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

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

It was an image that became iconic to a decade. But the story of how the picture happened is more bizarre than the photo itself

It was December of 1970, most Americans were in holiday mode, heading to malls and shops for presents. Comedian Red Skelton, variety host Ed Sullivan, TV impresario Jackie Gleason, and screen legend Doris Day, all had Christmas specials on TV.

Over 300 workers had been exposed to radiation at a Nevada nuclear test site. The father of NHL player, Brian Spencer, was killed in a shootout with RCMP in Prince George, after he held CBC-TV staff at gunpoint to protest the station not airing his son’s game with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The movie, Love Story, starring Ali McGraw and Ryan O’Neal debuted in cinemas.

Monday the 21st was eventful for two reasons. The Supreme Court lowered and set the voting age in the U.S. to 18. And staff at the White House had to scramble with an unscheduled visit from Elvis Presley.

Elvis’ journey to see then-President Richard Nixon followed a Presley family squabble. His wife, Priscilla and his parents scolded the King of Rock & Roll for spending over $100,000 on Christmas presents (32 handguns and 10 Mercedes-Benzes… as you do).

In a huff, Elvis took a plane out of Memphis, arriving at Los Angeles airport on Saturday, Dec 19. There, he called up an old friend and former employee, Jerry Schilling.

“He had some guns with him,“ Schilling remembered years later, “and a collection of his police badges.”

[It should be mentioned that when you happen to be Elvis Presley in 1970, airport security was a very different thing.]

“Elvis always travelled with an entourage,” Schilling told an audience at the National Archives in 2010. But this time, the music executive was surprised to hear that Elvis was travelling alone.

THE KING’S ROAD TRIP

“I don’t want anybody in the world to know where I am,” the music icon confided.

“He started giving me his flight numbers and what time he was coming in,” Schilling said. “Things that Elvis Presley never did. So on a Saturday night, about 1:30 in the morning, I picked him up at LAX. “We spent Sunday catching up and he told me, ‘I really got mad at Graceland. People were telling me how to spend my money.’

“I mean, [his father] Vernon and Priscilla were only looking out for him. But I think when the Colonel [Tom Parker, his manager] got involved, he got in his car and went to the airport. He just had an American Express credit card.”

Elvis was fixed on getting to Washington, intent on meeting President Nixon in order to get a badge from the federal Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs.

Schilling and Presley caught a late-night flight from LAX destined for the nation’s capital. On the way, Elvis commandeered two pages of American Airlines letterhead. 

His handwritten letter laid out his reasons for why he wanted the president to give him a badge, citing his concern for the country’s “drug problem,” and how young people look up to him and trust him. Irony was not in short supply on this trip.

“Sir, I can and will be of any service that I can to help the country out,” Presley wrote.”I would love to meet you. I will be staying at the Washington Hotel under the alias Jon Burrows. I will be here for as long as it takes to get the credentials of a federal agent.”

Schilling remembers the night flight to Washington as special, not only for accompanying Elvis on his badge quest, but also that numerous American soldiers were also travelling, heading home for the holidays. 

Schilling remembers that Elvis struck up a conversation with one G.I. for 10 minutes then he came back to Schilling’s seat and said, “Where’s that money?”

Earlier in the day, Elvis cashed a personal cheque for $500 at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Schilling said, “That’s all the money we’ve got!” Elvis replied, “You don’t understand. This man’s been in Vietnam. He’s going back home for Christmas to see his family.”

MR. BURROWS GOES TO WASHINGTON

After landing in D.C., The King was insistent that he drop off his letter right away and so by 7:00am, Elvis and Jerry were standing outside the gates of the White House.

Inside, Bud Krogh, one of the president’s lawyers, was approached by another staffer who declared, “The King is outside!” Krogh was confused because after consulting the president’s diary for the day, saw no monarchs on the schedule.

“No!!” the staffer shouted. “Not any two-bit king. THE KING! The King of Rock. He’s here.”

Over the next three hours, President Nixon’s staff go into panic mode as they try to determine not only if Presley can meet Nixon, but should he, and when? Nixon’s chief of staff, Bob Haldeman got involved. Draft memos started circulating about how the meeting could bolster the president’s image.

The Secret Service got involved when it discovered that Elvis was carrying a gun, meant as a present for Nixon.

Eventually, it was decided that a meeting would be held, 11:45am in the Oval Office. Ali Atkins was the White House photographer and the job fell to him to capture the moments.

“Elvis was overwhelmed,” Krogh remembered. 

“He walked in the door and looked at the eagles engraved in the ceiling and engraved in the carpets. He’s a poor boy from Tupelo, Mississippi, and he’s here in the Oval Office of the President of the United States. So, it took a little effort to move him over to the desk. He’s wearing his cool glasses and his cape. And nobody ever dressed quite like that in the Oval Office.

“And the president had never seen anyone quite like that either.”

‘CAN YOU GET ME A BADGE?’

Two men, icons of the era in which they lived soon bonded as fathers, with Elvis showing off pictures of his daughter, Lisa Marie.

According to Bud Krogh’s notes of the meeting, after the back and forth, Elvis got to the point.  

“Mr. President, can you get me a badge from the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs?”

Nixon looked around at his staff to find out if such a gift was legal, and they gave their assurance to the president.

