Eat, Drink & Explore: The Best Food & Drink Near Field and Fern Cottages

Northern Nova Scotia doesn’t get enough credit for its food and drink scene — but those of us who know, know. Within a short drive of Field and Fern Cottages, you’ll find a working craft winery, an award-winning distillery, a beloved brewery, fantastic local restaurants, and some of the most scenic spots to raise a glass in Atlantic Canada.

This is your guide to eating and drinking your way through the North Shore — and there’s no better home base than your cottage in Balmoral Mills.

Raise a Glass: Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries

Jost Winery — Malagash (15 minutes)

Jost Winery is one of Nova Scotia’s iconic wine destinations and it’s practically next door. Situated on a stunning property overlooking the Northumberland Strait in Malagash, Jost has been producing award-winning wines for decades — Nova Scotia’s oldest and largest farm winery.

Take a self-guided tour of the vineyard, browse the wine shop, or settle onto the patio and let the afternoon disappear. Their whites — particularly the Tidal Bay and Vidal — are exceptional, and the setting is hard to beat. A wine tasting at Jost is essentially mandatory for any visit to the North Shore.

Tatamagouche Brewing Company — Tatamagouche (10 minutes)

Tatamagouche Brewing is the kind of craft brewery that makes a community proud. Located right in the heart of Tatamagouche, their taproom is a welcoming spot to pull up a stool and sample whatever’s on tap — from crisp lagers to bold IPAs and seasonal specialties that reflect the region and the people who make them.

The beer is excellent, the atmosphere is genuine, and it pairs perfectly with whatever adventure you’ve just come back from. Pick up a couple of growlers to enjoy back at the cottage later.

Caldera Distillery — River John (20 minutes)

Caldera Distillery in the small coastal village of River John is one of the most exciting craft spirits producers in Nova Scotia. Their gins, vodkas, and whisky are crafted with real care and a distinct sense of place — expect interesting botanicals, local ingredients, and a genuine passion for the craft.

The distillery is worth the drive out on its own. Stop in for a tasting flight, pick up a bottle or two, and enjoy the scenic coastal road that takes you there. River John itself is a charming little village — worth a wander after your visit.

Sit Down & Eat

The Train Station Inn & Railway Dining Car — Tatamagouche (10 minutes)

One of the most unique dining experiences in Nova Scotia awaits you at the Train Station Inn in the heart of Tatamagouche. The restored heritage railway station is home to a charming restaurant set inside a genuine railway dining car — a beautifully preserved piece of Canadian railway history that now serves fresh, locally sourced food.

Wiley’s by the Wharf — Wallace (25 minutes)

Head west along the Sunrise Trail to the beautiful harbour village of Wallace and you’ll find Wiley’s by the Wharf — a local favourite with a setting that’s hard to top. Perched right on the waterfront, it’s the kind of spot where the view earns the meal its own merit, but the food holds its own too.

Fresh seafood, casual Maritime cooking, and a patio that looks out over the water and Wallace Bay. Perfect for a relaxed lunch or a sunset dinner after a day exploring the coast.

Nellie’s — Pugwash (30 minutes)

The charming seaside village of Pugwash is worth a visit on its own, and Nellie’s is a great reason to make the trip. A friendly, welcoming spot with good food and genuine local character — exactly the kind of place that makes small-town Nova Scotia special. Pugwash itself has a lovely wharf area to explore before or after your meal.

Derado’s Pizza — Tatamagouche (10 minutes)

Sometimes you just want great pizza after a long day of adventures. Derado’s in Tatamagouche has been a local staple for good reason — solid, satisfying pizza made with care. Perfect for a relaxed evening when the campfire can wait a little longer.

Big Al’s — Tatamagouche (10 minutes)

Big Al’s is another Tatamagouche favourite — the kind of casual, no-fuss spot that locals love and visitors quickly discover. Great for a hearty, no-nonsense meal without any pretension. Exactly what you need after a day on the trails or the beach.

