465IMG_7367IMG_7395And just so you can see what a beautiful beach it is…here are a couple of Andrew & Kristina’s pics

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Queensland Beach was one of the original 15 beaches first supervised by the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service in 1973. Queensland Beach Provincial Park is situated in the South Shore region, along a beautiful coastal drive.  Although not large, it is one of the most popular on the South Shore. The warm air and sand draw large crowds on hot days in July and August.

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Well, it’s the week after Labour Day and even though we still have a week vacation in September we probably won’t get chance to do anymore beach exploring.  If we do it will be back to a familiar one, one that is close. So…with all the amazing beaches here, I guess I’ll just have to do another post next summer.

LOVE our Nova Scotia beaches!

VBS sure is fun 🎵

…bring your friends in one by one 🎵🎵

Summertime is packed full of kids programs…soccer, swimming lessons, learn to sail, kids clubs, church camps and VBS ( Vacation Bible school)…SO MUCH for kids to do these days!!

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This week I have been helping out in the kitchen during “Journey Off The Map” VBS. We’re making and providing fun and interesting snacks each night. 72 kids the first night and 90 by the end of the week. It was lots and lots of fun!!!

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IMG_7200IMG_7213IMG_7212IMG_7210 Thursday night was a real favorite…

IMG_7225 IMG_7226Tomorrow night is the closing with a BBQ. What a great WEEK it’s been!!

Overlooking the Harbour

High on the hill overlooking the Port, she was built to protect the Capital.

It’s obvious when you see the layout,why this strategic hilltop location with a commanding view of the Halifax harbour was chosen in 1749 for the fort destined to protect the city. The star-shaped Halifax Citadel is a MUST see destination for locals and tourists a like.

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IMG_6283 IMG_6285 IMG_6299DSC09448Take a step back in time, with a guided tour, changing of the guard, bagpipe music, period dress. Have a coffee and treat at the coffee shop, a walk through history in the museum…This is an experience you won’t want to miss!

YESTERDAY…Last day of vacation

It’s back to work early this morning for David. We had such a wonderful two weeks exploring our beautiful province. A place where tourists from all over the world visit and return year after year. We are blessed that’s for sure!

YESTERDAY, We spent our afternoon enjoying Lunenburg. One of our favourite towns very close to home. We had a leisurely lunch on the waterfront at The Old Fish Factory  with our youngest son ( he works there so it was nice for him to be off working hours and join us). Then we got dessert at David’s favourite spot, Sweet Treasures. And enjoyed strolling the streets browsing some shops and just enjoying the afternoon together.

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BEAUTIFUL LunenburgDSC08111And today it’s back to work, and back to routine for me.

Today is July 13th. 13 more days and it will be ONE YEAR since we’ve returned from expat. July 26th we flew home from China. I gave myself a year…a year to adjust…a year to eat and do whatever I wanted…because of what we missed being away…

That year is over…pretty much. NOW, it’s time to stop procrastinating, time to stop dwelling on the fact that China will always have a piece of my heart, and Brazil will always be fondly in my memories of our time there. It’s time! TIME to stop procrastinating and live my life to the “fullest” here and now and find what truly makes s me happy here!!!

Have a great Monday my friends and the start of a brand new week!

A Festival of crafts

I LOVE Festivals and Special Events in the Summer.  Picturesque Lunenburg has a few such events during the summer. This weekend was the Annual Lunenburg Festival of Crafts.

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Nova Scotia’s most talented craft producers and local artisans.  The festival includes traditional Lunenburg food and great entertainment. There are so many  “crafty” people in this province. I especially love to see and talk to vendors that are recycling things or “young entrepreneurs” that are earning some “summer money”.

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IMG_6327Haha and part of the fun of craft fairs is sampling all the tasty products! ( James and David love this part)IMG_6330If you’re driving in the area, you will notice a couple more local craftsman…crafting the colourful Adirondack chairs! I love them. We have one and I would really like to add a couple more to my collection along with a rocking chair. Hmm? So many choices and so many colors!!! Decisions.

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