“Get him a badge,” Nixon orders. “I want him to have one.” 

Krogh reported that Elvis was overcome and grabbed the president to hug him. “That wasn’t the norm in that White House,” he added.

The whole meeting, the notes written, and the photos taken remained a secret from the public for a year. When it was written about in 1972, few showed much interest.

In 1977, the fates stepped in to claim the life of the King of Rock & Roll. The meeting between Nixon and Presley was largely a footnote. However, in 1988, a newspaper in Chicago reported that thousands of people had requested a copy of the photo taken during that 1970 meeting. It suddenly became big news and a big fundraiser for the National Archives, the repository of those images.

In a 2010 article for Smithsonian Magazine, Bud Krogh shared why he thinks the photo endured.

”It’s a jolt seeing them together. The leader of the western world and the king of rock ‘n’ roll in the same place, and they’re clearly enjoying each other. And you think, ‘How can this be?’”

But it was. It was another extraordinary moment in the extraordinary life of Elvis Presley.

Doctor’s House Inn & Spa ~Green’s Harbour, nl | Part two

Jerry Byrne might be an engineer, but he’s also quite an entertainer. On the day we visit the Doctor’s House Inn & Spa, owner Byrne is on wheels.  

We tour the delightful property. There’s the barn that used to house Dr. Body (the original owner of the glorious  estate) and his family and their many Newfoundland Ponies. It’s so quaintly beautiful. The main floor of this historic building on this phenomenal property is a general store in season while the upstairs is a quiet and relaxing retreat with a view. 

There’s paths, secret gardens, stone walkways, and the outside wedding garden. The restaurant is a massive barn-like building that – once you are seated inside – looks like the bottom of a dory.   There’s so much to see and one doesn’t have to be an overnight guest either! The dining room (make a reservation – the food and the service is  exceptional) is open for all, and the sunsets are free! 

We feed the resident African Boer Goats before moving on to visit Joseph and Clara – the only two Newfoundland Heritage Rams in the province. Then, the stars of the 30-room property – Newfoundland Ponies! Monty steals the spotlight, however, as he’s actually a magical colour-changing horse!  The story is so delightful that, if ever given a chance, let Byrne tell it himself! It involves artist and Newfoundland Pony enthusiast Clifford George.  

“That’s Monty,” Byrne said, sharing some oats for all to take a turn with feeding. “He’s known as a ‘radical changer.” Excuse me? Byrne laughed, launching into the yarn. 

“(George) started telling me that Monty changes colour. He goes from black to white to brown to all colours in between. I thought he was pulling my leg, but then I was like, ‘yes b’y. why not?’ And you know what?  He was right. You never know, do you?” Byrne commented with a laugh. 

We continue; 140 acres and 2,000 feet of it are ocean front.  Byrne has stories. From chickens that turn into roosters to how the first wedding came to be against all odds – it was like the Doctor’s House Inn & Spa was meant to be and Byrne was meant to be exactly where he is – playing host on the most glorious and historic property. “I love it here in all seasons. Yes, it’s beautiful now, but come out here after a storm in the winter. Norman Rockwell himself couldn’t capture the beauty.” 

For more on the Doctor’s House Inn & Spa, visit The Herald online, or check them out at doctorshousenl.ca 

Dunrovin Cabins, RV Sites, Restaurant, Gas Bar & Convenience

The carved wooden statues invite you in, if only for curiosity sake. Cowboys. A bear. Moose. Even a skipper stands proud on the entrance to Dunrovin. Wendy Penney and her husband Deon, who was born in Lethbridge, own Dunrovin but it just might be 11 year-old Lexie, their daughter, who runs the place, Wendy jokes.    It’s obvious that operating Dunrovin is a family affair, and it’s a place where everyone has a role.  

  “We took over August 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic and it keeps us all busy,” she said while taking a break from office work. 

There’s six cabins and 32 serviced sites for RVs and every site sits picture perfect. It’s almost like visiting a Lego-block-built campground, where every tree sits perfectly manicured. All greenery appears to have been planted on the exact same spot on each and every campsite, and all trees look to be identical. 

The care and planning and love that goes into this place is evident. The beach area is serene yet inviting. There’s two playgrounds, a sandy area for walking or playing and plenty of space to just sit and enjoy the view or just listen to the frogs as the sun sets.  Make no mistake, Wendy says, Dunrovin has been quite the undertaking. “This place has a lot of history and the maintenance requires a lot of hard work,” she says. There are many seasonal campers and passers-through too.  Meeting and greeting them all is one of the joys of the job, she shared. 

“They come from everywhere. Come Home Year has been busy, but then we always seem to be busy. “

The best part of the entire thing? “Making people happy.” 

The downside? Having enough hands to deal with what has to be done. Penney looks out the window as tourists snap pictures of their wooden statues. 

“It’s a tourist attraction. You look out pretty much any time of the day and you’ll see people stood up and pictures being taken.

“Aspen by the Sea Cottages, located not far down the road, are also owned by the family, another reason why everyone’s involvement is so important – especially their 11 year-old. They put in a new payment system and their daughter had it down in no time, even figuring out “the glitches,” Penney said proudly.  

