Road Trips - August 2013

Oh I Wish I Was in Sherbrooke Now

The forecast for last Sunday was predicting excellent road trip weather so my traveling companion, Kelley, suggested we head out of the city and head up along Nova Scotia scenic eastern shore as she has friends who recently opened a café in Sherbrooke.  She had also wanted to capture some photographs of the historic Sherbrooke Village, an open air museum that depicts a typical Nova Scotia village from the late 1800s, so we seized the opportunity of a beautiful day off and hit the road.

We decided on an early start to our adventure as Sherbrooke is about a two and a half hour drive from Halifax and we wanted to ensure we had enough time visit the café and to take in the sights.  Leaving shortly after 8am, we headed east through Dartmouth and made our way along the coastal Marine Drive.  With the sun shining brightly and a nice, August breeze coming through the open windows it seemed like no time until we were passing through Musquodoboit Harbour.  The drive gave us ample opportunity to catch up on gossip as well as to enjoy the groovy tunes from Johnny K’s latest “Way Back Playbacks” (I realize this is a shameless plug of one of my other blogs however I did not want to miss the opportunity).  We stopped briefly in Sheet Harbour, which is a little more than half way between the city and our destination, to take some photographs and stretch our legs before passing through Liscomb and arriving in Sherbrooke.

It had been some time since I’ve been in Sherbrooke; I remember stopping at a fantastic Chinese restaurant on a road trip of yesteryear and I was pleased to see that the House of Jade Restaurant is still there and thriving.  We didn’t stop there on this trip for it was Sunday brunch that we were after and the best place around would be Beanie’s Bistro located in the heart of Sherbrooke at 27 Main Street.  As it turns out, Kelley has known Beanie’s Bistro owners Barbara and Max for many years and she was very excited to see them knee-deep in happy customers, all waiting to enjoy the homemade brunch fare that has made them a popular spot in this quaint community.

Barbara & Max: Beanie's Bistro

The name chosen for this establishment has significance; especially for Max.  He had spent his summers as a boy in nearby Port Hillford with his grandmother, Charlotte Reid McConnell, also known as Beanie.  It is in honour of her that Barbara and Max have named their eatery, serving up contemporary versions of the fresh, homemade food and fun that she had done so well.

Brunch at Beanie's Bistro

Sherbrooke was a happening spot at midday on this Sunday and everyone seemed to be stopping by Beanie’s.  Kelley’s sister and her family were going to join us so, as we waited for them to join us we grabbed some coffees and mingled with other patrons until our table was ready.  On this day they were only serving from their Brunch menu and it seemed like nothing from these choices would disappoint.  After seeing tantalizing plates go by, Kelley opted for the homemade waffles with fresh fruit and a side of bacon whereas I decided to try Barbara’s signature dish, Eggs “Beanie” served on potato cakes with perfectly poached eggs, St Mary’s smoked salmon and homemade hollandaise sauce.  I could think of only two things to compliment such a fine feast; a good cup of coffee and something sweet.  Both would be obtained as Beanie’s serves up not only a fantastic cup of java but also mouthwatering homemade pie.  Although reluctant to indulge too much (as if I hadn’t already), I could not resist a piece of the homemade butterscotch pie which was so good, I was craving a cigarette after devouring!

By the time we finished our feast, the rush of hungry patrons was starting to subside (Beanie’s Bistro was only open until 2pm on this day) which allowed time for Kelley to reconnect with her friends and take the obligatory group photographs before we continued on our journey.

The Sherbrooke Drug Store

Kelley had hoped that she could take advantage of the trip and visit Sherbrooke Village for photo opportunities.  As she has family in Sherbrooke, she had previously managed to get some great winter shots through the historic village but she wanted to catalogue some photos while the site was open.  Although we did a whirl-wind tour of the site, we did manage to check out some fun and interesting places.  A stop into The Sherbrooke Drug store taught us the vibrant red show glode hanging in the front window has been a symbol for a pharmacy or apothecary, in much the same way as a barber’s striped pole signified tonsorial establishments, since 17^th century England.

With full bellies from our earlier brunch at Beanie’s Bistro and educated minds from an enriching, historical walk to years gone by at Sherbrooke Village, we started the journey home.  The day was still warm under

Clam Harbour Beach

the late afternoon sun so we decided to pay a visit to one of our favorite Nova Scotia beaches; the waves were rough but the water felt great at Clam Harbour Beach as we jumped into the Atlantic for a swim.  The beach seemed deserted by the time we arrived; the lifeguards were wrapping up there day and many sun-soaked beach goers were packing there cars.  We had no trouble securing a great spot to throw down the beach blanket before jumping in.  It seemed like the perfect end to the perfect day as we frolicked in the surf before continuing our drive back to the city.

Sunset at Head of Jeddore

The only thing that could make this day of road tripping more enjoyable was to take in a gorgeous sunset on the drive home; Mother Nature seemed all too happy to oblige.  We stopped briefly to capture a photograph of the sun setting over the Salmon River at Head of Jeddore before making our way back to the city.  It was a large and exciting day along the eastern shore on that perfect August Sunday. 

 Photographs courtesy of Kelley Edwards & Jonathan King

Check out last year's adventures at my Road Trips 2012 blog: http://roadtrips2012.blogspot.ca/ 

Johnny K's Way Back Play Backs - August 2013

Welcome to Johnny K's Way Back Play Backs  and join the groovy adventure with Johnny K as he jumps in his "Way Back Machine" and takes a trip back to yesteryear.

This is a place where great moments in music and pop culture are celebrated and remembered.

So pull up a beanbag chair, turn on your lava lamp and take a trip back to a groovier time!

