While Kae and SHU enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at the Tattingstone Inn (and snuck in some marathon-watching), I headed off with the fam to church. And enjoyed every well-deserved sip of caffeine in my very own Best Laid Plans travel mug!!!
Earlier in the week, I mapped out our Sunday itinerary and, because of the tide times, had slotted us in for lunch before heading to Medford Beach. Thank goodness I did a second check of the tide charts, because I had gotten things hopelessly backwards. Instead of being high tide in the morning, it was actually low tide. Which meant we needed to switch all our plans.
It wasn’t a big deal once I knew about my error. Thankfully, both Kae and SHU were forgiving and highly flexible!
As soon as the service was finished, I went home, changed into “play” clothes (as my mother would call them), and we headed to Medford.
Of all the spots I take visitors to locally, Medford Beach tends to be the most unique. It gives off very strong Mars vibes.
Again, there’s not a lot for me to say that isn’t better described in pictures! Also, I had zero extra energy to sort through and narrow down pictures, so there are A LOT (but very few words!).
The journey starts by walking through a farm field; last year when Kyria visited, it was broccoli. This year, thanks to the science of crop rotation, it’s corn!
I LOVE these pictures of Kae!
It might not look too daunting, but the rocks are covered with a very thin film of extremely slippery mud. Caution is needed, along with a healthy dose of adventure!
This particular descent is especially treacherous, and while I threw caution to the wind and ran pell-mell down hoping for the best, Kae and SHU chose to move more carefully and (wisely) crab walk to the bottom.
We joked that people likely pay big money for a mud treatment for their feet and here we were getting it for free!
I’d brought along some warm water, a wash basin, and old towels…for obvious reasons! I think washing your feet at the edge of a cornfield adds to the sense of adventure, right?
I dropped Kae and SHU back at their accommodations, and we all did a deep-level scrub of our feet before changing into less muddy clothes and heading off to Luckett’s Vineyard.
This ended up offering a perfect mix of gorgeous scenery and delicious food!
The fall decor and bright pops of colour were a true feast for the eyes.
The food was delicious. Kae and I each opted for a seafood chowder served alongside a yummy biscuit. SHU ordered a flatbread with veggies and an incredible-looking tomato soup.
En route home we stopped by a local woods trail. The colours continued to impress (especially SHU, who does not get fall foliage in Florida).
Then it was back to my place for Thanksgiving dinner prepared by John and the kids, complete with mashed potatoes, veggies, rotisserie chicken (much easier to prepare than turkey, much to Belle’s chagrin; I do chicken for Thanksgiving and turkey for Christmas), gravy, pickles, and stuffing with pecan and pumpkin pies for dessert.
This is one of those “Pinch Me” moments — Kae and SHU are sitting around my table playing games with my family. My mind is still somewhat blown by the whole wonder of both the internet and modern transportation.
While we waited for things to finish cooking, Belle convinced the group to play games. First Scattergories and then Telestrations.
Indy clearly had a lot of pent-up energy, so he decided to run around our house non-stop until supper was ready! I think he ended up doing 42 laps!
After supper (oops, I forgot to take pictures), the female members of the group hung out in the living room finishing off the final set of 36 Questions (John and Indy went off to watch the football game).
Thanksgiving Monday dawned beautifully sunny yet again. This meant both kids were off school, so Belle was quick to jump into the middle of our final few hours of time together.
We had just enough time for one more adventure. While it was mostly for Belle’s benefit (she is very firmly in the middle of a Starbucks phase), it ended up being one of my favourite memories from the weekend. Win, win.
Belle had taken to calling Kae and SHU her Blaunties (Blog + Aunties), and absolutely loved the extra attention (and sugar) doled out as a coffee shop quartet.
I tried my first Pumpkin Cold Brew and it was delicious! They also had a Taylor Swift playlist going the whole time we were there which was a huge moment of bonding for SHU and Belle.
After a few hours of chatting and sipping and just generally enjoying each other’s company, it was time to head to the airport.
What a perfect, whirlwind weekend with…friends. Yes, we met through the blog, but it feels like a disservice to label us as blog friends. We’re…friends. We learned about lots of each other’s quirks and life stories, shared deep, meaningful challenges going on in our lives, and had a lot of fun and adventure together. It’s special to think of the core memories we have together that will last a lifetime!
Your turn.
- What’s your go-to Starbucks order?
- Do you like to explore messy places (like Medford), or do you prefer to stay clean and tidy while on vacation?
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I’ve never had Starbucks- I don’t drink coffee or fancy drinks, so I save my money for cheaper fountain sodas from the gas station.
I don’t mind getting messy- walking on trails – but I’m more of an indoor activity person. ( kidd museums, science center, etc). However, I’d take muddy feet if I could travel to that beach! How smart of you t I bring warm water and towel along.
Starbucks is expensive! My first Starbucks drink (just for myself) was less than a month ago, and my first sip of a Starbucks beverage was only this summer. It is yummy, though (unfortunately! because I can see being tempted). Thankfully, it’s far enough away from my house it’s not convenient to just “pop” over.