With 20-plus staff on during the summer, Dunrovin is a busy spot. We ask about the name. Where did it come from? “The guy that originally built this place in 1975 worked very hard. When he was done he sat down and said, ‘I got the name done figured out.  I’m going to stay here. I’m done rovin’ – and that became the name. Dunrovin.”  

For more visit Dunrovin Cabins, RV Sites & Convenience And Gas on Facebook

Long Point Lighthouse – Twillingate, NL

Long Point Lighthouse is one of the most photographed – and videoed –landmarks on the Northeast Coast of Newfoundland. Located at Crow Head, it’s more than 300 feet above sea level, making it a great lookout point where thousands of visitors every year enjoy the panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean with the added excitement of the possibility of viewing icebergs, whales, seals and sea birds.

Operational year-round, we meet Thelma, who used to own and operate Iceberg Alley Bed & Breakfast before passing over the reins. 

The fog horn blows on the day we visit, making the magnificent scene even more authentic.  Thelma, after filling our head with some delightful tales involving the late Geoff Stirling who visited the area – and her family –often, suggests  Ethan, a student tour-guide, take over. He leads us up into the top of the lighthouse. 

Ethan snaps pictures of us high above the land and points out some interesting facts about the region. The tour continues on the main level and is no less breathtaking. Period pieces, displays of pictures from ‘back in the day’ and a whole lot of Twillingate history is on display for all to absorb. Boats. Bedrooms. 

The kitchen table is set as if it’s ready for skipper to come in for a cup of tea. An operational lighthouse ran by the Canadian Coast Guard, the building was complete in 1876. On the wall boasts a list of lighthouse keepers – 14 since it first opened. We thank Ethan and embrace Thelma – they have been so incredibly entertaining and informative making this stop a highlight of our trip.

For more visit twillingate.com

Frozen in Time Winery & Ironberry ~ Markland

Owner from that first peak around the corner once you enter the main doorway. There’s updates galore inside the building that used to be known as Rodrigues Winery in Whitbourne.

The wines themselves – with labels worth admiring – are amazing. Cloudberry. Blackcurrant. Blueberry. Strawberry and so many more. But there’s so much more to Frozen in Time than wine. There’s their made in-house vodka too, as well as some tasty after dinner liquors like green apple.  There’s a nutraceutical  line  called Ironberry (a pharmaceutical alternative which can offer physiological benefits) and the most amazing display of flavoured maple syrups one can imagine.  

“We are a proud, family based business dedicated to producing premium berry wines and spirits using quality, clean ingredients, minimal processing and no added sulphites,” their website claims. It continues, “We are passionate about maintaining the essence of the berries and fruits to create our unique products. Our objective is not to follow the status quo, but to lead, innovate and inspire.”

Well, they’ve certainly done that, and one must experience it all first hand. On the day we visit,  fresh from a few hours spent floating down the local river with Wind at Your Back Lazy River, my crew head up to the house rental – our beds for the night –located above the winery.

The history of the building – a former cottage hospital – is evident in the stunning architecture and we’re presented with the most amazing charcuterie board ever seen.  We meet our tour guide and Frozen in Time’s vintner Dwayne Day, who has his own interesting history with this place.  He started working for the company as a young lad – long before he was  even legal drinking age, he said laughing. Over the years Day has moved up in the organization he shared, as he began a tour of the facility. 

“The wine process can take up to three and a half weeks per batch of wine, and we use about 1,800 pounds of berries per batch. That will give us about 330-350 cases of wine  with 12  bottles in each case.”

 Two staff, on an average day, can do 310-330 cases, he shared. Blueberry wine is their biggest seller, he added, leading us through the facility.

Frozen in Time is open seven days a week during the busy summer season from nine in the morning until ten at night. Besides wine tasting (and maple syrup tastings) there’s the AirBnB and a restaurant which serves everything from wings and nachos to those incredibly designed charcuterie boards. 

We ask Day what the best part of his job is. Standing amid glorious case after glorious case of wine, he smiled.  

“I love how blown away people are when they come here and they see the product lines available. I love it when people taste the products and then say how much they enjoyed it. My favorite wine right now, I would have to say, is probably the cranberry and the strawberry. I like them both really about the same.”

He smiled, then offered, “but the vodka. That’s my favourite. It’s really smooth. You’ll know when you taste it,” Day teased before heading back to work. 

 Next week: wine tasting at Frozen in Time, plus,  we learn about their nutraceutical line. For more visit frozenintimeltd.com 

For staycationers and come from aways alike, Conception Bay North, Trinity Bay and the Baccalieu Trail region of the province of Newfoundland & Labrador offers just a little something extra for anyone looking to get away from it all while remaining a short hop-skip-and-a-jump away from city livin’. 

In this special Come Home Year 2022 Discovering ‘Ome feature, we look at a few unique options when it comes to escaping the everyday.  

LOBSTER PODS

It’s difficult to believe this spot exists, but take a little drive into South River and there’s a treasure to uncover: lobster pot shaped tiny – yet incredibly efficient – cabins nestled into the most quaint wooded area. It might seem like the middle of nowhere, yet it’s minutes from civilization – a great spot to rest while exploring the region. Visit Brigus and dine at The Quay Restaurant before returning for an evening nightcap by the fire or head out for a swim and some beach sunning at Salmon Cove before returning for a cozy shower and a late afternoon siesta – whatever your pleasure, it’s mere minutes from the most delightful home base: one of two brilliantly designed Lobster Pods! 

