Playground Family Fun: Elmcroft Playground Windsor
Playground Family Fun: Elmcroft Playground Windsor
There are so many great places to play in the Annapolis Valley! So, we intend to make our way across and let you know about the various playgrounds, telling you the best features and other important information about each one of them! Today, we are featuring Windsor’s Elmcroft Park!
Here is what the town of Windsor’s website says:
The Elmcroft park is a children’s playground and picnic area, located behind the Hants Aquatic Centre on Stannus Street (across from the Community Centre) in Windsor.
The equipment
I am a huge fan of Little Tykes playground equipment, and this structure is no exception. There are a lot of components to this playground that will keep kids busy for a long time!
Besides, the playground also features one of those “old-fashioned rockets”! How fun is that? When was the last time you saw one of those?
Babies and Toddlers
There are several swings for babies at this playground and toddlers can play on most, if not the entire structure!
Shade, Benches and Tables
There is plenty of all of this! Lots of places for picnics, and to stay out of the hot sun! So, bring your picnic and enjoy a day outside to play!
Accessibility
There are no accessible components to this playground. The surface is gravel, and there is a step up to get into the playground area.
Amenities
The playground is on the same site as the Hants Aquatics Centre and outdoor pool. So, if you get too hot playing, head to the pool during one of their public swim times, to cool off!
If the pool is open, you can probably head there to go to the bathroom. Otherwise, the community centre across the street might be open for you to use.
Location
Liscombe Lodge and Liscomb River Trail
Liscombe Lodge and Liscomb River Trail
Disclosure: Our family received a special rate to stay at Liscomb Lodge as part of our blog series on the Eastern Shore. All opinions are our own.
When our family decided to make a trip to Sherbrooke Village on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia, everything just fell into place to make for the perfect mini-vacation!
Because Sherbrooke Village too far from the Annapolis Valley to do a day trip, we had to stay over night in the area. We also wanted to take our dog with us as he was frequently being left behind in the kennel.
Our research showed that not only was Sherbrooke Village dog-friendly, but so was nearby Liscombe Lodge!
Located only 20 minutes from Sherbrooke Village, along the beautiful Route 7 along the coast, it was the perfect location!
Besides, my sister had stayed there years ago for her honeymoon, and it was a place I always wanted to check out!
I’m glad we did!
Digby was not going to be left behind on this trip!
Here’s what their website says:
Our Nova Scotia resort offers the best in rest, relaxation and nature. We’re situated along the tranquil Liscomb River, perfect for your next Nova Scotia family vacation. With Nova Scotia hiking trails, complimentary outdoor activities and an indoor heated pool, Liscombe Lodge is one of the best summer family resorts.
Activities
Although we only stopped overnight at Liscombe Lodge, there is so much to do there for much longer, regardless of the weather or your age!
Complimentary activities at Liscombe Lodge include:
- Indoor pool
- Tennis court, racquets and balls
- Outdoor shuffleboard
- Washer toss
- Basketball hoop
- Outdoor giant chess game
- Hiking trails
- Wadd’s Library – enjoy board games or reading under the sun
- Bicycles available for use on main roads of the property
- Fishing
- Sea kayaking
- Outdoor table tennis
- Horseshoes, croquet, and bocce
- Canoes and kayaks
- Bird watching
Because it was starting to rain and we had the dog who wouldn’t leave our side, we spent most of the evening in the lounge playing board games, with a great view over the river!
We also spent a long time relaxing in the pool – which is heated! There are pool toys and flotation devices for young ones, too!
Meals
Liscombe Lodge has a wonderful restaurant and pub right on site. If you book one of their packages, meals usually come with it.
There are no amenities nearby where Liscombe is located. Sherbrooke is 20 minutes away and has several restaurants, so eating at the lodge is your best option.
Again, because we had the dog who we couldn’t leave behind in the room (he would have howled incessantly!) we got take out from the pub and ate in the lounge while playing board games!
There is a great buffet for breakfast, too! And, it was nice to have a cup of coffee watching the birds at the feeder and looking over the river!
Dogs
The Lodge is definitely pet friendly! Just ask for a pet-friendly room, or book a pet-lovers package!
Dogs are allowed in most buildings (besides the restaurant and pool) and are also allowed to roam off leash if they are able!
