More Nova Scotia: Lunenburg and Peggy's Cove

Before we go back to our regular programming, Mom wanted to tell you about two unique coastal towns just a short drive from Halifax.


The first is Lunenburg, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. German and Swiss immigrants settled the area in the 19th century -- and UNESCO recognized it as an outstanding example of a planned European colonial settlement.

Lunenburg is also honoured to be the birthplace of Canada's famous racing schooner: Bluenose and her descendant, Bluenose II. Bluenose II wasn't in port when we were there, but other much smaller sailboats lay at anchor.The town is filled with brightly coloured houses. This mural -- inside the restaurant where we had lunch -- bacon-wrapped local scallops -- shows the town's waterside, which includes a popular fishing museum.

And here a few samples of the actual houses, with their unusual colours. It was raining, but looking at them made it impossible to kvetch at the weather.

In addition to their uncommon colours, many houses sport a variety of ornamental details.
And some pay tribute to the fishing industry that is still a mainstay of the community.

Churches of all denominations adorn the landscape. This striking Presbyterian church speaks for itself.

Between Lunenburg and Peggy's Cove is Mahone Bay -- not as brightly coloured as Lunenburg and not as unique as Peggy's Cove, but with fun shops and lovely views.

On the way into town, we spied this florist shop with pumpkins on the roof.

On the way out, we caught a glimpse of Garnet McPhal. We stopped to ask who she was and how she got there. It seems that the site once housed a folk art shop, where Garnet took up residence. Although the shop is long gone, she's still there and folks come by every so often to give her a touch-up and make sure her speckles and blue eyes are still in place.
And then we found Peggy's Cove, with its stark lighthouse and breathtaking granite boulders. The town dates back to 1811 and, at its peak, was home to 300 people.Today, no more than 50 people live here -- but a steady flow of tourists, artists, and photographers keeps the community going.

This church calls itself the heart of the community -- so different from the one in Lunenburg!

These are a few of the bare houses that nestle against the granite boulders, which are reputed to be some 40 million years old!

And this is the lighthouse. The Canadian Navy used it as a radio station in World War II. It's now automated and doubles as a post office in the summer.

An awe-inspiring place. Spare. Timeless.