When you sit on the patio outside of La Vista Restaurant at Atlantica Hotel & Marina Oak Island, you will look upon one of the most legendary islands in Canada, Oak Island. 

If you ask any Nova Scotian about Oak Island you’re sure to get a different answer about the mysteries surrounding the island.  Most will agree that the island is home to the infamous “money pit” but what is hidden down the shaft is the real mystery.  Since 1795 people have come and gone, digs have happened and halted, and now the Friends of Oak Island Society is ready to let you take a tour.  To Atlantica Hotel & Marina Oak Island this means exciting things are to come.  If you’re not sure what all of the hubbub and sizzle is about here’s a brief history about the island and it’s mystery.

Oak Island is one of about 360 islands located in Mahone Bay in Lunenburg County.  When 16 year old Daniel McGinnis first found a circular depression in the ground he and his 2 friends began to dig.  By the time they had dug down 30 feet they had discovered markings from tools as well as layers of logs every 10 feet down the shaft.  When Onslow Company started digging in 1803 they found layers of different materials such as coconut fiber and charcoal putty.  When they reached 80-90 feet they found a stone with inscribed symbols that was thought to say “forty feet below two million pounds lie buried”.  Unfortunately, it is unknown where this stone is now.  This was the first time that diggers experienced the flooding of the pit which caused the halt of yet another attempt at discovering the mystery.  Since then, there have been several more digs from organizations such as the Truro Company in 1849 and the Oak Island Association in 1861.  Each dig shed more light on the construction of the shaft and brought about a total of 6 deaths over the years.  In 1965 the causeway, that is currently the only connection to the island, was built in order for Robert Dunfield to move a 70 ton crane on to the island.  When Triton Alliance Ltd. hit bedrock at the bottom of the pit in 1967, they lowered a camera into the hole and found quite a lot of debris, most likely left from previous excavations.  In 2005 a portion of the island was purchased by partners from Michigan. Since January 2011 when the Oak Island Treasure Act deemed that digging could continue it’s been rumored that excavation would begin soon.

No one is certain as to what lies at the bottom of the pit and if the pit itself is simply an act of nature or if the shaft has been constructed in such a way that it is protecting something sacred.  One theory about the money pit is Blackbeard’s treasure is buried at the bottom because apparently Blackbeard claimed he buried his treasure “where none but Satan and myself can find it.”  Another guess is that Marie Antoinette’s missing jewels are hidden down there because when the Palace of Versailles was stormed by revolutionaries she ordered a maid to take them and hide them.  One of the most outrageous rumors is that the secret at the bottom of that pit is none other than the Holy Grail.  What do you think? 

Due to the fact that the island is privately owned, it has not accessible to the public.  In the past there have been summers where tours took place but in recent years those opportunities have become few and far between.  This year, however, the chance to explore Oak Island is available again.  In order to take part in a scheduled tour of  Oak Island you can either purchase a ticket one hour before the tour, while driving onto Oak Island, or at any point from the front desk at Atlantica Hotel & Marina Oak Island.  As the closest hotel to the island, Atlantica Oak Island has its arms wide open to all who share a passion for the island and the mystery.  An informative Oak Island display at Atlantica Oak Island contains never before seen artifacts.  Gather your friends, family and co-workers to enjoy what could be a once in a lifetime experience. 

Click here for full schedule.

Please Note: Atlantica Oak Island does not deem the provided information as fact nor is it the held belief of everyone.

My Top Five Reasons to Visit the South Shore 

In my mind, the best parts of spring are the opportunities that arise.  It’s in spring that people start to feel more adventurous and let’s be honest, people are happier when it’s sunny.  With so many places to visit in Nova Scotia let’s focus on one of the most beautiful areas, the South Shore!  I’ve compiled and am ready to share with you my top five reasons to visit the South Shore.   

1. One of the more popular sought after activities when visiting the South Shore is to take a swing on one of the spectacular golf courses.  Not only are the courses fit for all levels, from a newbie to an all-pro looking for a challenge, but they come along with complimentary seacoast scenery to make your 18 holes one of the most memorable golfing experiences you’ve ever had.  To some, there is nothing better than perfectly groomed green grass and a breeze in your hair; or better yet, no breeze at all while you sink your hole-in-one. 
2. If there is one thing that there is plenty of in Nova Scotia; it is talent.  On the South Shore you will find some of the most unique pieces of art.  With an unparalleled inspiration drawn from the natural world around us it’s no wonder that artists on the South Shore are so renowned.  The best part? Economuseums!  These working studio galleries let you try your hand at making your own creation whilst also taking the time to browse (and purchase) other amazing handiworks.  One of my favorite trips is to explore the quaint shops in Mahone Bay that showcase the creative works of many talented artists from Nova Scotia. 
3. Every visit to the South Shore requires some T.L.C. and we’ve got just the spas to give it to you.  Treat yourself to some pampering by the seaside.  Almost all of the resorts in the area have a spa waiting for you to enjoy.  Whether it’s your wedding day, a girls weekend, a romantic getaway or even a family vacation, take the time to experience a relaxation Zen like none other. 
4. One of the biggest sources of pride on the South Shore, aside from the unreal scenery, is the bountiful local produce.  When you’re visiting the South Shore you cannot go home without tasting, smelling and experiencing the markets and farms that are a vital part of our society.  We have everything from fresh produce, local wines, abundant crops and orchard fields.  Whether you tour a winery or purchase fresh herbs you will be amazed at the quality and dedication of our farmers. One of the best ways to experience the culture through farming is the living museum of agriculture, Ross Farms Museum, where you are able to be part of a working farm from the 1800s.  If you’d rather just enjoy the delicious produce you might want to visit a U-Pick Farm where they actually let you pick things like strawberries, flowers, pumpkins, etc. 
5. My final favorite reason to visit the South Shore is the excursions.  There is no better way to get a feel for the history than a tour on the ocean.  Star Charters lets you sail the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lunenburg and discover sea caves from the famous Ovens Natural Park.  If you want to be more involved, try the Lobstermen Tours where you’ll receive hands-on education about lobsters and real life experiences of professional lobster fishermen.  If the sea is not for you, Freewheeling Adventures can take you on a bike ride along the Lighthouse Route that will be sure to leave you with outstanding memories.   Or hop on a motorcycle to enjoy one of the many guided tours through the South Shore.  No matter what type of adventure you’re seeking, the South Shore can provide.

