3-Day sample Itinerary: Mahone Bay & Lunenburg

Day 1 – Arrival & Settling In

Afternoon

• Check in to Knotting Hill at 3:00 pm and get settled.
• Stop at the Independent Grocer in Mahone Bay for some food staples, snacks, and breakfast items.
• Take a leisurely stroll into Mahone Bay to see the Three Churches and browse a few shops.

Evening

• Enjoy dinner in Mahone Bay at a local favorite like Mug & Anchor Pub, Betty’s at the Kitch, or Rebecca’s.
• Return to Knotting Hill to relax by the fire pit (if no fire ban) or unwind on the deck with a drink.

Day 2 – Exploring Lunenburg

Morning

• Start the day with a relaxed breakfast at Knotting Hill.
• Drive to Lunenburg to explore the colorful UNESCO Heritage town.

Afternoon

• Visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic or browse shops and galleries along the waterfront.
• Enjoy a seafood lunch at The South Shore Fish Shack or Salt Shaker Deli.
• Optional: Take a harbor boat tour on the Iconic Bluenose II, or the Eastern Star, or stop by Ironworks Distillery for tastings.

Evening

• Have dinner in Lunenburg at The Knot Pub or Shipwright Brewing Company overlooking the Harbour.
• Head back to Knotting Hill for a cozy evening of stargazing, board games, or a movie.

Day 3 – Adventure & Relaxation

Morning

• Enjoy coffee and breakfast on the deck, or enjoy fresh baked goods and a hot latte at The Barn Coffee & Social House.
• Go kayaking with Knotting Hill’s inflatable kayaks or take a scenic coastal walk nearby.

Afternoon

• Pick up fresh goodies from Jo-Ann’s Deli Market & Bake Shop and enjoy a picnic.
• Explore Mahone Bay’s shops like Amos Pewter, Northern Sun Gallery, and many more shops along Main St.

Evening

• Have a farewell dinner at The Naked Oyster in Mahone Bay or return to Lunenburg for one last seafood experience.
• End the night relaxing on the deck or around the fire pit with a toast to your South Shore getaway.

5-Day sample Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival & Mahone Bay Charm

Afternoon

• Check in to Knotting Hill (3 pm).
• Stop at the Independent Grocer in Mahone Bay for staples and snacks.
• Stroll along the Mahone Bay waterfront, see the famous Three Churches, and browse local shops.

Evening

• Dinner in Mahone Bay at Rebecca’s for a cozy start.
• Return to Knotting Hill for a peaceful evening by the fire pit or on the deck.

Day 2 – Discover Lunenburg

Morning

• Relax with breakfast at Knotting Hill.
• Drive to Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Afternoon

• Explore the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, wander the colorful streets, and browse boutiques.
• Enjoy lunch at Salt Shaker Deli or South Shore Fish Shack.
• Optional: Take a harbor boat tour on the iconic Bluenose II or the Eastern Star or visit Ironworks Distillery.

Evening

• Dinner in Lunenburg at the Knot Pub or The Grand Banker by the Harbour.
• Return to Knotting Hill for stargazing or a relaxing board game night.

Day 3 – Peggy’s Cove & Coastal Drive

Morning

• Head out for a scenic drive along the Lighthouse Route to the world-famous Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse.
• Stroll the rugged granite rocks and quaint fishing village.

Afternoon

• Enjoy lunch at Rhubarb Restaurant near Peggy's Cove.
• Drive back via Chester to explore its shops and marina, next to the famous Oak Island.

Evening

• Dinner back in Mahone Bay at Betty’s at the Kitch or a casual meal at Mug & Anchor Pub.
• Relax on Knotting Hill’s deck with a glass of wine.

Day 4 – Halifax City Day

Morning

• Take a trip to Halifax (about 1 hour).
• Visit the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site or Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.

Afternoon

• Stroll the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk, one of the longest in the world.
• Grab lunch at the Seaport Farmers’ Market or The Bicycle Thief.
• Optional: Take a Harbor Hopper tour or explore the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which houses a permanent exhibit of the Titanic.

Evening

• Return to Mahone Bay.
• Casual dinner in town or prepare a cozy meal back at Knotting Hill.

