Meet the River Ridge Lodge Owners and Their Furry Kids

---

We, Frauke and Mike, the owners and innkeepers of River Ridge Lodge, warmly invite all travellers to share in the hospitable atmosphere we have crafted at River Ridge Lodge. Our doors are open wide for travellers of every stripe who appreciate our cozy hospitality that celebrates diversity with warmth and kindness. We love connecting with new people from various cultures. 

Escaping the hustle and bustle of city life, we embarked on a journey that led us to Mahone Bay - an idyllic Nova Scotia South Shore community brimming with natural beauty. As self-appointed ambassadors for this paradise, our mission is simple: provide visitors from all over the world access to some of nature's finest offerings, equal parts awe-inspiring scenery and unforgettable experiences! Here in scenic Mahone Bay, outdoor adventure awaits you around every corner.

We moved from Vancouver, BC, after 25+ years of city life in search of an adventure-filled countryside lifestyle that brings us closer to nature each day. We dreamed of owning property in the country for a long time. After Mike dedicated over three decades to horticulture with Vancouver Parks Board while Frauke worked in data analytics and business intelligence after coming from Germany in 1992, we were ready to start something new. On our trip 17 years prior, visiting Mahone Bay on Nova Scotia's South Shore sparked an undying admiration that could only be fulfilled by making it our own; so during this chapter of life, we decided to start a Bed & Breakfast was finally within reach!

In 2017, we found an idyllic spot near Mahone Bay that seemed too good to be true - rolling hills, wide-open spaces, and a beautiful river flowing into one of the most iconic bays of Canada. After ten days exploring, we were convinced: this was it! Over the next nine months, we devoted ourselves to renovating and fixing up every detail until we finally felt it was our homely paradise. Sharing our place with family, friends, and guests has been magical ever since!

Frauke speaks German and English; Mike speaks English and a little bit of French.

Charlie is a lovable giant of the Newfoundland Landseer breed. After arriving at our home as an 8-week-old pup in April 2018, he quickly captured our hearts with his sweet disposition and growing presence - he seemed to have grown bigger overnight, so much that it prompted us to ask, 'Oh my gosh, did he grow again?!' every morning!

For those who bring their children along - Charlie loves anything that moves...dare we say kids make top priority on his list? So if your little ones would like some doggy cuddles, then just let us know and watch them smile from ear to ear after meeting this amazing gentle giant!

It was an unexpected turn of events when we stumbled upon Max, a black-and-white Tuxedo cat looking for the perfect home at their local animal shelter. Despite originally only being there to do some browsing, it became clear that this four-to-five-year-old had already picked us as future owners-- he wasn't going to let us leave without him! One thing led to another, and now Max is part of our family. He loves exploring outside or going for an adventure in the backwoods alongside his best dog pal Charlie.

Max is incredibly friendly and always ready to play; it won’t be long before you make this enthusiastic feline acquaintance on the porch or elsewhere outside. He loves attention and makes your heart melt!

To Charlie’s and Max’s regret, they are not allowed inside the guest side of the bed and breakfast.