Mountain Retreat

Stonehame Receives Coveted Fodor’s Choice “Best of the Best” Award!

admin — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:41:48 +0000

Stonehame Lodge and Chalets located in Scotsburn, Pictou County, Nova Scotia has been recognized by Fodor’s Travel, the foremost name in travel publishing, as a 2010 Fodor’s Choice selection. This distinction represents a remarkable achievement and recognizes Stonehame as a leader in its field for service, quality, and value in the 2010 year.

Since 1988, Fodor’s Travel has been awarding the Fodor’s Choice distinction to only the very best hotels, restaurants and attractions around the world. Every year, Fodor’s writers experience, examine and evaluate thousands of hotels, restaurants and attractions in their travels across the globe. While every business included in a Fodor’s guide is deemed worth a traveler’s time, only fifteen percent of those selections are awarded the very highest, Fodor’s Choice designation by Fodor’s editors.

“From hidden-away restaurants to can’t-miss museums, Fodor’s Choice selections recognize the top sights, properties, and experiences our editors and updaters have found in their travels,” says Fodor’s publisher Tim Jarrell. “These places are the best of the best, providing a remarkable experience in their price range or category.”

As a 2010 Fodor’s Choice recipient Stonehame Lodge and Chalets receives special recognition in the current Fodor’s guidebook to this region and on Fodors.com. “To be recognized by a leading travel guide like Fodor’s is truly an honor. It is extremely rewarding for us as owners and staff to see our hard work and dedication to quality pay off,” says Jeff Gunn, co-owner of Stonehame.

Stonehame Lodge and Chalets is a year-round, 4 star (rated by Canada Select) mountain top retreat located in Scotsburn (near Pictou), in the Northumberland Shore Region of Nova Scotia. Stonehame is family owned and operated and offers panoramic vistas; peaceful woodland trails for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, etc.; pool and outdoor hot tub; farm animals; quality accommodations (chalets and rooms); award-winning service and licensed lodge with meeting facilities for corporate retreats, weddings, family reunions and parties. Stonehame is centrally located in the province and is only 90 minutes from Cape Breton, Halifax and the New Brunswick border and only 15 minutes from the PEI ferry.

About Fodor’s Travel:

Fodor’s Travel, a division of Random House, Inc., is one of the world’s leading providers of travel information. Covering over 300 destinations worldwide, Fodor’s guidebooks and Web site, Fodors.com, have provided the most up-to-date, accurate information for travelers for more than seventy years. Written by a team of over 700 writers located around the globe, Fodor’s provides travelers with engagingly written, intelligently and accurately reported, and absolutely indispensable travel guidance.

Stonehame Supports Acadian Forest Purchase

admin — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 18:28:44 +0000

A Pictou County group is determined to save some 313 acres of rich Acadian Forest near Scotsburn, Nova Scotia. The group, known as the Friends of Redtail Society, has to raise $250,000 by December 10th to purchase the land from US based Wagner Forest Nova Scotia Ltd.

The Acadian Forest is considered among the most threatened forest systems in North America. The land in Pictou County is a prime example of this forest type, a mix of old growth forest stands and diverse tree species (of varying age) that support a cornucopia of wildlife habitats.

Recently, the profile of the Friends of Redtail Society received a much needed boost when Victoria, B.C. student, Ben Miller lent his support to the group. Ben and three other students began a cross-country bike tour in May to raise money for several charities. Ben chose the Redtail Society after attending a number of retreats and educational camps in the county. The Tandun Tour left Victoria on May 5th and is expected to arrive in Halifax in about 10 weeks. Ben Miller hopes to raise $5000 for the society land purchase.

Stonehame Chalets is supporting the Friends of Redtail Society in its efforts to purchase this important piece of forest heritage in the region. Manager Jeff Gunn says like many people in this area of the province, his family is proud of its rural roots. “Our family have farmed nearby land for five generations. We believe it is important that this piece of Acadian Forest is preserved and protected for all generations.”

