oriented,” Jay said. “Weddings, family reunions, ATV groups - we get a lot of them.” Weddings in particular have become a regular feature at the cottages. “It’s a great place for a rustic wedding. We encourage them to rent the whole facility. That way, the guests don’t disturb others, and they have the place to themselves,” he said. Jay also sponsors a local ATV group and regularly partners with a local tour guide. “We get big groups of riders who rent out the whole place. They go on tours during the day and relax here at night. That’s been very popular.” He’s extended discounts to local organizations, including students attending painting workshops at Parrsboro’s Art Lab, and performers at the Ship’s Company Theatre. Seniors and first responders are also eligible for reduced rates. It didn’t take long for Jay to notice something special: Riverview Cottages wasn’t just a summer spot - it was woven into people’s lives. Guests who stayed there as children were now returning with their own grandchildren.
charm, updates were inevitable. “We want to keep the rustic style, but we had to modernize,” he said. “We replaced all the old refrigerators with new energy-efficient ones, switched all the lighting to LED, added some kitchenettes, and updated plumbing fixtures.” One of the first major upgrades was Wi-Fi. “We spent quite a bit of money investing in our Wi-Fi,” Jay noted. “We knew people would want it. But we won’t ever have TVs. A lot of people come here specifically to shut down.” Unlike a hotel, where guests pass in and out anonymously, Riverview fosters an environment that feels personal. Each cabin is spaced out for privacy and nestled in nature. Families can spread out across the lawn, walk their dogs on a wooded trail, or gather around one of the two community firepits in the evening. “We encourage people to bring guitars,” Jay said. “We’ve had quite a few singalongs. And if you want to socialize, go to one firepit. If not, go to the other.” Onsite activities include lawn games, horseshoe pits, badminton, and a playground. Inside the cabins, visitors will find board games and a small library. “My son actually carved out the walking trail himself,” Jay added. “There’s a lot to see in those woods.” The property is pet-friendly and open seasonally, typically from early April through the end of October. “We’re flexible with our opening and closing dates. It all depends on the weather,” he said. “We usually open up the insulated cottages first.” Though many guests return for the quiet, family-focused stays, Riverview Cottages has also grown into a destination for group getaways. “We try to be very group-
Enjoy a warm casual dining atmosphere as you share a plate of Tapas at the bar!
Best local Seafood, Lobster & Sushi in Town!
• Local ingredients International flavors • Fast Affordable Lunches • Creative cocktails • Great selection of local beers on tap • Quality wines by the glass • Summertime Patio • We offer one of Atlantic Canada’s Best Wine Cellars 350 Main Street, Antigonish, N.S. 902-863-1925 Great food locally prepared using locally grown ingredients.
We’re not chasing something bigger. We just want to keep making it better. One cottage, one stay, one guest at a time. ” “
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