(Part 1 of our adventures is here…)
DAY THREE: CHURCH + PEGGY’S COVE + GAMES
I woke up Sunday morning feeling ten times better. My cold wasn’t completely gone, but I could breathe (always helpful!) and I was no longer achy. And not a moment too soon — we had a busy day ahead.
Sunday mornings at our house are a fend-for-yourself breakfast routine, so we ate in shifts. I also pulled together a quick picnic lunch since we weren’t going to be home until the end of the day.
When Birchie was planning her trip to Nova Scotia,I made it clear that while she was incredibly welcome, there was no pressure to join us for church. She immediately responded that she knew how important it was to our family and she wouldn’t miss it for the world! This genuinely warmed my heart. Off we went!
Here’s my outfit for the day: the new-to-me pantsuit we’d thrifted the day before. Birchie was very enthusiastic and gave me two thumbs up. Belle, on the other hand, said I looked like a cat — and declared the whole vibe terribly embarrassing.
I went with Birchie’s advice.
As soon as the first church service was over, we scattered; John and Indy stayed for the second service while the girls hit the road. Our destination? Peggy’s Cove, of course!
You couldn’t have scripted a more perfect late-summer afternoon — blue sky, bright sunshine, hot temperatures, and almost no wind. Apparently, the entire population of Nova Scotia agreed because it was packed. We lucked into a great parking spot and gratefully claimed it. We had a charcuterie-style lunch: crackers, cheese, grapes, nuts, and beef jerky…with a little sliver of chocolate for dessert.
Then we set off to explore. There aren’t too many things left for me to say about Peggy’s Cove (see my feature post here; lighthouse ranking here; our visit with Kyria here), so I’ll let pictures do most of the talking.
A busker was playing an alphorn. Hilariously, the only other time I’ve seen him there was when we visited with Kyria.
Birchie seemed just as smitten with the spot as we’ve always been.
We wandered away from the crowd, found a secluded rock, and sat for a while talking and watching the ocean. We agreed we could have stayed there for hours, but a) I hadn’t put on sunscreen and ended up with a fairly epic sunburn (oops), and b) our next stop was ice cream!
En route home, we stopped at the Falmouth Scoop for our go-to inexpensive ice cream, and it hit the spot. I had Double Chocolate Mousse in a waffle cone, Birchie picked Caramel Praline, and Belle went for Wolf Pass (with PB cups). All were thoroughly enjoyed.
And then it was home for a supper of homemade Mac and Cheese with a side salad.
I can’t remember every detail of the evening, but Scattergories was involved, which was a lot of fun! I’m pretty sure Birchie and I ended the night in the living room finishing up our books: Anne of Green Gables for her and The Secret Book Society for me.
DAY FOUR: COFFEE + CUMIN + PRETTY FLOWERS
And just like that, we were back into another school week. I asked Indy if he wanted to walk to school, and got a polite but firm: “No, thank you!” So after the kids were off, Birchie and I strolled through the university campus and ended up at Charts for coffee.
We sipped delicious coffee (Birchie) and Earl Grey tea (me) and wrote postcards — a delightful way to spend an hour.
We took some pictures of local features. The tide was low, so the waterfront was muddy!
We stopped by the post office for stamps, and then made our way home.
Next up was lunch at Cumin. The food did NOT disappoint. We split an appetizer of Fried Cauliflower (spicy Korean BBQ sauce, soy crema, green onions). This dish is SO good. Then we shared two entrées:
- Chill Out Noodle Bowl: Soba noodles, shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, pickled red cabbage, green onions, miso peanut granola, peanut citrus dressing with tofu.
- Drive In Mushroom Melt: Beef and pork patty, sautéed mushrooms, onion jam, melted provolone, roasted garlic mayo, brioche bun.
I’d never tried the mushroom melt before and it was sooooo good!
We left with very full bellies, and after finding out our waitress had gone to Peggy’s Cove on Saturday (we went Sunday) and Tangled Garden on Sunday…which happened to be our next stop.
From Cumin we drove straight to Tangled Garden. I’d visited earlier in the summer when the flowers were at their peak. This time, after a summer-long drought, things looked a bit…crispier…but it was still beautiful. We spotted frogs and toads, walked the labyrinth, and strolled through the herb garden where they grow ingredients for the jams, jellies, and liqueurs made on site.
We took a quick detour to Luckett Vineyards for the epic view (the red phone booth was in high demand, so we skipped that photo op) and then headed home to decompress and eat supper. Everyone was hungry at different times, and the kids were decidedly unimpressed with my choice of sloppy joes (which I swear they loved recently). Oh well. Birchie and I enjoyed ours later — Cumin had been filling.