On the day we discover these so-called Lobster Pods, the sun is beating down and the well-manicure yard invites one and all to immediately take part in a somewhat friendly cornhole toss competition. Owner Tyler Evans explained to The Herald that he launched his two Pods in the summer of 2020. 

“It was that first COVID summer and it was scary, but the concept was definitely well-received,” he began.

There are times when confusion pops up, he added with a chuckle. The Pods are “tiny homes” with an emphasis on tiny. 

“You almost have to see it to understand that there’s one space with everything in there that you’d need. It’s glamping, so camping taken up a notch,” he continued.

With showers and bathroom facilities uniquely tucked in well-designed corners, and comfy beds and a cooking/living space, these Lobster Pods have everything one would need for a get-away-from-it-all getaway, but one of the best features is the outside space. Dog and kid friendly, life in a Lobster Pod feeds like a nature-lovers dream come true. 

“It’s a very good location on Hodgewater Line and even though there’s traffic at times, it really doesn’t feel like it. The trees are very tall and it’s very secluded.”

The Pods are literally shaped like a lobster pot, and the two Evans owns were from a design that has origins in the United Kingdom, but were built in Quebec and shipped to NL.  With two unique designs, Evans says there’s a Pod to suit any need.

“With families coming in, it’s great when people who know one another rent the pods as a group. There’s loads of space to do your own thing and have your own quiet time, but there’s great shared space possibilities there too,” he said.

Last year was a very busy summer with July and August being near capacity, and Evans is hoping for the same this summer. 

“The Blueberry Festival is back and we are minutes from Brigus, so that’s hopefully a busy time for us,” he said.

 Baccalieu Trail Brewing Co. is down  the road as well, and that’s been a draw for staycationers and visitors as well, he added. Evans – who spent the day before we arrived building the Pods latest fire pits – admits there’s many who are simply curious to check out his Lobster Pod venture. “People are excited to check it out. It’s definitely a word of mouth type of thing.”

For more, check out Lobster Pods on Facebook

The Quay & Baccalieu Trail Brewing Co.

Dave Collins, owner/operator of The Quay restaurant in Brigus and Mark Burry, entrepreneur/managing Director of Baccalieu Trail Brewing Company Ltd., a microbrewery located in Bay Roberts, have a very unique friendship formed. 

What started as a mutual respect and admiration of one another’s offerings has turned into a business partnership. The two have collaborated on a new beer – an Irish Red available in their ‘Grab 4 and Explore’ pack that’s a must pick-up for any beer lover, but there’s more to this relationship as well. Many of The Quay’s amazing food offerings – from their best ever tasted hand-cut fries or their brilliantly designed charcuterie jars, to their decades famous cod chowder – are now available at the brewery, and Baccalieu Trail Brewing Co.’s beers are ready to be enjoyed at The Quay – a win-win for everyone, especially customers!   

On the day we visit The Quay, we dig in. One of the many wins? Their  crab cakes, which come with a delightful  and touching story. But first, a little history. 

“The original part of the building here was built in 1920, and it was the Bank of Nova Scotia and it closed in the 60s and the Hiscock family purchased the property and they were fish merchants,” Collins began. 

Eventually one of the brothers, Dave Hiscock and his wife Joan, decided to open the Country Corner Cafe and Gift Shop, he continued. 

The couple sold it in 2015 to another couple from Brigus who operated it until 2000. “That’s when we acquired it, and we upscaled the decor inside and out and did the same with the menu, but we keep some of the favourite dishes, like the cod chowder and the blueberry crisp – those recipes I say I inherited,” Collins said with a smile. 

Another bonus he says he inherited? Some really great staff, and that was very important, he continued.

 “We’ve been operating The Quay now for a year and a half and we’ve been lucky to maintain customers who have been coming here for 30 years. We’ve certainly attracted a new clientele as well by adding craft beer to the menu, and we’re getting a very broad demographic coming to the restaurant to check us out,” he added. 

For the most part, he added, “People really like what we’re doing and the feedback has been great.”

Collins admits he never really had a dream to own a restaurant, though he admits to being ‘a foodie.’     

For more on The Quay and Baccalieu Trail Brewing Co., pick up next week’s NL Herald! Plus, we visit The Doctor’s House Inn & Spa and meet Monty, the colour-changing Newfoundland Pony, and we drop into Iceberg Alley B&B! 

PERCHANCE THEATRE

Historic Cupids, where Canada’s first English colony was founded, has a professional classic theatre you won’t want to miss. 

The intimate open-air theatre, modeled on Elizabethan playhouses from back in Shakespeare’s day, was listed as one of the top six most unique ways to experience Shakespeare in Canada.   

For tickets and show times visit perchancetheatre.com

OCEAN DELIGHT

Laurelyn Berry literally has the ocean as the backdrop for everything she does. 

Not one to keep such a view or lifestyle to herself, she’s opened year round ocean front property cottages, aptly named Ocean Delight Cottages, in Whiteway and Long Point cove, Heart’s Delight-Islington. Tastefully decorated, these 4.5 star luxury oceanfront cottages offer everything one would need for the perfect getaway. 