Day 5 – Annapolis Royal Adventure

Morning

• Drive to Annapolis Royal (about 1.5 hours, but a beautiful coastal and valley drive).
• Visit Fort Anne National Historic Site and stroll the heritage town.

Afternoon

• Lunch at The German Bakery or Founders House (farm-to-table).
• Explore the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens and, if time allows, stop at a local winery in the Annapolis Valley on your way back (my favourites are Grand Pre, Lucketts and Benjamin Bridge)

Evening

• Return to Knotting Hill for a final relaxing evening.
• Celebrate your South Shore adventure with a farewell dinner and one last sunset on the deck

7-Day Itinerary: Mahone Bay, South Shore & Beyond

Day 1 – Arrival & Mahone Bay Welcome

Afternoon

• Check in to Knotting Hill (3 pm).
• Stop at the Independent Grocer in Mahone Bay for essentials.
• Stroll the waterfront and admire the Three Churches.

Evening

• Dinner in Mahone Bay at Rebecca’s for a warm welcome.
• Unwind on the deck or by the fire pit (if permitted and no fire ban).

Day 2 – Exploring Lunenburg

Morning

• Relax with breakfast at Knotting Hill.
• Drive to Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Afternoon

• Visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic.
• Lunch at Salt Shaker Deli or South Shore Fish Shack.
• Explore colorful shops, galleries, and waterfront views.

Evening

• Dinner at the Knot Pub.
• Return to Knotting Hill for stargazing or a cozy evening in.

Day 3 – Coastal Villages & Chester

Morning

• Drive to Chester, a charming seaside village with a yacht club and artisan shops.

Afternoon

• Lunch at The Rope Loft overlooking the marina.
• Explore shops, stroll along the wharf, and enjoy Chester’s seaside charm.

Evening

• Return to Mahone Bay. Dinner at Mug & Anchor Pub or casual fish & chips.
• Evening walk or deckside relaxation at Knotting Hill.

Day 4 – Peggy’s Cove & Lighthouse Route

Morning

• Scenic drive along the Lighthouse Route to Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse.
• Explore the village and granite rocks.

Afternoon

• Lunch at the Rhubarb Restaurant just past Peggy's Cove or the Sou’Wester Restaurant at Peggy's Cove.
• Drive back via coastal roads (route 3), stopping at hidden coves or Indian Harbour.

Evening

• Dinner in Mahone Bay at Betty’s at the Kitch or the Naked Oyster.
• Relax at Knotting Hill with a quiet glass of wine.

Day 5 – Halifax City Highlights

Morning

• Head to Halifax (1 hour). Visit the Halifax Citadel or Public Gardens.

Afternoon

• Walk the Waterfront Boardwalk.
• Lunch at The Bicycle Thief or Lower Deck restaurant.
• Optional: Harbour Hopper tour, Art Gallery of NS or Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, or shopping on Spring Garden Road.

Evening

• Return to Mahone Bay.
• Dinner in town or prepare a meal at Knotting Hill.

Day 6 – Annapolis Royal & Valley Wine Country

Morning

• Scenic drive to Annapolis Royal (about 1.5 hours).
• Explore Fort Anne National Historic Site and heritage streets.

Afternoon

• Lunch at The German Bakery or Founders House.
• Visit the Historic Gardens or stop at an Annapolis Valley winery on the way back (my favourites are Grand Pre, Lucketts & Benjamin Bridge).

Evening

• Return to Knotting Hill for a relaxing evening in.
• Dinner on the deck, or a farewell seafood dinner in Mahone Bay.

Day 7 – Relax & Reflect in Mahone Bay

Morning

• Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Knotting Hill, or have fresh baked goods at The Barn Coffee & Social House.
• Take out the kayaks for a paddle or walk one of the nearby coastal trails.

Afternoon

• Picnic lunch with baked goods from Jo-Ann’s Deli Market & Bake Shop, or Hustle & bustle Catering.
• Browse Mahone Bay’s shops like Amos Pewter or visit the Farmers’ Market (seasonal).

Evening

• Final dinner at The Naked Oyster for a cozy farewell.
• Relax on Knotting Hill’s deck or around the fire pit, soaking in the peaceful surroundings one last time.