RIPPLECOVE INN AND SPA

Breathtaking Lakeside Retreat Rejuvenates and Inspires with Profound Pleasures
Nestled in a stunning cove on pristine Lake Massawippi in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, there stands the darling of all inns: Ripplecove. Only an hour- and-a-half away from Montreal, and within 20-minutes from all  kinds of interesting tourist towns, Ripplecove’s coveted location  in Ayer’s Cliff is near it all, and yet,  far enough away from the maddening crowd.

This five star award-winning wonder with its 4-Diamonds’ status (garnered since 2010), surrounds you in a tranquil oasis. Lush nature  spans into vistas so beautiful, your senses become rapt in spellbound magic. 

                   A toast to scenic serenity!

No matter where  you roam on its 12-acre grounds, you’re cocooned in restful bliss. 

Savour the views!

History Embodied in Visual Beauty

                Ripplecove resonates with history; you feel it the minute you enter.








Time seems to stand still. Feast on the expansive interior that immediately pleases with lovely antiques, paintings and photographs. 

The library is evocative of times gone by. 

It's chock-full of old books on a historical chest with Diana sculpted at its top.

One of a kind treasures are on every floor at every turn.

Each draws you into unique stories of times gone by. Such timeless appeal instantly ushers in warmth – as do the welcoming smiles at the reception desk.

The legendary establishment has its own Canadiana tale that vividly reflects its 73-year-old past; and though Ripplecove has witnessed different owners, a quintessential key to its unrivalled allure and success remains in this: the spirit of hearth, home and hospitality truly defines Ripplecove and it’s always there for you.  

                                           Sit down and immerse yourself in it.

                                              A New Owner with a Virtuous Vision

Last March, a new dynamic owner opened Ripplecove’s door. Without wasting a moment, he put his passionate vision and solid ideas for the place into reality. His main drive is giving the guest an optimum experience of comfort and calm combined with subtle luxury – without changing the inn’s vintage flavour.

The old-world ambiance and of Ripplecove has been given some beautiful changes and there’s more to come. The pool is a splendid example of these novel changes.

                                                      Hammock and moon chair heaven

 It idyllically cradles each guest as they take shade in the wonderful adjustable moon seats and stare at the many other pool comforts including the gorgeous garden. Downstairs,  the bar has been greatly enlargened, as has its outdoor terrace. As for the rooms, six of the seven superior ones have undergone bathroom white marble renovations. Wow!

It is the guests and their sheer enjoyment that shape the owner’s dedication to making Ripplecove an unrivalled hospitality haven. He revealed some of his plans for the future, and I already wanted to book my next stay.

Rooms with Charm and Rooms with Regal Appeal

There are 30 rooms and three suites. There are also two cottages and one accommodates your dog. Rooms vary in colour, décor and size.

Classic rooms are smaller than the superior or luxe ones. Classics have cozy touches and some look out to the lake. Superior rooms and luxe rooms are divine. They even have a fireplace.

 Twenty-three rooms have their own private balcony looking out onto the lake. 
 My luxe room did. 


Mornings I would open my sliding glass doors, step out onto the balcony to contemplate the awakening view before me. I would watch the birds, look down at the loons, listen to the rippling water and pinch myself to make sure it was all real. Coffee machines are in rooms, and this added to my daily morning ritual to relax in nature from on high.

My bathroom was huge and glistening in smooth dark brown marble. Every amenity was there, including big fluffy terry-cloth bathrobes, different soaps and other organic toiletries.

Dining on Gourmet Godliness

What an enchanting setting for dining!

  

       You can sit inside or outside on the terrace where the water is right before you.

The two expansive docks (one is new) invite cottages on the lake to dock their boat here and come to dine.  

Steve Rondeau, the chef of le Riverain is a cuisine prodigy. as a youngster, he began creating his own dishes that would always bring out superb taste. Self-taught, Chef Steve is constantly cooking up extraordinary dishes in the kitchen with his 22-year-old son Gael who’s his right hand man.  I liken them to a deity duo of world-class dishes

For breakfast, I had an exquisite omelette, Buttery tasting with melted Alfred le fermier cheese, it also featured shimeji mushrooms. It was wonderful.

                                                             I could hardly wait to dig in.

Lunch left me starry-eyed when I tasted the main dish – a lobster risotto. 

Truly fantastic, it was pre-empted with a tartar of stunning taste and texture. A blackberry silky puree laid in streaks across my slate plate. 
It was prefaced with aranchini – an amuse-gueule – a delightful taste surprise. Under it was a subtle onion purée of perfect taste.

Dinner was a feast that amply showcased Chef Steve’s exceptional cuisine talent. I ordered the sunchoke artichoke soup (Jerusalem soup). Complicated to prepare, but divinely simple in taste, this entrée first laid out a smoked duck crumble, marinated onion and a shiitake purée. A glaze veal reduction (the soup) was poured over these latter ingredients.

I also had the red tuna called tataki. Divinely satisfying, it featured maple syrup bacon, smoked pork chips, citrus and maple sour cream, blood orange purée and sea buck thorn. It was so colourful, and like all dishes at le Riverain, magnificent in presentation.