A nice added bonus is the treats in the main lodge!
Liscomb River Trail
As soon as I saw a picture of the suspension bridge over the falls on Liscomb River, I knew we needed to hike there.
This hike starts and ends by Liscombe Lodge.
Here’s what Tourism Nova Scotia says about the trail:
Liscomb River Trail (9.6 km)The sound of water rushing over rocks and the warmth of the sun radiating off massive boulders left by the ancient glaciers will put you in touch with nature. The trail includes a suspension bridge that overlooks a waterfall and the nearby fish ladder, which was constructed to help restock Atlantic salmon. The ladder is formed by 15 pools separated by concrete weirs. The Liscomb River salmon-run begins the first two weeks in June and ends in late October, and peaks in July before the water warms.
There are a lot of swampy areas (that could do with a TON of boardwalks) that you scale across logs. You also scramble around rocks and roots as you wind your way to the suspension bridge.
If you hike this trail, make sure you are wearing actual hiking books (not sneakers) – you need sturdy footwear. Take lots of water, and be prepared for a slippery, wet (especially if it has rained recently like it had for us) challenging hike.
It took us 3 hours to hike out and back.
The views at the bridge were incredible, and I’m glad we made it there!
There is a logging road on one side of the trail that our GPS map showed us went right to the area. Ask about walking this logging road as a point-to-point rather than walking the trail. ASK though, because we are not sure if this is possible.
Better yet, our family agrees to skip the hike, and instead enjoy the views of the beautiful river by canoe or kayak which you can borrow from free from the lodge if you are a guest.
Overall
Make your next destination to the Eastern Shore, staying at Liscombe Lodge. It’s a beautiful location with so much to do onsite, and close to other great activities, too!
Take in a new area of beauty in Nova Scotia!
Location
Nearby
While you are in the area, consider a day at Sherbrooke Village, only 20 minutes away!
Join the Discoverer Program at Sherbrooke Village
Join the Discoverer Program at Sherbrooke Village
Disclosure: Our Family received an opportunity to try out the Discoverer Program at Sherbrooke Village in exchange for telling others about this amazing program. All opinions are our own.
Sherbrooke Village has been on my bucket list to visit for a few years. I remember visiting as a child, but we hadn’t gone there with the family yet. Because it’s about a 3.5hour drive from the Valley, you really need to stay overnight in the area.
This summer we finally decided to make it happen.
When I reached out to the museum to let them know we would be coming and would be writing about our experiences, they offered us the opportunity to partake in the Discoverer Program, dressing in 1860s clothing, participating in activities throughout the village.
Fearing rejection, I asked my family if they would be willing to participate, and to my surprise, they agreed, adding they would fully immerse themselves into the experience.
Before we arrived, we sent off our measurements, and waited to hear what our day would involve.
Little did we know just how much of an incredible experience we would have.
When we arrived, each dressing room was arranged with clothing in just our sized, and as soon as we put them on, we literally felt like we were putting on a second skin and were instantly transported back to 1867.
A few fears were instantly quelled. We did NOT have to wear woolens in the winter. Secondly, we were not required to role play, which was one of the boys’ fears.
However, we were told the more we immersed ourselves into the role, the better time we would have. Were they ever right!
It was hard not to think you were actually a villagerwhen you are parading around town in a hoop skirt or britches!
When we were ready, we were given our itineraries for the day which had been carefully mapped out before we arrived based on our ages and interests. Everyone who participates in the program would get a customized program!
We started our day at the Ambrotype Photography studio, which is one of the only places in Canada to still use this old technology of printing on glass prints!
The staff knew we were there celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary, so as a surprise gesture, they gifted us with a gorgeous card designed and made in the print shop and signed by all the staff! And it included a free photo session with just my husband and I – a rare treat for the two of us!
What an incredible gesture, and just a glimpse at the character of the amazing people who work at Sherbrooke Village who go above and beyond to create a wonderful experience for visitors!
What you can’t see is that there are metal rods behind us to keep us in position, as we couldn’t move for a good 14 seconds!
Do I ever look like my grandmother!
We were each given a bound booklet that outlined our schedule for the day. Some of our activities were together, while I went off on my own to partake in duties fit for a proper lady!
