Well, I was thinking about traveling to Iceland this October but
instead, I procrastinated and didn't jump on those seat sales I was
seeing. By the time I decided that I would definitely like to go,
flights were priced way too high out of my budget. Oh well. I took
vacation time anyway. Really, I can't think of a better place to spend
early fall than on Cape Breton Island! Iceland or some other Exotic destination can wait until spring.
One day early into my two-week vacation, I took a last-minute road trip to visit a friend at her camper trailer in Jersey Cove. I decided to take this trip while I was browsing local shops for a Halloween costume. Now that my nephew is three years old, I figure it's time I start dressing up so he isn't the only one looking like a fool! A combination of the pumpkin spice latte I was sipping on and the colourful leaves rustling in the cool breeze had me feeling very fall-ish and there are few things in life I love more than a long drive on a sunny, fall day.
I arrived after a relatively peaceful morning drive. We took a little walk around the grounds and down to the water. The sound of leaves rustling in the trees and the water gently rolling over the rocks on the beach was so peaceful.
In late summer, I heard we wouldn't have very nice fall colours this year due to the drought we had experienced but I thought they looked just as pretty as any other year. They weren't as bright and there seemed to be fewer leaves than usual but still so pretty nonetheless.
It was too cold to go swimming and I wasn't really in the mood for a hike that day so I thought it would be a perfect day to go for a scenic drive to Ingonish while stopping at all the gift shops along the way. This time of year, there are discounts on items that need to be gotten rid of before the end of the season. And yes, we did indeed find some good deals!
Our first stop was Cabotto Chocolates. Being the chocolate lover that I am and the number of times I've driven by this place, I never stopped there until this day. I think it's because I'm always focused on just passing through and getting to Ingonish to hit the beach as early as possible. Or maybe it's because I know I have no self-control when it comes to chocolate!
I was surprised at how many different chocolate items there were in this place! They had a variety of flavors, shapes, sizes..and yes, what I tried, was delicious! There were also sea glass candy, souvenirs and local books. I bought a little treat for myself and made a mental note to come back before Christmas for some last-minute gifts some chocolate lovers I know.
Next, we stopped at the O.C. Emporium. This is another place I always just drove by and despite my curiosity, I never had time to stop and check it out. Again, I was surprised at how much stuff was in there! There were local crafts, homemade soaps, essential oils, herbs, books, jewellery, gluten-free food and almost everything else under the sun!
Next was the Wreck Cove General Store. I always love stopping here because it brings back memories from years and years ago when my family always stopped here for treats on the way to Ingonish or on trips about the Cabot Trail. It still looks pretty much the same as it did then and that's why I like it so much! I found some great deals on some gifts here. They had discounted ice cream which of course, I had to sample!
We kept driving over Cape Smokey and onto Ingonish where we spent the rest of the day enjoying the scenery and stopping at beaches to stretch our legs. Just before dark, we headed back over the mountain.
