Miner’s Marsh, Kentville
Miner’s Marsh Trail, Kentville
I remember the first time I walked across the bride into Miner’s Marsh, I literally gasped. It took my breath away; it was so beautiful!
Miner’s Marsh is a hidden gem in downtown Kentville.
Signage is not great for the marsh, but we’ve been told for the last two years that it is coming, so this will help more people discover the beauty of the marsh.
Here’s what the Town of Kentville says about Miner’s Marsh
The Kentville Ducks Unlimited Site also known as “Miner’s Marsh” is found in a wetland habitat constructed by Ducks Unlimited Canada which supports a variety and abundance of wildlife.
The protected site includes 1.7 kms of maintained trail which was built by the Town of Kentville in partnership with Health Promotion and Protection, the Rotary Club of Kentville and Michelin.
Photo courtesy of Twin Bridges Photography
The site is complete with viewing stands, picnic tables and interpretive signage which makes it an ideal location for birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts.
Here is a beautiful video put together by the town.
The Trail
The trail is configured in a figure-eight loop, so you can take a short loop, or a long loop!
The trail is wide, flat with crushed gravel making it a perfect place for strollers or toddlers on bicycles.
There are picnic tables throughout the trail and you can stop for a rest at the observation tower.
This is a perfect place to go for a family walk in all seasons and all times of the day.
It takes about 15-20 minutes to walk the large loop.
Photo courtesy of Twin Bridges Photography
Other Amenities
Miner’s Marsh is also home to the Wee Library that our family built in 2015! Take a book or leave a book. There are many to discover! Learn more here.
This is a great place for kids to explore marsh life, and the Blomidon Naturalist Society often hosts events like Marsh Madness there where biologists are brought in to teach kids about what they find there.
Uncommon Common Art also has art exhibits within the marsh. See if you can find them.
Please do not feed the wildlife.
Please do not disturb the wildlife, and put everything back that you look at.
How to get there
The entrance to Miner’s Marsh is not well sign posted, so it’s easy to miss. But, there are two ways to get there.
The first is by turning down Leverett Avenue in Kentville.
Watch for the Ducks Unlimited hiking signs.
At the end of Leverett, when it turns right onto Klondyke, there is a sign and a path. Follow this, and it will take you to the bridge where you can enter the marshlands.
You can also use these directions if you are following the rail trail. When you come to this junction, you are on Leverett. Turn right to enter this same path opening.
The second way to enter Miner’s Marsh is off Cornwallis Street. Turn down beside the County of Kings Municipality building.
Follow this to the back of the parking lot, and you will see the trail entrance.
Don’t miss out on this gem in downtown Kentville. It’s close, yet you will feel so far away!
Photo courtesy of Twin Bridges Photography
Paint Nite in the Annapolis Valley
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 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!
Then, we learned about Paint Nite.
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!
Hot Air Balloon Ride with East Coast Balloon Adventures
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 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!
Book today with East Coast Balloon Adventures!
Kentville Research Station Nature Trail
Kentville Agricultural Station Nature Trail
The research station.
The Kentville Agricultural Centre.
Call you what you like, but don’t miss out on this incredible trail!
Owned by the government, in behind this Federal building is an incredible trail that not too many people seem to know about. Please take the time to discover it!
The History
In 1910, two hundred and fifty acres of land were purchased by the Province for the Station. In 1911 the property was taken over by the Federal Government.
Today, the Research Centre is one of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s 19 national research centres. The Centre’s addresses problems throughout the Canadian horticultural and food system, focuses on the regional needs of Atlantic Canada.
The Trail
When we were kids, you used to be able to start the trail at the lower parking lot by the road. Park, and follow the trail along the wooden fence.
You will come to a swampy dead end. There is talk of reconnecting this trail with a board walk, but for now, don’t risk it.
It’s about a 5 minute walk before you come to the dead end. So, if that’s all you want to do, explore this jaunt. However, I would recommend skipping this section and driving up to the upper parking lot.
Drive up the road and pass the research station.
There is a sign at the end of the building pointing the way up to the picnic park.
Follow the road to the left up the hill, until you reach the parking lot at the top.
There is a big field here.
We often come here to fly kites. Look in the trees. You can probably see many kites we have lost here!