David and the boys started at the tailor’s shop where they sewed sails before heading to the woodworking shop to finish building a schooner.
Later in the day they got to be apprentice to a potter and tried kicking the wheel and making a creation. This will later be mailed to us when it is fired and ready!
My first activity was at the print shop – perhaps selected, or maybe coincidentally because – I am a journalist for the newspaper as well!
Here, I worked under Denise who helped me typeset a poster, and set it up on the printer to be inked!
I learned that I am so glad for modern technology as I don’t think I would have had the patience to be a typesetter!
All the letters for the printing press were kept in a case with the capitals being in the top of the case. This is how we get the words “UPPER case” and “Lower case” letters!
In the afternoon, I visited with socialite Mrs. Cumminger in her manor where I practiced my embroidery skills.
We all met up at the school house for some deportment lessons from the school mistress.
Then to the hotel for high tea! We also had a lovely lunch here at the hotel where they serve up old-fashioned meals of soups, sandwiches, cakes and ginger beer and rhubarb soda!
It was a royal treat!
At the end of the day, we wandered the village on our own, popping into the buildings we had yet to visit.
At this point, I gave the boys the option of changing back into their regular clothes before exploring further, but they wanted to keep their costumes on for as long as possible!
Thomas spends some time in jail, which was part of a family’s home.
When the day was over, and the museum was about to close, we had to head back to regretfully change back into our modern clothes. Although, I would never get used to a hoop skirt and not being able to hoist it up!
Dogs
Sherbrooke Village is a dog-friendly museum, which is one of the major reasons we decided to make a family trip here! All dogs are welcome on leashes and most buildings have water bowls out for them.
When it came to eating, we ate on the front porch so we could stay with him!
Digby even got a lovely bow for his costume!
Activities for Children
If you are exploring the museum on your own, there are several different types of scavenger hunts for kids to enjoy. And, if little ones get tired from walking, there are some wagons to borrow!
There are so many hands-on activities and demonstrations throughout the day, that there is tons for kids to enjoy and keep busy!
And you may happen upon a tea party in one of the buildings or even a chance to help make and taste ice cream!
Other Activities
Besides the Discoverer Program we participated in, there is also an Explorer Program. Here, you can dress up in period costumes and wander the museum on your own, without the prepared activities.
Also, you can sign up for various workshops or camps that happen throughout the season. Take in a concert or come back for their Christmas celebrations.
Find out more about activities here.
Hours, Admission and Time to Explore
A tour of Historic Sherbrooke Village typically takes approximately 2 hours. Visitors have been known, however, to take anywhere from an hour to a full day depending on how engrossed they become in experiencing village activities.
One of the common comments from visitors is that they wish they had more time to spend at the museum.
If you are able, spend an entire day at Sherbrooke Village!
Admission rates for the various programs as well as the hours are found on the website.
Location
It is about 3.5 hours from Kentville to Sherbrooke Village, or about 50 minutes from Antigonish.
When we went, we drove to Dartmouth and followed Route 7 along the Eastern Shore. This is a beautiful drive along the coast, but is quite windy.
On the way home, we continued along Route 7 up to Antigonish and took the highway home from here, which only added an extra 5-10 minutes to our journey.
Accommodations
Looking for a place to stay in the area? Consider staying at Liscombe Lodge, a family and dog-friendly place, just 20 minutes away!
Overall
Overall, we cannot tell you how much of an amazing day we had, and it far exceeded anything we could have imagined. It was well organized from start to finish, and carefully laid out for our day of discovery.
The staff is so incredibly friendly and welcomed us into their village. It was also wonderful to see how they interacted with each other, as many of them had been working there for over 20 years!
“This was the best interactive museum experience I have ever had!” says David, a history professor, who has traveled the world visiting museum.
We cannot recommend a visit to Sherbrooke Village highly enough. And, if you are going, to consider taking part in the Discoverer Program, which is at least one-of-a-kind in the province, if not country.
It will be a family experience of a lifetime!
Aggression Cookies
How to Make Aggression Cookies
When my friend Barb showed up with “Aggression Cookies” to our back-to-school cookie exchange, I knew I had to learn more and find out how to make them!
