Hello Readers,

I’d like to take this time to wish Lisa Aukstinaitis the best of luck on her new journey! Lisa has left Atlantica Hotels as of last Friday. She did a fantastic job on Atlantica Hotel & Marina Oak Island’s social media, including writing all of the blog posts up until now, the Facebook updates, the tweeting, website work - and much, much more. We know she will do wonderfully in her new role and hope that she stops by to visit now and again! Good luck, Lisa!

I’ll be taking over this blog and keeping up the Atlantica Hotel Halifax blog, and social media for Atlantica Hotels. Feel free to drop me a line with any feedback. loakley@atlanticahalifax.com

Whether you opt for a destination or local seaside wedding there is something magical about the ocean on your big day.  Some couples choose to be married by the sea because they simply love the ocean and have an emotional tie to it.  If you’re leaning towards being married seaside but are unsure if it’s a good fit for you, maybe these factors should be taken into consideration:

1. A seaside wedding offers the most picturesque background anyone could ever ask for. 
2. A seaside wedding offers a more modern casual atmosphere compared to a traditional wedding that may take place in a church or a hall.  Being by the water provides guests with the option to possibly dress more casually.  This also opens the door to a few alternate options in terms of wedding party attire.  Many couples who choose to be married by the ocean will opt for beige suits or lighter cotton dresses versus heavier satin frocks.
3. A seaside wedding can be more cost effective.  Destination weddings on the beach are known for being a major wedding venue contender lately because they generally do not cost as much as a big wedding can.  Even a wedding next to the ocean in Nova Scotia can be cost effective because there is no need to rent a ceremony venue or sometimes even a hall. 
4. A seaside wedding can be relaxing.  Between the sound of light waves and the fresh salty air it’s no wonder everyone, including the bride, at a seaside wedding can feel more at ease than imagined.  The calming noises and natural scents have a way to unwind the people experiencing them.
5. A seaside wedding is full of natural lighting.  To infuse some brilliance into your big day enjoy the splendor of outdoor lighting.  Not only is natural lighting fantastic for photos but it lifts people’s moods.
6. The natural beauty of the sea is the most wonderful décor around.  No need for expensive floral arrangements or bright linens when you have the outdoor scenery to brighten up the surroundings. 

A wedding next to the ocean truly is a setting like none other.

I have to share a funny story with you.  This past Sunday my mom sent me an email telling me to call my dad and wake him up because he was still sleeping and she had some house chores for him to do.  Unfortunately I didn’t get the email until about an hour after she sent it.  When I finally called, my mom answered.  She told me he was awake but that I should call back to talk to him.  This seemed odd to me since my dad and I usually only talk once every two weeks.  When I asked her why I needed to call back she informed me that it was Father’s Day, duh!  Immediately I thought that there’s no way it can be Father’s Day yet.  For me to miss any sort of holiday without sending a card is unheard of.  Of course, mom was determined (“first Sunday of June, just like Mother’s Day”) so after a few quick online searches I proved her wrong.  A few short hours later I called my dad to wish him a Happy Un-Father’s Day!  This chain of events brought on my idea for today’s blog, Father’s Day.  My dad means the world to me and if he lived closer I would come up with something unique to do with him on the South Shore. 

My dad loves spending time on the water.  Most of my childhood memories involve a boating trip, a fishing trip and even wind surfing.  One of the most exciting activities that I know my dad would love to do is a trip with Lunenburg Ocean Adventures.  Whether you want to do shark cage diving, deep sea fishing or shark fishing, Lunenburg Ocean Adventures has chartered tours that will include a delicious lobster supper.  The crew and captain are certified in Seafarers Advanced First Aid and Marine Emergency Duties.  This is a fun way to be out on the water with your dad and do something you may never have done before. 

Another fun activity out on the water is the Lobstermen Boat Tours.  In previous blogs I have mentioned this company because I find that what they offer is like nothing else.  This is a hands-on experience where you get to be part of the action on a real working lobster boat.  You won’t only get to see the work that is done, you will get to enjoy picturesque coastline scenery and gain valuable knowledge from their onboard Marine Biologist.  Educational and exciting.

If your dad is a golfer he would thoroughly enjoy a day at Chester Golf Course or Osprey Ridge Golf Club the South Shore.  Both of these courses offer picturesque scenery with views of the Atlantic Ocean, amazing greens and a fantastic club house for a quick lunch or a fabulous end of day dinner.  Another favorite for some dads is a nice day at the spa.  So many more spas have started to cater to men with sports massages, male facials and pedicures it’s no wonder more and more men are choosing to relax in a spa.  Another fantastic option is a wine tour at Petite Riviere Vineyards.  It’s a gorgeous winery with a unique terroir that boasts daily tours and several concerts throughout the year. 

If your dad is sporty and enjoys different adventures maybe a tour with Freewheeling Adventures would be great for him.  They offer cycling, sea kayaking, yoga and hiking tours on the South Shore; some tours lasting a day, others spanning over several days.  If you’re looking for just an afternoon of sea kayaking head to the Kayak Shack at Atlantica Marina on Mahone Bay.  This is the perfect spot to test your skills and explore the stunning surroundings.  Also available at the Kayak Shack are bike rentals, paddle boats, fishing tours and boat tours that take you around the famous Oak Island Money Pit. 

Even though this next activity doesn’t take place on the South Shore it’s worth mentioning because it’s one of Nova Scotia’s most famous adventures, Tidal Bore Rafting.  This fun activity takes place on one of the top 5 rivers in Canada, the Shubenacadie River where you can experience the Bay of Fundie in action while you raft through the impressive scenery around the world’s highest tides. 

I’ve only just scrapped the top of the options available for Father’s Day.  Obviously there is much more outside of the South Shore.  Explore this truly unique province with your dad this Father’s Day.  We would love to hear what you decide to do.