Shelburne, NS

Mentioned in the previous post on Shelburne's 225 Year Celebration of the Loyalist Landing I wanted to expand on this most deserving feature.

Such a delight it was rolling into Shelburne and sighting first thing the place I would stay for the night. When I am on my driving trips I never know where I will end up for the day, and don't usually book ahead. I sometimes have gotten into trouble doing that - but not this time.

Shelburne and its beautiful harbour, was one of those perfect pictures that thrills the soul, in the warm sun of late afternoon, the Friday of the July /08 weekend celebration of 225 years since the Loyalists landed here. The Hostess and Owner, Pat Dewar of the Cooper's Inn was peering out through the red screened front door of her B&B establishment apparently enjoying the golden rays after the bulk of a days work, as I drove right up practically to her door. It struck me right then - What a suitably nostalgic thing to be doing!

(I loved the red doors against the weathered patina of shingle siding)

Taken by the marvelous magic of the inn immediately, from the original plank floors to the tasteful period decor, the importance of this old house was evident the by the care given in restoration. I did go looking around, but my heart was set on taking the only room left at the inn - The George Gracie Room (below).

Breakfast was simply delightful. From the extensive listing that covered all preferences, the menu stated that you could order any - or all of the items on the menu. Perfect! From the dining room window beside which I sat, I peered out as from a time machine into ages past where Canadian history was made here in Shelburne with the Loyalist Landing and everything that has gone since.

(charming view of a neighboring garden in the morning mist, from a rear exit)

George Gracie, whose home this was 225 years ago, was an original loyalist builder, bringing with him the necessary materials to build the house. A 'man of note' it was said, he also sat on the Nova Scotia Assembly

(did I say I loved the red doors?)

Cooper's Inn Menu

COLD ITEMS

Fat-Free Yogurt
Raisin Bran Corn Flakes Cheerios
Seasonal Fresh Fruit

HOT ITEMS

Porridge (Oatmeal)
Scrambled Eggs
Bacon
Whole Wheat or White Toast
Pancakes
French Toast

Toasted Bacon and Egg Sandwich

Toasted Bacon & Tomato Sandwich
Toasted Bacon, Tomato & Egg Sandwich
Our Pancakes and French Toast are topped with mixed berry compote,
sliced bananas and whipped cream. If you prefer, we have warmed Nova Scotia maple syrup.

All of our plates are garnished with a selection of seasonal fresh fruit

36 Dock Street at Mason Lane
Shelburne, Nova Scotia B0T 1W0
Toll free 800-688-2011
Phone 902-875-4656
mail@thecoopersinn.com

Shelburne Nova Scotia

"There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." -- Albert Einstein

YOUR OWN WEBSITE

Deborah Pearce is a Kelowna Business Woman & webmaster established with locals and internationals in various aspects of Interiors, Art, and Business for over 20 years. LIVING SPACES features over 140 ARTICLES on Staging, Art and Interiors.

Deborah speaks on a variety of subjects. Her blog frequently features interior design, real estate, community, environmental, internet, travel, art and human interests.

July 17 - 20, 2008, Historic Shelburne was the site of a Grand Reenactment of the Loyalist Landing which occurred in Port Roseway (now Shelburne) in 1783 - 225 years ago..

...and I was there!!!

The warm sun of late afternoon danced on Shelburne Harbour as, in awe I arrived amid the setting of historical buildings. (Below - my view at dinner)

I drove straight into Historical Shelburne, stopping at the corner of Dock Street and Mason's Lane, right in front a B&B that, was coincidentally 225 years old. 'Cooper's Inn' was originally the home of George Gracie, a founding Loyalist in Shelburne. Even though it was beyond my budget, I of course had to stay!! Gracie, 'a man of note', elected and sat on the Nova Scotia House of Assembly, drowned 1807 making passage from Shelburne to Halifax for a sitting of the legislature.

The Gracie Room (below) - mine for the evening!!

10,000 Loyalists landed in Shelburne after the American Revolution, among whom I was surprised to learn were over 3000 Black Loyalists. Nova Scotia is rich with the history and culture of Black Canadians, who originally settled in Birchville near Shelburne.

Preparing for the Re-enactment

Bellringer Competiitors

There's a tale that tells of the natives (Nova Scotians) capturing travellers and plying them with famous Nova Scotia Beer. I wasn't sure if there was any weight to the tale - until it happened to me! At the pub where I had a dinner of mussels and beer, these locals, (below) among whom is an Irishman and some Connecticutt folk, invited me to their Trivia tournament (they're a great team!!) and kept the 'Alexander Keith's' coming!!!

That's the Irishman on the left - and below is his arm...

They then walked me to my room, which was the topping on a totally charmed day!

(... couldn't resist that!!!!!)

"There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." -- Albert Einstein

YOUR OWN WEBSITE

Deborah Pearce is a Kelowna Business Woman & webmaster established with locals and internationals in various aspects of Interiors, Art, and Business for over 20 years. LIVING SPACES features over 140 ARTICLES on Staging, Art and Interiors.

Deborah's blog frequently features interior design, real estate, community, environmental, internet, travel, art and human interests.

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