Hi all--

I'm traveling to Nova Scotia in early September and am looking for some advice:

1) We're coming from Portland Maine. What's the best way to get there? Should we rent a car in Maine-- or wait til NS? Can we go from Portland to Halifax by ferry?

2) We're looking for some interesting, funky, cool lodgings in Halifax and around NS. Any suggestions?

3) Tips for great lunch shacks? Amazing but off the beaten path restaurants or lodgings?

Thanks!

The provincial government of Nova Scotia publishes a booklet titled "Dreamers and Doers Guide" which list and describes pretty well every accommodation, event and cultural and scenic attraction in the province. You should be able to find them on the web for contact info. They have ferry info too - you can get to Yarmouth by ferry from Bar Harbour. As far as lodgings, there's the whole range - fancy upscale inns, chain hotels, B&B's, resort lodges, cottage resorts and private rentals and motels. Get the guide or find their website and search online.

You can take a ferry from portland to Yarmouth. You can take your car on that ferry, but it would be cheaper walk on the ferry and rent a car in Yarmouth. The Prospect Inn in Prospect, NS (off the beaten path) is a beautiful seaside inn. Other B&Bs in the Lunenburg, Chester, and Mahone Bay areas would be great too. Go to Magnolia's in Lunenburg and Il Mercato in Halifax. My favorite secluded beach is Crystal Crescent in Sambro.

Two interesting cool places to stay in Halifax:
Seawatch B&B, Ferguson's Cove
http://www.seawatch.ca/

Inn at Fisherman's Cove
http://www.seawatch.ca/

Both are just outside Halifax, and on the water (non swimmable). I have not been inside either one. Note also that these are a 20-25 min drive from downtown.

Off the beaten path in Northeastern Nova Scotia - head towards Tatamagouche and stay at the Train Station Inn www.trainstation.ns.ca You can stay in an original train car. Not far from the Inn is Sugar Moon Farms where you can have a delicious pancake/sausage breakfast in a traditional setting www.sugarmoon.ca On Saturday mornings, there is a great Farmer's Market in the Village. Check out Raven's Gallery on the Main St., head towards Sunrise Mercantile and enjoy lunch overlooking the marsh. Don't forget to visit Sara Bonnyman pottery! Jost Winery is located along this shore, Lismore Sheep Farm, etc.

For more unique inns in NS check out this website www.uniquecountryinns.com