Company House General Store 
Port Mouton, South Shore Nova Scotia

Travelers, visiting the magnificent South Shore of Nova Scotia, cruising in a leisurely pace along the coast will drive through Port Mouton.  This beautiful situated fishing village with its busy wharf between Summerville Beach and Carters Beach enjoys a new, gorgeous little country store - perfectly located for visitors to the beaches or on their way to Kejimkujik National Park, just meters from Hwy 103 and 3.


In this former General Store you will find fresh-baked Pizzelli, Italien waffles, thin and crispy, and fresh prepared Cappuccino. Cottagers find amazing Folk-Art treasures, beach totes, fine linen wares, lavender sachets and cute little antiques.  Forgot to take books with you?  You may find the perfect summer read here.

Jamie, the owner and her husband Christopher love to show you the art works - all originals - which Christopher, a renowned visual and sculpture artist from Europe, creates.  Be surprised by his incredible professional sculptures and paintings at very moderate prices.  Jamies warm, welcoming hospitality is very inviting and the flair they brought into this small fishing village makes for a pleasant experience.

I love to visit General Stores in Nova Scotia, they carry always a hue of heritage and often have very interesting owners. Look out for them, they are a great travel stop in a world of conformity. Be glad if you live not far from one and visit often.

Port Mouton is a busy fishing harbor in Lobster season, get some smoked Salmon on the way to the wharf and explore hidden beaches in and around town. Accommodation is plentiful, from a hostel in a former school to beach chalets in Port Mouton, to a fine resort nearby in Summerville Beach.

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Spring at the South Shore of Nova Scotia

Beaches and Gardens on Nova Scotia's South Shore

It's all about blooms here: Daffodils, Azalea, Rhododendron, Dogwood Trees and now the lovely Lupins everywhere.  And did I mention the stunning, kilometer-long sand beaches and the crystal-clear shallow water?  Have a look:
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http://www.novascotiabackyard.com/  recommends to cycle along the shores:

"Spinning pedals, long stretches of open roads that run along white sand beaches and fresh Atlantic breezes will have you in pure bike Zen. Race along picture perfect coastlines, hear the calls of seabirds and seals, and feel the beat of your heart."

"Stop and explore a sheltered cove or a shaded park for a bite to eat. Hang your panniers at one of our charming Inn's or Bed & Breakfasts, while you enjoy our brightly painted towns and our colourful culture. Rated one of the top ten coastal destinations in the world by National Geographic, we're sharing a cyclist sweet spot!"

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Come and enjoy Southern Nova Scotia in Spring!

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The Story of Noah's Ark - Canadian Version

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The Lord came unto Noah, who was now living in Canada, and said, "Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another ark and save two of every living thing, along with a few Good humans." He gave Noah the blueprints, saying, "You have six months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights".
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Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard, but no Ark. "Noah", He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?"

"Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah. "But things have changed. I needed a building permit. I've been arguing with the inspector about the need for a Sprinkler system. My neighbours claim that I've violated the neighbourhood zoning laws by building the Ark in my yard and exceeding the height limitations. We had to go to the Development Appeal Board for a Decision."

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"Then Transport Canada and the Departments of Highways and Hydro demanded a Bond be posted for the future costs of moving power, trolley and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark's move to the sea. I argued that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it."
"Getting the wood was another problem. There's a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls. But no go!"
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"When I started gathering the animals, I got sued by animal rights group. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. As well, they argued the accommodation was too restrictive and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space."
"Then Environment Canada ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood."

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"I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew. Also, the trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist have to hire only Union workers with Ark building experience."
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"To make matters worse, the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species. So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least ten years for me to finish this Ark."
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Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky. Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean you're not going to destroy the world?"  "No", said the Lord. "The Canadian government beat me to it!"

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CNN Cable News Prefers Atlantic Canada

Jordana Divon wrote in Daily Brew:

For all its great beauty and charm, Canada's Maritime region has not traditionally pulled the same numbers as tourist hotspots like Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. This year, however, it could all change—at least if CNN has something to say about it. The popular cable news network revealed its 2012 list of the world's leading travel destinations, among which Atlantic Canada figures prominently.


A panel of travel experts cited the area's roster of upcoming milestones and events as reason alone to check it out.  "The region will be in the spotlight next year as it commemorates its connection to the Titanic and the 100th anniversary of the ship's sinking," the article states.

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Halifax happened to be the closest major port when, on April 14, 1912, the fabled luxury liner crashed into an iceberg off the Newfoundland coast and began to sink. Three boats were dispatched to recover victims, while a number of passengers who did not survive were buried in Halifax cemeteries.
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As Budget Travel reports:
Halifax will recognize its role in the event with a host of concerts, a town parade and a film festival. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic will also mount a special exhibit paying tribute to the individuals involved in the recovery efforts.

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Not Only for History Buffs:
Other highlighted features include a wealth of opportunity for outdoorsy types—everything from scenic kayaking around Prince Edward Island to whale watching on the Bay of Fundy.  For budget-conscious travelers, the site notes that Halifax, along with Charlottetown and Fredericton, topped the list of the least expensive Canadian cities in 2011 on Hotels.com.

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A Hidden Gem: River Bank General Store

The beautiful Mill Village in Nova Scotia, Canada's, Queens County (South Shore) boasts one of the prettiest country stores in whole Nova Scotia.

I discovered this lovely place last March when they were just in the middle of restoring, building the coffee shop / restaurant, kitchen and renovating the adjacent artist’s showroom, featuring paintings and crafts, and the hardware store with its unique, handmade pieces from local crafters and a wide variety of gifts.

It took several months and lots of helping hands, coming from QASL clients and staff, Queens Association for Supported Living, who owns the General Store and who helps individuals acquiring life skills and offers vocational programs and community-based employment.

