Category: Places We’ve Been Page 4 of 5

Places we’ve been

Sticky Toffee French Toast

On 16th April 2019

In Places We've Been

Well believe it or not we are headed down to Acadia to pick up Rebekah, as she is just finishing her first year of university. Yep, another road trip. The weather through Québec was awful. Freezing Rain and SNOW!!! It’s the 16^th of April where is SPRING???

We persevered. Our goal was to hit Fredericton and have fun at the Delta, as Steve still had a few free hotel stays to use up. The nice thing about this is that they upgraded us to a suite. The Westmoreland Suite, suite 417 – a very large one bed room suite – this gave us access to the cocktail bar for free munchies! And Momma Jo was in her glory as Chef Chris Taylor was making Fresh Sticky Toffee French toast with Flambéed sauce. She actually got a private lesson on how to make this…. Gordon Ramsey Eat your heart out! It was so cool to have a private cooking lesson and it was delicious too!

Steve’s experience in the lounge wasn’t as positive, as while the food was free, the alcohol not so much … Really Steve? a $13 glass of wine!!

The second part of our journey had us on the Glooscap Trail in Nova Scotia to check out houses in River Herbert, Nine Mile River, and Fox Harbor. We even checked out this really nice place with a spectacular view – Diligent Harbor has beautiful scenery for sure. The resting spot tonight was Debert, Nova Scotia at Momma Bears – “Food and Family Fun” – Amazing home cooked meals, good family atmosphere and loads of laughter. It is so good to be home!

To Pack or Not to Pack, that is the question…

On 12th April 2019

In Places We've Been

We left the boxes behind and went for a drive. Destination Almonte; a small-town west of Ottawa. We heard there were new subdivisions being built that had some nice bungalow designs to check out.

Our first stop had us run into the CHEO bear. Steve has always been a huge supporter of the CHEO campaign and actually dressed up as the CHEO bear once for a fund raiser. So of course, this was a photo op!!

Well, our first pass through the model homes gave us some great ideas for a house that we would want, but not located here – Nope Not here! The prices were insane and the lot sizes way too small. We got really spoiled living out in Greely. Ok, this is depressing let’s go explore the little town.

Spring run off overflowing the dam with thunderous sounding water flow certainly describes the dam situation in Almonte. The river is extremely high this year! Yikes I definitely would not want to be on the water!!

Heirloom Café and Bistro – “World Class dining in small town Ontario:” Well World class dining …Ok let’s give it a try! We met up with our good friends Daphne and Trent to check out this Bistro Out. This little gem is located in a restored heritage building at the bottom of Mill Street in Almonte. We lucked in to getting the last table – very busy spot – if you ever want to check it out, reservations might be in order. We tried their specials Mac & Cheese with kale and bacon, the Lamb Burger and the Soup of the Day which was Top Shelf Gin, Ginger and Carrot soup. Had a local beer from Stalwart Brewing Company and finished it all off with a more than Decadent Peanut Butter and Dark Chocolate Ganache Tart. Now, I am not a food critic by any means but this food was excellent. The flavor profiles were exquisite. (I have to stop watching Master Chef!) The food was great and the company was a lot of fun. Remember: How does it get better than this?

Exploring Grand Pré

On 2nd April 2019

In Places We've Been

Well the sun is shinning again – got to love Wolfville. Today we started with a walk around the Acadia Campus and checked out the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre and the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens. This building is spectacular inside and out. Just the entry way with the gigantic columns make you appreciate the architecture. The Grand Hall where the students were studying is massive and bright, the research facilities and green house in the back was informative and interesting. The things the students were researching gives hope for a brighter future for our environment. Then a walk around the Botanical Gardens even now at the end of Winter was enjoyable! We checked out other habitats including the Walled Garden, the Medicinal and Food Garden and lastly the Conservatory. One can just imagine how spectacular this would be in the spring or summer! Will definitely check this out when we bring Rebekah back in the late summer.

Grand-Pré National Historic Site – Canada’s 16^th World Heritage Site (2012). This monument commemorates the history of the Acadian people. The building was closed but we did have the opportunity to walk the grounds. Of course, also to take pictures of the statue of Evangeline and the iconic memorial church.

We also ventured a little further down to the road to the Grand Pré Beach, definitely not the day for a swim but some nice views of the basin and Cape Blomidon, a great time for rock collecting and Kodak moments for those of you who remember Kodak!

