Could this summer have been any better? With its glorious weather and a united call to Come on Home out of it, summer 2022 was one for the record books and we’ve enjoyed every minute. 

Lodge’s Loft/Lodge’s Landing, Catalina: Julie Lodge is one special woman. With a goal to return to the province and raise her children at home, she’s turned her hand at many things. 

Something she’s very good at is providing quality and unique vacation homes to anyone interested in visiting the Catalina/Port Union area. 

“When people walk through my doors, I want them to feel like they are treating themselves to something special. I wanted people to have a higher end feel and to have more of an experience than just a place to lay their head at night,” she said when we visited. With one spot so luxurious you’ll never want to leave (Lodge’s Landing) and another that leaves you longing for simpler times (Lodge’s Loft), a visit to Catalina should be on any vacationer’s bucket list.  

Follow Lodge’s Loft/Landing on Facebook or find them on Airbnb

A Little Cup of Sea, Colliers: The concept is new: A picture-perfect spot on the water where you can just sit back and relax. How perfectly perfect! Owner  Lacey Pike knew what she had the first time she saw their newly purchased little piece of heaven after moving back home from away with her husband and young son. 

What it is that makes A Little Cup of Sea special? Ask Pike and she will say, “It’s just sharing the ocean with other people on this little piece of calm on the water. It’s a spot to come and relax and fill your soul.”

alittlecupofsea.ca 

Smugglers Cove, Burin: One very special spot that brags it calls the adventurous rebel home, Smugglers Cove is one of a kind. 

With huts on the water for a one-of-a-kind stay-over next to a one of a kind Roadhouse and one uniquely designed ‘town,’ Smugglers is almost too many things to mention. In memory of the late Tom Hollett, Smugglers on the Coast of Legends has it all. A great place to eat, play or stay, Smugglers is a must on anyone’s year-round must-visit list. 

Not only are there good eats, there’s good work happening at Smugglers  too.  The Route 210 Run held in Support of the Autism Society raised over $40,000 for the charity. Great job everyone!

smugglerscovenl.com 

Golden Sands, Burin: The sand will stick around almost as long as the memories, but it’s well worth it! An incredible spot for lovers – young and old – and an incredible spot for families, Golden Sands Resort has it all and then some. 

With a sandy shore that never ends and pond water at just the perfect depth for the wee ones, the beach area offers glorious water fun for all ages. Food. Treats. Cabins. Camping. It’s all there at Golden Sands. But it’s the staff – and the seasonal campers – who really make this spot fun. Halloween. Christmas parties. New Year’s celebrations. 

Even mummers showed up at the sands this summer. Ride the ‘Paddy Wagon’ and take in a magic trick, have a dance in the barn area, play mini golf, enjoy the playground with the kiddies or just float your cares away in the pond. Golden Sands is a golden opportunity for fun in the sun. Open until Thanksgiving, there’s still time to visit! 

goldensandsresort.ca

SeaGlass B&B and Studio, New Perlican: Staying a night at Nan’s is what a stay at SeaGlass feels like, only Nanny never had such an incredible deck that sat right on the ocean. With history and beauty as well as hospitality, SeaGlass is a vacation delight. Turn your hand at stained glass and enjoy a relaxing class or do a little shopping. It’s a visit that will lead to many more planned – and unplanned –  escapes to New Perlican. 

seaglassbb.ca 

Dunrovin RV Park, Lethbridge:

This little getaway spot has everything. A place to camp in nature, spectacular cabins, great eats and so much more, this was one incredible sumer vacation stop over. 

Check out their unique wooden statues, chat with the staff about the history of the area, or just relax in the woods by the water and listen to the frogs and enjoy the view. We loved our July stay! 

Visit them on Facebook for more 

Humber River Off Grid Tours: Go just to met Uncle Mel and Ashley Hann! And tell them we sent ya! Humber River Off Grid is one of the most unique experiences of our summer. 

With incredible views, great accommodations and grand hosts, you won’t even mind the fact that you can’t post to Facebook or answer emails! Check out Hann on YouTube at Adventures Off Grid for more. 

Check them out on Facebook

Dildo Boathouse Inn, Dildo: Take a ride out to sea or just sit and enjoy the view and the grub in the restaurant, no matter the day’s plan or the time you have to spend, a visit to Dildo Boathouse Inn is a must for any road-tripper. Ask about the history of the building – it’s amazing.

It’s cool to know how some people turned the end of the cod fishery into something unique and positive, and how a fishing boat that’s been in the family for years can now provide so much joy to come from away tourists and those from home who just want to spend a day near –or on – the sea.

dildoboathouse.com 

Fishing For Success, Petty Harbour: It’s hard to put in words sometimes how incredible the people are who devote their time to preserving our culture. That’s the driving passion behind the team at Fishing for Success. 

Take the kids, take any tourists you meet, or just go spend a few hours with them yourself. From art work with fish to a day watching puffins and learning how to jig a cod, this is one fun and memorable stop over during our summer of 2022.  

fishingforsuccess.org 

Marine Park, Pouch Cove: 

I don’t know that there’s many places like it in the province. 

Minutes from the city of St. John’s, this spot offers quality and an unforgettable getaway for the entire family. Camp, rent a golf cart, enjoy the beach area, hike, or take in some of the best kiddie activities around, this Yogi Bear Jellystone Park has something for the entire family to enjoy. 

campjellystone.com 

Dildo Dory Grill, Dildo: We liked it so much, we went back again! Dildo Dory and Breakfast Under the Dory offers great grub and an amazing view. 

Go for the day or book a stay over at one of the many near-by vacations spots. We  recommend  the fish and chips and the chowder!  

dildodorygrill.com

Kilmory, Swift Current: Kilmory has been in the Jamieson family for generations and now Mary and Roger proudly carry on the family tradition. Vacationers have been known to visit annually, and make a stop over a tradition.  

kilmoryresort.com 

George House B& B, Dildo:  Built in 1885, this house has history. It also has class! Plus, it’s fun! 

From the rubber ducky placed in our glorious tub to the brilliant conversation we had with other visitors, Todd at George House makes visiting a B&B one tasty (great breakfast!) adventure! 

www.georgehousebnb.com 

Banting Memorial Park, Musgrave Harbour: I fell in love with this place and the people who stay there. 

With ocean access and a stunning beach as well as a fun pond to play in, I swear I will return every summer! 

musgraveharbour.com/park.

Mom’s Place, Mobile:  Brenda and Bob Lee know how to entertain. Friendly and kind, they know how to make life-long friends too!  Plus, Mom’s Place is glamour with a little love tossed in for good measure. Hot tub and a pool, this place is a must visit!

Roy’s Lighthouse, Catalina:  This lighthouse stayover was one of a kind. We couldn’t stop admiring the detailed work that went into this place. If you’ve ever had a dream about sleeping in a lighthouse, then visit! And ask owner Kristy Sweet where the motivation for this beautiful place came from. 

Route 66, Carbonear: We had so much fun at Route 66! The fact that Ray Johnson was there playing accordion didn’t hurt of course, plus the food and service is second to none! 

Try their muscles! You will need a spoon for the sauce!

The Vimy, Spaniard’s Bay: I love Mary. She makes sleep overs fun, and she serves the best breakfast I think we’ve ever eaten, plus the boutique! Wow!

Oh! Check it out! Great selection and great prices and great service too.  

IceBerg Alley B &B, Twillingate: What’s not to love about Twillingate? Well, Wendy and Danny make a stay even better with their hospitality. 