****************************************************************************

August 2013  

August 31: Today's "Way Back Play Back" starts a new series featuring randomly chosen hits from yesteryear; peaking at #7 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart here is Kiss with their 1976 release of "Beth"

 
August 30: Today's "Way Back Play Back" continues with a series featuring cover versions of previously released hits; with the original version of "Mony, Mony" (1968), here is Tommy James and the Shondells

August 29: Today's "Way Back Play Back" continues with a series featuring cover versions of previously released hits; with his version of "Mony, Mony" (1987), here is Billy Idol

August 28: Today's "Way Back Play Back" continues with a series featuring cover versions of previously released hits; with the original version of "Everybody Plays the Fool" (1972), here is The Main Ingredient

August 27: Today's "Way Back Play Back" continues with a series featuring cover versions of previously released hits; with his version of "Everybody Plays the Fool" (1991), here is Aaron Neville

August 26: Today's "Way Back Play Back" continues with a series featuring cover versions of previously released hits; with the original version of "Darlin' Be Home Soon" (1967), here is The Lovin' Spoonful

August 25: Today's "Way Back Play Back" continues with a series featuring cover versions of previously released hits; with his version of "Darlin' Be Home Soon" (1969), here is Joe Cocker

August 24: Today's "Way Back Play Back" continues with a series featuring cover versions of previously released hits; with their version of "Darlin' Be Home Soon" (1993), here is The Barra MacNeils

August 23: Today's "Way Back Play Back" continues with a series featuring cover versions of previously released hits; with his original version of Bruce Springsteen-penned "Fire" (1977), here is Bruce Springsteen

August 22: Today's "Way Back Play Back" continues with a series featuring cover versions of previously released hits; with their version of Bruce Springsteen-penned "Fire" (1979), here is The Pointer Sisters

August 21: Today's "Way Back Play Back" continues with a series featuring cover versions of previously released hits; with their version of Bruce Springsteen-penned "Fire" (1998), here is  Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds & Des'ree

August 20: Today's "Way Back Play Back" continues with a series featuring cover versions of previously released hits; with the original version of "You Keep Me Hangin' On" (1966), here is The Supremes

August 19: Today's "Way Back Play Back" returns to a series featuring cover versions of previously released hits; with their version of "You Keep Me Hangin' On" (1967), here is Vanilla Fudge

 
August 18: Today's "Way Back Play Back" concludes a series dedicated to Woodstock Music & Art Fair that took place in Bethel, NY on August 15 - 18, 1969; here is Crosby, Stills & Nash, who performed on this date 1969, with "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes"

August 17: Today's "Way Back Play Back" continues a series dedicated to Woodstock Music & Art Fair that took place in Bethel, NY on August 15 - 18, 1969; here is Joe Cocker, who performed on this date 1969, with his version of The Beatles' "With a Little Help from my Friends"

August 16: Today's "Way Back Play Back" continues a series dedicated to Woodstock Music & Art Fair that took place in Bethel, NY on August 15 - 18, 1969; here is Canned Heat, who performed on this date 1969, with one of their signature tunes, "Going Up the Country" (1968)

August 15: Today's "Way Back Play Back" continues a series dedicated to Woodstock Music & Art Fair that took place in Bethel, NY on August 15 - 18, 1969; here is Richie Havens, having the distinction of being the first act to perform, and "Freedom"

August 14: Today's "Way Back Play Back" is the first in a series dedicated to  Woodstock Music & Art Fair that took place in Bethel, NY on August 15 - 18, 1969; here is Joni Mitchell and "Woodstock"

August 13: Today's "Way Back Play Back" continues with a series featuring cover versions of previously released hits; with the original version of "The Loco-Motion" (1962), here is Little Eva

August 12: Today's "Way Back Play Back" continues with a series featuring cover versions of previously released hits; with their version of "The Loco-Motion" (1974), here is Grand Funk Railroad

  
August 11: Today's "Way Back Play Back" continues with a series featuring cover versions of previously released hits; with her version of "The Loco-Motion" (1987), here is Australian pop star, Kylie Minogue

August 10: Today's "Way Back Play Back" continues with a series featuring cover versions of previously released hits; with the original version of "Venus" (1969), here is the Dutch rock band, Shocking Blue

August 9: Today's "Way Back Play Back" continues with a series featuring cover versions of previously released hits; with his version of "Venus" (1986), here is Bananarama

August 8: Today's "Way Back Play Back" continues with a series featuring cover versions of previously released hits; with the original version of "Suspicious Minds" (1969), here is Elvis Presley

August 7:  Today's "Way Back Play Back" continues with a series featuring cover versions of previously released hits; with his version of "Suspicious Minds" (1992), here is Dwight Yoakam

 
August 6: Today's "Way Back Play Back" continues with a series featuring cover versions of previously released hits; with their version of "Suspicious Minds" (1986), here is Fine Young Cannibals

August 5: Today's "Way Back Play Back" continues with a series featuring cover versions of previously released hits; with the original version of "Lean On Me" (1972), here is Bill Withers

August 4: Today's "Way Back Play Back" continues with a series featuring cover versions of previously released hits; with their version of "Lean On Me" (1987), here is Club Nouveau

 
August 3: Today's "Way Back Play Back" continues with a series featuring cover versions of previously released hits; with the original version of "There's a Kind of Hush" (1967), here is Herman's Hermits

August 2: Today's "Way Back Play Back" continues with a series featuring cover versions of previously released hits; with their version of "There's a Kind of Hush" (1976), here is The Carpenters

 
August 1: Today's "Way Back Play Back" continues with a series featuring cover versions of previously released hits; with the original version of "I Only Want To Be With You" (1963), here is Dusty Springfield