First, to explain the Back-to-School cookie exchange – every fall, we gather at my house to exchange cookies for school lunches. No nuts. Kid-friendly cookies.
Who needs cookies at Christmas? I need them for school lunches. It also prevents me from eating them all!
Learn how to host your own back to school cookie exchange.
At our cookie exchanges, we always talk about the cookies that we brought. This time, Barb said she brought her mother’s recipe of aggression cookies.
This of course, lead to a great discussion!
I asked my friend Google to tell me why they are called aggression cookies.
According to the many recipes posted online, the name comes from the fact that one can get their aggressions and stress out while making these cookies, the longer you knead the better! Put some serious elbow grease into it.
As soon as you make them, you will understand why. They make A LOT of cookies!
We tried to make them in the mixer, but it exploded over the top, so you really need to whip and beat them by hand! Channel your inner aggression!
Here’s the recipe, thanks to my friend, Barb. She says,,
“In addition to a family favourite, my mom used to make these to sell at the canteen for the Dartmouth Crusaders swim meets. It supplied both a ton of cookies to sell and a much needed outlet for her. At any given time there were two of us on the swim team!”
- 3 C Butter
- 3 C Brown Sugar
- 6 C Oatmeal
- 1 Tb Baking Soda
- 3 C Flour
- Place all ingredients into a HUGE bowl.
- Knead and squeeze until mixed.
- Form into small balls and place on a cookie sheet.
- Bake 350 for about 12 mins.
A Day Out at Atlantic Splash Adventure
A Day Out at Atlantic Splash Adventure
Disclosure: Our family received a pass in exchange for this blog post about Atlantic Splash Adventure. It’s a great way to bring you great information about things to do and see with your family! All opinions are our own.
There is nothing like Atlantic Splash Adventure in Nova Scotia!
Located on the Lucasville Road between Sackville and Hammonds Plains, lies Nova Scotia’s first and only waterpark.
Revitalized Park! New Name!
Under new ownership, Atlantic Playland has now become Atlantic Splash Adventure! The beloved and cherished park that we all know and love will be revitalized and refurbished. With six new waterslides – Nova Scotia will finally have its very own waterpark!
As a youth attending summer camps, Atlantic Playland was where we went for day trips. So, when I heard they had rebranded and reopened, we couldn’t wait to go check it out!
There are 2 sides to Atlantic Splashland – the waterpark side and the amusement rides side.
Water Park Side
This is the area of the park that was most recently renovated, adding 6 new water slides.
And, they are very awesome!
With 2 of the slides, you need to go down in a raft – either in a single seater, or a double seater.
With the singles, the maximum weight is 250lbs and with the doubles, make sure your combined weight is not more than 400lbs! A few couples got turned away at the top.
The Fundy Bowl spits you out into a round bowl, circling until you are spat out again at the bottom.
The Cabot Trail Twister was my favourite tube ride, as you are in the dark unsure which way you will turn next!
Of the 4 body slides, there are some for a variety of heights and thrill seekers. The Bluenose Blaster and Puffin Plunges are straight down while the Halfpipe Harbour winds more slowly down, making it perfect for younger children.
Descriptions of the water slides are here.
At the bottom of the main stairs is a line where you can wait for an available tube. It only takes a few minutes to get one.
Then, line up on the left to go down on your tube, while the right-hand side is for those not using a tube. It’s all perfectly marked and easy to follow.
Watch this video of Daniel going down the Puffin Plunge!
We went on an incredibly hot day. At the time, they were still refurbishing the 2 original water slides, so they were not open for business, making more people in the line up for the new water slides. The tube line up wait was approximately 30 minutes, and the body slides were only about 5 minutes.
The red slide, the Lobster Lure, was definitely my favourite while the boys like the straight drop down the Bluenose Blaster! I must admit, I wasn’t brave enough to try that one!
In the area round the slides, there are some deck chairs, or we just laid out on the turf. There is little shade, so consider bringing a shade umbrella.
There are cabanas, but I think you have to rent them for the day.
On the day we were there there were several jugs of free cold water for guests. This is an awesome added feature!
The pool below the original water slides was also open, as well as a splash area and mini water slides for little ones.
There is so much here in this section alone of the park to keep a family busy for most of the day!