To end the evening on a fun note, Joy came over and the three of us watched The Court Jester. Joy and I always watch White Christmas each December, and she had recommended The Court Jester movie ages ago. It was even on my List of Fun Ideas for 2025!
I failed to capture any pictures, but there was lots of laughter, and it was wonderful to introduce two of my beloved friends to each other.
It was lights out for me at 9:45. Adventuring is tiring work!
The next morning Birchie headed off on some solo adventures in PEI and New Brunswick, but with promises to return at the end of the week.
Your turn!
- Which would you pick from our ice cream lineup: Double Chocolate Mousse, Caramel Praline, or Wolf Pass?
- Have you ever gotten unexpectedly sunburned because you forgot sunscreen during a fun day out? (Tell me I’m not the only one!)
- Do you have a go-to movie you always watch with a certain friend or family member — like my White Christmas tradition with Joy?
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I used to get sunburned at lot – it was the 80s- we wanted color ! In Puerto Rico on a college choir trip I got so burnt I couldnt do the concert. Then in grad school I got burnt when the chemical in whatever protection I put on my lips reacted badly and ruined my skin. I now wears hats if I go outside for any length of time in the summer.
You are such a great hostess- looks like so much fun!
I think you used Birchie’s real name a few times.
Oops. Thanks! I corrected it. (You are so good at catching real name insertions and I genuinely really appreciate this! Keep up the good work!)
It was a lot of fun and the weather could not have been topped. My sunburn issue is on me; I should have put on sunscreen. Lesson learned.
I’ve gotten unexpectedly sunburned many times! Early summer/late spring is my usual accidental burn timeframe – it’s usually kind of chilly/I have zero tolerance for the sun after a long winter and next thing you know…
It sounds like a fantastic visit! I’m not sure I’ve ever commented on Birchie’s blog so I’m a stranger to her but please let her know if she needs anything if she’s in my neck of NB I can try to help!
I once got caught up in reading a book (it was right after the latest Harry Potter installment had come out) and I sat on an apartment balcony and read and read and only one half of me was in the sun so I had one side of my neck, my left arm and left side of my face burned…and the other side was fine. I was completely oblivious to everything going on around me while I was reading.
You will love Birchie’s blog! She’s actually in NB today (but Fredericton, not SJ).
Such fun! What amazing weather! And I LOL’ed at Belle’s comment about your outfit. Oh, kids…. always so tactful with their opinions. 🤣 Looks like everything went just perfectly for you guys! (3 weeks from this very moment, I’ll be in your house! squeal!!!! You are gonna be so burnt out on hosting though!! 😬)
Yes, I had a little chat with her yesterday as her “opinions” have become a bit too frequent and are decidedly unhelpful.
Things went so smoothly and the weather could not have been beat. I can’t believe your trip is less than a month away. I am not feeling burned out at all! What a joy to get to meet URL friends IRL and show them my favourite place on earth.
I don’t want to cause any trouble, but somebody was wrong about the pantsuit, and it wasn’t you and it wasn’t me. Hey, even very smart people with good taste sometimes make mistakes.
Meeting you without going to your church would have been like going to NS and not bothering to stop by Peggy’s Cove. It’s that simple. I’m looking forward to next Sunday!
I have a confession, which is that I didn’t understand the hype about Peggy’s Cove before going there. I thought it was just a lighthouse like any other lighthouse and sheesh you can’t even go inside. Not so! I didn’t understand the vastness of the rocks. The longer we were there, I kept seeing new details in the changing light. I’m pretty sure that it will end up being #1 of this trip.
Tangled Garden was also higher up on the list than I thought it would be. I’ve seen plenty of gardens at home and on my travels.
Ha! Yes! Agreed about the pantsuit.
It really did mean so much that you wanted to come to church. And it gives you an insider view into my everyday life and routines.
Phew. I am relieved to hear you say you liked Peggy’s Cove. I always worry I’ve “oversold” Nova Scotia. And Peggy’s Cove is so dear to our hearts after years and years of going there with friends and family and, most importantly, the kids. It’s a huge part of their childhood! The rocks are stunning and so much fun to explore. I will be thrilled if this makes #1 on your list (it’s my absolute favourite place in Nova Scotia).
If you liked Tangled Garden this time, you’ll have to come back in a wet summer. It was really stunning earlier this year when the flowers were in fuller bloom. But I also love the wildness of it. It almost feels like a hidden fairy kingdom or something. It’s beautiful but also feels whimsical.
Quick responses to other comments – mbmom11 it’s totally fine – I’m not in witness protection and people who read the better blogs get to know my first name;-) At the time that I started my blog it felt incredibly important to be anonymous, but it’s not necessary anymore.
