Newfoundland & Labrador is the most picturesque and most unique place on this planet and 2022 is the year to show it off in all its spectacular glory
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.