When I took Birchie I hadn’t taken water and that was a mistake! There is usually a stream, but because of all the dry weather that is all dried up this year. Oops. Lesson learned (sorry Birchie that you had to be the guinea pig).
Blaunties! Ha, almost as good as “Gostess”!
That day sounds like the best kind of joyful chaos — muddy feet, chowder, family games, and Indy doing 42 house laps, haha! Good thing John whisked him off to the football game to burn the rest of that energy.
So… when’s the next round of guests arriving Lighthouse HQ?
Gostess! Ha. It makes me sound haunted.
He had SO much pent-up energy and was literally bouncing off walls. The run really helped.
I don’t have any more guests scheduled 🙁 You and Kai???
My FIL will come for Christmas, so that’s the next person bound for my place. Nova Scotia is beautiful all year round, but even I have to admit it’s not overly appealing in the winter months.
This might be my fav recap yet!! I don’t know if I can say favorite day, though it’s very tempting… but they were all so amazing I can’t in good conscience choose a favorite day! This was such a perfect day though with the right mix of all the things. LOVE the Medford pics!! That is just the absolute coolest place, and to think on that huge, vast beach we were the ONLY people there… just incredible. The winery was so beautiful, that walk after was gorgeous, playing Scattegories was sooo fun, and Thanksgiving dinner! YUM. (Thank you John!!) I agree that the Starbucks send off date felt extra special and since I actually rarely go to Starbucks at home, I feel like from now on, whenever I do, I will think of you and Belle. 💗 It was so sad to see this trip come to end but the memories (and photos and recaps) are absolutely priceless.
This was such a great day!! (I also loved our Cape Split hike).
That’s one thing about Medford that does set it apart from other places with red cliffs…it’s almost always empty of people. Or if there are people, it would be like 2-3 across the whole beach. No crowds and free access to climb and explore. It’s pretty cool! I’m so glad it lived up to your expectations <3
Starbucks was so fun and it was especially sweet to see it through Belle's eyes. I know it made her feel extra special to be included (and being treated to breakfast and a yummy drink didn't hurt, either 😉
Blaunties!!! I love it.
I can confirm that a visit to Medford means dirty feet and slippery climbs. But it’s so worth it, and there is no other place on earth like it. Hey, clean feet are overrated.
I’m used to there being a stream because because of all our dry weather, as you saw, it is not even a trickle. Sorry you had to experience it without the warm water and towels, but your sacrifice paved the way for SHU and Kae to get the royal treatment.
Blaunties!!! I love it. It sounds like a really special weekend- lots of time to explore and see the sights but also great bonding time for everyone.
To answer your questions- well you probably already know the answers. I have no problem getting muddy! I would embrace the mud at Medford Beach, and then enjoy a nice shower afterwards.
For Starbucks- I’m so boring. I usually just get an Earl Grey! I do have to say their Earl Grey is really, really good, so it’s not like I’m deprived. If I want something extra special I’ll get a London Fog, which is Earl Grey, milk (I get almond or oat milk) and vanilla (Starbucks offers a sugar-free vanilla syrup!) Mmmmm…. maybe I’ll get a London Fog this weekend.
The London Fog sounds yummy. Especially right now; I’m looking out the window and it’s rainy and overcast. It kinda feels like a perfect fall day to sit inside and drink something warm and comforting.
WHEN you come visit me in Nova Scotia, I will be sure to take you to Medford, Jenny. I think you’ll love it!
Medford looks so unique! If I only saw the pictures I would have assumed you were in a desert somewhere! My usual beach preference is to just look at the ocean while swimming in the hotel pool, but it looks so unique, I think I would want to wander out at least once.
I’m too cheap to go to Starbucks regularly, but my favorite drink is the seasonal Peppermint Mocha Frappe. Others I like are the White Chocolate Mocha and an Iced Carmel Machiato. Apparently what I really like is sugar! lol
It gets comparison to Utah (and Mars).
It is a unique kind of beach for sure and definitely requires a willingness to get dirty. But it’s a unique vista which people seem to really enjoy visiting.
I LOVE all things Peppermint Mocha so will definitely be trying one this year. I am a Starbucks newbie (thank goodness because you’re right…it is SO expensive), but I will be getting a peppermint drink for sure. I am a huge fan of Silk’s Peppermint Mocha creamer and am counting down the days until it shows up in stores!
I wish I could read detailed recaps of a trip written by others for DAYS afterwards 🙂 🙂 LOVE this! And yes I greatly enjoyed singing along to Taylor with Belle. They even played some old classics, we were in heaven. My feet are so happy having experienced the mineral foot treatment of a lifetime . . .
It has been THE BEST to read about these adventures from someone else’s perspective. So fun since I’m typically the only one writing up our family travel recaps. I am already sad that there is only one more summary coming from Kae. 🙁
You had me at winery and the food there looks amazing. It’s nice to be able to get a meal with your wine. Medford Beach also looks wonderful. I think I remember reading about it before on your blog because some of it definitely resembles spots in Utah.
