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Wednesday 1 November 2017

Lunenburg

In many ways it is a step back in time. Old Town Lunenburg is a Unesco World Heritage Site on the south shore of Nova Scotia. It is colourful, with some unique architecture, art galleries, museums, tall ships, including the Bluenose II and a huge variety of seafood.


We took the horse drawn carriage 




around the Old Town to learn the history and see the sites with a local guide. The town is an example of British colonial urban planning, with straight streets and square corners.


People who settled the area were involved in the off-shore Atlantic fishery which is still part of the life of the community today, though to a much less extent. It was settled in 1753 and the oldest homes still sit proudly on the narrow streets today.





The Lunenburg bump is a unique architectural feature on many homes in Lunenburg. The dormer, often five sided, is above the door of the house and was an indication of the wealth of the home owner.  




The homes and buildings are brightly coloured and well maintained. 





While we were there, filming of a movie, starring Danny Glover was underway. While in the horse drawn carriage, we passed a vehicle rigged for a street scene. The photo is poor quality.




Lunenburg passes for New England towns in many movies and tv series.





The Fisheries Museum had closed the previous weekend but we saw the Bluenose II tied up by the dock behind the museum. 




It is a replica of the original Bluenose, the fishing and racing schooner which was built in Lunenburg and launched in 1921.




The vessel competed in the Fisherman’s Trophy Race that same year and for many years after, winning numerous races which had formerly been dominated by the Americans. The Bluenose is depicted on the Canadian ten cent piece.

There were several tall ships in the harbour at Lunenburg besides the Bluenose II, including the Picton Castle, 




which was in Summerside, Prince Edward Island this past July. 


We stayed at The Rumrunner Inn and had dinner at a nearby seafood restaurant. The ample platter of varied seafood was delicious.





My husband and I enjoyed our time in Lunenburg and intend to visit again next spring to take in more of the history and charm of this seaport treasure.




44 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

I love Lunenburg. So picturesque and charming!

DJan said...

What a quaint town. I wonder if it's my English heritage that makes me like straight streets and square corners. :-)

Anvilcloud said...

We stopped there briefly in 2010. I recognized the red buildings. It was quite touristy in summer.

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

What a delightful place to visit and I enjoyed the tour around the town with you, seeing all the brightly colored and well-maintained homes, the beautiful fishing boats and how I love the look of that seafood platter you enjoyed, oh my it sure did look delicious!

Joanne Noragon said...

Land shapes the town and people. I find it a fascinating concept. The buildings here must go up; sprawl is not sensible. All so well done.

Rhodesia said...

Some of your photos are not showing up, our connection is slower than slow at the moment! What I can see looks excellent and the seafood restaurant looks right up my street. keep well Diane
Ah, after typing my comment all the photos now show, excellent.

Celia said...

What an interesting town. I wish more of our old buildings were painted in a like manner.

Barbara said...

All the colored houses are so cheery. Makes me happy to see.

Elephant's Child said...

Wow, wow and wow. I would have taken the horse-drawn carriage option too.
Love this post. I wonder whether the colourful houses are used (as they are in the Falklands) to provide a welcome splash of colour in the colder months.

Down by the sea said...

Lunenburg looks very appealing. I was fascinated by it's history it has a German sounding name although it was orginally populated by the English! I love the wooden colourful buildings. Sarah x

Bill said...

What a beautiful town and I really like those coloured houses. Sounds like you had a fun time.

Jenn said...

I have always loved seeing photos of Lunenburg, and hope to see it in person someday. Wonderful photos, thank you for sharing.

Marie Smith said...

It is indeed, Debra.

Marie Smith said...

It is a step back in time, Jan.

Marie Smith said...

There were lots of tourists when we were there last month, AC.

Marie Smith said...

The seafood was beautifully prepared, Marilyn. The town is pretty and filled with history.

Marie Smith said...

Lunenburg is a place we will revisit for sure. It speaks to our souls, Joanne.

Marie Smith said...

Glad you finally could download all of them, Diane.

Marie Smith said...

The colours there are gorgeous, Celia.

Marie Smith said...

The houses are photogenic, that's for sure, Barbara.

Rick (Ratty) said...

It looks like a very nice place. The movie might turn out to be a fun one. I never think of myself as particularly a Danny Glover fan, but I have seemed to have liked several movies with him in them. He must know how to pick them.

Marie Smith said...

The fishermen painted their boats bright colours, EC. People knew who was returniing home from sea by the colour of the boat. They used the leftover paint on their homes rather than waste it.

Marie Smith said...

Lunenburg was settled at the time when the French and English were in conflict over the New World, Sarah. The English brought German settlers to Nova Scotia in support of their position against the French. One group of Germans settled in Lunenburg.

Marie Smith said...

It is a great place to visit, Bill.

Marie Smith said...

Lunenburg is frozen in time in many ways, Jenn. It's charms will be there for you too.

Debbie said...

what a gorgeous fishing town and a great place to film a movie!! the platter of seafood looks very good!!!

jenny_o said...

You have done an outstanding job of photographing and presenting one of the loveliest towns in the province, Marie. I'm glad you had a good visit!

Marie Smith said...

The town is in many movies, Ratty. No wonder! It is beautiful!

Marie Smith said...

Nova Scotia is a great place for seafood. As is PEI of course!

Marie Smith said...

We loved it Jenny. A return visit is in order.

Anonymous said...

Very picturesque town! Neat to see the filming apparatus! Andrea

Shammickite said...

I visited Lunenburg back in 2000 when the Tall Ships were visiting Halifax. It's a charming town, and hasn't changed much since I was there. Lovely. You must have had a super time. Especially with yummy seafood to eat.

The Furry Gnome said...

Wonderful historic place! Looks like you had a good time.

Marie Smith said...

It was interesting to see how a car scene is done, Andrea.

Marie Smith said...

I imagine it will stay the same due to its Heritage status, Shammi.

Marie Smith said...

It is a great place to visit, FG.

Ginnie Hart said...

That's exactly the kind of place I would want to visit, Marie! OMG. Even the name is so European. I'll be glad to see it again next spring!

Anonymous said...

Very beautiful pictures. My husband would love the seafood.

Marie Smith said...

We will too, Ginnie!

Marie Smith said...

It was delicious, Mildred!

Catarina said...

I do not remember if we visited Lunenburg when we passed by Nova Scotia. I would not mind going back and visit the city with more time.

Susan Zarzycki said...

Hi Marie! Just found your blog and love your photos. Your are so well informed! I can tell that you do a lot of research to make your blog very interesting. I tried to find your profile but couldn't. Could you tell me a bit about yourself? I love your blog. I am from Little Deer Isle, Maine and would love to visit Nova Scotia. I write a blog also because i love to photograph the Island and surrounding area.

Marie Smith said...

We will return. It is a treasure, Catarina.

Marie Smith said...

I wrote you, Susan. Thanks for visiting!