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.

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?

Yesterday, February 2nd, on the North American holiday called Groundhog Day there was no shadow to be seen.  To some that may mean nothing, but to many others it means that spring is just around the corner.  Here on the East Coast of Canada we watched and waited for Shubenacadie Sam to pop out of this house.  Due to the time zone in Atlantic Canada, Shubenacadie Sam is the first groundhog to to make a prediction in North America.  According to tradition, when Sam did not see his shadow yesterday morning it meant that an early spring is upon us and that winter will only last another 2 weeks.  If Sam had seen his shadow it would mean that we have another 6 weeks of winter ahead of us. It is said that the tradition regarding the shadow may have derived from this Scottish poem:

As the light grows longer
The cold grows stronger
If Candlemas be fair and bright
Winter will have another flight
If Candlemas be cloud and rain
Winter will be gone and not come again
A farmer should on Candlemas day
Have half his corn and half his hay
On Candlemas day if thorns hang a drop
You can be sure of a good pea crop

The funniest part about our Canadian groundhog is that he doesn’t have to worry about what’s on the ground.  As you may have noticed, I mentioned above that we wait for Sam to pop out of his house.  Rather than come up directly from the ground for all to see, Sam comes up into his cozy house and comes out the front door, of course.  What a spoiled groundhog!

This year in particular many Canadians (especially us Nova Scotians) are wondering how accurate Sam really is.  As anyone on the East Coast knows, we have recently been hit with a ton of snow!  All winter we’ve been lucky to avoid a big dump of white stuff until February 1st. Although snowflakes are one of nature’s most fragile things, just look what happens when they stick together.  Seeing all this snow makes many wonder if spring is actually upon us?  Did winter 2011 come in like a lion and will leave like a lamb?  I guess only time will tell.

~Lisa

It’s that time of year when you are looking for things to do but don’t want to spend a lot of money.  With the cold weather upon us, it’s hard to keep as busy as we do when the temperature is warmer.  I thought of a few things that I like to do during this time of year and thought I would share them with you.

1. Go skating. Lately all the buzz seems to be about skating on the Canada Games Oval in the Commons Park in Halifax.  If you haven’t been yet, you must!  It’s so much fun for all ages and all levels of skaters.  The bonus is that if you’re like me and you don’t own your own pair of skates, you’ll be happy to know that they do rent them out there for free.  It’s a great way to pass a couple of hours with a loved one or with your whole family.  If you’re coming from outside of Halifax and want to stay the night or grab a tasty meal, visit our sister property, Atlantica Hotel Halifax, just across the street from the Commons Park.
2. Go shopping.  Now that the malls have calmed down and it’s not as overwhelming to go shopping I love grabbing some of the fantastic deals that are still going on.  If the malls aren’t for you, I suggest going to Mahone Bay and shopping in the boutiques downtown.  Not only is there some magnificent items but it’s such a wonderful atmosphere.  When you’re done, stop in and see us at Atlantica Hotel & Marina Oak Island. 
3. Go skiing or snowboarding. This has got to be one of the best ways to fit exercise and fun into one day.  I’m certainly not a morning person but I love getting up early to head out to Martock to spend the day in the fresh air.  There are so many trail options for all different levels and tons of rentals available.  The great thing about spending the day on the mountain is that you can pack your own lunch/snacks or eat up there; it’s really up to you. 
4. Go snowshoeing or cross country skiing.  This is an activity that I wish I did more but I certainly suggest to everyone.  Whether you’re in Cape Breton, HRM, the South Shore or the Valley you can find some great trails.  Again, this is a really fun family activity that gets you outdoors. 
5. Go to Sugar Moon Farm.  I remember going to maple syrup farms when I was younger and this place brings back all those warm memories.  Sugar Moon Farm is an award-winning experience that everyone should try at least once.  Not only do you get a guided tour of the maple syrup operations but you can enjoy delicious all-you-can-eat wholegrain buttermilk pancakes with fresh 100% maple syrup. Obviously, if pancakes aren’t your thing, try one of the many other options available.  For those adventurous types, you can take a 6.2 km hike on Rogart Mountain Trail.  The hike begins and ends in the Sugar Moon Farm parking lot and lasts the entire day. 
6. Go to a museum.  With so much culture and heritage around Nova Scotia there is are numerous museums to visit.  Whether you want to check out Pier 21 – Canada’s Immigration Museum in Halifax or Ross Farm Museum – a living heritage farm in New Ross or the Alexander Graham Bell Museum in Baddeck, there is something for everyone everywhere.  It’s a great way to get in from the cold while still having a good time and even gaining some knowledge. 

In addition to those 6 activities I listed above, let’s not forget about the very exciting Canada Games that we are so privileged to be hosting here in Nova Scotia.   We hope that you are able to get out there and watch some of our athletes compete.

~Lisa

It’s been a week since I last updated you on my “Holiday Challenge” and I have to say I’m doing pretty well.  Not only have I been to 5 workout classes but I’ve also stayed away from all things chocolate! 

Speaking of food, today I went to a reception at lunch time; knowing that there would be plenty of cheeses I opted to eat an apple and orange before I left.  I know it’s not a lot of food and it certainly wouldn’t have been sufficient alone but it gave me the satisfaction I needed in order enjoy some of the great food by RCR catering without over indulging and filling up on excessive calories. 

I know how most people feel about holiday shopping but you might like to know that shopping is a great way to burn calories.  All the walking, standing, waiting and lifting actually benefit you.  Just try not to pair shopping with eating out because the burnt calories won’t last long. 

