My husband and I are enjoying our second week away from home, spending most of our time in my birthplace, St. John’s, the capital city of Newfoundland. This past weekend, however, we took a short trip to Grates Cove.
– jenniferkellandperry.com
– jenniferkellandperry.com
This little community is the most northerly one on the Avalon Peninsula, and is my mother’s hometown.
My father’s maternal roots are also here, so most of my relatives originated in Grates Cove. Some of them still live here, and others have summer homes.
Grates Cove is actually a National Historic site, recognized for its acres of rock walls.
From the last of the 1700’s to the early 1900’s, local residents used the rocks to define spaces within their environment. The rocks were thrown, stacked and piled into more than 160 acres of land to set aside fields, create gardens, store vegetables, protect livestock and to use as cemeteries. (source: beyondbaccalieu.com)
– jenniferkellandperry.com
Like many of the coastal communities in our province, Grates Cove was a desirable place because of its prolific fishing grounds. First settled in 1790, its population has shrunk over the years, but it still supports the livelihood of a number of local fisher-persons, and is a popular tourist destination.
Many of these tourists have loved the place so much, they bought property of their own and put down roots. It has been reported that Grates Cove has the highest per capita in all of Newfoundland of “Mainlanders” buying up houses to live.
If you are ever in the area and get a chance to visit this picturesque little fishing village, I am sure you will understand why the “come-from-aways” fell in love with it and made up their minds to stay.
Have you ever visited tiny, out-of-the-way communities like Grates Cove? Are any of your relatives still living in places such as these?
Jennifer's Journal 
My hometown! I have such clear teenage memories of warm summer nights and being able to hear the lull of the ocean from about anywhere in the cove, not having to worry about the time or transportation or personal safety, and of a sky-full of brilliant stars in the sky unimpeded by light pollution. Getting there from BC is costly,but your post made me homesick:)
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Nice comment! I know what you mean; there are times my memories of going there in summer are as clear as day. Thanks(sorry for making you homesick!)
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Jennifer the smaller the village the sweeter the people I always say The cove looks wonderful and charming thank you for sharing your holiday with us and your family history.
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Kath, it was my pleasure. Thanks for stopping by, my friend.
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Such great photos! I’m struck by how posting pictures of your mother and the beautiful land you know so well makes me feel closer to you.
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Thank you, Susan. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed them. Grates Cove is indeed very near and dear to my heart.
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Very sweet! What is the climate like?
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Newfoundland mostly has a maritime climate, with summer and fall being the most pleasant seasons. Because of its changeability, locals often say if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes. 🙂
Thanks for commenting!
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How interesting.So close and yet so far.
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Indeed, Alice. Some of the nicest places to see are right in our own backyards, so to speak. Thank you for commenting. 🙂
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OMG I have to visit there one day! I love the rocks, it’s all kind of druish like and mystical to me.
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We used to have so much fun as children whenever we visited Grates Cove, and for a period of time our family had a summer house there. I agree with the mystical part; it still reminds me of fairy tales and such today.
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