Month: March 2019

Yes, another road trip to Nova Scotia. This time by car with the final destination being Acadia University. My driver this time was Daphne (Momma Duck).  Well, every time the two of us take a road trip we manage to find the worst weather imaginable! Freezing rain! Ugg!

We made it as far as Woodstock, NB Best Western where they know us now!! Anyway, we talked about Irving Big stops earlier and Murrays Restaurant at the Irving Big stop in Woodstock was no exception. Man, they make great roast beef dinners. And the Fries! A mountain of Fries! Well we are in the French Fry Capital of the world after all, you got to love those McCains!!

Now, before we actually hit Wolfville, NS we stopped for a very good home cooked dinner at Jo’s Mom & Dad’s, aka “Momma Bears”. This one was free!  Did some shopping at the Glooscap trading post for baby moccasins – looking for local native hand-crafted moccasins only to find out they were made in the Dominican Republic!  Oh well, we did try to support local!

Weather is an interesting beast. Driving through Quebec and New Brunswick all you could see is SNOW!!!  But when we hit Wolfville it was warm and a sense of Spring was in the air!  +15-degree weather!!!!  We actually sat out on the deck and had a drink, went for a walk on the trail and found a great Greek Restaurant called TROY. We tried their pita and fresh made hummus,  Lamb Burger and Lamb Shish Platter and Chicken Kabobs. Jo’s only disappointment was the lamb burger. But having supper with the kids was the definitely highlight of the day!!

Now, being retired, the words coffee break have a different meaning than when you were in the 9-5 rat race. It allows us the opportunity to adventure and check out unique places like the Café Cristal. A place where you can go to relax …not just refuel. When you Google this it says “The Counter-serve spot with Whimsical décor providing tea and coffee along with crepes & pastries”.

Who could resist “Whimsical Décor!” and pastries too?   So first up the décor, I loved it!  Not sure, but it gave me a mix of vibes.  The crystal chandeliers and fine bone china tea pots and cups made you feel like a taste of Britain at High Tea. The antique style mirrors, light scones, crystal oil lamps, and the crystal clock on the mantel gave you a romantic era feeling.  The ordering counter with the crepe pans and that glass pastry cupboard filled with beautiful pastries and rainbow covered macaroons definitely made you feel like you were in a Paris Café.

We indulged in a ham and cheese crepe and of course a brownie!  I would definitely recommend this little gem located in a Barrhaven office building. Don’t let the outside dissuade you from visiting as it was definitely a treasure inside.

Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful,
we must carry it with us or we will find it not.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

A tiny hint of spring was in the air the river was starting to thaw- there is hope that the Winter will soon be over!  I found this was such a beautiful site!

OK; still on the hunt for a possible place to live – I headed back to Kemptville, Ontario. Maybe I would have better luck looking in Kemptville, Nova Scotia!

Actually, we headed south of Ottawa and our GPS got us totally lost and we ended up in Kemptville. Or at least that is what Jo kept telling her travel companion for the day, Daphne. It really looks like it was an excuse to check out another shop in Kemptville, The Crusty Baker! Lunch; fresh quiche and pear & parsnip soup. The hot chocolate was good but according to Daphne, the apple crumble pie which had her name on it was to die for.  I really have to start finding things that aren’t so hard on the waistline. 😊

Did I forget to mention that Acadia University is in Nova Scotia? And my daughter goes to school there …. yep this trip was only about the house hunting! Rented a car and hit the road with Mamma Bear as the navigator and away we go!

Today we had Lunch at “The Port”, A Gastro Pub in Port Williams, Nova Scotia. This little gem is nestled on the Avon river bank and just beside a craft brewery- imagine!  It showcases the bucolic (pleasant pastoral views of the countryside) and the tides and the dykelands. The food was spectacular; a lamb burger to definitely come back again for and a beet salad…. perfection!  Apparently, the pasta dish and burger were good too! Unfortunately, Momma Jo was driving so no beer today but I will be back!!  The atmosphere and service were amazing; all good reasons to return.

We did manage to get Rebekah back to Nan’s for the night and many loads of laundry!!!  But St Patty’s day party take priority over a visit with mom and grandparents so back to Wolfville we go…

This time I checked out a very cute coffee shop called T.A.N. Coffee – (The Alternative Network) a speciality Coffee Shoppe. I feel like I am becoming a coffee shop junky – truth be told I am an anti- Tim’s & Starbuck’s person. I like to support the local little guy.  The atmospheres are usually different and refreshing.  Now I am glad I am not necessarily a coffee drinker because I am not sure how you would choose between 9 different coffees but one thing for sure they make a great cup of dark hot cocoa – try it with Almond Milk!! And a gluten free chocolate macaroon!! – Just another reason to Love Wolfville .

Another mini-adventure day took us to Kemptville, Ontario as we headed south of the city one more time in search of a place to live. The original downtown core of Kemptville is so cute with its’ yoga studios, bakeries and of course the coffee shops. Our favorite today was Geronimo’s. Their tag line, “Coffee to wake up the dead” says it all. We each enjoyed our coffee (Steve) and hot chocolate (Jo) and both couldn’t resist a brownie! Next time we’ll try out their lunch menu. Jo loved the fact they are housed in one of Kemptville’s heritage buildings dating back to the 1850s. They have filled the sitting area with comfy, period chairs and local artwork. The antique cash register and overall decor bring you back to a simpler time.

We were only home 3 days and we just couldn’t get that urge to explore out of our system. So off we went for a drive south of Ottawa in search of rental properties. We were now down to just over 2 months before we need to move.

In the little town of Winchester, Ontario we couldn’t resist trying this quaint coffee shop, Cup of Jo’s. One wonders if the name had anything to do with it. This little find was a gem! Good food, nice people, wonderful hot chocolate and an amazing ambiance! We would highly recommend stopping in and, as per their motto, this is a great way to “Escape the Daily Grind”!