A stunning place to stay, and a warm loving feeling from the second you first slip into those hand knitted slippers. icebergalley.squarespace.com 

Marble Mountain, Steady Brook: There’s so much to see and do and experience at Marble Mountain all year long. Oh! Try the ribs onsite and pair that with their unique coleslaw! 

Check out the Spider Challenge – if you dare – and go for a zip too!

North Atlantic Ziplines, Petty Harbour: These guys know how to ramp up fun – and they know how to build up confidence to! The best in the tourism business when it comes to fun on bust! 

zipthenorthatlantic.com 

Grates Cove Studios, Grates Cove:  This place and the family who run it are near and dear to our hearts. What a story they have to share, and what a great piece of heaven on earth they inhabit. 

Discover the art of unpolished living here.  Go for the unique food, and you’ll never want to leave. Ask about the beauty of sea weed too! 

gratescovestudios.ca 

Lobster Pods, South River:  I didn’t know what to expect but we had the time of our lives here! 

The kids adored it, the dogs loved it, and we spent the day exploring the beauty around us and enjoying our lodgings.   

Lobster Pool, Hillgrade: Eileen is the queen! People line up to eat their grub and experience their hospitality. Go once, you will be back! Fish cakes to die for, folks!

Marble Inn & Suites Salt Water Spa, Steady Brook: Go to the spa and ask for Pamela! The best spa experience on the planet! Their saltwater experience for two is a must. Plus, we enjoyed the best pizza ever at The Cove! 

explorenewfoundland.com

Doctors House Inn & Spa, Green’s Harbour: This spot is now one of my favourite getaways. The food – best beef I’ve ever tasted – is incredible and the views and staycation offerings are too numerous to mention. One stay and you will be back.  doctorshousenl.ca   

Ocean Delight, Heart’s Delight: I think this place may be the most romantic location on earth. Stunning views of the ocean and the setting sun but also a vibe inside that insists you hold hands and cuddle. A place with so much heart, you won’t want to leave.

oceandelightcottages.net 

The Quay, Brigus:   Best ever Blueberry Crisp. Order the sampler. You’ll be glad you did! Great to share and enjoy while in one of the most beautiful places in this province. 

The Cove, Freshwater: This house has so much history and the views from the kitchen window will insist that you dine in! Take a good camera as there’s so much to experience you won’t want to forget one thing.

Michelle’s Fine Arts, Carbonear: Take a class or just experience the beauty of Michelle’s work on its own. The best textures and the most incredible colours. 

Jigs & Reels, Green’s Harbour: Beauty and fun and great food in one spot! What’s not to love? You might even meet a star! Kellie Loder was there the day we visited. 

Studio Boutique, Carbonear: Ask for Kat! The service is so amazing you’ll return for that alone, but the clothing and other items available are unique too! 

Rising Tide Theatre, Trinity: Visiting Trinity is like experiencing life in one magical place, and the talent on display at Rising Tide Theatre will enhance that experience. Try their dinner theatre. You won’t be sorry you did. 

New World Island Dinner Theatre, Twillingate: We laughed until we cried from the humour, and then we cried because we were so touched by the local talent on display.  The food was incredible too!

Iceberg Quest, St. John’s:  With fabulous music and incredible views and great staff, this is a party at sea. Arthur O’Brien was there when we sailed and our experience was one of a kind. Great memories are made with these folks!

icebergquest.com/experience-the-wonder 

Round Da Bay Inn, Plate Cove West:  Ask to meet Charlie! Better yet, have him join you for breakfast. Check out the themed rooms and pick your fav, and then help support some of the amazing charity work being performed by these kind-hearted people. 

rounddabayinn.com 

By The Sea, King’s Cove: Order the cod tongues. Amazing! Make sure you go back for breakfast, too. What a beautiful location, what a stunning community and what a great place to stay.

bythesearesort.ca 

The Stone Jug, Carbonear: This beautiful place has so much glamour and sophistication, and the food is off the charts yummy. A romantic spot or a great place to take the family.  

The Dildo Brewery & Museum: Cod tacos to die for and great pizza too. And oh yeah! Beer! Get a flight and find your fav.

www.dildoinns.com 

Margie’s Place By the Pond, Placentia: The kitchen in this place will blow your mind. Then, the master suite will do it again! But check out the rest of the house too for a step back in time. This converted former parish priest house is a must explore location. 

The Cliff House, Dunville: The beauty of Cliff House is not to be believed. From the outside to the inside, the detailed hand-crafted work will leave you inspired to amp up your own surroundings. Stay here once and you will return! 

Baccalieu Trail Brewing Co., Bay Roberts:  We tasted these delightful offerings at The Quay, but they are available many places. Visit the brewery itself as they have some amazing food offerings to pair with your beverages. 

Windamere Cabins, Rattling Brook: These amazing log cabins are in a brilliant setting and are a great place to stay when you want great access to the many hiking trails and beaches in the area.  

Sandy Cove Cabins, Sandy Cove:  Oh! The beach! Walk, stay, play and explore. A great place for beach glass, and a fun vacation spot for all.  

sandycovebeach.ca 

Frozen in Time Winery, Markland: Order one of their charcuterie boards and then taste the wine offerings. Cloudberry, Blackcurrant or Blueberry, there’s many to taste. Check out their healthy Iron Berry products too! Plus, you can stay!

frozenintimeltd.com 

Seacliff House Pro., Brigus: Have something from your childhood you’ve long wanted to have again? Check out Seacliff House! Wander the isles, find your treasure and be gobsmacked. 

Wind at your back Lazy River, Whitbourne: We enjoyed ourselves so much this day. It was fun and laughter under the sun and on the water. Highly recommended for everyone.  We want to return with a bigger group because it’s so much fun.

windatyourbacknl.ca 

St. John’s Walking Tours: The history will amaze you, even if you are from the Avalon. It’s something worth spending a few hours on for come from aways and livyers alike. 

stjohnswalkingtours.com

Mad Rock Cafe, Bay Roberts: Best fish and brewis and the biggest laugh ever with the staff. So much fun, and incredible grub. Go and then tell your friends!  

Dream Chalet Getaways & Event Planning, Brigus Junction:A glamorous staycation spot with a touching back story, this is a great spot to either escape and get away from it all, or to invite the entire family to join you for a visit!

Rise Over, Brigus: The views are incredible and the food is amazing. We had mussels and cod the day we were there but there’s so much more to try that we will visit again and again to fit in many more menu items. A great Sunday drive spot for an afternoon mug up.

theriseover.com

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians came home for Come Home 2022 celebrations and the province welcomed many first time visitors too.  The weather coorperated with record breaking sunshine for one record setting NL  summer.

There was a little something for everyone to enjoy. Wonderbolt Productions celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2022, and they dazzled and delighted audiences all summer long. The George Street Festival was a huge hit and so was the Churchill Park Music Festival with both attracting huge and enthusiastic crowds. 

But whether it’s the large concerts on George Street or the smaller gatherings on an outport wharf, it’s been quite a summer to celebrate, Premier Andrew Furey said. “To see this (Come Home 2022) come from a concept to reality, and then to see the return, well the actual numbers speak for themselves,” he said as he launched into some cheerful chatter about the rise in tourism numbers throughout Come Home 2022. And the fun continues through the fall too with Come From Away: The Concert and Tell Tale Harbour yet to be celebrated and enjoyed. 

What was your favourite Come Home 2022 experience? Was it the Stanley Cup or a concert? Was it seeing family or friends or was it a wedding celebration that was delayed due to the pandemic. 

