‘Capture those experiences’

Explore every corner of the Annapolis Valley this summer

It’s hard to argue against making a trip to the Annapolis Valley, given its stunning beauty and boundless vistas. So if it’s a hard argument to win, why bother?

Give in and get out to explore any of the following sights — they’ll all have you wanting to call this magical destination home before you know it.

RAISE A GLASS

The Annapolis Valley has become well-known for its wines, and with a warm spring meaning this year’s grapes are ahead of the game, Planters Ridge owner and winemaker John Mclarty says it’s time to visit.

“Our wines are part of why people from the city are coming down to see everything the region offers. We have a very lush, fertile province, but in the valley in particular, we can grow anything,” he says.

The winery will launch a new Port-style wine later this fall and has new picnic tables and an expanded, covered deck, where people can enjoy wines, charcuterie boards and oysters outside.

“People have discovered the outdoors and are realizing how important it is to them. We want to continue to enhance this and capture those experiences,” says Mclarty.

HOME SWEET HOME

As you wind your way down through Kentville, stop to smell the roses or handmade soy candles at

New Scotland Candle Co. And your next stop in Berwick could satisfy a sweet tooth or beer lover, with both Sweeties Candy and Gifts and Smokehouse Nano Brewery now open in town.

Berwick is also home to North Mountain Fine Coffees, which supplies coffee to cafes like Middleton café Bistro 300 Coffee House. Owner and town councillor John Bartlett says it’s ready to welcome guests with specialty coffee, summery smoothies and its signature sandwiches.

“Our sandwiches are what people come in for. We also have tea we bag ourselves, ice cream and our deck is open, where people like to watch the town go by,” he says.

A TAILORED APPROACH

While adventuring around, pick a place where you can kick back, relax and make some friends. The Stella Rose Bed & Breakfast owners Neil

Harvey and Robyn Wilson say their B&B is the perfect place to rest your head while exploring all the valley has to offer.

“When you arrive you’re our guest, and when you leave you’re our friends,” says Harvey.

The B&B has three rooms and a gorgeous back deck, where it serves a socially distanced breakfast outdoors and fosters connections between guests, who can choose

from tours tailored to their interests while snacking on a delicious morning meal.

“We have a number of things on the menu, with the highlight of course being a real English breakfast cooked by a real Englishman,” laughs Harvey.”

For more information on the endless options that await in the Annapolis Valley, visit valleytourism.ca.