Tuesdays with Murphy: Pets Stay Free This June!

dogs playing at our ocean front cottage rentalsOh boy, oh boy, oh boy – I’m reprising my role as blogger, because I have some very happy news to share. Jerry and The Berry have just announced their summer specials – and top of the the list is a great one: pets stay free all June long, as long as you make a 2 night reservation!

I’m excited about this news on a professional and personal level. Professionally, as ambassador for the cottages, I know that we four-leggeds need getaways as much as the two-leggeds we own. Especially since city dogs really need some time and space to run around, maybe take in one of the many hiking trails around here, or go for a dip in the ocean (chilly, but still my favourite activity!).

And personally, I can’t wait for all the new friends I’m going to be meet! Find more details and all our summer specials here, and if you’re like to to book, please call 1-877-588-2026, email info@oceandelightcottages.com, or make your online reservation here.

Family Getaway

Mother and Daughter at Shag RockAmy is a former colleague of Jerry’s, so it was a special treat to have her bring her parents for a family getaway at our Cranberry cottage last weekend. We love all our guests, of course, but it’s always fun to catch up with old and dear friends. Amy hasn’t changed (and that’s a very good thing!), but she’s expanding her business as a Writer and Communications Specialist, so it was fun to hear about her plans.

The Cranberry has two bedrooms, making it ideal for multi-generational family getaways. And with Shag Rock offering the perfect photo-op off your back deck, you’re sure to get some great pics for remembering your weekend away. Thanks to Amy for sharing this one, which we also suspect may end up framed on her mantle!

And please don’t forget, we have some great fall specials that make a trip to the Cranberry, and all our luxury cottages, even better!

In My Heart’s Delight

Heart's Delight in NewfoundlandSometimes, Laurelyn and I like to spend time in our cottages in Heart’s Delight. It’s nice to spend the weekend where our journey began around two years ago. It is hard to imagine we didn’t own these cottages until Nov. 26, 2011. Spending time here, looking out the window, puts it all in perspective. This place is magical and therapeutic – and so worth all the time and energy we give it. Even as we approach the winter months, we’re still so lucky to be able to get out here every chance we get. If you’d like your own magic and therapy, stay tuned and please sign up for our mailing list, as we’ll be sending out a new offer from the cottages soon.

Minister of Tourism Visits New Restaurant and Inn in Newfoundland

Minister of Tourism in Newfoundland visits our Newfoundland Inn

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.

Guests at The Doctor’s House

hens at our Newfoundland resort inn and spa

We’ve only been open to overnight guests for a few weeks now, and already we’re starting to fill up. Just like as with the cottages, our reward for all our work is hearing our guests enjoy themselves. These beautiful pictures were sent to us from a beautiful family that just stayed with us – Doctors Maria and Scott, and their daughters Grace and Kathryn. These pictures are great – especially the hen in the flower pot! For more pictures, please see our Facebook page for The Doctor’s House.

Guests enjoy our Newfoundland ponies at our Newfoundland resort inn and spa

Here’s some of what Maria told us about her stay:

“Hi Jerry and Laurelyn,

Thanks for the great visit we had at your spot. We loved everything-the beautiful property to wander through, the hot tub, the hens in the flower pot greeting us, the gorgeous rooms, the spa treatments, the blazing fire as we ate our breakfast this morning, the tranquility( which I hope we did not disturb-we are a bit of a lively crowd )and certainly, your hospitality. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit with Cliff and Sharon and came home with a painting of poppies that he had just painted.

It was a fabulous mini vacation – we’ll certainly tell all our friends about it.

I think Scott sent along the pic of the hens but I”we attached a few others as well-it all looks so beautiful.

Hope your summer is successful-good luck with it all and enjoy!

Thanks again, Maria Guests playing at our Newfoundland resort inn and spa

Golfers’ Delight

I’m not a golfer, but I know beauty when I see it – and Whiteway’s own Pitcher’s Pond Golf more than hits the mark. I’d say I enjoy myself just sitting on the clubhouse deck and people-watching as much as I would if I were hitting the greens! That’s why we’re excited to be teaming up with Pitcher’s to offer a fall package deal – details soon!