Share your super summer story with us at letters@nfldherald.com 

Charles & Camilla’s 2022 Royal Tour

Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, arrived St. John’s on May 17th to begin a three-day Canadian tour largely focused on reconciliation with Indigenous people. 

The couple attended a welcome ceremony at the provincial legislature with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Gov. Gen. Mary Simon then it was off to Gov. House and Quidi Vidi.

Photos provided by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, taken by Alick Tsui Photography.

Kellie Loder Proves They’re Fearless

Not only is Kellie Loder selling out shows, but they are selling totally out of merch at these performances as well, they added when The Herald swung by for a chat. “The opportunity to be on a national television show, what that has done for me is amazing. People stop you on the side of the road and people shout at you from their cars. And it’s so positive,” they said of appearing on Canada’s Got Talent. 

 Had reality set in yet? Since being a  national sensation on CGT, so much had changed. “You work so, so hard for so long to get that sort of recognition that when you finally get it it’s a bit wild. Like, I still feel like I’m a small town kid from Badger and now people are wanting to carry my things and bring me water and food and steam my clothes. And I’m like, ‘What’s happening right now?’” 

Loder also felt “different” seeing their face on a NL Herald cover. “I would go to the store and The Herald would always be on the front counter, and I would see different faces every week on the cover and I always wondered if I was ever going to make the cover, do you know what I mean? I always wondered that, even when nobody knew who I was.” Well, now they certainly do! 

Show Your Pride in NL

Irma Gerd made NL proud as one of the contestants of the third season of Canada’s Drag Race. 

Gerd told The Herald that “The amount of support that I’ve gotten from all of Atlantic Canada, not just Newfoundland, has been overwhelming. Just positively overwhelming in the best way.” 

Pride events throughout NL recognized and celebrated the diversity of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community within the province and the Provincial Government sponsored St. John’s Pride Week as a part of Come Home 2022. Sponsored events included Drag on Water held on Saturday, July 23 as well as the St. John’s Pride Parade

Staycation with the OZFM Summer CREW

Kali Kenny and Noah Perchard hit the road in the OZFM Staycation Summer Cruiser and brought the cheer and the joy to many as they travelled the province throughout the summer of 2022.

Kenny told The Herald that being a member of the Staycation Summer Cruiser Team was a “dream come true.” 

The Regatta Returns

For the very first time in Royal St. John’s Regatta history, there was a Women’s Long course race. 

North America’s oldest annual sporting event concluded with repeat champions in both the men’s and women’s races. NTV were winners of the Men’s Championship Race and Hyflodraulic won Stirling Communications Women’s Championship Race with a time of 5:11.

This year’s Regatta saw crowds return to the banks of Quidi Vidi Lake for the first time since 2019.

Jaida Lee Makes History

At 16 years old, Jaida Lee became the first female to compete in Men’s Baseball at the Canada Summer Games in 2022. The teenage baseball sensation and her father, Dave Lee, shared with media how “unreal” the experience was,  included the fact that she got to throw an opening pitch at a Blue Jays game.

Alex Newhook Brings Home Lord Stanley

Colorado Avalanche forward and St. John’s native Alex Newhook couldn’t stop smiling the day he brought the Stanley Cup home to St. John’s! 

The timing couldn’t have been better and fans young and old couldn’t get enough of the party that came with Lord Stanley held during Come Home 2022 celebrations.

About being only the third player from Newfoundland and Labrador to win the Stanley Cup, Newhook shared how he received congratulations from the other two who had done so before he did – Daniel Cleary and Michael Ryder. Newhook cheered along with fans so loudly as he yelled, ’Our fans are the best in the world’ that Newhook seemed to  have lost his voice during part of the Stanley Cup parade.

Was it emotion or cheering along with fans that cause the brief quiet spell? Probably a bit of both, but whatever the reason, it was a grand day in the province and an unforgettable day for Alex Newhook and his family and friends. Congratulations! 

One visit to any area of the province will leave folks saying; why did we stay where we’re to? We should have come where you’re at long ago.

 “It’s been overwhelming, overwhelmingly positive,” says Premier Andrew Furey of Come Home 2022. Furey himself has been touring the province as much as possible himself too, he shared.  

Exactly what NL needed

“It’s just been an incredibly joyous, happy occasion for communities throughout our province. Coming out of the pandemic, this is exactly what people needed. People celebrating life … all rallying around this call to come home. And I couldn’t be more proud with the results from this campaign,” he said.

From Regatta and Churchill Park Music Festival to Monster Trucks, George Street Festival, Tell Tale Harbor and Come From Away, Furey and team have been proudly supporting events held throughout the province.  “This was exactly what the province needed right now. For decades, centuries even, we’ve had a history of festivals in towns and communities. Of concerts, arts festivals and more, but because of the pandemic these things mostly stopped. We needed an injection of enthusiasm to reinvigorate them and I think that Come Home Year 2022 did exactly that.”

Whether it was a large concert or a smaller gathering on an outport wharf, it’s been quite a summer to celebrate. The numbers speak for themselves, he said. 

In auto traffic, the province is up 166 per cent from 2019 and growing. Travellers in general are up almost 300 per cent compared to 2021. “It’s special, it’s emotional and it’s economically beneficial at the end of the day as well,” Furey  said.  

Furey shared he figures he spent one weekend in his own bed this entire summer. “It was really nice to see the hope and optimism and the spirit of Newfoundland and Labrador on full display in many communities – all communities, frankly – around the province,” he said. 

This has always been an incredible place to visit, he added. “It’s really more than just about one year. It’s about reinjecting  enthusiasm and optimism … that will live beyond 2022.” 

The premier says he has been so proud as he’s travelled around. “I’d like to thank everybody for being involved and for embracing (Come Home 2022). We were in communities that normally only have 100 people in it and to see it grow to 300 or 400 people in an afternoon to  celebrate the culture of Newfoundland and Labrador … was just fantastic.  

This summer The Herald has had the pleasure of meeting some incredible individuals who do some amazing things as they welcome come from aways and staycationers alike to their area of the province of NL. 

One thing has stood out: these men and women all had dreams and visions they’ve tenaciously – most against all odds – made reality. They saw what others couldn’t and went for it, proving that those who work in the tourism industry really are out of this world. 

Humber River Off Grid Tours ~ Humber River, NL

Ashley Hann is a treasure of a young woman. Passionate. Enthusiastic. Brilliant. Social. Compassionate. Strong. Hann is all those things and so much more. Her passion was evident even before we met. 

A scheduling fool up meant we were running late and Hann proved she was on pins and needles waiting for us to arrive when she tracked down my phone number and enthusiastically  asked; “How far away are ya now, girl? Are ya close?” Hann was waiting when we hauled up, not because she had business to attend to – her on the Humber River tent pods and her larger and more exotically luxurious glamping dom are pretty much serve yourself – but because she’s simply proud and excited to show off all she has to offer her guests. 

Show up with your grub, unzip, and enjoy, is pretty much all that needs to happen when you visit Hann’s little piece of heaven on earth, but Hann – along with her treasured Uncle Mel – are the real attractions at Humber River Off Grid Tours. Uncle Mel Cole, at 80, says that having Hann and her enthusiastic ways around “keeps him young.” 

Hann, who is actually Cole’s grand-niece, has lived on the property for over 20 years. While he owns both a business and a home in near-by Deer Lake, life on the river is so much more peaceful, he shared. 

“I’ve had this property about 50 years and I still loves it here. I came here salmon fishing when I was 17 and I always said if I ever found somewhere any nicer than where I’m too, that’s where I would go. But I didn’t. And I’m still here because I loves it here,” he said. 