Maria – we’re not exactly strangers! We’ve been hanging out at the same party and it’s only a matter of time before we start chatting. I’m spending tonight in Fredericton.
Kae – THREE WEEKS!!! You are going to love it here. I don’t think it’s possible to get burnt out on in person Cool Blogger time.
Glad to know you’re not in witness protection!
Wait, what’s wrong with looking like a cat!!?? You can look amazing AND look like a cat! I’m laughing at Belle’s embarrassment though, especially since you wore the outfit for the entire day. I wonder what we would look like if our kids dressed us.
What an amazing time with Birchie! I’m glad you had such perfect weather. And yes- I’ve had my fair share of sunburns. When my kids were little, there would always be the first cool day of the season and we would try to get out to a park to enjoy it. I would inevitably forget to wear sunscreen and get burned- yes, the sun is just as strong as it was yesterday, even though the air temperature is a little cooler!
Now I’m going to have to wait for Birchie’s recap to hear about her solo time!
Yes, Belle is, in general, not a fan of my clothing choices. I get it, really I do. I was not a fan of my mom’s choices, either. BUT SHE DIDN’T MAKE GREAT CHOICES. I think I objectively dress okay. Not uber cool, but cool enough to not be an embarrassment. She does not happen to see it that way.
Like you I can’t wait to read Birchie’s recaps from her time spent in the Maritimes.
I love the pantsuit! It really accentuates your small waist! You look great!
What a fun day on Sunday. Those blue skies are gorgeous! I have gotten accidentally sunburned – the last time it happened was earlier this summer at my parents. I forgot to re-apply sunscreen and we went on a boat ride and the reflection of the sun off the lake did me in. Luckily it was a minor sunburn but I felt bad about it.
It’s a toss-up between the mousse and the pb cup ice cream! I’d like a scoop of each, thanks!
I have not watched a movie with friends in so many years – it’s probably been over a decade! If I am watching a movie, it’s typically with my boys. Right now they alternate between Minecraft and Kpop. I much prefer Kpop…. Of course I never get top pick the movie!!
I’ve been to Peggy’s Cove in all sorts of weather and can confirm this was a PERFECT day for visiting our favourite lighthouse.
I wanted a scoop of each, too. They used to let you get two different flavours in a small, but now it’s down to one so I had to choose. That was tough.
I’ve not seen Kpop yet, but Indy loved it and likes the music!
I got badly sunburned IN HALIFAX once – we were there with four families for the Tall Ships, then my friend met us for a carnival thing. I knew I’d forgotten sunscreen and it was excruciating just letting the sunburn happen, but the kid were having such a blast I couldn’t bear to make them leave. I’ve also done the half-body sunburn while reading in my hanging chair in our back yard.
I would probably pick caramel praline, but I usually veer towards vanilla, sometimes with stuff in it.
What a fun visit! Your daughter’s hair is so gorgeous.
I knew as I was sitting there I was getting a burn. Sigh. I’m too old to make mistakes like this!!!! But it was so delightful!!!
I passed along your compliment. It really is stunning. I tell her people spend BIG money to get hair that looks like yours. Her natural highlights are the bomb <3
I like that outfit! But is it one piece? I find those hard for two reasons: peeing, and also I am tall so don’t want to get a wedgie. Or worse, a vag wedgie! But you look great, and hey, Catwoman is a total babe, so I would take that as a compliment!
And you can give that sassy girl of yours a compliment from me – she has gorgeous hair!
Sounds like a lot of fun – yummy food, beautiful sights, and great company. I have only ever heard an alphorn at Lake Louise, and I love them.
I don’t have a movie tradition with anyone other than my guys. The boys and I watch Christmas Vacation every year and then the whole family (i.e., Rob included) watch Elf. One year Allison and I watched Little Women with our friend Hannah – we all started the movie at the same time and then texted throughout – and it was EVERYTHING. One of my favourite memories, honestly. Allison, if you’re reading this: “I’ll be HANGED if I stand around and watch.” Swoon.
I can assure you is was NOT meant as a compliment. It is one piece, but slips off so easily. I am, alas, short, so no wedgie issues this time around.
Isn’t her hair the best??? I passed along your compliment <3
It's so fun to watch a beloved movie with friends who also know and love it and the running commentary is GOLD.
This looks like a great visit. Great food and cool sights and excellent company. What more could someone ask for? I am not sure what’s in wolf’s pass – so I’d probably choose the caramel praline. I’ve gotten sunburn before at sporting events, like college football games when I was in college. One side of my face or my neck would be sunburned. Mostly my skin tans, so I haven’t gotten unexpected sunburns often. Curly and Mini and I love to watch The Proposal. I love that movie. Coach’s really enjoys Double Jeopardy, and I like it too so we’ll rewatch that sometimes. Oh, and The Fugitive. That one never gets old.