Stonehame Lodge and Chalets would like encourage local residents and people across the province to contribute what they can to the cause, by donating directly to the society or by contacting the Tandum Tour. All donations are tax deductible and can be made through the society website.

Top Five Beach Destinations on the Northumberland Strait

admin — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 18:10:25 +0000

The waters of the Northumberland Strait are among the warmest waters north of the Carolinas! Yes, its true, in July and August while bathers on the southern side of Nova Scotia hesitate to enter the Atlantic beyond ankle level, the waters along the Northumberland Shore can reach temperatures as high as 25 degrees C (that’s 77 degrees F for our American friends). The driving forces behind these high temperatures are freshwater runoff, the prevailing westerly winds from the Gulf of St. Lawrence and of course, the tides. Combine these factors with generally shallow water depths, an abundance of ’sandstone’ deposits and you have the perfect conditions for some of the best beaches in Canada.

Here are our Top 5 Beach Destinations on the Northumberland Strait:

1. Melmerby Beach

Melmerby Beach is among the best known beaches in Nova Scotia. Known locally as ‘The Merb”, it was no surprise to the hundreds of sunbathers and swimmers that frequent the beach every summer, that it was named among the Top 10 Beaches in Canada in 2009. Melmerby Beach has two sides, an expansive outer side and a narrow inner beach, separated by beautiful dunes, wispy sea grass and weathered boardwalks. This spectacular, horseshoe beach is about a 20 minute drive from our location. For more information about Melmerby Beach, see our earlier blog post: ‘Melmerby Beach: Stunning Skies, Endless Sand‘.

2. Pictou Island

Pictou Island is the largest island in the Northumberland Strait about halfway between Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Between May and November each year, a ferry service links the island’s 19 permanent residents with the Nova Scotia mainland at Caribou, Pictou County. Known as the ‘Jewel of the Norththumberland Strait‘ the topography of Pictou Island is similar to its larger neighbour, Prince Edward Island. There are beautiful sandstone bluffs, golden fields containing rich, red soil and of course, warm sandy beaches. The beaches on the island are among the best in the Strait. There are four main beaches – one at the West End, one at the East End, one at Roger’s Point and one at John Dan’s Cove. Bring your camera, you may just see a seal basking in the sun. Visitors to Stonehame can actually see Pictou Island from Fritzpatrick Mountain. The island ferry wharf is about a 15 minute drive from our chalets.

3. Waterside Beach

Waterside Beach Provincial Park is in Caribou River, about 20 minutes from our location on the Sunrise Trail. The long, sandy beach surrounded by salt marsh and open farm land is the perfect beach to stroll and unwind. There would be no hesitation about jumping into cold water here, the water is very warm and attracts swimmers and outdoor enthusiasts from across the Maritimes during the peak summer months (but is seldom crowded). And because Waterside Beach is part of the provincial parks system there are washroom and picnic facilities available. As an added bonus the area is also known as a popular birding destination, so bring the binoculars!

4. Big Island Beach

Big Island Beach is a wonderful beach to photograph. The long sand bar that forms the beach, the expansive dunes and beach grass that cover it, the weathered wooden posts that were once used as a breakwater to protect it, are all subjects just waiting to be framed. And with the right light, a good eye and bit of patience even an amateur photographer can come away from a visit with some pretty professional looking images. And like all beaches on the Northumberland Strait the water is warm and inviting. Big Island Beach is about 35 minutes away.

5. Caribou Beach

This mile-long sand beach is part of Caribou/Munroes Island Provincial Park. The park offers camping and picnic facilities and a walking trail. The beach is probably the most popular in the region and is considered one of the best in the province. And if you are not swimming in the warm water, there are many other things to occupy your time, from beach combing and painting to a leisurely stroll on the sometimes ‘hot’ sand. Bring the cooler, the sunscreen, the hiking boots and plenty of food, you may just decide to stay here for awhile. Caribou Beach is about 20 minutes from Stonehame.