There is also a big sheltered picnic area at the top that is wonderful for family picnics or group events. Phone (902) 678-1093 to book for large events (phone number subject to change).
Follow the paved path to the back right of the picnic area.
There are a few indoor washrooms.
To the right of the washrooms is where the trail begins.
The Trail
Distance: 2 km
Estimated walking time: 30 Minutes
Difficulty level: Moderate
There is a steep climb down the hill into the ravine.
Once you are at the bottom of the hill, turn to the right and follow the trail. (If you turn to the right, it will come to a dead end – this is where the two paths used to connect, and may again in the future).
The path along the bottom is about 2km and takes about 20 minutes until it ends uphill at a beautiful waterfall.
The trail is well groomed and is easy for strollers (just the hill at the beginning is tricky).
Dogs on leashes are welcome.
Rhododendrons
Every June since 1967, the Research Station has selected a Sunday for the public to come and view the wide display of rhododendrons and azaleas. Although these Sundays haven’t happened for a few years, be sure to visit in June and spend some time walking around the pond and looking at the flowers.
There are many friendly faces in the pond.
Don’t get too close. Both my sister and my son, Thomas, fell in the pond at the age of 3 from leaning in too far to look at frogs!
It’s also a popular spot for wedding and prom pictures.
Location
The Research Station is located in the “gully” between Kentville and New Minas on Route 1. Watch for the big black sign at the side of the road and follow it to the top of the hill.
Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo 2016
Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo 2016
Pipes! Drums! Bands! Dancers! Acrobats! Gymnasts! The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is proud to welcome artists from Canada, Germany, Kenya, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States!
Don’t miss the world’s largest annual indoor show. Only in Nova Scotia!
Tickets are on sale now!
Going to the Tattoo is one of the most exciting family adventures you can give your kids!
The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is a week-long event held every year in Nova Scotia. The two-and-a-half hour family show is fast-paced – every scene only lasts about 3-6 minutes, so there is always something new to see and experience.
DATES AND SHOW TIMES: JUNE 30 to JULY 7, 2016
June 30 – 7:30 PM
July 1 – 2:30 PM MATINEE
July 2 – 2:30 PM MATINEE
July 3 – 2:30 PM MATINEE
July 4 – 7:30 PM
July 5 – 7:30 PM
July 6 – 7:30 PM
July 7 – 2:30 PM MATINEE
Here is the ever-expanding list of performers for the 2016 Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo -line-up including the boys’ favourite, the Flying Grandpas!
When is it?
The first week of July every year! In 2016, the Tattoo will be held June 30-July 7.
Who will enjoy it?
Everybody! Young and old alike will enjoy this spectacular display. It is for tourists and locals, children and seniors, students and parents, couples and families. It is for you!
Where is it?
The Scotiabank Centre, a modern, air-conditioned arena located in the very heart of Downtown Halifax (formerly known as the Metro Centre).
Want tickets?
Tickets are available online at www.ticketatlantic.com, by phone at 1-877-451-1221 or (902) 451-1221 and at designated ticket outlets.
Buy 3 Adult ‘A’ or ‘B’ Seats and Get 1 FREE!*
*Limited three orders per transaction (maximum 12 persons)
*Offer not available on Prestige or Gold seating
*Must be requested at the time of booking
*Offer only available at the Scotiabank Centre Box Office
Youth ticket prices are available starting at $27.50!
Depending on where you sit, is the cost of the ticket
The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is pleased to partner with CAA and its members! As a CAA Member, you receive 15% off all adult tickets (Gold, A or B seating!)
Want to add to your experience?
BOOK YOUR BACKSTAGE TOUR TODAY!
Your chance to go behind the scenes at the world’s largest annual indoor show.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like backstage at the Tattoo here’s your chance to see for yourself: you’ll get to walk out onto the stage, see where all of the props and costumes are stored, and you might even run into a performer or two, all while you learn about the history of the Tattoo and fun facts about the show.
Your tour guide will have years of experience with the Tattoo and can offer you insight you’d never hear otherwise.
Only $15/person + tax.
Children 12 and under, $7.50/child + tax.
The show is different every year, but with some of the same ingredients you enjoy!