 Stunning views – sunsets over the ocean included – and secluded fire pits that beg for roasting marshmallows or toasting with a beverage after a long day relaxing. Barbecue on the deck, watch the sunset, take a hike along the water’s edge; or simply enjoy the view. 

A short jaunt from Pitcher’s Pond Golf Course, and with hiking, swimming, restaurants, spa services at The Doctor’s House Inn and Spa and scenic driving tours through nearby Dildo, it’s a sure bet for any traveler, shared Berry.  

“The best part is that I get the chance to meet some amazing people, and in that way, this never seems like work.”

For more visit oceandelightcottages.com

Route 66 Diner & pub

Pauline Yetman can bring the energy level up multiple notches with just a smile. Her diner and pub, Route 66 in Carbonear, is the spot where everybody knows your name. 

In fact, Ray Johnson of Buddy Wasisname & the Other Fellers has his table all marked out. Johnson teaches accordion at the diner and he and his wife hang out and listen to a few tunes themselves before the teaching starts. Of course, Johnson can’t help but join in on a tune before he does so, to the delight of those gathered. “The special thing about this place is that you don’t want to leave. I guarantee a great experience. The food and atmosphere is amazing, but the people make the real difference,” Yetman began as Route 66 buzzed.

Abigale Follett and Melissa Whalen, who tag team the kitchen this evening, share her enthusiasm. “I started here when I was 16 and worked my way up and everyone here was so generous and kind and helpful. It’s just like a family feel,” Follett, who is now 19, said.

Whalen, who says perfecting everyone’s steak is her super power, agrees. 

“You work well with people you trust and like and this place has a great feel. Everyone gets it the moment they walk in,” Whalen said. Yetman beams. 

“There’s something totally different and it brings everyone in and keeps them coming back. From the pictures to the car booth, it’s just a fun place to visit,” Yetman added.

Route 66’s nostalgia is part of the charm. “I have customers drop in things from their travels or things from home. They know I’ll have the respect for the items to make sure next generation enjoys it. They know I’m going to value it.”

Another thing that makes people happy is music. “Music elevates the experience, and I’m all about making people happy!”

Just Like Sisters Bakery & Sweet Shop

Maxine Belbin and Beverly King are cousins who just happen to look just like sisters, and after decades of hearing it said, they decided to name their bakery and sweet shop – located in Heart’s Content – just that!

From cookies to the most delectable tasting turtles ever, these two have delicious on speed dial when it comes to calming the cravings of any sweet tooth. 

“We started just doing homemade chocolates at Christmas for gifts but then last April we started our business,” said Belbin.

The two shared that they love spreading the joy by sharing their sweets! 

“We’re having fun. We both love what we do and the name, Just Like Sisters, makes everyone smile,” said King. One bite of their adorable chocolate turtle makes that smile all the more wide!

For more visit justlikesisters.com 

SeaGlass B&B and Studio

When Karen Smith and Michael Laduke got married in Newfoundland in 2012, it was Laduke’s first time this far east. “Karen was from here, so she always talked about her love of Newfoundland and while I wouldn’t say I fell in love instantly, by the fifth time we returned to visit, I was hooked,” he said. 

The two self-taught stain glass artists finally fulfilled their dream and purchased a home smack dab on the ocean in New Perlican, creating the most majestic bed & breakfast and stain glass studio in the most picturesque setting imaginable. 

Laduke shared that he was ready for a fresh start, and leaving Quebec for Newfoundland offered that opportunity for adventure. 

“I remember coming to Newfoundland to visit and thinking, ‘Oh my God, this place is amazing,’ and then asking myself, ‘Why not move here? Let’s just go on an adventure. Let’s just try something new.’ And we did,” he said. 

SeaGlass B&B is a quaint two room bed and breakfast that, as Karen likes to proudly say, “feels a little like staying over a night at nan’s.”

From the furnishings to the decor, there’s a rustic yet classic and comforting feel, like receiving a warm embrace from ‘nan.’ The bedrooms have a little touch of both Laduke’s and Smith’s heritage and neither mind sharing stories of where the furnishings – and the room’s names – came from.

Smith, who happens to be a brilliant and talented photographer, generously shares her skills around the B&B’s walls. 

With a tiered deck to die for, offering a breathtaking view of both New Perlican and the vast harbour, there’s snap shot inspiration for all to be found at every turn. 

Speaking of inspiration, the stain glass studio is a spectacular spot filled with jaw-dropping splendour. From whale tail stain glass necklaces to seagulls that sparkle, there’s treasures galore in store!  The bonus? Laduke offers classes to anyone willing to sit at the old general store counter and take in his patient tutelage. 

From leaning how to select, then cut and safely ‘snap’ the glass, to soldering and grinding the creations, Laduke can make a stain glass artist out of anyone!   Laduke smiles. “I find my inspiration from my wife’s photography and because of where we live, it’s all nautical. Most of what I create has got to do with the sea and the mystical part of it – like the mermaids and whales,” he said.

With five years in business, including the two tough ‘COVID’ years, Smith says they are both excited for this tourism season. “We offer the charm of an old fashioned bed and breakfast. Home made muffins with rhubarb we grew and picked ourselves. The chance to sit and talk with others at a charming kitchen table overlooking the ocean before you head out for the day after having a great night’s rest. It’s like spending the night at nan’s and we hope to share that experience with others.” 

