Lovely Lunenburg

 Okay, let's continue down the south shore to Lunenburg. Founded in 1753, Old Town Lunenburg was recently named to the UNESCO World Heritage List. It has also been designated as a national historic district by our federal government, both fitting honours recognizing the rich heritage of the town. Lunenburg was settled by German, Swiss and French immigrants who followed in the footsteps of earlier Mikmaq and Acadian inhabitants

View from our window at the Spinnaker Inn at 7a.m.

of the area. A vibrant economy was built on farming, fishing, ship building and other ocean-based commerce, all of which continue today. A view of today's waterfront reveals many well established marine industries, including High Liner Foods, the Lunenburg Foundry, Adams and Knickle (world famous scallop fishers) and the Lunenburg Shipyard to name just a few. (And by the way, Lunenburg has not one but TWO harbours!) Three famous tall ships call Lunenburg home: the Picton Castle was in her berth, just a block from where we stayed at the Spinnaker Inn. The world famous racing schooner the Bluenose was built here at the Lunenburg Shipyard, where currently her daughter Bluenose II is being rebuilt. You can watch her progress here. Having  a sail on her next summer when she's back in the water is on my Bucket list.

I loved strolling the waterfront- there is so much going on. From a visit to the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, to fine dining, to deep sea fishing, whale watching excursions or a short harbour tour - they've got it all. And it's wise to keep one's eyes peeled- you might rub shoulders with a movie star- many movies have been filmed in and around Lunenburg, most recently Jumping the Broom with Angela Basset and the scifi TV series Haven. (Currently  The Disappeared is being filmed on Lunenburg Bay.)
But Lunenburg is so much more than it's waterfront: a charming town with no strip malls, no big box stores, no fast food drive-throughs, not even a Tim Hortons, and we didn't miss them at all. It's full of history, incredible architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene - more artists, galleries, charming shops and music than one can absorb on a short stay. Lunenburg is committed to preserving it's history and heritage and this is evident when you stroll the streets. It's architecture is unique and there is literally history around every corner. For example- the local elementary school is the Lunenburg Academy below, a stunning example of Second Empire architecture, built in the late 1800's and lovingly restored between 1998-2000.
  Perched on top of Gallow's Hill, and visible for miles around, it has been designated a Municipal, Provincial and Federal Heritage site. (This was where our 2 day class with Laurie Swim was scheduled to take place, but the venue was changed. More on that later.) Can you imagine attending school in such a beautiful building?
Other buildings in town truly create a smorgasbord of building styles. In several short blocks you can find a simple Saltbox, a Cape Cod more than two centuries old, a classic Queen Anne Revival, a grand Victorian and a revised Gothic church. Everywhere you look you see evidence of the extraordinary carpentry skills of the early inhabitants - intricate Gingerbread trim, extra wide corner boards, widow's walks, and the unique "Lunenburg Bump" - an extended five sided Scottish dormer. Some elegant homes once had their intricate trim painted to match the colours of the owner's schooner.

 Lunenburg's churches are equally fascinating. Probably the most well known is St. John's Anglican, the second oldest Anglican church in British North America. It is undeniably one of the finest examples of "Carpenter Gothic" architecture in Canada. A devastating fire in 2001 caused significant damage, and led to a four year restoration project which is indicative of the love and dedication of it's congregation and the Lunenburg community. Nearby St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church features a spire topped by a five and a half foot codfish weathervane! How fitting for a town so centered around the fishing industry. Or perhaps it's a reminder to us all that early Christians represented Jesus with the symbol of a fish, and that several of his disciples were fishermen.

  In my next post I'll tell you about our time with the wonderful Laurie Swim, master quilter, and take you down the shore a few miles to beautiful Blue Rocks. I'll leave you with several views at harbourside (below) as the full moon lit the sky. Sooo very beautiful.....

Peace,
Linda

"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Moonrise over Adams and Knickle

Sunset behind the Picton Castle