So does Hann. What is it she loves about being on the Humber River? 

“Pretty much everything,” Hann opened with emotion. It’s easy to see why. Birds and goats and chickens literally eat right out of her hand, and she spends her time on the river just steps from her door. 

“I live here and I work here because my business runs out of here and I just absolutely love this place,” she said.  

Being outdoors is her happy place, she added. Growing up, she “lived and breathed sports,” she said. “I was always outdoorsy and always active, always on the go, game for anything. I done forestry in school and then of course when I came over here (with her Uncle) I started picking at the gardens and doing things like that just for something to do.” 

The vegetable garden Hann and Cole have on the property is amazing, and Hann often plucks the veggies right out of the ground for cook-ups on the Humber during her kayaking tours.  

She’s also started quite the strawberry garden. “I have a strawberry u-pick for next year for my guests. That’s three acres of strawberries, 10,000 plants I planted. So when it comes to outdoor stuff, I don’t stop. It’s nonstop,” she laughed.  

This is Hann’s fifth year in the tourism business. 

“You didn’t even think that anyone would come down this road yet it’s been booked solid for the past five years and just continues to grow.”

And they’ve hosted people from “all over.”  “People come from everywhere. It’s camping, only better. You get queen beds and all your dishes and your pots and pans and stuff like that. Same as camping, just that it’s fancier and a little bit different. You come here, you can camp, enjoy all the joys of camping without having to lug all your camping gear. Just bring food and water,” she said. 

There’s so much to enjoy. Remember, you’re off grid so there’s no cell service and no wifi, but that’s the attraction of the place and only adds to the magic of sleeping near the Humber River. 

There’s frogs and nature and beauty all around.  Hann’s is a place equally as enchanting for a romantic getaway with sunset swims or cuddles or for a family getaway – a place where a kid can be a kid and where life slows down for all. 

That’s what Hann loves about her tourism offerings. “Go back to the way things were. Enjoy each other,” she said. 

Of course Hann herself is busy as a beaver. From laundry and clean-up to tours and more, she’s got so much going on and she couldn’t be happier. A visit to Humber River Off Grid Tours “takes you back in time,”  she said.  “I feel like I’m sharing what I love and that feels great.”

Follow Humber River Off Grid Tours on Facebook and for more, subscribe to Hann’s YouTube channel, Adventures Off Grid

Smugglers Cove ~ Burin, NL

“For centuries, rogues, rascals, and renegades have found refuge here on the Coast of Legends,” the brochure for Smugglers Cove boasts intriguingly. There could be no better intro to this magical place that resembles the wild, wild west. 

Mike Brennan and Paddy Kavanaugh are the duo behind Smugglers and it’s all in memory of a friend, the late Tom Hollett who died in 2016. 

In Hollett’s honour, there’s Tom’s Roadhouse, “Where fellow rapscallions have a scoff and wet their whistle.” 

Chef and partner Clint Brewer is the king of the kitchen at Smugglers, and on the day we visit he delights us with halibut, a feed well worth the visit. But there’s so much to Smugglers. 

From special events and concerts to guided boat tours to Great Burin Island, Smugglers has a little something for everyone. Ever wished you could experience a sleepover a stone’s throw away from a frontier fantasy town? Well you can, in one of Smugglers cozy rustic but romantic (and practical) bunkhouses. The real draw, however, is the ‘town’ itself. Located on 1.7 hectares of land in Port-Au-Bras, the interactive ‘town’ of Smugglers Cove is a treasure built out of wood and sweat that has to be seen to be believed. While there, take a run into the town of Burin itself and visit more of Hollett’s Legacy left for others to enjoy. From  Hollett’s legendary Jiffy Cab Bug proudly on display as it welcomes all to Burin, to hiking trails, Brennan and Kavanaugh make sure ‘Tommy’s’ vision lives on. 

No one says it better than Brennan and the team in their own captivating way on their handout.

“Celebrating our notorious history, we tip our caps to those kindred spirits drawn to our shores. What calls the adventurous rebel home? Come and stay awhile – you’ll find out!” 

For more visit smugglerscoveburin.com

Jigs & Reels ~ Green’s Harbour

n the evening we visit, Natasha Hollett was happily greeting her guests  – which just happened to include Kellie Loder – with a smile. Passionate is one word that can be used to describe Hollett. Mom to two young boys aged six and eight, she has her hands full, but she doesn’t mind one bit. 

“People have always been a passion for me and I wanted to take a chance. When this came for sale, we jumped on it,” she said.

This Come Home summer has been good to them, she added. “Come Home has definitely been helping us bring people in. People are very excited to get home for the first time in several years. But summer usually brings people around anyway and we like to think there’s a lot of reasons to come here when they do.”

Jigs & Reels is beautiful. From the decor inside to the beautiful and inviting outside space, it’s a must visit location for sure. The food is good, the beer is cold, and the staff are friendly.  

The building was many things before becoming a spot to enjoy a meal and a beverage or to listen to some local entertainment. It was a sawmill for one thing, and then a gas bar and garage.    

Since owning Jigs & Reels, there’s been weddings and other events. The space holds 148 inside with an additional 100 who can enjoy the area on the beautiful back patio area. 

“We try to have entertainment regularly, like Friday and Saturdays. Typically, depending on what’s going on in the area, as we try not to compete too much if there’s something else on the go around,” she said.  

Hollett and her husband George are just getting ready to head home to the kids on the evening we visit. Still, the two busy themselves with whatever needs to be done. “We all do a little bit of everything. We come in and we just jump in and up whenever we can to help make our dream come true,” she said.

Not that every day is easy, they add.  “Taking over a business, it’s a lot of work, and there’s always something you can’t anticipate. But the locals are here for us and they support us and we appreciate that.”

We have to ask about the name Jigs & Reels. Any shout out to OZFM and Danielle Butt? “Absolutely. I mean, anytime Danielle wants to come here and host her show from here, come on out. It’ll be a fun time for sure and we’d love to have her,” Hollett says. 

From burgers to delight to nachos to rave about, Jigs & Reels is a special place run by some special people. Hollett smiles. “The staff here are the best and our customers are a blessing. The whole experience of owning a business has been amazing because it shows how good and supportive people are.”

For more, check out Jigs & Reels on Facebook

By The Sea Inn & Café ~ King’s Point

Krista and Corey Gillingham  are the proud owners/operators of By The Sea Inn & Café in beautiful King’s Point. With so much to do in the area – from hiking trails that lead to stunning waterfall views to shopping, dining and sightseeing – By The Sea is the perfect place to settle in for a few nights or longer and explore. 

This is the couple’s first year running this ultra-modern spectacular Inn and eatery with the most eye-catching view, though Krista worked there for over ten years before buying it. “It just started as a small, very tiny coffee shop and it kind of grew from there,” she said.

It was health issues that started the ball rolling, she added. Krista worked in the kitchen, but shoulder concerns meant she had to step back from kitchen duties and take more of a management-styled role. “That experience helped me be ready, I guess, so when this place was for sale, even though we are not related, it felt sort of like the business was staying in the family.”

While COVID had its challenges – including the loss of many of their scheduled bus tour stop overs – things have been good for the most part.   “That things are going back to what they were before COVID is wonderful for us and wonderful for the whole town,” she said.  

There’s a big sense of community pride throughout King’s Point. Even the garbage buckets are beautiful. With stores galore and incredible places to visit and enjoy, it’s a must see destination on any bucket list for sure. 

