The Clairestone Inn

05/30/2026

This morning started with a heart squeeze.

I was in a guest room when I found these lovely hand knit slippers, gifted by a guest. Today would have been my grandmother’s 97th birthday.

I didn’t post about it, but we lost her shortly after Christmas. If you’ve ever stayed here, you’ve probably heard me talk about her. She lived a short walk from the inn and for eight years I was able to drop in regularly for a visit - something I will be forever grateful for. You may have also noticed her photo as a teenager (secretly) tucked into our hotel newspaper.

My grandmother (Mémé Pris, as we all called her) taught me how to knit. We spent hours together knitting socks, counting stitches… most times chatting, always laughing.

Finding these slippers this morning, on this day of all days, felt like something. Thank you, Josie, for this thoughtful, wonderful gift. I’m wearing them now (very handy since it’s apparently still winter in Nova Scotia).

The world can break your heart. But the Universe has a way of showing up to heal it.

05/29/2026

Writing a packing list for your Nova Scotia roadtrip? Here’s why you’ll want to put Nova Scotia Road Map as your #1 item (and we even tell you how to get yours delivered to your front door for FREE).

Who’s traveling with a paper map this summer? 🙋‍♀️🗺️🌊

Nova Scotia road trips reward curious travellers willing to wander off the beaten path. From the Cabot Trail to Isle Madame's coastal shores, the best discoveries aren't always on Google Maps. Order a free paper map from Tourism Nova Scotia and explore this beautiful province the old-school way.

05/27/2026

Acadian phrase today! A-tu mangé assez? Have you eaten enough?

Love in an Acadian village is spelled F-O-O-D. Whether it’s fricot (chicken stew) or meat pie (pâté à viande), the ultimate love language of an Acadian is making sure your belly is absolutely stuffed. So, it’s never really a question, yes isn’t an acceptable answer, and that second helping, or dessert, is on its way to you.

Sometimes, we rearrange sentence structure to emphasize the important word, which in this case is assez (enough). 😁 In standard French: As-tu assez mangé?

05/25/2026

Room 203 has my heart: a cozy fireplace, in room coffee maker for a slow morning, harbour views, and little details that make me smile. 🌊

What are the little details you appreciate when traveling?

05/22/2026

I was walking along the lower road the other day, one of my favourite stretches on the island, when this scene made me stop and smile. A couple of men cleaning their catch of mackerel on the shore. A tradition that has passed from generation to generation in this quaint fishing village.

Isle Madame is the kind of place where you slow down, live in the moment, and feel grateful for the simple ones.

And, yes, I was generously offered some for my dinner. 🥰 🌊

05/20/2026

If you grew up Acadian, there was no ignoring ‘viens icitte’. Sometimes it meant wood for the stove or dishes instead of Video Hits… an eye roll at best. Other times? You were about to answer for something. Either way, you learned fast to read the tone! 🌊

05/13/2026

It’s Acadian word day! I have loved digging clams my entire life and they’re one of my favourite meals (steamed, please!). Every bite tastes like the wild, briny ocean. 🌊

05/12/2026

What a fantastic initiative by Destibation What a fantastic initiative by Cape Breton Island! I just downloaded the app to my phone and am chatting with Margaret AI, ❤️ing all the places I want to visit and things I want to do in Cape Breton!

Hot tip: while you’re travelling, be sure to chat with your innkeeper or the locals - there’s always a hidden gem that “Margaret” may not know about (yet). Happy exploring!

ps: also an excellent app for locals.