Amusement Side
I overheard one of the attendants telling a visitor how there is a plan for the complete refurbishment of the park. The first step was the water slide park.
Over time, other rides will be upgraded and added.
For example, they are building a roller coaster! For now, my son calls it the IKEA roller coaster!
Other rides include the tilt-a-whirl, Ferris wheel, mini golf bumper cars and carousel.
There is a haunted house that is rated for 8+. It is REALLY dark inside, so a lot of it is an exercise in navigating in the dark. We are happy to report we successfully made it through!
There is also a series of little rides in kiddie land.
Our favourite ride by far was the bumper boats that has the added feature of being able to spray people! You definitely do get wet on this ride!
The Go Karts and batting cages are extra.
Have Patience
The main piece of advice to visitors is to have patience when visiting Atlantic Splash Adventure! It is a work in progress, and it will be fun to go back and see the changes and upgrades over time.
We are lucky to have new owners who are investing in a fun place for Nova Scotians to play!
In the interim, please do not yell at the attendants – many of whom are teenagers! This is not helpful, and something we witnessed.
Go there knowing it is a work in progress.
Hours and Admission
Currently the park is open every day from 10-6 (STC).
You can purchase a pass just for the water park, just for the rides, or a ride-and-slide pass. Build your price based on what you would like to do there.
Prices can be found here and are available to purchase online.
Less than an hour’s drive from Kentville in the Annapolis Valley, Atlantic Splash Adventure is worth the drive for a fun day out with your family!
Part 2: Best Tips for Biking the PEI Confederation Trail
Part 2: Best Tips for Biking the PEI Confederation Trail
Last summer, our family biked the Eastern half of the Confederation Trail in PEI, going from Elmira to Tignish (140km).
This year, I decided that we were going to go back and finish biking the Western half of the Island! So we did another 140km over 4 days.
Here’s how, and our analysis of the trail.
Our first step was to reread my blog post from last year! It is full of a ton of great information about what to pack and things to do before you even set out.
These really are the best tips!
Our Route
When we left off biking last year, we stopped in the community of Breadalbane, almost directly north of the bridge (and incidentally where my great aunt lived!)
We came across the bridge to PEI, headed north to Breadalbane, and picked up the trail there, where we had left off.
Once again, we had my parents as our roadies, dropping us off and picking us up at the end of our biking. Plus, they let us use their van because it has a trailer hitch for the bike rack!
We could not have done it without them!
Here is our 4 day route:
Day 1: Nova Scotia to PEI via the bridge, then straight to Breadalbane. We biked from Breadalbane to Summerside (32km)
Day 2: To make it easier to go home at the end of the trip (ending up closer to the bridge) we started at mile marker 0 at Tignish and headed to the centre of the Island. Tignish to O’Leary = 44km.
Day 3: O’Leary to Northam = 34km.
Day 4: Northam to Summerside = 32km.
Total: Approximately 142KM
This year, I improved our equipment, by buying a few packs for my bike including a handlebar holder for my phone. This way, I could easily take pictures, and text my dad to pick us up!
This came from the Loonies and Toonies store in Kentville!
And, I got a crossbar pack from Walmart to hold the map and first aid kit (which we did end up needing a band-aid or two).
How We Ranked the Sections
Who said PEI was flat???
There are a LOT of hills in the western half of the Island! Long, slow grades that seem to go on forever! Of course, this means that there were a few downhills, too, but the up hills are easier to remember!
Tignish to O’Leary: Loose gravel, and lots of hills. This was by far the toughest section of the trail! Once you hit Lauretta, it becomes easier and there is more shade.
O’Leary to Northam: Easier biking with fewer hills. Compact gravel. This was the most scenic section, going through bogs and forest.
Northam to Summerside: Mix of up and down hills. Compact gravel. There were quite a few places with amenities at the major junctions. Not much shade or interesting scenery.
Summerside to Breadalbane: Packed gravel. Because this region has a higher population density, there are a lot of major roads to cross. Quite industrial with major farm operations. Little shade. Lots of amenities, including a great ice cream Frosty Treats in Kensington!
Overall, the Western half is hilly. The eastern half is more at sea level, and we found had lovely scenery along the water. If you had to make a selection, we love the trail around St. Peter’s most of all!