“The community as a whole and our town council does a great job and everybody in the town takes pride in what we have and what we’ve got. 

Everyone is constantly looking for new ways to improve what we have here.”

The food and the service is brilliant at By The Sea. “We do cater to a lot of locals when it comes to the menu but anyone who visits also loves to eat things like fish and chips and cod tongues,” she says. 

They have two seasons, she continued, the tourist season which runs from June till September, and their regular season, and both are important. The Inn – with one suite, The Eagle’s Landing, located in the main building with others next door, is a beautiful space to rest one’s head. And there’s more coming, Krista said proudly, as construction has begun on additional rooms.    

One bonus of a stay at the Inn is free breakfast in the dining area. “I find that a lot of people mention the food. People will say, ‘Who is the chef?’ And we always say that we don’t have chefs in our kitchen. We have cooks in our kitchen that were raised here in Newfoundland in a Newfoundland kitchen by Newfoundland mothers. We don’t have trained chefs in our kitchen, and here, salt is a seasoning, but the people in our kitchen were trained in life and there’s no better training than that, is there?”

For more visit bythesearesort.ca 

Roy’s Lighthouse Retreat ~ Catalina

Kristy Sweet has an interesting link to The Herald, she begins. “I was the baby of the year in 1980, and Suzanne Somers was on front cover. The Herald means something still to a lot of people, and having you here so you can tell our story means so much,” she said. 

There’s history here, Sweet continues. “Back years ago there were houses here, but they ended up towing them into town because they wanted people in the city to just make life easier for them I guess, but I can’t see wanting to leave here,” she said as her four-year-old daughter, Gracie Joe, played nearby on this picture perfect summer day. 

The setting couldn’t be more amazing. A lighthouse near the water in the beautiful town of Catalina with nothing around us but sea, sky and a stunningly inviting walking trail along the edge of the ocean.  Sweet appreciates the setting, and what the land around has to offer. 

“My grandmother is 89-years-old, my dad’s mother, and she’s out here every summer picking berries. My  grandma picks 20 gallons a year.”     

The reason why we are visiting on this day is to talk about Sweet’s late father, Roy Sweet. “My dad was a fisherman back years ago. He had two long liners, the Laura K and  the Laura K Two.” 

Laura was the name of Sweet’s great grandmother who lived on the now resettled Green Island. “When Dad wasn’t fishing he went into the woods in the wintertime to cut logs and then he opened up a sawmill and started selling logs,” she said, reflecting on old times.  

Sweet’s father’s grandmother’s father was a lighthouse keeper on Green Island: Joseph Sweet, and those old family stories captured Sweet’s imagination as a child and beyond. Her father also loved the family’s legacy and he always loved  lighthouses. 

Sweet’s dad passed away on March 15th, of 2020 and Sweet was crushed, she said. “He was my world. I just spent so much time with Dad, and I just wanted his memory to live on and this place here helps me. I come here everyday to the lighthouse and I remember him,” she shared. 

How this stunning lighthouse came to be is one incredible tale of a daughter’s vision fueled by love and devotion. 

With no formal plans, the work began on land Sweet’s father had purchased years before his death. Birchwood Construction helped Sweet’s dream become a reality and twins Terry and Perry Cullimore took over the inside finishing work. The end result is incredible. 

The response of those who stay at Roy’s Lighthouse Retreat has been incredible, she added. “It’s overwhelming. I love to see people come and enjoy this place I built in memory of my dad. Besides Gracie, this is my everything because it brings me closer to Dad and I know he would have loved it here,” she said. 

Watching the boats and the clouds  from the deck brings peace, she added.     Sweet also owns Gracie Joe’s Place, an 88-year-old family home in Catalina not far from Roy’s Lighthouse, but it’s here that she feels closest to her dad. 

“Dad is here. I can feel it. And I know he’s looking down feeling really happy with what we’ve done on this land in his memory.” 

For more visit Roy’s Lighthouse Retreat or Gracie Joe’s Place on social media and Airbnb. 

The Newfoundland Herald has hit the road this summer and we’ve visited some incredible locations. From Salvage, Tickle Cove and Keels to Steady Brook, Catalina and Green’s Harbour, we’ve met incredible people doing spectacular things.  

One thing has stood out above all others: those who work in the tourism industry dedicate their soul to the art of hosting others. From serving a cup of tea to fluffing a pillow to tickling our funny bones, these treasures of tourism deserve a shout out.

Rising Tide Theatre ~ Trinity, NL

Donna Butt is recognizable in voice and in stance. On the day we visit Trinity, Butt stood proud as a peacock in a sea of tourists almost as enthusiastic as she was about the historic village and its place in this province. From shops selling the most unique products (stock up for Christmas opportunities galore!) to the wide array of edible and entertainment possibilities, Trinity is a head turner and no one knows that better than Butt herself. “Isn’t this lovely?” she gushed after a warm hug of a greeting. 

“Trinity is just so special. It has history and heritage and you can tell just by looking around that the people here really care about the place they call home,” she said. 

She’s right. As perhaps 50 tourists mill about outside the prominent building that’s home to Rising Tide, tour buses continue to load and unload those hankering for a bit of outport history and hospitality. Butt and her team provide all of that and then some on their walking tours. But of course theatre – from short skits to more elaborate pageants – is what drives this diva of the dinner theatre. 

There’s the Trinity Pageant – which stars Luke Rowe, Julia Quinton, Mallory Clarke, Michael Power, Devon Bryan and Juila Quinton – and Woke Island featuring Devon Bryan, Donna Butt and Michael Power.

Shenanigans, which features the whole cast, is an opportunity to have a feed of fish while being entertained by the best of the best when it comes to live theatre on the edge of the Atlantic. From Out of It  and Salt Water Moon, to the moving No Man’s Land, Rising Tide and their shining stars make a visit to Trinity tops for any tourist. 

For more visit risingtidetheatre.com  

Round Da Bay Inn ~ Plate Cove West

Karen and Chris Ricketts buzz around Bella’s restaurant at Round Da Bay Inn in Plate Cove West. These two know everyone it seems, and if they don’t, they quickly remedy that with a smile and a kind word.  

When we finally sit down to chat, it’s near overwhelming. Covering in written word what this passionate, powerhouse of a couple have accomplished is quite the undertaking. First, it’s the inn itself. With themed rooms all with unique and distinct personalities, it’s worth a visit just to tour the premises. From movie stars to relics from Nan’s attic to finds from Pop’s old fishing shed, Round Da Bay Inn is a piece of art – or better yet, a masterpiece. But there’s so much going on. The Ricketts started the Welcome Home Project (New Beginnings on Facebook to contribute or follow their progress), for one thing. 

“We have three refugee families we’re sponsoring. We’re renovating a house with an apartment upstairs for a family and a downstairs unit that can operate as a business,” Karen explained.

There’s many fundraising efforts going on in support of Welcome Home, and one involves a man named Charlie who has captivated and captured the hearts of all he encounters. On the day we visit Round Da Bay Inn, Charlie Comrie, a 96 year old Second World War vet who moved to Plate Cove West from southern Ontario last December, is engaged in a lively breakfast conversation with some guests at Bella’s.

While Charlie isn’t sipping from a coffee mug featuring his own mug that boasts: I Know Charlie on it (funds raised from mug sales support Welcome Home) he is singing the praises of the Ricketts for all the work they do.

The Ricketts equally sing the praises of Charlie. At 96, he runs errands and takes care of his own home as well as lends a hand to help with renovations in whatever way he can.  