Bad Apple Brewhouse is our next stop! We had the “core” flight, with the Mosaic DIPA, the Black Currant Cider and Brett Pear Cider. However, not on tap was our favourite was the Cranberry Cider. Nevertheless, we did purchase the “Mosaic Double IPA” (in honor of their son Hunter who has Mosaic Down Syndrome) as it has all of its profits are donated to sending kids with special needs to Camp Brigadoon. We were also impressed with the fact that the owners were staffing employees with “all abilities” so that all feel included. Last stop for the day was to participate in the Burgers Wars (a fundraiser for Campaign for Kids). Or last stop was at the Church Brewing Company and their Holy Smokes Burger – with a slogan “Brew Good, Do Good” – How can one go wrong?…More on this place in a latter blog!

Out of Order

On 1st April 2019

In Places We've Been

Today’s goal was to check out Halls Harbour. In the summer this is a very picturesque busy little stop. But today not so much. All the little businesses are closed but we still had access to the harbour. It was a very cold and windy day; waters were a little rough and the waves were loud and crashing into the shoreline. Not necessarily the most relaxing sound. The wind coming off the ocean was a rude awakening to what the fisherman sometimes have to put up with. God love them for that! Definitely not something I would want to do. It is different to see the boats and all the traps on the side of the harbor. At least you know these fishermen are safe today.

We headed more inland in the search of Berwick and a bathroom. Now, for miles we felt that we were lost and the thought of turning back did come about but we kept going forward. I was ready to stop the car and go on the side of the road in a farmer’s field! (Men definitely have the advantage in this situation!) At last a gas station in the distance! Nova Scotia’s version of Corner Gas. The pumps looked all closed up but we did check it out – scary little place, Bathroom Out of Order……OH NO!!, Breathe Jo! The lovely lady behind the counter said sign was to keep the men and the workers down the road from making a mess in her bathroom! (Now the ladies have the advantage!) We were so grateful we bought two big bags of Covered Bridge chips. Felt obligated to buy something, and besides we know a few University kids who would gobble them up in a minute.

Berwick…Found It… what a cute little town! Found this adorable little shop “Market between the Mountains-General Store”. Filled with locally made products, bees wax candles and melts, woolen products, dryer balls, beach glass paintings and more!! Knowing that I am moving is great reason not to buy anything. Whew, I Showed some restraint, but Daphne on the other hand ……

Next stop North Mountain Fine Coffees – Remember support the locals. Kids are done school for the day so time to head back. A stop at Annapolis Cider company to celebrate Rebekah’s birthday together. I have to say the signature flight for $5 with the three different flavours is the way to go – “the classic” is just that, a classic! Nice and crisp. But for something different we tried the Hopped Pear all very refreshing. I mean we are in the valley – one needs to have the apple cider right!! And they have a tractor for kids big and little for photo ops. How does it get better than this?!

Road Trip!

On 31st March 2019

In Places We've Been

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!!

Coffee Break

On 29th March 2019

In Places We've Been

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.

Keep Calm and Carry On!

On 20th March 2019

In Places We've Been

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. 😊

A Day for Airports!

On 19th March 2019

In Places We've Been

Nova Scotia to Ottawa via MONCTON!!! Well this was an adventure! Ended up with 3 hours to kill in the Halifax airport. Man, shopping in airports can get addictive! So instead I checked out the Bia Mara restaurant & bar. Found a table with a plug-in for the computer and had a good Nova Scotia breakfast; eggs, bacon and fish cakes with toast and relish – Yummy! then to the Liquid Assets to check out Nova Scotia Spirits, beer and cider…leave it to Jo. But only ended up with an amazing Chocolate brownie!

Now you know we have been on the downsizing kick – well this was the smallest plane that I have ever been on; well except for the one I parachuted out of in my younger years. When I walked out on the tarmac, I thought how cute is that plane and needed a picture. I asked the first person who walked by me to take a picture, only to find out later that he was the pilot! Now, I have to say I was fascinated by the technology of this little plane – I mean I was looking right in the cock pit. It was so cool to watch them fly the plane. I am not sure why it was so different in this plane flying in and out of the clouds watching the propellers. I just found it so mesmerizing, maybe I was just surprised that it could fly!

Moncton Airport; now this was interesting, as the bar and Tim Horton’s was all in the same room. To walk the airport from end to end took about one minute! But my favorite memory was when I was looking for the gate for the Ottawa flight. I finally found someone to help me and I was told that the Ottawa flight departs from this gate but they did not have enough 9’s in the collection to put it up on the board! So, all we knew is that we were to fly in between the flights to Toronto and Montréal.

It was sad to leave Nova Scotia but it was good to be back in Ottawa.

