We'll be spending 2 weeks in Newfoundland late June-early July in the following places.

3 nights        St John's          At Wit's Inn
2 nights        Twillingate         Echoes of the Ocean, cabins
4 nights   Rocky Harbour  Mt Range Cottages
3 nights            Port Union         Cap Blackmores
2 nights            Witless Bay       Elaine's By the Sea
1 night              Airport hotel

Besides seeing the places that are mentioned in the tour books, can anyone suggest a special or hidden spot that we just have to visit? Want to see the wonderful scenery where perhaps we can just sit and soak in the view. Walking or hiking to this special place would add to the fun.

Also, there are so many trails and so little time. Is there a particular favorite of anyone's? I have guides for many of them, but don't know which to choose.

Would also love to meet and interact with the people. Any interesting restaurants/coffee shops/etc that would help with that or that you think are rather unique.

We are so looking forward to this trip, especially after all the wonderful things we've heard about the province.

If at all possible I highly recommend spending at least one night here:It is a very special place.
http://www.linkumtours.com/site/inns_quirpon.htm

St. John's: You might want to get a copy of the East Coast Trail Association Guide...I love the Blackhead Road/Cape Spear trails. Also, a day trip to Cape St. Mary's is worthwhile.

You might want to hang out at Auntie Craes on Water Street for a while to get the feel of the place. Also, watch for church suppers anywhere in town(they might be called Turkey Teas or Mug Ups or Flipper Dinners): look at church billboards, follow up with a phone call, but you would always be welcome.

Everywhere else: You won't have any trouble meeting the locals...it is something Newfoundlanders love to do, showing off this beautiful province to new friends.

I think that Salvage and Eastpoint are lovely small towns, but you already have some beauts there anyway.

SusieQQ: The Quiepon Inn does look interesting, but just don't have enough time to go there, at least on this trip.

LJ: Thanks for your suggestions. Any places that would be an interesting place to stop as we travel between towns?

Before you get to Rocky Harbour area (and en route) you might want to consider branching out to see the Corner Brook area. Marble Mountain (and the old man of the mountain rock thingy) is interesting to see. Strawberry Resort serves a fine meal.

Corner Brook itself has the Glyn Mill Inn for a truly old-fashioned NL "high end" meal. Go up the top of the hill to see the view, then carry on along route 450 all the way to Lark Harbour and Blow me Down provincial Park...this is NL au naturel! If Captain Cook's cafe is still open, they have the most amazing view to the water across the marsh and with mountains as a backdrop and they do a mean fish and chips with gravy)

Rocky Harbour itself is a good base: don't miss Norris Point and Neddy Harbour (I saw a whale breach in front of my nose here one day-my dog was so impressed!).

And do keep going past Gros Morne to Cow Head. It doesn't sound much, but you can see the lobster fishery if you wander out to the docks, there is an arts festival there if your timing is right and the restaurant in the motel does a very good meal if you avoid the stuff that is frozen and shipped in (hint: neither coq au vin or risotte are naturally occuring foods in this part of the world, but these folks really know what to do with fish).

Above all, talk to the people and keep an eye out for those church suppers...churches don't get marketing, and they are always surprised and modest about their culinary accomplishments, but this is the source of some great meals-I ought to know, I ate enough of them-LOL).

I had some great food on my trip. I suggest you try fresh mussels, fish cakes, fish chowder,Jigg's Dinner and cod tongues.

On the Avalon Pennisula - The dinner theater in Ferryland is tremendous and you will get to mix with locals while there. Also the little museum in Ferryland is good. Definitely consider hiking along the East Coast Trail. Other special places are some fossil beds outside of Trepassey. St. Schott's, Cape Pine, and my all time favorite Cape St. Mary's. While in St. John's consider walking up through the Battery to Signal Hill and then over the top to Quidi Vidi and reward yourself with a beer. My favorite restaurants in St. John's are International Flavors and the Peppermill - both near Hotel Newfoundland. There is good walking in Bonavista, the Sperlink trail not far from Trinity, and the walk from New Bonaventure out to Kerley's Harbor and then over the mountain to English Harbor (I think it is). While out on the Bonavista pennisula be sure to take in the Trinity Pagaent and eat at the Dockside Restaurant. I personally would recommend scratching Rocky Harbour from your itinerary as you will spend so much time driving. The West Coast deserves more than 3 days... save it for another trip as you can easily fill two weeks on that trip. I would consider instead heading up to Fogo Island and Change Islands for a couple of days (not far from Twillingate). Have a wonderful trip......

I went to NF last Spetember and had a wonderful time! Iam returning with my daugter at the end of this month. One place I plan on returning to is Gros Morne and especially Trout River. Trout River is a little quiet town on a bay at the south end of Gros Morne on the ocean. The Tablelands are there and I found them fasinating. A great restaurant there I think called the Oceanside (or something like that). ASk to see the "elephant" on the mountain if you travel there. We found Trout River quieter and more secluded than Rocky Harbour. Well worth the drive. The scenrey is amazing. I cant wait to get back!

deemarie: We do plan to spend some time in Trout River. There are both hikers and non-hikers in our group, so think that this would fit both. We plan to take the boat trip to Western Brook and wonder if the one to Trout River is similar.

We definitely hope that we'll find some church/community suppers to attend. Several in the group are always on the lookout for these when traveling on their own. Since this is a church hiking group, it's only that more appropriate.

We hope to celebrate a very special birthday for one of our members while in Twillingate. She loves picnics. Even her retirement was a picnic--uh hum garden party. Does anyone know of a beautiful spot to sit along a trail overlooking the ocean? I'm sure we'll come across one, but perhaps we could be guided in a particular direction.

Thanks for everyone's comments.

There is not a lot in Trout River but it is lovely. I was planning on taking the boat ride on Trout River but it loks as though they dont run it until June. Too late for us.
There are so many beautful places to overlook the ocean.
We didnt do the church supper thing last time but we were pretty pressed for time. We will be looking to do that this time around.The Oceanside Restaurant in Trout River is a nice place. Wonderful seafood, not fancy but very comfortable and friendly.
The Westbrook POnd trip is worth taking but they really crammed the boat with people and you have to hike in a ways to get to the boat. I now understand what a peat bog is.
Dont drive at night! Moose may get in your way!
We did take a little time and visited the Alapaca farm in Felix Cove. It was a bit out of the way but my friend is a knitter and we had a nice time with the owners. Bought lots of warm socks and mittens. We made the guy's day.
This time we are planning on taking the ferries for a couple of days and visiting some the isolted fishing villages that can be found of the southern coast.We had several people tell us last time that that is a wonderful experience-weather permitting.
I am getting so excited!

Clousie, re: the birthday...There is a little pebble beach at the beginning of Slades Lane that would do nicely for that special picnic in Twillingate...or ask the owners of the hotel, Newfoundlanders always are happy to give advice.