Charlie’s presence is a present, Karen and Chris share. “We got to know Charlie and his wife Anna from many visits to Newfoundland from Ontario. We kept in touch through the years. Christmas cards, then phone calls started and the friendship grew,” Karen said. On one visit Charlie mentioned he didn’t want to leave.

“When he was here last year he said, ‘I don’t think I’m going to go back (to Ontario) after all, I think I’d like to live here.‘ Well, we helped him find a house and he was here by Dec. 21st just in time for Christmas,” she said.

 We ask Chris (who is also renovating a recently purchased church) how the idea of the themed inn rooms started. Basically, they just had “stuff” they needed to use, he said with a laugh. “We bought a house full of antique furniture for a summer house or retirement home or whatever it was going to be, and at the same time we had bought this inn,” he said. 

Karen laughed, adding that things just “snowballed” after that. “Karen woke this night and said, ‘what if we did one of the rooms up like Nan’s attic? We can use some of the antiques in that and it would be different.’ And that was the first one,” he said with an almost sly smile. Karen laughed as Chris continued the yarn.   

“It was a middle of the night revelation of Karen’s but honesty, I was in my element.  I was like a junkie set free because then every time we were at yard sales or saw deals we’d pull up and say, ‘There’s something for the golf room, there’s something for the captain’s room, there’s something for this room or that room and then it just kept going.” 

We ask if they have a favourite room. The Seaside Retreat is Karen’s because it’s “so light and airy, and blue and pretty.” Chris has a fav too. Bayman’s Cove.  

“Meet your neighbours in Bayman’s Cove.  Gaze in through the ‘windows’ to see depictions of outport life and imagine the stories ol’ skipper could tell! Live your Newfoundland outport vacation,’ the room’s write up says. 

It’s like a little piece of heaven on earth, we say as we tour the rooms. Chris laughs. 

“You know, it really is. We didn’t realize at the time what this place would end up meaning for us or for others, but  we’re really glad we get to have a little fun and we try to not take ourselves too seriously while still having other people who come here really enjoy themselves.” 

There’s so much more to share when it comes to Karen and Chris so tune into future editions of your NL Herald! 

For more visit rounddabayinn.com

Chateau Chance Cove ~ Chance Cove, NL

Jordan and Jen Chubb know that it takes a village to accomplish many things worthwhile in this life – like raising a child – but they also found out how important that is when it comes to being involved in the tourism business. How did this young couple end up owning a rental property on the edge of the ocean in Chance Cove? By chance, of course!  

“We just saw the house and we saw the view from the pictures and we said ‘Let’s go see the house,’” Jen said. They loved it instantly and bought it. Then, the renovations began. “It needed lots of work but we said, ‘You know what, we can make a go of this place.’ So we ended up buying it and renovated it from top to bottom. And here we are three years later,” she said.  

One thing that required no reno was the sound of the ocean right outside the door. Jen beamed. 

“You are in there in the bedroom and the waves are rolling in or outside just watching the sea from the deck. That was definitely one of the biggest things that drew us to the place.” 

The couple knew they could get people to come to a small town like Chance Cove to experience the beauty of simple living. 

“Our scenery and all the things that Newfoundland has to offer. That’s priceless,” she said.

The couple’s adventures have really opened their eyes to the beauty of Chance Cove and of people in general, Jen continued. “When we were in the final stages of getting ready to open up the first two units it was June of 2020,” she said. 

Stores were just opening after the first lockdown and there was a huge shortage of goods on the shelves. It was so hard to find furniture, she added. “There were delays upon delays for online orders – up to a year,” she said. “A number of business weren’t in operation so we had a bunch of friends and family reach out and say ‘Hey! If you need anything, you’re welcome to look in my shed and see what I have,’ or ‘I’m moving and I have these end tables, do you guys want them?’ And I would be scrounging up all of these odds and ends and cleaning them and painting them to put in the units. It really did take a village to get started but somehow it all came together.”

And now? “It’s time to enjoy sharing the beauty of the ocean and the walking trail and the beach area of Chance Cove with others,” she said with a smile. 

“We didn’t even know where Chance Cove was when we bought the house and we have been learning to appreciate the area along with our guests so to speak.” 

A year after they bought the house they finally did the walking trail just minutes from their rental home.  “We love it there. Chance Cove is beautiful.” 

They’ve gained so much making the jump into tourism, in so many ways they never expected, she added. “This entire process was like a learning opportunity for us to kind of think about what’s there and what the place has to offer, because we’re not from Chance Cove. We’re kind of just learning to appreciate it a little bit at a time whenever we get a chance to go visit and we love that we get to share those experiences with others.”

For more follow Chateau Chance Cove on multiple social media platforms

I knew we were onto something that very first adventure of 2022. Meeting Courtney and Terrence of Grates Cove Studios and Seven Fathom – a seaweed based skin care line – set the tone for the many adventures that followed. 

The two seaweed/rural Newfoundland enthusiasts – one a local and one a come from away – shared their combined passions of place and an early lifetime of adventure with others through their many business endeavours. From a restaurant that serves creative cuisine to many skin care products based on the stuff that makes many go ‘ewww’ while navigating a dip in the ocean’s waves, these two showcasing the art of being creative.

Kristy Sweet of Catalina created Roy’s Lighthouse Retreat in honour of her beloved father. Designed to look exactly like a lighthouse, this vacation home is a sea-side treasure. Brilliantly beautiful, the retreat is built on land purchased by Sweet’s late father decades before for $500. To see what’s there now, you’d say it’s priceless. Perfect down to the last detail, Sweet admits she isn’t a designer. ‘’I knew what I wanted and I guess I asked the right people to help me and it came together in honour of my dad and his family’s lighthouse legacy,’’ she said.

But there’s many like her who have let their passions guide them through life and their visions now provide peace and tranquility to others. 

The folks who offer adventurous zip lining through the wilds of Petty Harbour obviously love what they do. Their occupation is more occupassion than anything and Phil Smith leads a team of equal-minded young people who instinctively know that emitting courage and strength with a good dose of humour is most motivating. 

Through adversity

One visit to Frozen in Time Winery will show you what preservation through adversity – like a loved one’s cancer diagnoses – can accomplish when you have the right team around. Likewise, Margie’s Place by the Pond in Placentia has a touching and personal story behind its creation. The loss of a beloved sibling can be a strong motivator in life. Luckily, that love and devotion can now be shared with others. 

Wendy and Danny at Iceberg Alley B&B in Twillingate made Newfoundland home (home again for Danny, new home for come from away Wendy) and now retirement looks very different than originally planned as their day’s work is now caring for others and sharing their love and passion of rural Newfoundland.

Kevin and Denise Moss at Sandy Cove Cabins are the same. With roots in the area, showing off the beautiful beaches in the Eastport region has become their gift to others. No toil for these two when it comes to greeting guests with a smile. 

Chris and Karen Ricketts of Round Da Bay Inn just might have a story that will take decades to tell. 

From their first meeting to today, these two are much more than a couple operating perhaps one of the most creative Inns around. 

With themed rooms – from Nan’s Attic to Captain’s Quarters – it’s a head turner of a spot, but the real head spinner is this tireless couple who do everything from wait tables to entertaining (and a most adopting) guests. 

In their spare time they sponsor refugees while also refurbishing a church. Ashley Hann, the brainchild behind Humber River Off Grid Tours, is one dynamo of a young lady. 

Energetic and passionate about keeping summer the way it used to be – with loads of time spent outside catching frogs and gulping in fresh air – Hann knows that the most treasured times are the ones spent off electronic devises while embracing Mother Nature. 