Truro – the Hub of Nova Scotia

On 18th March 2019

In Places We've Been

Coffee Shoppe Junkie – Yep that is me. Today we explore Truro, Nova Scotia; apparently it is the “Hub of Nova Scotia”. I had to return the rental car today :(. Great car – little mishap with a rock chip – that little chip won with a crack in the windshield. I did say I like to support the little guys but that only applies to shopping and food. Not rocks! (Thank goodness it wasn’t in the RV!)

So, while we were figuring this claim out, we checked out NOVELTEA Bookstore Café – Novel inspired drinks, hand blended teas and coffee roasted in house. This little gem is located in the heart of downtown Truro. Now, Momma Bear is an avid Tim Horton’s customer so it was going to be a challenge to convert her to this quaint little shoppe. But I had her hooked on the idea when the tea was boiling HOT!! The atmosphere was extremely relaxing with unique quilts, pottery, glassware gifts and antique books everywhere (SSH! You were worried that the Librarian was around the corner lol). They boast they have Nova Scotia’s Best Chai tea latte – something to test when Rebekah is with us but they do make a great hot cocoa!

Discover Fundy – the Tidal Bore Viewing Area. Now, if you are in the area and the tide is coming in, it is an interesting thing to see – some of you might think it is a total bore but it is a cool part of nature and the tidal changes. Also, there is the Trans Canada walking trail nearby for a bike ride or a walk – today’s walk was a lot chillier than our walks down south but it was invigorating to say the least! Lunch – Google “Craft Beer Truro” and you will find The Salty Dog Brewing Company! Another spot in the heart of downtown Truro (Coincidentally right across the street from the Tea Shop). Darn It was closed, but The Nook and Cranny Brew Pub was open and it served the Salty Dog craft beer! Nan had their fish and said it was great – I wasn’t totally sold on their fish tacos but they do make a good beer. Our favorite was their Blueberry Beer – what better in Nova Scotia but Blueberry Beer!

Wolfville bound!

On 15th March 2019

In Places We've Been

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 .

Geronimo!

On 12th March 2019

In Places We've Been

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.

Cup of Jo’s

On 9th March 2019

In Places We've Been

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”!

Homeward bound!

On 5th March 2019

In Florida 2019, Places We've Been

What a rude awakening as we left Niagara, enroute home. Momma Jo left Steve behind with Winnie and headed home with Daphne. Now, these 2 have never had the best of luck with weather and today was no exception. An unexpected winter storm swept onto Hwy 401 just past Port Hope producing white-out conditions, closed highways, zero visibility and over a foot of snow in a few hours. The girls sought refuge at the Big Apple, just before Belleville (a 30 minute drive took over 4 hours!). Thank god for a bathroom and great apple fritters!

Messages were sent to Steve: “Stay at Port Hope!!!”. With that, Steve pulled into Port Hope once again but this time correctly pulled into the RV area. Before too long however, the truck parking area overflowed and Winnie was surrounded by the big guys!

Niagara On-the-Lake

On 4th March 2019

In Florida 2019, Places We've Been

We came back this route for Winnie to have her first check-up and address some minor items that we found since delivery. No sense wasting the day in the RV dealership waiting room, let’s go explore!

First stop, shopping at the Outlet Collection at Niagara. Wine tasting at Wine Country Vintners with samples from Trius, Peller Estates, Thirty Bench and No. 99 Wayne Gretzky Estates. Jo sat this one out but fortunately Daphne was a great tasting partner for Steve, as no one likes to drink alone. We also did some shopping…

Finally it was time for lunch and of course Jo’s turn for another flight of local beers! On the recommendation from Karen at the wine shop we headed to the Bricks & Barley Restaurant for wood-fired pizza & craft beer. We shared Daphne’s Wachos (i.e. waffle-fries nachos), Jo’s Veneto (asiago-artichoke based) pizza & Steve’s More Meat pizza. This new restaurant was a great find with amazing food and awesome service!

Canada, Eh!

On 3rd March 2019

In Florida 2019, Places We've Been

The local TV channels were advising of an impending snowstorm and we definitely wanted to get ahead of any snow! With the crack of dawn we were up and on the road by 6:22 am. Homeward Bound today and the highway traffic is light! Trying to avoid interstates, we took Hwy 11 North and found this was similar to Hwy 27 through Georgia; double lanes and light traffic!

By 8:50 am we were reaching for the sunglasses as we left the clouds, and the potential storm, behind us. We picked up I-90 below Lake Erie close to the New York state border and kept our eyes peeled for that state’s welcome centre. To our dismay, the nearest welcome centre was in Buffalo! By the time we arrived there, we just wanted to cross the border to Canada. Our first attempt to cross the border at the Whirlpool Bridge, we encountered a “Closed for Construction” and a detour to the Rainbow Bridge. That border crossing was a breeze with a special area for RVs & buses. Best border crossing ever!!!