If you still don’t think the South Shore is for you, let me know because I’m sure I can prove you wrong.  The South Shore is home to some of the most stimulating ventures right on the edge of the country.  Is that not reason enough to visit?

Executive Chef Daniel Orovec takes food for what it is and has been enjoying the ride for decades.  Cooking based on his philosophy can be quite simple but yet complex at the same time; “use the best ingredients and let them shine.” 

Chef Orovec was born in France but came to Canada at young age, growing up in the suburbs of Toronto.  Originally Chef Orovec had plans to go into the film industry and the only reason he started working in restaurants at age 14 was in an effort to save some money for school.  As it turned out, culinary school was his real calling so he enrolled in Humber College for Culinary Management.  A truly eye opening experience, being exposed to a wide array of ingredients and having some incredible chef instructors to learn from.  “Chef McFadden and Chef Donadio at the college would be my first mentors when I look back.  They challenged me and showed me the possibilities of the hospitality world.”  Along with graduating at the top of his class, with honours, Chef Orovec won a Gold Medal in the Taste of Canada competition.

 After graduating there came a series of jobs and experiences that still resonate today.  “The building blocks of my career included stints at large hotels and event venues, small catering companies and upscale restaurants and of course eating out as much as possible.”  Early on Chef Orovec realized a desire to be his own boss and opened a catering business with two other Humber College classmates.  “We provided food service to a small yacht club and used that as a launching point for our own outside catering endeavors.  “It was a lot of fun and hard work doing things on the fly, without a net.”  Because he’s a master at multitasking, Chef Orovec was also working as an Assistant Teacher to Chef Donadio at a high school teaching the same skills he had been taught at Humber College.

 It was during this time that he got married to his fiancé, a Cape Breton native, Rose.  They thought that moving back to her home province of Nova Scotia seemed like an exciting thing to do so they packed up and headed to the Atlantic coast.  Less than two years after getting married in 1993, they had purchased a turn of the century home in Lunenburg with plans to renovate and open the home as a Country Inn and restaurant.  “After a lot of hard work and sacrifice we opened our dream spot; the kind of hospitality and food that we wanted to be known for.”  As if life wasn’t crazy enough they welcomed their first of three wonderful children shortly before the doors opened in the spring of 1996. 

 Over the years Chef Orovec’s style has evolved and with influences such as Charlie Trotter and Thomas Keller it’s no wonder Chef Orovec can take Nova Scotia cuisine in new directions.  Taking local fare and putting a new twist on them to bring about both exciting and accessible dishes and make them sought after favorites is what Chef Orovec is best known for. 

 In 2006 Chef Orovec joined Atlantica Hotel & Marina Oak Island for a new challenge; running a large operation with both a dining room and conference centre to over see.  “We really try to be all things to all people here, and the challenge comes from balancing those needs and trying to exceed expectations.  To eat a great meal, savour a fine wine and feel taken care of is just the beginning in an effort to truly appreciate what hospitality means here.” 

 Chef Orovec’s spare time is spent primarily with his family.  Being a parent to three active kids has its own challenges and rewards that help to make for an even more rewarding life.  When pressed for some advice to aspiring cooks, “Taste everything and don’t be afraid to fail.  Be a sponge when it comes to learning new things.”

~Lisa

Wow!  That’s really all I have to say about this weather.  Not only has this been one of the most mild winters but now we’re enjoying sunshine and warmth at the end of March – unreal. 

Today they’re calling for 13 degrees, tomorrow 14.  It’s not only our lovely East Coast of Nova Scotia that is being hit with these record breaking heats but Toronto is also experiencing summer during winter.  You may assume this is happening all over the country but it’s not.  In Vancouver, where we saw golden sun rays throughout the 2010 Olympics, they are keeping below 10 degrees celcius whereas we’re slowly inching higher and higher from that point.  In Calgary they woke up to snow this morning!!  Did we wake up to snow? or anything remotely cold enough to be snow?  NOPE!

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not delusional, I realize that this gorgeous weather may come to and end and the cold snow could rear its ugly head again, but I don’t even care.  Right now it’s sunny and I want to bask in it.  I enjoyed the walking trails around the resort yesterday and today I’m thinking about going to wonder through Mahone Bay; there’s a great little shop called Amos Pewter that I can’t wait to check out.  It’s only a matter of time before the outdoor pool at the resort is open but in the mean time I’ll settle for the newly renovated indoor pool. 

All in all, this weather has brought smiles to faces all over; it’s easier to get up in the morning, more encouraging to get out in the air after work and most of all, perfect for sunsets. 

Maybe a picnic at Peggy’s Cove this weekend?!  I think so!