Many a Newfoundlander and Labradorian have a story to share. These are but a few of the tales from some of the incredibly inspirational people we have happened across so far this summer. 

More treasured tales to follow. Stay tuned.

The Newfoundland Herald has been out and about this summer talking to some amazing folks in the tourism industry, but some of the best conversations we’ve had have been with the tourists themselves. 

Hands down, people say that this province – and our people and hospitality– are proof we are most certainly one of a kind.

Ocean Delight Properties ~ Heart’s Delight, NL

Laurelyn Berry, owner at Ocean Delight Properties, proudly shows off her property. With four cottages – adorably named Cranberry, Cloudberry, Blueberry and Partridgeberry –  on the ocean’s edge in scenic Whiteway, and four more – the Loon, the Puffin, the Gannet and the Osprey – just a five minutes drive away in a secluded cove in Heart’s Delight-Islington, Ocean Delight cottages are breathtaking, even if only in their setting.

But that’s just the start. Each cottage has been lovingly designed and are unique in their layout, and each – while comfortable and designed to offer all the needed conveniences for a stay – are so much more. There’s also an element of elegance and romance in each and every cottage. 

On the day we visit Berry she had been walking her two senior dogs, and one had gotten into the water. There was garden work to be completed and furry family members to tend to, yet she stood before us as elegant and as poised as a movie star. Berry was able to give The Herald a tour of almost every cottage in both locations, and while they were all stunning and spectacular inside and out, it was the view at each – created to make it appear as if your cottage is the only one on the edge of the world – that took our breath away. 

Later, we were able to stay at The Gannet and “romantic” is the only word to describe both the vibe and the setting. 

“I’m a romantic at heart and I like things to be functional yes, but also to relax and inspire. Simple can be romantic, and that’s what Ocean Delight is,” she said. As the sun began to set, we moved from our private deck area to our private garden and then, with time to spare, we took our nightcaps and wandered down to a newly created gazebo area closer to the sea and sat and took in all the beauty and wonder. 

For bookings and more visit  oceandelightcottages.net/ODC2

Bay Chalets ~ Placentia, NL

Located in the Placentia area, Bay Chalets offers some unique options when it comes to a stay-over. 

The Cliff House is luxury personified. It’s a hot tub on the edge of the ocean and a magnificently manicured garden – waterfall included – stay. But that’s just the outside! Inside, with so many hand-crafted “bomb proof” creations by the owners, this place is worth the stay simply to experience its finery. 

Cochrane House Chalet boasts a large wrap-around deck and an incredible ocean view. Pet friendly, it’s openness and comfort encourages “settling in” instantly. Margie’s Place by the Pond is unique. With a kitchen and main floor area that is so beautiful it begs to be lived in and the design of the house – a former parish priest residence – is jaw-dropping. The newly renovated master used to be the maid’s residence. Soaker tub, luxurious shower and a bedroom to inspire, the master is a masterpiece. But take a wander through the premises and you’ll see hints of the past everywhere. 

During our stay, I swear there were ghosts exploring the place as we slept, though they were of the most friendly kind and a stay at Margie’s Place is friendly and welcoming, just like property owners Joanne Cochrane-Knight  and Jamel Knight.  

The couple both have a flair for design, and Jamel is a talented wood-worker and has created many incredible one-of-a-kind pieces. From tables to bar-tops, these vacation home rentals are unique. 

“We just wanted to make an environment that was friendly for people to really enjoy themselves. ‘Bomb proof’ is what I call what we’ve created, but yet everything is so one-of-a-kind and beautiful,” she said. 

They take so much pride in what they do. “We start early mornings and we go until it’s done for us. A five star review is so important, not because we want the numbers, but because we want our guests to be happy,” she said. “We take it very personally when something doesn’t go right because we have put so much time and energy and effort and money and  mostly love into everything we do.”

For more see baychalets.ca 

Frozen in Time Winery & Ironberry ~Markland, NL

Located in Markland, Frozen in Time is a place one must see to believe – a phrase I used over and over while being given a tour of the store and restaurant area of the premises by manager Liz Collins. 

A proud family based business dedicated to producing premium berry wines and spirits using quality, clean ingredients, minimal processing and no added sulphites, Collins explained that there’s also quite the history in the building we were standing in. 

“Visiting our winery is like taking a step back into a slice of Newfoundland history,” she said. 

The Markland Cottage Hospital was built in 1935 and was one of 19 cottage hospitals built in Newfoundland and Labrador to serve rural communities. The overnight stay rental above the winery is spectacular in its preserving of that history. The architecture, windows, space and setting is again one that must be seen and experienced to be believed. But it’s the people that really make each place special. Collins glows as she showcases all the renovations lovingly done to the premises. Owner Marek Krol is passionate about the place, Collins explained. Even though Newfoundland isn’t his home by birth, he’s felt an instant connection to the place from the start, something he shared with The Herald when we spoke. Twenty years after immigrating to Toronto from his native Poland in 1988, Krol saw the benefits of establishing a business in Newfoundland and Labrador after one visit. “It was the people. The people from Poland are friendly, and Newfoundlanders give off that same feeling.. And many of the places I’ve seen in Newfoundland, it looks like home… It’s the closest I’ve felt to home since I left Poland,” he explained warmly. 

Krol said he purchased the winery (formerly Rodrigues Winery) because he “had faith in the people and in the place.” 

“The province of Newfoundland has so many opportunities for the people to do something beautiful and different. We all are a team there and we have a vision to put trails, lit by night, where people can come and sample food and fine wine and stay in the woods in a natural setting. The people of Newfoundland love the woods, and we have so much of it to offer at the winery,” he said. 

The pride in his staff and in the products they produce is uplifting. 

“We lift ourselves up. We are proud to show the world the possibilities. We have something special with our products and the future looks bright,” he shared. 

With flavoured maple syrup – a unique product in Canada great on its own or for cooking – their Ironberry line which produces powders made from berries: blueberries, cranberries and sea buckthorn, a berry that contains more than 190 different nutrients, as well as protein and fatty acids;  they have it all. 

Krol added that one teaspoon of Ironberry powder is equivalent to eating around a half a cup of berries. And the taste? Amazing! 

The pub area of Frozen in Time fills as we hang out with the fun and friendly staff. We’re there to eat  and taste the wines of course – but also to have a laugh with those working. It’s karaoke night and the place is on wheels with locals and come from aways alike. 

Come Home 2022 has been a joyful one for all. And the bonus?

“Our products are so pure, there’s no hangover. No chemicals. 

It’s all organic,” Krol said. And yes, tasting great is fabulous of course, and all the wines and liqueurs are incredible, but knowing that in the morning the only regret might be one’s karaoke performance is a great feeling too! 

For more visit  frozenintimeltd.com

Dildo Dory Grill

Laura March-Crocker  has her hands full on the day we visit. With sea food chowder and cod au gratin and fish cakes on the menu, it’s a kitchen day for this chief and business owner. 

The main courses – from fish and chips to chicken burgers – are all amazing, but of course when you are in Dildo it’s all about the people and the scenery. Captain Dildo is a great draw, of course. “Everyone that comes through, you’ll see them take their camera out for a picture,” she said with a smile.   

But with all the love and passion March-Crocker puts into every bite, it’s little wonder they draw a crowd. “We love it when someone enjoys themselves. I love to cook for a crowd, and you certainly get to do that here,” she laughed. 

March-Crocker says “that’s the way it is here. Dildo just makes everybody happy.” And that it does! 

