Annapolis Valley
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10 Flower Gardens You Should Visit This Summer
Note: I would visit the Rhododendrons as soon as possible at the Kentville Research Station I scoff at the suggestion of having any kind of a green thumb-really I do. But for some strange reason, I feel compelled over the last several years to dig, plant and even-horrors! weed a bit of a flower garden. Why is this so shocking, you ask? I grew up on a farm.Need I really say anymore? But I will say more. My mother worked outside the home. My father was crippled with extreme arthritis .We gardened to sell produce and survive-long before farmer’s markets and U Picks were a staple in Nova Scotia. You…
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5 Great Spots to see Apple Blossoms
So, the Apple Blossom festival begins tomorrow and there are lots of events happening all across the valley. But what about the apple blossoms, you ask. Right. Well that is what it is all about. Unfortunately, it’s always a crap shoot as to whether the blossoms are ahead,behind or in full bloom. As of this writing (May 22) they are behind. But, it won’t be too long before they are out in all their glorious splendor. So, without further ado, here are my five best places to see the apple blossoms in the Annapolis Valley from east to west. Click the title for directions. Also, you may be interested in…
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Just Us Coffee Roaster – Restaurant Review
Recently, I met a friend for coffee at Just Us Coffee Cafe in Grand Pre.Just Us is a play on words-a group of good friends believe that although they were without substantial assets they could still make a difference-making sure the brand they were creating stood for social justice. This company ushered in the fair trade coffee business in the Valley in 1995. The head office and roastery is located in the same building, as well as a small coffee museum.If you’ve been there at all you know they have a smorgasbord of products for sale- from coffee beans to coffee makers, raw sugars, chocolate and more. Located right off…
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Jonny’s CookHouse Berwick-Restaurant Review
Driving through Berwick on Highway 1 in the Annapolis Valley, Jonny’s Cookhouse looks like every other small diner. Except for the crowded parking lot and lineup of customers that all scream for ice cream. Jonny’s ice cream is, indeed delicious, including the home made ice cream drumsticks and chocolate soft serve. I get that. I’ve had that. What I really wanted was to get inside and try the eats. Jonny’s Cookhouse looks quite small from the outside-and guess what-it is small-only 9 tables. We went on a Thursday night and it was packed and loud and busy with the ice cream window, take out orders and waiting tables. The staff…
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Up,Up and Away! Hot Air Balloon Ride with East Coast Balloon Adventures
Since we have been recently talking about Bucket Lists, I thought I’d tell you about fulfilling one of hubby’s bucket list dreams for his 65th birthday, several years ago. Thanks to East Coast Balloon Adventures, we celebrated high above the valley where the scenery was just exquisite. Contacting the company several weeks in advance to purchase our rides, I chose a date a bit prior to hubby’s birthday. They only go out on weekends, so date choices were limited. At last, the evening rolled around (they do sunrise and sunset rides) we met the crew at the Big Stop in New Minas to assess the weather.Although it was a beautiful…
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Those Hidden Gems-Black Rock Trails and Lighthouse
Recently we all hopped in the car- husband, dog and me- and set off for a Sunday drive. Now you may know me well enough by now to know I am not a sit in the car and drive around type of gal, but more of a let’s see what we can get into, err, I mean do, woman. This may or may not cause ‘heated’ in-car discussion. Not with the dog-she always wants to do things. Nuff said. That Sunday was no different. We headed up Middle Dyke Road off the 101 and then west on the 221, swinging up the North Mountain towards Black Road, thinking we…
