Luxury getaways to the ocean's edge
You don’t need to convince me to go on a day trip exploring something new. The Heart’s Content Lighthouse was built in 1901 and is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building. At only about a half hour’s drive from the cottages, it’s a great place to explore. For a full list of historic landmarks near us, please see here – or guests can simply ask us! And The Berry’s been working on some great fall packages that are worth checking out, too.
You might remember that we had a contest when we opened the Shag It Cafe and Gift Shop, where our online fans could enter to win a gift certificate (among other gifts). We were happy to meet our lucky winner, Phyllis Jackson, recently when she came in to use her winnings! She said she wasn’t trying to win – she just loved our blog and wanted to be updated on future specials, so she just naturally hit the ‘Like” button on our Facebook page. So she was really surprised when she got the email from The Berry saying she had won. And we were certainly happy that she did!
And remember, if you like the Shag It, we update our Facebook page daily with our daily specials – so please follow us there!
Joe sent me this picture with the caption, ‘Right now! So blessed.’ So blessed we are, all of us, to share this beautiful island. Getting to share it with our guests is like the icing on the cake. I have been to many places and loved them all but this is something altogether different. This Wonderful World of Whiteway redefines nature and beauty and life in quiet moments. We’re so blessed to get to share it.
Saturday’s we like to feature beautiful Newfoundland photographs from talented Newfoundland artists. Usually, that means pieces from Bud Vincent. But we have a new artist on board at the Shag It Cafe and Gift Shop – Leonard Howlett. We have his stunning carvings now on offer, but we also love the photography he has shared with us. So I’m happy to share it now with you. This beauty features the Heart’s Content Lighthouse.
And please stay tuned to our Facebook page – we like to feature more work and bios of our Shag It artists there.
With our view of Shag Rock and the shag birds that make it home, we had an obvious namesake for the Shag It Cafe and Gift Shop. But we get lots of seabirds coming to our shores – that’s why we’ve named 4 of our cottages after the Loon, the Puffin, the Gannet and the Osprey. But clearly, I think flock of seagulls at our beach is trying to tell us something! Of course we see sea gulls around, too, but I hadn’t seen them here before. Maybe they came by for some of our fantastic coffee and gluten-free baked treats!
We like alerting readers to fun community events, and there’s a once-in-a-lifetime celebrating coming up this weekend in Bay Roberts that is not to be missed. They’re celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the S.S. Kyle, along with the culture and way of life in this beautiful part of the province. With lots of events planned, this is a great opportunity to learn a little and have a little fun.
This beautiful picture of the Kyle was taken by Margaret Ayad. I really recommend following her on Facebook to stay up to date with happenings on the Baccalieu Trail.
And wondering what’s happening this weekend? Events kick off tomorrow, with an evening of songs, music and stories about the Labrador Fishery at the Rorke Store Museum in Carbonear.
Saturday will be the 4th Annual ‘Swim the Kyle,’ when Libby Earle, daughter of late Captain Guy Earle, swimming to touch the bow of the Kyle. There will be poetry readings, author Pat Collins will be signing his book about the Kyle, a new painting will be unveiled, and the Battalion 201 Drum & Gloc Corps will provide music.
That night, enjoy a 3 course meal and entertainment at the Bay Roberts Hotel. Guests are welcome to dress in period costume.
On Sunday, September 15, come to St. George’s Heritage Church at 7:30pm, to enjoy Jim Payne and Fergus O’Byrne, stories of the Kyle and the Labrador Fishery, video interviews, the Vanda Maunder Dancers, and more.
For more information, please see this post, or visit the Town of Bay Roberts on Facebook. I’m sure it will be a fun weekend, and thanks to all the folks involved in organizing this great event.
So these folks we’re exactly parking, but we’ve had lots of folks paddle up near our shores on boats, kayaks and seadoos. One of the advantages of being right on the water here at the Shag It Cafe and Gift Shop – we see lots of activity, not just Shag Rock! We might have to set up a ‘drive-thru’ down on the beach!
Of course, if you’re coming in more traditional vehicles, we’ve got you covered there, too! 
Our great employees have worked so hard this summer that I convinced Jerry and The Berry that we needed a end-of-season barbecue to celebrate. We accomplished a lot this year, and laid a great foundation for next – and that deserves raising a glass or two.
I have to admit that sometimes hearing how gratefully Jerry and The Berry talk about their great staff, I can get jealous! But I know what they know – that the Shag It Cafe and Gift Shop, The Doctor’s House and our cottages just wouldn’t be what they are without this dedicated team.
And future guests, reading about an end of season barbecue, don’t sweat! We’re not closing down, not by a long shot. Things will be a little quieter like they always are in the fall, but we’ve got some great package deals – both at The Doctor’s House and at our cottages – that are great for couples, families, or friends looking to get away!
Big thanks again, to all our team, those still with us and those continuing on to new projects, and to all who came out help us celebrate this weekend!
All I can say is wow. Leonard Howlett, a Crafts of Character carver whose work we are now featuring at the Shag It, is clearly an artist of many talents. This photo of his showcasing the sun setting over Shag Rock is second to none. Happy Sunday, everyone.
We like to feature Newfoundland photographers and artists on Saturdays, to show you a side of Newfoundland that I just don’t have the skills (yet!) to capture. Here’s a new artist to the blog, and, thankfully, one whose carvings are coming to our gift shop at the Shag It. Leonard Howlett is an exceptional artist, and we’re thrilled to have him on board. And thrilled to share this classic Newfoundland scene he captured with you.