A view of the beach from the park (Wendy Munro photo).

Swimming at Caribou Beach (Wendy Munro photo).

Winter in Nova Scotia: Photos from Stonehame

admin — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:30:53 +0000

A major snow storm heralded in the New Year in Nova Scotia and with it, a host of winter activities at Stonehame Lodge and Chalets. Our location on Fitzpatrick Mountain, Scotsburn, Pictou County tends to attract greater snow fall accumulations than other operations at lower elevations in the province. Stonehame features several winter recreational activities to keep your heart pumping and your family fit.

Experience some of the best trails in Nova Scotia where you can snowshoe, cross-country ski or hike the trails (at your own pace). The ‘pond’ next to the lodge is always good for a pickup hockey game or a family skate. And the open fields of Fitzpatrick Mountain are the perfect downhill setting for sledding, tobogganing or snowmobiling.

Your family will love these outdoor winter adventures. Add some hot chocolate, a cozy chalet with a mountain view and well..winter in Nova Scotia can be great fun.. for anyone!

Snow piled high at Stonehame.

Photo taken by Facebook Fan, Debbie White. Nice composition.

Our horses don’t seem to mind the snow at all.

Grooming the trails.

Rock Maple Retreat is the newest addition to Stonehame.

View from the trail.

The view from our chalets.

Dave Gunning Concert Photos

admin — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 18:23:04 +0000

Just before Christmas, Nova Scotia singer/song writer, Dave Gunning (and backup guitarist, Jamie Robinson) sang and played to a sold out concert at Stonehame Lodge & Chalets. The concert, one of the premier events at Stonehame in 2009, featured a traditional Christmas dinner (with all the fixin’s) including turkey, stuffing and homemade dessert.

The Gunning concert was a real hit with all those who attended, many of whom had driven several hours to see Gunning perform songs from his new CD, ‘We’re All Leaving’. One of the songs, ‘Smith’s Rock’, is a tribute to the hard working farmers who originally settled the area in and around Fitzpatrick Mountain, Pictou County. The rock (with commemorative plaque) is located near the entrance to Stonehame.

Gunning’s ‘We’re All Leaving’ was recently listed among the Top 10 ‘roots’ CD’s in Canada for 2009. Well done, Dave!

Couple enjoying Christmas Dinner at the concert.

Gunning and Robinson performing.

All is ready for the event.

Our staff were busy during the concert.

Facebook Fan Page Launch

admin — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 01:56:34 +0000

Our Facebook Fan Page was launched today and we want your comments, photos and suggestions. We want to talk to you about Stonehame - how we’re doing with the events and activities we schedule, the services we offer and the staff you meet. We also want to keep you informed about travel news and important events in the province, travel packages, discounts and activities at Stonehame and keep you entertained with select links, photos and video material from fans, guests and others.

We hope you like what you see and that you’ll become a ‘big’ fan and frequent contributor.

Stonehame Lodge & Chalets – Nova Scotia on Facebook

Fall Photo Contest Winners

admin — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 20:53:49 +0000

In October we held our first ever Fall Photo Contest for the best image of Fitzpatrick Mountain. The mountain has a interesting history and of course, is the location of Stonehame Lodge and Chalets at Scotsburn, Nova Scotia. There were nearly $900 in prizes to be won many of them donated by local merchants. Here are the winners of the contest (and their winning entries):

First Place Winner: Barbara Fox of Halifax, Nova Scotia

Second Place Winner: Caroline MacKinnon of Pictou County, Nova Scotia

Third Place Winner: Jeanette Gormley of Pictou County, Nova Scotia

Fourth Place Winner: Ken Kingston & Marie van Vonderen of Afton Station, Nova Scotia