I never go to Starbucks because I think their coffee tastes burnt. I like trying small business coffee shops and we have a lot to choose from. My go-to is a latte.
The food was soooo good, and it really hit the spot to have a chowder on a crisp fall afternoon.
Well, I’m feeling very happy and comforted by this post with all the wonderful photos and the Blaunties! What a lovely trip for Kae and SHU, and you and your family are such great hosts.
I’m not a fan of getting messy, but I’d make an exception for Medford.
My go-to Starbucks is a latte with sugar-free vanilla syrup. I love it hot in the winter and iced in the summer. I haven’t had one in quite some time, so it’ll be a fun treat next time!
Medford does require some messiness, but it’s worth it!
If Belle has her way, I will end up with a go-order for Starbucks!
Okay, I have to go to there (Medford Beach). We were at Hopewell Rocks when Eve was about six and I think she was thinking of tide pools, so when the tide went out and there wasn’t a bunch of ocean life left behind she was disappointed. Then we found a little dead fish and she was overjoyed, lol.
Great pics, great experience! I do find it crazy when I can meet online friends in real life. My husband always thinks I’m going to get murdered.
My daughter won’t let us go to Starbucks anymore, because of union-busting (I’m not even sure that’s a thing in Canada, but she is adamant so I comply). I didn’t really have a go-to order, but I loved a chai tea latte or a mango black tea lemonade.
I will get dirty but I don’t like my hair getting wet, because it looks super dumb.
It reminds me A LOT of Hopewell (but Medford is free!).
I’m laughing at Eve; that would be Indy!!
Well, I’ve now met 6 bloggers IRL and we are 0/6 for any murders, so I’m hoping that’s a trend that continues 😉
I love Belle’s terminology: Blaunties. Super cute. The Medford park red rocks remind me of Colorado park that I visited years ago. Maybe it’s Utah and not Colorado, but out west anyway. Beautiful.
I don’t do Starbucks, so no regular order there for me. I don’t drink coffee. I have a pile of white towels that found their way to our house back when Lad did swim team at high school – just a bunch of mismatched rags but if I load those into the car with a bucket to get clean, I’d be up for a messy adventure. I’d probably vote for the non messy though. this looks like such a great visit.
It definitely looks like something from Utah. Maybe not quite as dramatic, BUT it’s free and we were literally the only people on the beach which is always special.
I don’t mind getting messy, especially with views like that. It certainly does give off Mars Vibes—but the cornfield on the edge? WHAT? That’s so bizarre to me; totally different landscapes.
Looks like a really special time with your friends (and family). I’ve not played Scattergories in eons.
I don’t have a Starbucks order. I’ve not been there in more than ten years.
Scattergories is so fun and I love playing against Belle. She is SO good at trivia and sharp as a tack, so beating her is especially wonderful 😉
Very different landscapes indeed. Going through the cornfield (well, skirting beside it) is a huge time saver and a local-only shortcut. I promise if you come visit me, I’ll take you the same way <3
What a fun couple of final days together. And three cheers for John and the kids making Thanksgiving dinner. I’m envious that Kae and SHU get 2 Thanksgiving meals this year! We make a turkey breast (another thing that’s very easy in the instant pot) several times/year since the kids love white meat. But we do not make any sides besides mashed potatoes (that the kids oddly will not eat).
I love SBUX. I know it’s overpriced but oh well. I typically get one latte/week. I’m getting way more lately but I have received a lot of SBUX gift cards. My standard order is a triple venti skinny vanilla latte with no foam. But if I’m getting it later in the morning, I’ll skip the extra shot of espresso or make it a 1/2 of 1/3 caf or downgrade to a grande.
I would not mind getting my feet dirty if I could clean them off in fairly short order. I do not like having messy/dirty hands. I have some sensory sensitivities it seems so if it’s requires messy hands, I’m probably going to pass unless it’s really worth the discomfort!
The InstantPot is officially on my wish list for Christmas this year.
I don’t like having dirty hands or feet, either. Ick. And I hate when something on my body is wet. Like a wet bathing suit, or my pants if I’ve been out walking in the rain. I think it’s one reason I HATE sweating. Something about that sensation just really icks me out. (John LOVES to sweat.)
Blaunties is so cute! It’s cool that your daughter gets to see how this hobby of yours has grown into real, lasting friendships!
Medford looks amazing. I would have to enjoy the mess, even though I don’t typically! I would be a little scared of all the scrambling (with my stupid weak ankles), but you got some amazing pictures.
My go-to Starbucks order is a sweet cream cold brew. Or if it’s peppermint mocha season, then I’m ALWAYS ordering that.
Peppermint Mocha creamer is in stores here and I am DYING of joy. It’s so delicious.
Medford is a little tricky in terms of mobility, so different guests adjust their level of acceptable risk! It’s gorgeous however you view it (no climbing is actually necessary except to get up/down to the beach.