The cod with cauliflower, kale, Tokyo turnips, leek and bee balm oil with strawberry was topped by a wafer-thin crunchy lotus. The fish was tender but if you do not like salt, be aware that its taste is prevalent.

                                            Desserts were stand-outs!

Pastry chef, Robin Lee is also a genius. Here is what I had to end my various meals: Clementine parfait (orange reduction), lime meringue, coconut tile with raspberry lychee purée.

Addictive was the raspberry sorbet with its sour cherry mousse topped with a tiny violet petal.

The Guayaquil was like four desserts in one. A brownie and so many more delights came with it. This one topped my taste for sweet indulgence.

Should wish to work off calories, head for Ripplecove’s tennis court or hop on a bike and travel down the Tomifobia trail, or take one of the inn’s kayaks or row boats. Then again, riding on a pontoon that tours Lake Massawippi is a nice way to toast the day. This can be arranged at the front desk, as can treatments at Ripplecove’s Arboressence Spa.

Ripplecove will call you back as it did me. This article attests to its enduring magic. Its beauty lingers in your soul. You will return.

Read about my first visit to Ripplecove here.

 For information: www.ripplecove.com

 Call 1-800 668-4296

 The address is: 700 Ripplecove, Ayer's Cliff, QC, J0B 1C0

GEORGIA ON MY MIND

Waterfall Wonder, Mountain Mania and Idyllic Gardens

Dahlonega (population nearing 7000) in Lumpkin County, North Georgia was once actively mined for its plethora of gold. Formerly called, Talonga, the name was changed to Dahlonega by Georgia's General Assembly on December 25th, 1873. This new name comes from the Cherokee word, "Dahlonega", meaning 'yellow' or 'gold'.

Today, an imposing gold museum strides near Dahlonega’s darling picturesque square – a gem in its own right.
Most of the gold in Dahlonega is still underground (too hard to extract as the main vein runs through the town). Nevertheless, this popular town boasts another kind of timeless opulence in its above ground beauty: nature spreads out from the town  into a bounteous bastion of connecting counties.

                                                             

The Camerons (to my left)

Visiting the Camerons, my long time dear friends who home half of the year in the area was wonderful. They're great company, and aside from being remarkably hospitable, superb cooks and keenly knowledgeable about the area, both Bobby and Eileen are incredibly fit; they defy the stereotypic image of a retired couple. Suffice it to say the lure of the rocking chair is non-existent for them. This dynamic duo jogs miles almost every day, and is constantly on the go – usually in an uphill fast-moving direction.

I wanted to strengthen my stamina and felt fortunate to have them as my guides. Bobby knows I love nature, and so foremost on the agenda was hiking.

Waterfalls abound here and are accessible as they spill down Smokey Mountain’s impressive range. Many seem to spoke out from Dahlonega within a 40-minute drive time. 

Mountain Climes

First stop was an 8-mile approach trail starting at Amicolola Falls which leads to Springer Mountain where the Appalachian Trail begins.

What they didn’t tell me was the over 400 steps that were waiting for us to climb. A piece of cake for them, but tough for me, the end result was exhilarating, and we avoided any sweat bath along the way; the tall old trees of this area provided ample shade during most of the ascent. Bobby mentioned many of these trees names, including the sturdy, solid white pine, hemlock, poplar, and many more species. We even came upon sassafras. The trail certainly had a lot of rocky areas, but it was well marked with white “blazes” (Bobby taught me that moniker) – white shallow gouges on the surface of tree trunks to guide all hikers.

Tree shaped by Indians to point out a direction

Another climb consisted of a 2-mile easy ascent. It brought us to Preacher Rock - part of the Appalachian trail. Here folks used to get married. At the top, the Smokey Mountains with their bluish hue halo loomed in the distance; it was inspiring to behold. Preacher Rock’s lofty lofty location - also part of the Appalachian Trail - beckons from Suches, an old farming community now sparsely populated and full of tumble-down barns buried in valleys of green.

Bring on the Grits and Serve them in a Gourd

After so much physical activity, it was time for me to find an excuse to get even fatter.

Bobby and Eileen took me to so many wonderful places, including The Gourd Place in Sautee Nachoochee. Here gourds have been crafted into amazing utility-ware, art and decor - even musical instruments -  all on display for purchasing. This place makes you smile. Eileen did when she plunked a huge pumpkin gourd over my head!

Priscilla Wilson and Janice Lymburner

 Priscilla Wilson and Janice Lymburner are the two eccentric women who opened this one-of-a-kind boutique. Their memoir, called Gourd Girls tells their remarkable story and proves them to be pioneers in the art of the gourd. It also shows them to be made of grit.

 Speaking of grit...

We also went to Nora Mill Granary in Helen, Georgia. It’s an 1876 grist mill, sitting alongside the Chattahoochee River. 

The mill still uses the original 1500-lb French Burr Stones for grinding for whole grain products.