Another winter weight watch secret is shoveling.  If you’re like most of Canada, you have likely seen some white flakes falling over the past month; here in Nova Scotia, we got a few inches today (our first snow fall of the season – yaye!).  I know most people hate having to get out there and shovel but it’s not all bad!  All the reaching, bending, lifting, and throwing add up and you can burn more than 500 calories.  Even just brushing off your car counts!  Check out more winter time workouts, such as wearing red, from Weight Loss Note. 

I have a theory about snow walking, and I may be wrong, but I think that walking in the snow is a better workout than normal walking.  I believe that when I’m walking in the snow I use my core more and therefore my abs are clenched in an attempt to keep my balance and not fall.  On top of that, if you’re walking in deep snow, you have to lift your legs much higher than you normally would.  Doesn’t that theory make sense?!

The more I read and think about it, the reality is that weight gain isn’t inevitable like some believe.  If you have some tips or tricks you’d like to share we’d love to hear about it.  Next week I’ll update you on my progress again and pass out some ideas on what to do with your holiday leftovers.

~Lisa

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

I have to tell you how much I LOVE fall in Nova Scotia! Not only does this season mean absolutely amazing colors everywhere, but it’s that unique crisp autumn smell that the wind blows in. Yes the wind, the rain, and the clouds might not be ideal but after a humid summer, it’s kind of refreshing. Come September I’m tired of wearing summer dresses, tank tops, and shorts! There is nothing more comforting than throwing on a warm sweater or slipping into your fluffy slippers before reading a good book or cooking a hearty stew.

Of course fall brings with it great festivals such as the Nova Scotia Fall Wine Festival and the Mahone Bay Scarecrow Festival. A drive along Nova Scotia’s scenic lighthouse route makes for a great day; stop in and see us along your way. Whether you enjoy some delicious cuisine in our La Vista Dining Room or call it a day and cozy up in one of our oceanfront chalets, we embrace fall all over our 34 acre property.

Let’s not forget the holidays that come along with fall. I’m not gonna lie, I look forward to Thanksgiving the very most! After waiting 10 months, we get to enjoy a good ol’ turkey dinner and give thanks to all those near and far who have enabled us to cherish the life we have.

Then, of course, we have Halloween. Whether you go door to door trick-or-treating, head to a dress up party or stay home to hand out candy, it’s always a day like no other. I love seeing all the kids dressed up like the latest pop star or popular super hero just about as much as I like to dress up; this year, think Grease Lightning!

As November rolls around and your sugar levels start to come back down it’s almost time for Remembrance Day. It may not be full of turkeys or costumes but it’s the one day that the Commonwealth of Nations can commemorate the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and of civilians in times of war. This day not only brings sorrow but also happiness as it reminds us to enjoy each day we have and appreciate all we have.

After the fall fests, pumpkin pie, and spiced lattes it’s time to kiss any last autumn leaves and green grass goodbye; it’s time to welcome some of our old friends that you may recognize: snow, ginger bread, below zero temperatures, garland and eggnog. But we’ll save that season for another day.

~Lisa

All I have to say is – HOT!  and no I’m not referring to some old Avril Lavigne song or some shirtless guy across the street – it’s actually straight up HOT in Nova Scotia. 

Do you know what the worst part about working at Oak Island Resort in the summer is?  It’s the fact that while I’m working, there is a fantastic outdoor pool just steps away calling my name! a cold beer on the dining room deck begging to be drank! and 105 air-conditioned guestrooms surrounding me!  Life is just not fair right now!

As I sit here with a fan pointed directly at me, I have a hard time imagining those poor Torontonians who have experienced temperatures in the 40s (with humidity).  My sister-in-law and her husband are police officers in Toronto and I am unable to even understand the heat they feel while at work in their full police uniform, bullet vest and all!

So this morning when I woke up, in my non-air-conditioned apartment, I checked my phone; not just for the time but also the weather.  My blackberry has a temperature app (yup, I’m an app kinda girl) that keeps me updated on the weather.  When I wake up at 7:30am and see that it’s already in the 20s I  immediatly start thinking about what light fabric work ensemble I’m going to wear because the thought of a black suit or even closed toe shoes makes me cringe.  Lately, I seem to check this app several times a day to see how hot it actually is.   I just looked at the app right now and even though it says it’s only 27 it also lets me know that with humidty at 100% it actually feels like it’s 34!  Part of me questions the validity of this app because I think it’s hotter, but who am I to judge?!

It’s not just us Nova Scotians that are feeling the heat, it’s the entire East Coast of North America!  Even parts of Russia are sweltering from what some call the worst wave of hot dry weather!  It all makes me wonder, is global warming responsible for this East Coast heat wave?  Dr. Rob Carver answers:

“Ah, the $64,000 question. In the absence of detailed analysis, it’s hard to specify the exact cause for this heat wave, from a meteorological or climatological view point. However, events like this are consistent with research showing that heat waves are more likely with global warming.  I like the metaphor of loaded dice, global warming is not specifically responsible for any heat wave, but it will make them happen more often.”   (http://climateprogress.org/2010/07/07/heat-wave-global-warming-media-coverage/)

So, can we expect next summer to be even hotter?  Who knows! 

Don’t get me wrong, I love the sunshine! and the warmth! and in December I’ll be wishing I could return to this moment, humidity and all;  but as it stands right now, I’m at the mercy of this fabulous fan beside my desk.

-Lisa