Paint Nite in the Annapolis Valley A few weeks ago, my friend Ann said to me, “let’s do a paint night!” “Yeah, right!” was my first reaction. I suck at anything crafty, and usually they end up looking like a toddler did them. There was no way that I could go and paint a piece […]
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East Coast Balloon Adventures The winds have welcomed you with softness The sun has blessed you with its warm hands You’ve flow so high and so well you’ve joined God in laughter And set you gently back into the loving arms of Mother Earth. ~ The Balloonists Prayer Our family just had an adventure of […]
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Paint Nite in the Annapolis Valley A few weeks ago, my friend Ann said to me, “let’s do a paint night!” “Yeah, right!” was my first reaction. I suck at anything crafty, and usually they end up looking like a toddler did them. There was no way that I could go and paint a piece […]
https://i0.wp.com/valleyfamilyfun.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/PaintNite.jpg?fit=%2C&ssl=1ValleyFamilyFunhttps://valleyfamilyfun.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/vff_logo2-300x69.pngValleyFamilyFun2016-06-22 10:10:212016-06-22 10:19:06Paint Nite in the Annapolis Valley
East Coast Balloon Adventures The winds have welcomed you with softness The sun has blessed you with its warm hands You’ve flow so high and so well you’ve joined God in laughter And set you gently back into the loving arms of Mother Earth. ~ The Balloonists Prayer Our family just had an adventure of […]
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A few weeks ago, my friend Ann said to me, “let’s do a paint night!”
“Yeah, right!” was my first reaction. I suck at anything crafty, and usually they end up looking like a toddler did them. There was no way that I could go and paint a piece of art and have it be anything I would want to show anyone!
But, that’s what best friends are for. They make you do things outside your comfort zone. Just like when she made me do the Learn to Run program!
This is a franchise all over North America, with painting parties, mostly for women (although there were 2 men in our class!) popping up everywhere.
Paint Nite is described as the perfect cocktail of creativity and conversation. Drink a glass of wine and create a painting— you’ll always go home with more than just a buzz.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE AN ARTIST TO BE CREATIVE
It’s okay if you’ve never painted anything but your walls— see how these Paint Nite guests unleashed their creative spirit.
So, with an open mind, 4 of us decided to attend Paint Nite Halifax (which also happens in the Valley).
Our event was held at the Old Orchard Inn in Greenwich, and there were probably 60 other people, there, too! You could order munchies or a glass of wine at the bar to help you through the night.
The entire evening was extremely well organized. We arrived, and chose a spot that was already set up with a canvas, a tray of paint a fancy apron, and all the supplies we would need for the night.
Then, our instructor, a professional artist, stood at the front of the room, and step-by-step she walked us through the process.
Before we started, we had to take an oath, repeating the words that we were there to have fun, not take it too seriously, and never to utter the words, “mine sucks!”
This set a light and fun tone for the evening, and was a great lesson in self-confidence, for sure!
Over the course of the evening, many laughs, and calling the helpers over to rescue us when we messed up, the artwork started to emerge!
We channeled our inner Bob Ross (anyone else watch that painting show as a child?)
And somehow we ended up with art, maybe not a masterpiece, but art!
What a fun way to spend an evening with a group of friends! We’ll definitely be doing it again!
One of the best parts, though, was showing the painting to the kids and they were so impressed! “Who painted that?” “That’s incredible, Mom!” “We are definitely hanging that up!”
That almost is the best for your self esteem!
How to Sign up for a Paint Nite
Visit the Paint Nite site and type in your town. All the ones in the area will pop up.
For example, I searched for Kentville and many paint nights come up listed for the Old Orchard Inn, Falmouth, Kentville, Windsor and beyond! It is surprising how many you can find!
The cost is $45 each.
However, we found a Groupon which reduced the price.
Coupon Code
Summer events are now available! Coupon code PNHFX45 will expire July 1, 2016. The code is valid for ANY summer event as long as your ticket is purchased before July 1. Book early and save!
For tickets, go to www.PaintNite.com. Enter coupon code PNHFX45 at the checkout to save 45%.
Grab your friends, your sense of adventure and step outside of your comfort zone and sign up for a Paint Nite near you!
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The winds have welcomed you with softness The sun has blessed you with its warm hands You’ve flow so high and so well you’ve joined God in laughter And set you gently back into the loving arms of Mother Earth.
