Designated as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site, the historic town of Lunenburg is known for it’s maritime heritage, picturesque architecture and otherworldly charm. Amongst the plethora of shops, fisheries, foundries and B&Bs also lies a burgeoning contemporary scene, putting Lunenburg on the map as a destination capable of catering to all tastes. Here we share our top picks for where to Eat, Stay, Play and Shop in Nova Scotia’s South Shore.
Photography courtesy Victoria Malloy.
EAT: Lincoln Street Food
Located in the heart of Lunenburg, Lincoln Street Food is a modern, coastal, neighbourhood kitchen with chef/owner Paolo Colbertaldo at the helm serving market inspired fresh food. The unique and well-rounded menu caters to all tastes and preferences, including vegetarians and vegans with items such as roasted beet tartar, Moroccan vegetable phyllo rolls, rice paper wrapped tofu, and of course some great East Coast seafood. The spiced cornmeal haddock will blow your mind and the ‘rogue wave’ cocktail made with local Ironworks Bluenose Black Rum and Propeller ginger beer is the ultimate thirst quencher! The menu, which consists of organic and premium ingredients changes regularly based on market and seasonal availability. We love the open kitchen. Next time we’re sitting at the chef’s table so we can see all the magic happen!
Where to Find:
200 Lincoln Street, Lunenburg, NS
902-640-3002, lincolnstreetfood.ca
Photography courtesy MLS Architects.
STAY: Shobac Cottages
Though there is an abundance of Bed and Breakfast accommodations in Lunenburg, you may be seeking something a little more remote, spacious and modern. The Shobac property located in Upper Kingsburg, a 15-minute drive from the heart of Lunenburg is a farm at the sea, sitting on historic village ruins offering weekly rentals of unique, contemporary cabins and cottages. Designed and constructed by owner and internationally acclaimed architect Brian MacKay-Lyons, the Shobac cottages represent Brian’s beliefs that architecture shouldn’t be about consuming the landscape, but about finding ways to frame and enhance it.
The site consists of 4 innovative and contemporary cottages (aptly named after the 4 vantage points from the property – Hirtles, Gaff, LaHave and Mosher), a large studio/cottage, a historic octagonal Troop Barn, and a newly acquired and restored Chebogue schoolhouse. The Shobac property has been passed from hand to hand for centuries and is located on the cliffs overlooking the LaHave estuary, named by French explorer Samuel De Champlain. Surrounded by stately landscape and ethereal views of the Atlantic, the Shobac property will take your breath away. Every cottage is outfitted with all the amenities, including a fully equipped kitchen, fireplace, TV and wireless internet, as well as a large deck off the living space and an upper deck off the loft bedroom with views of the land and sea. It is the perfect setting for a quiet vacation, wedding or corporate retreat. We love how the grazing horses and curious sheep provide a delicate contrast against the modernity of the architecture.
Where to Find:
Upper Kingsburg, NS, mlsarchitects.ca
Rentals can be arranged through The Cottage Connection.
Photography courtesy Victoria Malloy.
PLAY: Traditional Ashtanga Yoga
While walking the sloped streets of Lunenburg is a workout in itself, visitors to the South Shore may wish to challenge their bodies and stay fit through the traditional teaching of the Ashtanga yoga method. Taught Mysore style, this class led by Jody Manley of Ashtanga Halifax at her contemporary box house studio in Kingsburg, is a traditional style of teaching allowing students to better receive the therapeutic benefits of asana practice and its meditative effects. Jody is a long time student of Ashtanga yoga and the first Canadian student to be authorized by Manju P. Jois, one of the foremost authorities on Ashtanga Yoga, to teach the traditional style. The challenging, yet calming class set against the cool backdrop of her contemporary studio makes this a must-do experience. The class caters to various skill levels with a lot of one-on-one instruction from Jody to help you perfect your poses. We recommend heading down the road to Hirtles beach to cool off and relax post-class!
Classes are offered at the Kingsburg studio on Saturdays at 10am throughout the summer. Drop-in Fee: $20.
Where to Find:
782 Kingsburg Road, Kingsburg, NS
ashtangayogahalifax.com
Photography courtesy Victoria Malloy.
PLAY: Ironworks Distillery
If you’re looking to brush up on your knowledge, a tour of the Ironworks micro-distillery located in the old port of Lunenburg is a must. The distillery takes its name from the former marine blacksmith that once occupied the shop producing ironworks for the shipbuilding trade. From July to September, and for just $10/person you can participate in a guided tour of the facility, learn about the distillation and fermentation processes and sample the Ironworks product offering, which includes Vodka (distilled from Annapolis Valley apples!), Rum, Liqueurs, Brandy and Eaux de Vie. Our favourites: the Bluenose Black Rum, a Gold award winner at the World Rum Awards and the Arctic Kiwi liqueur!
Where to Find:
The Blacksmith’s Shop
2 Kempt Street, Lunenburg, NS
902-640-2424, ironworksdistillery.com
SHOP: The Pentper General Shop
Lunenburg is chock full of little shops and boutiques offering handcrafted wares and maritime souvenirs, but if you are looking for something for yourself or your home that is more on the contemporary side and with exceptional design be sure to stop by the Pentper General Shop. The shop is sleek and simplistic with some great products on the shelves including apothecary-style grooming gear from Triumph&Disaster, hand-knit wool toques from Granted Clothing, Danish scented candles from Skandinavisk and Binchotan charcoal products from Morihata.
Where to Find:
159 Lincoln Street, Lunenburg, NS
902-634-3098, pentper.com