 You can buy all kinds of jams, jellies, local honey and candies and more there. Once you taste their grits (they have tasting there) you go gaga over the grits. I got gong –ho addictive on those grits! Dear Bobby made them for  almost every day for breakfast.  

Titanic Waterfalls

Tallulah Gorge State Park covers 2689 acres with trails that both skirt the rim of the gorge or descend to its floor where its river flows. Much information about this extraordinary wildlife and the park’s history can be enjoyed in a video within the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center.  Discovering this outdoor world wonder, I marveled at its five spectacular cascading falls - best viewed from a very sturdy suspension bridge that admittedly challenged my fear of heights. 

Luckily, I had Bobby and Eileen to hold my hand as I traveled at a snail-pace across it.  One of these falls was called “hurricane” - an apt name for the fierce downward force of the water. Standing and looking down from the bridge was a miraculous moment for us all. It is so compelling to see the turbulent endless flow; the rush of water was deafening rush. And you are right in the middle - high up above it!

On July 18, 1970, a 65-year-old Karl Wallenda performed a high-wire walk across the gorge. About 30,000 people from around the world came to watch Wallenda’s performance which included two headstands as he crossed the quarter-mile-wide gap! You can still see one of the cranes used for his death-defying act.

KAYAKING 

Without a doubt, Bobby and Eileen had to put on hold their usual tubing and kayaking into rapids. Having never stepped into a kayak before, I eagerly wanted to embrace this method of traversing water,  but when things are calm, rather than using a canoe or rowboat.

Bobby loaded up the kayaks

 I fell in love with the ease and gentleness of the kayak. We went to two lake areas to do this. One was at Vogel Park and the other at Lake Winfield Scott, near Suches. Tranquil and quiet, Winfield Scott Park also allows for swimming right off the dock and a walk around its lake perimeter.

 Gibbs Gardens...24 ponds, 32 bridges, and 19 waterfalls

The serenity continued when, on my last day, Eileen and I visited Gibbs Gardens. This private sanctuary of floral beauty is owned by Mr. Jim Gibbs himself who generously opened his impressive gardens to the public in 2012.

His manor home can be seen from the outside by visitors who pause to rest on benches placed near one of the facades. The house and gardens' 220 acres include a beautiful stream in this valley haven.  

Eileen and I lingered at the Japanese section in the Valley Gardens section.

   

Most captivating was the endless parade of day lilies. Dazzling shades of orange and yellow greeted our eyes. We hit “gold” with this special exhibit.

Many years ago, I wrote a song titled “Mountain Girl". I feel it apt to share it with you after this unforgettable visit to this Appalachian region – made all the sweeter because my dear friends (whom I call family) shared it with me.

 

Cap Saint-Jacques in May

It was a wonderful May day,so I decided it was time to give my dog, Zak his moment in the sun at the Cap. What a lovely day! Not only was the scenery so restful, but the trees were alive with birdsong.

Water and  lush growth paired up to create splendid views at different spots on the trail we were on.

 

     I spotted a small yellow one among many other different ones of all sizes and areas of water that attracted a chipmunk that was burrowing under a little log. He was camera shy for sure.

Yes, the black flies were out, and it is tic season, so if you do go, cover yourself well, and ensure you dog stays on leash on the paths they are permitted to enjoy. Zak had a great time as we walked for about an hour, ending at a picnic spot.

The skies eventually grew overcast, but I wanted to continue on more trails, and Zak seemed to want to stay too.

 The variety of growth is startling. All kinds of trees 

 mix together side by side. I think this contrast in size and species is a visual delight. 

Within a 20-minute ride from Montreal, you will enter the splendour of it all. Enjoy the vast body of water: Rivière de la Prairie with and Ile-Bizard on one side and Oka at its perimeters. This place is gorgeous!

Read about my previous visits in winter and summer to Cap Saint-Jacques.
https://sntravelandartswithoutborders.blogspot.ca/2017/07/a-summery-day-for-my-doggy-at-cap-saint.html#.WwSPNSAh3IU
https://sntravelandartswithoutborders.blogspot.ca/2017/02/sunny-skiing-on-smooth-trails-in-cap.html#.WwSPuiAh3IU

GAUGUIN (Directed by Edouard Delduc) **

When the impoverished painter lands in Tahiti, his misery continues. He can’t sell his paintings; he lives in a rain-drenched hut of sorts; has a heart attack and finds betrayal and disappointment at every turn. Only his wife brings him pleasure; she is his escape from woes, and his muse. Sounds like good movie material, right? Unfortunately, the film is boring; most parts show him obsessively painting her in all kind of poses or suffering from cold - with respites of fun playing with the children (a scene that went on far too long). Still, it would seem that the stifled feeling plaguing him in Paris was relieved somewhat in his new life. But in the end, nothing really could cheer up this man. Vincent Cassel played the painter’s depression and elation with equal élan and plausible passion. Gauguin was meant to live in nature. Simplicity and a beautiful young woman were his bedfellows.  The film was silly at times and presented itself like a collage piecing together parts of Gauguin’s genius and temperament while in Tahiti. The biopic pales in hue compared to the vivid colours in his paintings.