For more visit seaglassbb.ca 

To celebrate the best this province has to offer, The Herald created a Bucket List of things to do, see and experience during the kick off to Come Home Year 2022.

A who’s who of the best in the hospitality business were honoured at this year’s Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador’s annual award ceremony.

Sullivan’s Songhouse received the Cultural Tourism Award and Kathi Stacey received the Tourism Achievement Award. Both of these awards are sponsored by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation.

Located on the Southern Shore of the Avalon Peninsula, Sullivan’s Songhouse welcomes people into a traditional biscuit-box house, twice a week, to celebrate the rich tradition of storytelling and song. Just like a traditional kitchen party, host Sean Sullivan, accompanied by friends and fellow musicians, encourages visitors to participate and ‘give a song,’ if they are inclined.

Other notable recipients this year include Kilmory Resort, Grates Cove Studio, Perchance Theatre, Rugged Edge, E.C. Boone Limited, George House Heritage Bed and Breakfast, Fishing for Success and Ann Simmons of Wildland Tours.

Here’s the NL Herald’s top picks to kick off your vacation/staycation Come Home Year 2022.

Come Home Year 2022 Top Picks

Perchance Theatre, Cupids: Enjoy Shakespeare and other classical theatre performed in an outdoor Elizabethan-style theatre in beautiful Cupids. 

Discover the Power of One performances. Some are funny, some are romantic, some are thrilling, and some are instructional but all have captured the imagination of people who have gone before and continue to be passed down through time.

George House Heritage B&B: A great reason to visit Dildo! Built in 1885, the Lloyd George House of Dildo is a landmark in the community and a great place to rest your head while enjoying the view and a fresh breakfast prepared by the delightful Todd Warren. Plus, it’s a  short walk to The Dildo Brewing Company & Museum, and what’s not to love about that? 

Some other area suggestions? Visit Yes B’y Indian Kitchen of Dildo for some home-style Indian food take-out to enjoy while exploring or travel back in time this summer to the days of the wooden boats and make and break engines with Dildo Cove Heritage Experience & Motorboat Excursions.

 Grates Cove Studios: A spectacular choice for homebase! Immerse yourself in spectacular ocean vistas and the beautiful windswept landscape. Plus, enjoy great meals and conversation with the friendly owners, Courtney and Terrence! Ask about their seaweed bath and explore their seaweed-based skincare line too! 

Kilmory Resort: Your dreams are answered when it comes to finding the perfect getaway! Nestled in the Piper’s Hole River Valley on the river estuary, leading to the headwaters of Placentia Bay, this legendary chalet vacations offer the perfect staycation solution.

Fishing for Success: If you’ve ever wanted to get in touch with our fishery heritage, now is your chance to participate in the historic handline fishery! 

Learn to row, knit a net, rind a stick, handline for cod, fillet your fish and cook up your catch, right in Petty Harbour!

Wildland Tours: Go wild this summer and adventure into the great NL outdoors while creating personable and fun memories. 

Listen to centuries-old stories, music and sample traditional dishes in the best setting possible.

Seaglass B&B and Studio: Located in New Perlican, this traditional-style, 2 bedroom Bed and Breakfast possesses modern comforts and original charm. 

Make your stay even more unique by creating your own stained glass piece to take home as a souvenir! Located on the d’Iberville walking trail, experience spectacular ocean views or collect sea glass at Vitter’s Cove Beach.

Dildo Boathouse Inn: The inn has a great family history worth exploring! The building was once a boatyard and is now a newly renovated elegant seven room inn. 

Centrally located for touring the Avalon Peninsula, make sure you ask about taking in a  culinary boat tour too. As the owners like to say; do it all once, then repeat! 

Marine Park, Pouch Cove: Located in beautiful Pouch Cove, Marine Park offers campers a great place to enjoy activities like hiking or relaxing on the 25-acre lake with a sandy beach. Boasting the only Yogi Bear Jellystone Park in the province, it’s worth a visit just for the kid and family-based activities alone! 

 Golden Sands Resort: A historic and beautiful summer resort located in Burin. Under new ownership, Golden Sands boasts 23 Cabins, 130 Campsites and a mile of sandy beach to relax on and enjoy. 

A great spot to spend a few days, and don’t forget to check out the on-site food and the list of activities happening at the resort too. 

The Riseover: Every vacation or staycation needs a place to fuel up and the Riseover is the perfect solution. Visit the olde english style pub nestled along the shores of beautiful Brigus. 

Woody Island Resort: Revisit the past while visiting this resettled community. Woody Island offers spectacular scenery, comfortable accommodations, scenic boat tours, sea kayaking and bird and whale watching. 

Don’t forget: traditional-style meals are included! Plus, prepare to be entertained. Any mummers ‘loud in? Oh yes! 

Newfoundland Chocolate Company: Add chocolate to any day with a visit to NL Chocolate. Known for their bars of goodness with the best wrappers ever, NL Chocolate has so much more!

From great coffee to gelato made fresh daily with local ingredients, add a stop in at their Torbay Road (or any other) location to your day trip plans.

Don’t forget to ask about a feed of ‘fish & chips’ while there. It’s a tip you will thank us for! 

