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.
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.
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.
Do you remember that ugly ditch we had on our property last year? Thankfully it was off to the side of our parking, but it was still an eye sore, and I could not let an eye sore stand! So we put in a lot of love and care, some landscaping, and some swing sets we got in Belize last winter. I’m really proud of it! So when John and his son, Matthew, played on the swings after an evening at the Shag It Cafe, I was thrilled to see someone using it just like I had hoped. Doesn’t it look inviting?
Murphy agreed to forgo blogging duties today so that I could announce what for us is a long time coming, and the result of a lot of work and patience: we are now licensed to serve alcohol at the Shag It Cafe! We’re nearing the end of tourist season, but we’re still excited to now be able to serve beer and wine to our guests. So get your DD and come on down! 
We were happy that Terry French, Minister of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, came to the Shag It Cafe this past Wednesday. He came to try Joe Friday’s famous cod au gratin appetizer, of course, and he wanted to see what we have done with the place, too.
I believe he was impressed with the breathtaking view at the Shag It and all the work we did to convert the apartment into the original Newfoundland café it is now. He was even more impressed with the fact that across all our properties on the Baccalieu Trail, we have gone from 3 ½ employees last year to 23 this year.
We were also proud to show off The Doctor’s House, which he loved as well. We had a wonderful BBQ, saw the ponies, trekked the property, and said hello to the first born on the farm since we acquired it (we now have 4 beautiful baby chicks – stay tuned for pictures!).
We spent the night telling stories of this remarkable province and all the potential we both see in the Baccalieu Trail. We talked about how we are trying to provide the experiences the government is promoting, including in all those beautiful ads we see on tv.
I also learned that Minister French has connections to this Wonderful World of Whiteway – lucky man. He has land here that was given to him by his Aunt Minnie Bishop, who was a resident. He is well known by the locals and related to the Harnums.
We also talked about my late brother, Jack, who I know really liked Terry. Seems like the feeling was mutual. Overall, it was a blessed night, and we were happy to share our work with someone who does so much for this province.