The Chowder House — Tatamagouche (10 minutes)

The Chowder House is a Tatamagouche favourite and well worth a visit any time of day. Whether you’re stopping in for a hearty breakfast to start the morning or sitting down for lunch or dinner, the food is consistently great and the prices are refreshingly reasonable. It’s the kind of honest, welcoming spot that locals keep coming back to — and visitors are always glad they found it. A reliable go-to throughout your stay.

Elsie’s Corner Store — Central New Annan (10 minutes)

Elsie’s Corner Store is a Tatamagouche institution — and if you visit without trying one of their lobster rolls, you’ve made a serious mistake. These are the real deal: fresh, generous, and exactly what a Nova Scotia lobster roll should be. No fuss, no frills, just good seafood done right in a classic corner store setting.

Grab one for lunch, eat it on the wharf, and consider ordering a second immediately. Elsie’s is the kind of spot that ends up being a highlight of the whole trip. Located on the 256 just West of Drysdale Falls.

Start the Day Right

Sugar Moon Farm — Earltown (10 minutes)

Sugar Moon Farm in Earltown is one of those places you’ll talk about for years. Nestled in the Cobequid Hills just minutes from the cottages, this working maple farm serves up legendary farm-to-table breakfasts in a beautifully rustic setting — think stacks of fluffy pancakes drenched in their own fresh maple syrup, alongside locally sourced eggs, sausage, and all the morning comforts you could ask for.

The farm produces its own maple syrup right on site, and you can taste the difference. It’s an experience as much as a meal — the setting is peaceful, the food is exceptional, and it’s the perfect way to fuel up before a day of hiking, wine tasting, or beach going.

Reservations are required — Sugar Moon fills up fast, especially on weekends. Book ahead at sugarmoon.ca before your arrival so you don’t miss out. It’s worth planning your whole morning around.

Robin’s Donuts — Shell Station, Tatamagouche (10 minutes)

Need a quick coffee and a snack before hitting the road? The Shell gas station on the edge of Tatamagouche is home to a Robin’s Donuts — perfect for grabbing a coffee and a bite on your way out for the day. Fast, convenient, and exactly what you need when you’re heading out early for a hike or a long day of exploring the coast.

Something Sweet

Appleton Chocolates — Tatamagouche (10 minutes)

Appleton Chocolates is a must-stop for anyone with a sweet tooth — and honestly, for everyone else too. This small-batch chocolate maker produces beautiful handcrafted chocolates that make exceptional gifts or entirely justifiable personal treats. Pick up a box for the cottage and something to bring home for people who deserve it.

The Perfect Day Out: A Food & Drink Loop

One of the great pleasures of staying at Field and Fern is how easily you can string these experiences together into a perfect day. Here’s one way to do it:

Morning — Start with a legendary maple breakfast at Sugar Moon Farm in Earltown (reservations required — book ahead!). Fuel up on pancakes and fresh maple syrup before the day begins.

Mid-Morning — If it’s a Saturday, swing through the Tatamagouche Farmers’ Market to browse local vendors and pick up something for the cottage.

Late Morning — Drive out to Caldera Distillery in River John for a tasting and a walk through the village.

Lunch — Head to Wiley’s by the Wharf in Wallace for waterfront seafood.

Afternoon — Swing through Pugwash for a walk around the harbour, then stop at Nellie’s for something to tide you over.

Late Afternoon — Pull into Jost Winery in Malagash for a wine tasting and some time on the patio overlooking the Strait.

Evening — Back in Tatamagouche, dinner at the Railway Dining Car, then a nightcap at the Tatamagouche Brewing taproom.

Dessert — Pick up chocolates from Appleton on the way home.

Back at the cottage: hot tub, campfire, stars. That’s a Nova Scotia day done right.

Make Field and Fern Your Home Base

All of this — the winery, the distillery, the brewery, the restaurants, the wharf-side patio — is within 30 minutes of your cottage door. You can explore the whole North Shore food and drink scene and still be home in time to light the fire.

Our cottages are set up for exactly this kind of trip. There’s a well-equipped kitchenette for the nights you’d rather cook in, a barbecue for whenever the groceries from the farmers’ market demand it, and a hot tub waiting for the end of every good day.

The North Shore has everything you need to eat and drink extremely well. Field and Fern is where you come home to.