Wolf’s Pass is vanilla with a chocolate swirl (or was it a caramel swirl) and peanut butter cups. Soooo good.
The Proposal is such a good movie. I haven’t seen it in years, but it was a fav. I also really loved her in Two Weeks Notice!
This all looks so wonderful. I’ve got used to your photos of Peggy’s Cove with no other people in them; there was quite a crowd there this time. Your outfit looks great, very elegant and flattering. I’m not sure what’s embarrassing about it, but I guess I’m not a typical teenage girl. The last time I got a bad sunburn was hiking near Falls Creek. I put sunscreen on my face, but didn’t do my arms because it was cold. However, while hiking, I got so hot that I had to take my long-sleeve shirt off and didn’t have sunscreen for my arms. The whole time, I was just thinking about how my arms were getting sunburnt.
It was CROWDED. But, as always, if you walk about 5 minutes off to the left of the lighthouse on the rocks, it’s mostly empty. It’s such a lovely spot and on a beautiful day, I can see why so many people were drawn to it.
I was aware the whole time I was getting burned as well. But I had no sunscreen in the car and it was too hot for a sweater. Hopefully that’s my last burn for a while. The sun won’t be nearly so hot for months to come as we really settle into fall weather here.
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What a gorgeous day at Peggy’s Cove! Belle’s hair is getting so long and I love it when she has it down and all curly! Beautiful!! You know I would probably have a triple scoop, even though I have no idea what Wolf Pass is. I have never met an ice cream I don’t like.
It’s so long and so blond after a summer sun to give all sorts of natural highlights.
A TRIPLE scoop at the Falmouth place would be enormous. They might have to give you a full carton of ice cream with a spoon. Next time you’re here, I will definitely be taking you there.
Oh this is amazing! Your photos are fantastic – they really bring the whole trip to life!
Peggy’s Cove in perfect weather, charcuterie lunch, alphorn busker… I’m living vicariously through your adventures.
That’s really nice of Birchie to join you for church, too.
Sounds like you packed so much joy into those days; I’m sure you are having a blast together today!
We just got back from a long (15 km) walk and are chilling in my living room. It has been an epic trip.
First of all, I think you look absolutely stunning in that pant suit – don’t let anyone (Belle) tell you otherwise. This might be the fashion taste difference between grown-up women and teens! LOL
And what a wonderful time you spent with Birchie. You truly made the best of it! I wish I had had more time when Birchie was here in Sacramento, but she was here during the week when I was at work. I would have loved to explore more with her. I did introduce her to my two favorite restaurants though. Food and Birchie definitely goes together. 🙂
As an FYI, I often get sunburned even if I DID put sunscreen on, so there’s that!
You were my pantsuit inspiration!
We have shared some great meals over the last week and I feel like I have a culinary kindred spirit.
What a fun visit! I also am 100% on Team Elisabeth and Birchie in that the pantsuit looks super cute on you — stylish without trying too hard! The tween opinion (in my house) is also loudly voiced and I feel like my tombstone might say “is it true? is it necessary? is it kind?” (Greta feels her opinions always meet the first two criteria.)
There’s also a switch in my brain that says, “It’s September, sunscreen is no longer necessary.” Which is obviously not true, but I probably would have made the same mistake.
Oh man, Greta and Belle would get along famously. Belle has no end of advice and constructive (ahem) criticism. I mostly take it in stride and mostly ignore it.
I enjoyed reading this so much! You ALL look amazing and happy, and I can tell you’re having the best time! I would probably choose the caramel ice cream. It sounds wonderful.
You can’t live in Florida and not experience at least one sunburn a year! I try my best to protect my skin, but it never fails that there’s one day where I forget it and the next day, I’m a tomato. That’s why I get a skin check twice a year!
Caramel praline would be my pick!
Yes! I feel like the days when I’m extra careful about sunscreen I end up coming inside early or a storm blows up. And then days when I’m not expecting to be out in the sun for long I end up staying out for hours and burning to a crisp.
It was so fun to meet Birchie AND to watch a favourite Danny Kaye gem with you both! So fun seeing snippits of your other adventures together as well!
I’m so glad you were able to join us. I am in throwback movie mode! Danny K is hilarious 😉
Nothing makes me happier than to see 2 wonderful people enjoying each other’s company.
Thank you for sharing all of the photos and details, so that the rest of us can live vicariously through you. <3
Awww. Thanks, Anne. The whole “cool blogging” community was in our hearts the whole time!
Peggys Grove is so beautiful.
I am atzet though you went with that fancy jump suit.
I love that you are comfortable enough to read your books together. There are not many people you can do this with.