Riverfront Chalet: Located in central Newfoundland, they offer 4.5 star chalets and a vacation home with year-round service and optional adventure packages. Rafting or relaxing, this is a great spot to start or end any vacation or staycation. 

Castle Hill National Historic Site, Placentia: Visit the stone fort standing sentinel over a picturesque seaside town, and explore a chapter of NL history. 

Located in the town of Placentia, don’t forget to explore the history of the area, including taking a few snaps of the lift bridge. 

Lumsden Beach: Called the best beach in NL, why not find out for yourself? Take a blanket, and a book, and stay for the afternoon or the day. 

The Rooms Café: Enjoy a meal, and the view, and explore The Rooms when done. The café emphasizes NFLD’s food heritage, focusing on traditional fare with an eclectic twist. A great spot to refuel the senses and the body. 

Costal Cottages: Located in the beautiful community of Blackhead, Conception Bay North – right on the Baccalieu Trail, this is a great resting spot for all after or before a day of taking in the local sights. 

The Doctor’s House Inn: This award-winning ocean front inn and spa offers fine dining in their “Secret Garden” Restaurant.

A popular wedding and event venue, explore their 100 acres overlooking beautiful Trinity Bay.

Humber River Tours: Off the grid experiences deeply rooted in tradition are what’s offered at Humber Valley Tours. 

Individual or group tours available with iconic local guides offering day, multi-day, and flexible itineraries. Whether it’s whale watching, kayaking or iceberg chasing you’d like to do, Humber Valley Tours offer guided adventure for all.

What is place? And how do we find belonging in that place? 

Multi-talented artist Heather Nolan searches for meaning in Land of The Rock: Talamh and Carraig, a poetic exploration of place and belonging that took the dexterous author, musician and photographer (among other skills) across Newfoundland and Labrador and Ireland. 

This is Agatha Falling

“It was an intense project,” Nolan shared of her collection. “Especially taking this on before I really had any kind of validation. I wrote this around the same time as I was writing Agatha (This is Agatha Falling, her now celebrated and award-winning novel). Agatha hadn’t been accepted or published yet. So it was kind of like I had no idea if I’m writing publishable work, or if I’m just going to invest like five years of my life and all of my spare income into traveling through these places and writing this book with no external validation happening.”

With the critical adoration of This is Agatha Falling, which was long-listed for the BMO Winterset Award and ReLit Award, Nolan now had the clout to tackle her ambitious, globe-trotting collection of poetry, though the method and scope did not begin to form until her maiden voyage to the Emerald Isle. 

“The first time I went to Ireland was when I started writing this. I didn’t intend to. Fun fact; at the time I was like I’m probably never going to write anything of any value to anyone. So maybe I’ll just write a kid’s book or something. At least then I can say I’ve written something. So I was going to go to Ireland and write a kid’s book about Irish myths, just because I wanted to write something. Then I at least would get the impulse out of my system and I could move on with my life. 

‘Tick of Validation’

“When I was there I wrote two or three poems, kind of with no real purpose or intention. It just kind of happened as I was walking around looking at stuff. I got home and a lot of the ideas I’ve been thinking about and wrote in those poems about just kept circulating. And it was largely like the broad ideas of what does it mean to be connected to a place that you’re not really from? A place you don’t actually have any connection to? And what do you expect when you go to somewhere like this versus what you actually find? Those kinds of ideas. Probably like three poems in I sat down and mapped out the whole project and exactly what I wanted it to be. 

“When Agatha was accepted, it was just kind of like that was all I needed. That one little tick of validation, I’m just never going to shut up now (laughs). Like, I have so many things to say. Just let me roam free.”

A celebrated photographer and musician, the pandemic allowed Nolan time, real time for perhaps the first time, to dive head on into her literary ambitions.

“I kind of made this decision where I was like if this year is the year that I go bankrupt or something, so be it. There’s nothing I can do about that right now. But what I do have right now is time and I’m going to pretend to be a full time writer. I’m just going to pretend. I’m going to put myself in there as hard as I can and work hard, see what I can make happen,” she shared, explaining that she wrote her first novel when she was 15, one she joked was “ridiculous” and “terrible,” but not without merit. 

“It made no sense. It was a bad book, but that’s something I set out to do when I was 15-years-old. And that need to do that has never not been with me,” she shared. 

‘Dabble in all the arts’

“I was 15. I had no taste. I had no idea what the f**k I was at. It took a really long time to kind of develop those skills. And I’m also not the world’s most patient person. So sometime around the age of like 20 I was like, ‘well, I’m 20- years-old and I still haven’t published a book so it’s not for me, I guess,’ which is ridiculous. In the back of my mind that was always the actual dream, but I just didn’t think I was capable of it for a long time. And so I continued to dabble in all the arts because that’s just fun for me.”

With This is Agatha Falling a celebrated hit, and her ambitious collection of poetry published, Nolan sets to work on multiple projects that yet again stretch her abilities and creativity. 

There’s the upcoming How to Be Alone on Boulevard Saint-Laurent, a fictional  combination of two novellas tentatively due next year, and yet another book already on deck. Her creative drive, needless to say, is kicked into high gear.

“From that one tick of validation of ‘this has been accepted for publication,’ (This is Agatha Falling), that was like a gateway for me of what I needed in order to feel confident in going forward with this work and I’m going to keep creating these things,” Nolan shared proudly. 