For more visit  dildodorygrill.com/index.html or follow them on Facebook

The movie-star-like personality that was the late Geoff Stirling often philosophized that we are stars and producers of our own movie: life. 

That we get a staring role and have the privilege of dictating the direction of our own destiny is a simple yet brilliant way to look at life’s trajectory. 

As I’ve travelled around the province this summer I’ve encountered many people, and the happiest and most successful spiritually and otherwise are without question those who have followed their own path and the road less travelled instead of taking direction from others.

The stories have given me chills. The way people have met to become lifelong partners is but one incredible tale I’ve enjoyed hearing. Chris and Karen Ricketts of Round Da Bay Inn in Plate Cove West are but one example. Their love story involves – of all things – a  dinky collection. 

A random encounter of those two beautiful souls has led to a life of giving joy and hope to others. It’s dramatic, it’s a love story, and at times it’s a comedy, all rolled into one life story worth the watch. Charlie and Anna also lived  a life worthy of an award or two in the telling alone. Charlie and Anna were married longer than most people live. From Ontario, the couple had visited Newfoundland a time to two and felt a connection to this place. 

Towards the end of her days, Anna was living with dementia. Charlie, the love of her life, cared for his darling treasure even into his mid 90s. 

Before she passed, in one last moment of clarity, Anna asked to be taken back to Newfoundland, back to a place around the bay where she had met beautiful people and heard beautiful music. 

Charlie returned to this province after her death – packing a lifetime into a few boxes – and in honour of his late Anna, he now calls this province home. Charlie makes blueberry pies and lends a hand to neighbours in need and runs errands for busy friends – All at 96 years of age. There’s Pamela at Marble Inn & Suites who provides her spa services to others with quality, care and compassion. Her story of bravery – of moving here from away and following her heart and passion – is more than uplifting.  

There’s a long awaited family reunion we happened upon in Keels that included a 65th birthday celebration, a yarn about a charmingly named boat that left us spellbound in Salvage and two mothers in Catalina whose drive and passion should be a must-see movie for any young lady in need of motivation. 

Lighthouses in honour of dear old dad and vintage homes designed to delight – these woman share their gifts with others one night at a time. From tales of adventure – like a thirty pound salmon landing – to musicians following their dreams on the road –  it’s been a summer filled with stories worthy of retelling.  Fires in central leading to on-the-fly changes in plans have led to adventures of a lifetime. 

For someone who loves to capture and share other’s stories, it’s been one blockbuster summer filled with movie-worthy moments and super stars and it’s my honour to share as many of those yarns as I can with our readers.

Pam Pardy, The Herald’s Managing Editor, can be reached by emailing pghent@nfldherald.com

Gillian Phillips is the director of The Trinity Market – George Street’s only local market. The Trinity Market happens every second Sunday afternoon from 12-5pm at the Trinity Pub located on George Street in downtown St. John’s. 

“We kicked off our market again this weekend (catch them Aug. 21, Sept. 4th & again on Sept. 18th) after a very long wait, and starting up the Market again earlier this summer was great and we couldn’t be happier,” Phillips said. 

Phillips, who owns Gingerly Bakery, can be found there on market days selling her incredible and yummy plant-based treats. 

In its third summer, the market was started in 2020 in an effort to connect the growing tourism base on the island with home-based business owners themselves right in the heart of downtown St. John’s. 

“We wanted to showcase local businesses all over the island who may not have an opportunity to sell their products in other places or at other markets. This market rotates its vendors and features a different lineup every event, ensuring everyone a fair chance to sell their goods. We wanted to bring the beautiful artisans of this province into the heart of downtown and have done so successfully,” she said.

A wide variety

The Trinity Market started just a month before the pandemic. Despite travel restrictions and decreasing numbers in tourism, the energetic crew of vendors continued to operate. 

“With the addition of the pedestrian mall and the foot traffic in the downtown core, we saw an incredible amount of visitors and vendors were able to prosper from this alone,” she continued. 

“This year we have received hundreds of applications from small businesses island wide seeking a place to sell their products. Many of us have lost store fronts, or downsized our businesses during the pandemic. Many have turned to online forums to sell products, therefore we were eager to be able to sell face to face again.”

With a large number of cruise ships visiting this summer – a major reason for choosing their market location – Phillips shared that things have turned around. 

“Oftentimes these tourists do not have time to go to St. John’s Farmers’ Market, and they have only a few hours to explore downtown. The Trinity Market offers a space for these tourists to shop for souvenirs and purchase directly from the maker.”  

The Trinity Market has a wide variety of vendors from hand crafted items, knits, jewelery, baked goods, art, clothing and with hot food vendors on site and great specials on drinks and beer all day, it’s a great way to spend some time. Plus, it’s a family friendly market. “We even welcome dogs, with The Trinity Pub having one of the only pet friendly patios in the city. We aim to be a friendly and inclusive space for all to enjoy.” 

Help spread the word about this community event, or better yet, visit them in person or online @trinitymarketongeorge and on Instagram @the.trinitymarket

So far this summer, The Newfoundland Herald has had the divine pleasure of staying in and visiting some spectacular establishments. From dinners and delights in a barn-like setting in Green’s Harbour to cod tongues devoured in Dildo, this has been a staycation summer to remember. 

In this special tourism feature in our commemorative Herald edition that celebrates Elvis, we thought we’d highlight a few spots that left us “all shook up” from excitement visiting with some tourism folks who make each stay and experience with them feel like the most incredible warm hug! 

Iceberg Alley B&B ~ Twillingate

Danny and Wendy Andrews, the owners of Iceberg Alley B&B, have tourism down to an art. First of all, Twillingate is one of the top tourist destinations in the province and Iceberg Alley is one of the most spectacular looking premises in the area. 

From the outside eye-catching architecture and the what-dreams-are-made-of deck to the warm and fuzzy hand-knit slippers that await each guest upon entry, this is a stop-over to add to any staycation bucket list. Wendy and Danny are proud of their B&B (rightfully so!), but they’re also filled with passion about the history of their property. 

Built on the foundation of the old Salvation Army Church, Iceberg Alley boasts eight spectacular room names that pays tribute to the regions nautical roots.

The Dory, Dingy, Rodney, Schooner, Punt and more each equally delight any guest who is lucky enough to stay. But Iceberg isn’t the only property these two welcome come from aways and locals alike in! Andrews by the Sea in Blow-Me-Down is also a passion project of this dynamic duo. So what is it about Twillingate that draws tourists in? It’s the place and the people, they share. 

“It’s the beauty of everything that gets the interest. When people come here it’s because they have an intent of coming here because it’s not right off of the Trans-Canada Highway. It’s out of your way,” Danny said. “People that come here, they’ve heard about it, they’ve seen something on it. And tourists come a long way to get here,” he added. 

Wendy smiles. “And don’t just come for a day either,” she warned. 

Why not? Simply because there’s so much to see and do and to love about the region! And a stay with Wendy and Danny at Iceberg is the perfect place for an extended stay. “For the last few years, people have been going to cabins and cottages to avoid others because of the need for staying in our bubbles,” Wendy said.  

But now? People are “starving” for contact with others, and a stay in a Bed & Breakfast is the perfect cure-all, she added. “When people come in they know Danny and I are glad to see them and we are thrilled to have them back or to have them visit for the first time. It’s like getting a great big warm hug when you stay in a Bed & Breakfast, and we pride ourselves on being great huggers!”

For more pick up next week’s NL Herald or visit icebergalley.squarespace.com