Fifth Place Winner: Sonny & Amy Rose Woolley

Gunning’s ‘Smith’s Rock’, A Tribute to Early Settlers to Pictou County

admin — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:54:06 +0000

Singer/ Songwriter Dave Gunning

Pictou, Nova Scotia native and folk singer Dave Gunning continues to impress and delight both music critics and fans across the country with the release of his latest CD, ‘We’re All Leaving‘ . The album, Gunning’s seventh release (and many say, his best), is a a beautifully produced and polished compilation of 11 original songs he co-wrote with fellow Nova Scotian, Jamie Robinson and others, including Rose Cousins, Matt Anderson and David Francey. The collection includes the title song, ‘We’re All Leaving’ and other soon-to-be roots favourites, ‘There’s A Song in There’ and the CD single, ‘Made on a Monday’ (which has received considerable air play on radio stations across Atlantic Canada).

The first song on the CD, Smith’s Rock, could easily be a single. The song is a lively, country rock tribute to the back breaking work of the early settlers to Pictou County, who from “sun up to sun down” cleared the land of trees and roots for the harvests of future generations. Dave Gunning and co-writers, Jamie Robinson and John Meir were inspired by the story of Smith’s Rock, a well-known landmark at Stonehame Chalets. A plaque near the famous rock tells the story of the untimely death of Howard Smith, a local farmer who was killed as he attempted to blast the huge boulder from his land on Fitzpatrick Mountain.

“The next day, July 14th, 1938, his brother stopped by to see him but only found the door open to his little cottage and some of Howard’s blood-stained clothes on his bed. A search party was conducted and Howard’s body was found a short distance from his barn. This is the rock that tragically took Howard’s life and is a symbol of the hardships many faced during these times. It has been placed here in his memory and the memory of all of those who toiled over this land.”

Jeff Gunn, a fifth generation farmer in the region and Manager of Stonehame Lodge and Chalets says he was delighted to see Smith’s Rock included among songs on Gunning’s new CD. “I love the song and the story it tells. And as you might expect, it’s my personal favourite.”

Dave Gunning (and Jamie Robinson) will perform Smith’s Rock and other songs from the MacKenzie Room at Stonehame Lodge and Chalets on December 20th. The venue, on Fitzpatrick Mountain, is not far from Smith’s Rock on the Stonehame property. The live concert will include a traditional Christmas dinner with all the “fixins”, homemade dessert (warm apple crisp with Scotsburn ice cream), and tea or coffee.

Dave Gunning released his first CD in 1997. Since then, he has garnered six Music Nova Scotia Awards and three East Coast Music Awards. He plans to release a CD dedicated to the music of John Allen Cameron over the next several months.
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Melmerby Beach: Stunning Skies, Endless Sand

admin — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:34:05 +0000

The two sides of Melmerby Beach.

There are many extraordinary beaches in Nova Scotia. The province is blessed with some of the best white sand beaches in North America and few who experience them can deny their pristine beauty and raw attraction.

Melmerby Beach, known as ‘The Merb’ is just 16 kms north of Stonehame on the Northumberland Strait (and the warmest waters North of the Carolinas). This spectacular mile-long, horseshoe beach has two sides – an expansive outer side and a narrow inner beach. The beach is owned, maintained and managed by the Government of Nova Scotia and is one of dozens of Nova Scotia Parks in the province. There are change houses, salt rinse showers, pit and flush toilets and canteen and lifeguard services during the peak summer season.

The fragile dunes, wispy sea grass and weathered boardwalks of Melmerby Beach are a photographer’s delight, so a camera is almost a necessity here. Whatever the season there seems to be unlimited photo opportunities full of stunning skies and endless sand.

To walk along ‘The Merb’ in late fall or early spring is to experience ‘real’ solitude and the joy of East Coast living. It is this raw beauty that attracts so many visitors to this ’slice of heaven’ every year and one of many reasons why Melmerby Beach is among Yahoo Travel’s Top Beaches in Canada.