Restaurant with Medway River View In summer, visitors could enjoy the cosy restaurant with its spectacular view of the magnificent Medway River, which runs just a couple of feet from the big windows, and have fresh coffee or delicious ice cream. Since last autumn the “River Bank Café” offers a daily lunch during the week, including homemade soups, fresh prepared sandwiches and salads and mouth-watering fresh-baked pastries at very competitive prices.

Once a month, or maybe more often in the future, they offer a marvelous Sunday Brunch. To learn about this well-liked delicious food event, send them your email address to receive invitations, as they are quickly booked out: riverbankadmin@eastlink.ca

River Bank Café and General Store is such a lovely place, not yet discovered by tourists, despite its proximity (2 minutes) from HWY 3 (Halifax to Liverpool and Shelburne). Get your coffee, tea or hot chocolate and stock up on groceries, bread and pastries here: Fresh, local and organic produce and meats, canned and dry goods, pies, cookies etc. 


They also carry Mike Oulton's Free Range Meats and Greek's Quality Meats and a number of Natural Homemade Foods products, such as German Bread, as well as their own store baked sweet temptations. The River Bank Café also offer take-out: I recently had a sandwich and a salmon chowder - to die for - and crispy almond croissants.

8 Medway River Rd, Mill Village, NS B0J2H0
Phone 902-677-2013 Open until 9:00 pm.
Hours Mon - Fri: 8:00 am - 9:00 pm Sat - Sun: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm

Have also a look at “The Picture House” website and blog to learn about River Bank General Store and the QASL and see a video:

http://www.thepicturehouse.ca/archives/734

longer version: http://www.thepicturehouse.ca/archives/524

or the NS government website: http://gov.ns.ca/coms/WhatsHappening.html

Fishermans Village at Eastern Passage, Halifax

Charming Day Trip just 30 Minutes from Halifax:

Crossing over to the Dartmouth side of Halifax you can enjoy seafood and other goodies in a restored fishing village, the "Fishermans Cove" in Eastern Passage, having seagulls sitting next to you, waiting for leftovers.

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It is not only an awesome photo opportunity right at the roadside, but a boardwalk takes you out for a lovely stroll to the shore.  There is even a ferry over to McNabs Island where one can spent a few hours hiking the island.


Each of these restored fishing huts is painted in a different color and you can watch fisherman landing their catch.  A great little nautical museum explains the creatures that live in the adjacent Atlantic ocean and on the shores around Halifax.  Lots of quaint, colorful little shops, cafes and unique restaurants.  A really nice day trip to get a taste of Maritime life if you happen to be in Halifax!

Travelling with Fido in Canada

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Pet owners often struggle about what to do with their pets when they travel since they are considered part of the family. There are some fabulous places in Canada where they will welcome your pets!
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Pet Friendly Bed and Breakfasts across Canada:

BRITISH COLUMBIA
Pacific Spirit Guest House, Vancouver,
Guest House, Smithers, BC
Two Eagles Lodge, Union Bay, Vancouver Island
Wildhorse Mountain Guest Ranch, Penticton, BC
Auberge Kitsilano, Vancouver, BC
French Quarters B & B, Coquitlam, BC
Cozy for You B & B, Naramata, BC
Cougar's Crag Extreme B&B, Metchosin, BC
Suite As it Gets B & B, Blind Bay, BC
Fireflies Bed & Breakfast, Campbell River, BC
Scarecrow B & B, McBride, BC

ALBERTA
Sage Door B & B, Edmonton, Alberta

ONTARIO
Dreamscapes B & B, Huntsville, Ontario
The Martin House B & B, Jordan Station, Ontario
The Pritty Place Bed and Breakfast, Damascus, Ontario
Serenity Ranch Bed and Breakfast, Ancaster, ON
Taylor-Made B & B, Lion’s Head, Ontario
Holiday House B &  B, Tweed, Ontario
The Black Lab Inn, Ottawa, Ontario
Maxwell's Cabin Bed &  Breakfast, Maxwell, Ontario
Stouffer Mill Bed & Breakfast Getaway, Algonquin Highlands, Ontario
The Tymparon Inn Kingston Bed &  Breakfast, Kingston, Ontario
Willow Pond B &  B, Bowmanville, Ontario
Grant House Bed &  Breakfast, Beaverton, Ontario
Bobbi’s Place B &  B, Beaverton, Ontario
Duck Tail Inn, Ancaster, Ontario

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QUEBEC
Gite Montagne Nirvana B&B, St Faustin, Quebec
Trigonelle B & B, Mont-Tremblant, QC

NOVA SCOTIA
The Red Roof Inn, outside Antigonish, Nova Scotia
The Nelson House Bed and Breakfast, Stewiacke, Nova Scotia

NEWFOUNDLAND
Rum Runners’s Roost, Twillingate, Newfoundland
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In the USA Best Western and Super6 Motels allow dogs, and certainly many more.
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These travel tips are from the American Kennel Club, Cesar Millan, the ASPC, and my own from many years of traveling through North America with my dog:

• Get your dog used to the car by letting him sit in it with you without leaving the driveway, and then going for short rides.
• Carry its usual bedding and its beloved toys
• Avoid car sickness by letting your dog travel on an empty stomach. 
• Keep the car well-ventilated. 
• Do not let your dog ride with his head sticking out of an open window.
• Stop every half hour and let him out (that’s good for you too)
• Place a water bowl that he can reach any time
• Place a net between the driver/passenger seat and the rear of the car
• Make sure there is nothing sharp or hart where your dog could get hurt in case you have a crash, upholster everything with towels and blankets
• NEVER leave your dog in a parked car, especially when it’s warm out

Have a safe and joyful trip!

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