~ The Balloonists Prayer
Our family just had an adventure of a life time – we went hot air ballooning with the East Coast Balloon Adventures.
Ever since I was about 35 years old, I had said that I wanted to go on a hot air balloon ride over the Valley for my 40th birthday. This year, when I finally turned 40, I didn’t think we would be able to do, however, my husband surprised me with a trip as my present! He had been saving up for it for the last few years!
Although we have been married for almost 15 years, I had no idea he was afraid of heights, so the ride was just for me and Daniel (9) and Thomas (8). (I still think he would have been just fine!)
We had to reschedule about 3 times because of weather. It was always raining, or the wind was blowing in the wrong direction (you don’t want to end up over the Bay of Fundy!) or it was blowing too strong.
We got the call on Friday that we would be going out on Saturday morning. Early. We were to meet at the Big Stop at 5am! This is because the early morning winds are the lightest. The great thing is, too, we got to see an incredible sunrise!
We met Seth, Katherine, Brad and Andrew in the parking lot who were all bright and chipper at such an early hour! The first thing was to release a helium balloon.
We watched which way the balloon floated, so they could determine which direction we would be flying. Based on that, they have several agreements with different land owners (mostly farmers) to launch from their land.
Half-way to the proposed launch site, we stopped again to test the wind direction. We ended up in Woodville.
Setting up the balloon is like watching a well-oiled machine. The crew worked diligently to set up the basket, lay out the balloon, fill it up with air, and get it upright.
When fully inflated, the balloon stands almost 7 stories tall!
Daniel made an incredible video of the entire process. Please take a moment to watch it!
We then got airborne, and it was a trip of a lifetime! We floated down the Valley from Woodville, over Centreville, and eventually landed in Upper Canard – very close to the Yoga Barn!
Actually, as it turns out, Jenny from the Yoga Barn was on her lawn taking pictures of us going over her house! Here are the pictures from her angle!
We floated quite low to the ground at first, so stay hugged up against the North Mountain. We got incredible views of the farms below, waved at golfers and farms, and tooting cars!
We saw the reflection of the balloon when we went over ponds.
We saw the shadow of the balloon on the fields behind us.
From the top, we also saw an Eagle’s nest!
As we got closer to the basin, we soared at 1030 feet and were higher than the North Mountain. We got incredible views of the New Brunswick shore and Isle Haute in the Bay of Fundy.
We saw Cape Split from the most incredible angle.
We saw the Minas basin opening up in front of us! The views were spectacular every which way you looked!
In total, we were in the air for about an hour.
When we landed, the wind took us right over on our side (as we were warned that might happen) and it added to our adventure!
We ended the morning with a story of the first hot air balloon ride (watch Daniel’s video) and a champagne toast to celebrate the ride!
This is going to be one family adventure we will not soon forget!
Book Your Flight
You have to book early – by May if you want to get a ride. Rides are only on Saturdays and Sundays and there are often cancellations because of the weather. Don’t be disappointed and book early!
How long is the flight?
Plan on being with us for up to 4 hours from start to finish. The flight portion lasts approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the wind speed and direction.
How far do you travel?
Because your balloon flight relies 100% on the wind, no two flights are the same, but most flights travel between approximately 3 and 20 kilometers.
How many people go into the basket?
Our balloon holds a maximum of 4 passengers, plus the pilot.
What about children?
Around the age of 8 years, children are tall enough to see over the side of the basket and have the attention span to enjoy an hour or more flight in an open basket. Sometimes young children are sensitive to the sound of the burners, but most quickly become interested in how the balloon works. They enjoy looking for wildlife and generally enjoy the inflation and pack up almost as much as the flight itself. Very small children and infants should wait until they are old enough to appreciate the ballooning experience and are at least able to see over the balloon basket without assistance and with ease.
We had to make sure Thomas was tall enough to see over the edge of the basket. He is 54” and he was the perfect age and height to take.
Do you have gift certificates?
Gift certificates are available and are ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, weddings, and any other special occasion. It is truly a gift that the recipient will never forget.
Pricing
The cost of a balloon ride is $275+HST per passenger. If you are interested in a private charter, please contact us for pricing.
If you are looking to celebrate something special, or want to give your family an adventure of a life time, book an adventure with East Coast Balloon Adventures. You will never regret it!
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