“I think the most satisfaction I can get out of a piece of work is when I feel like I’ve done the best thing that I could do, or I feel like I made some kind of breakthrough in my own methods of communication or creating … I’m currently at the point where I just get to dig in and see what happens. And that’s the most exciting thing in the world. It’s very daunting, but so exciting.”

For more on the works of Heather Nolan visit heathernolan.ca 

To belong to a place is a gift. I have been blessed with a profound and abiding sense of belonging to Newfoundland,” quoted self-taught photographer and photo book author Dennis Minty in his 2015 publication; Newfoundland, An Island Apart. 

Minty was strutting around, Kodak Brownie camera in hand, by the age of 12, connecting his love for photography with his love for nature. He went on to become a wildlife biologist and environmental educator. His love for growing and nurturing his link with the natural world landed him amongst the team of creators behind Salmonier Nature Park, and he managed the place for over 20 years. His first photo book, Wildland Visions, was released in 1993 after having shot photography as an amateur for more than 25 years. 

“It was the film days, so the images were just piling up in boxes in a cupboard. Occasionally, I’d have a projected slideshow with family and friends, but that was it,” Minty shared in an interview with The Newfoundland Herald. 

“A photo is a useless thing unless it is seen, so for what was I doing all of this?” 

Out of frustration, he gathered together a collection of photographs set around the theme of ‘wild Newfoundland and Labrador.’ Minty called up local publishing company Breakwater Books, which led to the publishing of Wildland Visions. 

This was followed by another release through Breakwater titled Wildflowers of the Rock in 1995. Minty began gaining recognition, going on to publish multiple photo books over the years including Enchanted Light, The Galapagos Islands and Ecuador, and Labrador, The Big Land. 

Sharing Connection

“When I make and share photos, I’m celebrating and sharing that connection. I want to do more than record what I see,” Minty shared. “Rather, I hope I can inspire an emotional response in the viewer that might echo what I feel when I am making the image. I hope that the eye sees and the heart listens and that I can spread some awareness and respect for the natural world around us.”

An emotional response is exactly what Minty was aiming for with his latest photo book, Slow Photography, Images with Intent. With 240 pages of images chosen carefully by the photographer himself, each photo represents the idea of slowing down, being thoughtful and reflective, and showing intention through art. 

“‘Connection’ is the word, and lord knows our society is in deep trouble because of the broken connection between people and nature,” Minty explained. 

“Slow photography is one way to improve the person to nature connection, both to our own benefit and to the benefit of the environment. There’s a lot to love about the digital world and I embrace it, but I fear that some aspects of photography, ones that are especially important to me, are eroding away.” 

Between the pages of beautiful landscapes and wild sightings, Minty showcases simple exercises that help reinforce the idea behind slow photography, and dive further into the shooting experience. 

As a society, we’ve become so accustomed to the digital world and having everything readily available with the click of a button that sometimes we forget the intention behind what we’re doing. Experiencing photography as an art takes patience and composition, slowing down and being present in the moment.

The ‘artful’ side 

“I simply felt like doing a book not just showing pictures, but about my thinking on photography. I felt I had something to say about it. I had been teaching some of the concepts in the book through presentations and workshops for years. It didn’t start out as Slow Photography, but more of a collection of my thoughts about the craft. The technological aspect of photography is well covered in scores of books and articles, but I thought the ‘artful’ side of photography was more obscure.” 

Purchase your eBook copy of Dennis Minty’s Slow Photography, Images with Intent via Payhip at payhip.com and check out his other work at mintynaturephotography.ca

There’s nothing more beautiful than rural Newfoundland, and Dildo is one of the most spectacular spots on the planet. In his latest picture-perfect offering, K. Bruce Lane presents Dildo, Newfoundland, a book filled with photographs taken in and around the famous community.

HISTORIC LATE-NIGHT RUN

Jimmy Kimmel said he would be coming to Dildo, but NTV’s Amanda Mews visited him in Hollywood first, and then there was COVID which put plans on hold. The fun all started in the summer of 2019 when Mews did a feature for NTV on Dildo. The talk show host picked it up and the rest, as the saying goes, is history. A run for mayor and a summer to remember, there was a Dildo daze few could forget.

CAPTURING THE BEAUTY

K. Bruce Lane has captured the buzz and the beauty of Dildo in a new book, Dildo, Newfoundland, offering those who pick it up a photographic tour of the charming, vibrant town in the heart of Trinity Bay.

Of course, Dildo’s unique name brought it fame, but the fortune is in the breathtaking views and the town’s extraordinary people. While late-night television brought the small community to the limelight, what really makes this place special is the scenery and people.

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Lane, a gifted photographer who was born and raised in Grand Falls but now calls Holyrood home, shared that Dildo, Newfoundland was his second photographic release. His first, Eye of the Beholder, was released in 1984.

When Lane isn’t touring this beautiful province snapping photographs to add to his collection, sharing the world’s beauty capturing moments in time, the retired teacher-librarian offered he enjoys hanging with his grandkids, Sam and Anna. This is a perfect gift for anyone who has been to — or anyone who wants to visit — the beautiful town with the interesting name.

To purchase a copy of Dildo, visit flankerpress.com