Canada! There’s no place like home! First stop, Tim Horton’s! Now fueled up with our Timmie’s fix, we’re off to our final stop for the night at the Best Western Plus in Welland, Ontario. Here we crashed on the couch of the hotel room of our good friend, Daphne (aka Ducky). We enjoyed all the comforts of home with a tub for Jo, internet for Steve and free, hot breakfast in the morning!

Florida’s Forgotten Coast

On 24th February 2019

In Florida 2019, Places We've Been

This area of Florida had been deemed “The Forgotten Coast” even before last Fall’s Hurricane Micheal roared through and raged major destruction. From Newport Park, we first headed south to St. Mark’s Lighthouse & Wilderness Area. This area reminded us of the Everglades with it’s vast Pineland forests and wonderful bird habitats.

The day before, Jo had walked to a roadside Boiled Peanut stand with no money and Captain Dan gave her a free sample bag. They were so delicious and when we saw Captain Dan was back at his stand, we bought a mixed bag of original and Cajun style. They were soooo good later that afternoon for a snack! Boiled Peanuts are now considered (by some) to be a delicacy and are a pretty cheap source of protein to boot.

This was also our last chance for Florida beaches so we made stops at Alligator Point (hit roads that were washed out and impassable), Bald Point State Park (perhaps should have been named Jellyfish Point), Carrabelle Beach (much more appealing than the tea-coloured waters at Bald Point!) and St. George Island (beautiful beaches and colourful houses like those on Jelleybean Row in St. John’s, NL) as we made our way around the gulf to our final destination for the day in Apalachicola. Here we enjoyed yet another flight of beer at Oyster City Brewing Company. This time we tasted the likes of “First Light”, “Tate’s Hellies”, “Mill Pond”, “ManGrove”, “Fermentus” and “Foulin’ Harries”. All were of high alcohol content and oh yeah… free popcorn!

The Ultimate Smore – √

On 22nd February 2019

In Florida 2019, Places We've Been

We maximised our last morning with the Mustang by hitting a few more beaches and also burnt down that extra quarter tank of gas before the time came to part ways. Doesn’t she just look perfect towing behind Winnie?

The drive on Highway 4 to Orlando was painful! Everyone was glad to see the Marriott Airport Residence Inn which was to be our home for the night, as we gave Winnie the night off. Now the last item on Beck’s list was Smores and since the hotel wouldn’t allow a campfire in the parking lot, we improvised. Man, they were really decadent and who knew Smores over an electric stove-top could taste so good.

Bucket list complete!

Lightning Strikes!

On 21st February 2019

In Events, Florida 2019, Places We've Been

The day in Tampa was Rebekah’s favorite bucket list item. We jumped on the historic (and free!) TECO streetcar line and visited Yber City. This original core of Tampa was the home of many cigar companies back in the day and now houses a number of breweries, which of course Jo had to try TBBC (Tampa Bay Brewing Co). Another day, another flight! More quaint names (“Hair of the Hog”, “Hog’s Breath”, “True Blonde” & “Red Eye”) but nothing we had to take home for later. From here we strolled the River Walk on the hunt for food and Lightning gear. We chose Ferg’s Live right across from Amalie Arena for pre-game wings, mini corn-dogs and macaroni bites. (Not a lot of choice on the menu!)

Next stop, Thunder Alley for some pre-game festivities! Jo also found the perfect shirt for Beck on clearance to boot! The atmosphere outside was fantastic but inside it was absolutely electrifying! Lots of 2 way action in the game with both goalies making incredible saves. The Lightning really know how to generate positive energy in the crowd. They play a fast, aggressive style of hockey and the community is certainly behind their team. We definitely got our monies worth, as it came down to a shoot-out before Tampa secured the win sending the majority of the fans home happy. Seeing Stamkos score in the shoot-out made Momma Jo’s day!

An afternoon at Lake Dora

On 17th February 2019

In Florida 2019, Places We've Been

We arrived at our next stopover with some time on our hands so on our hosts’s recommendation off we went on a tour around Lake Dora. First stop was Tavares, the Seaplane Capital of Florida. This resort area was styled after Key West and had a happening pub scene with lots of live music, big chairs & big beers! Next around the lake was Eustis at the Wolf Branch Brewery. A much sleepier little town where we simply drank a flight with the locals. Our final stop was in Mount Dora and oh what a a stop it was. All parking lots were jammed and we just by chance ended up in the Palm Island Park lot where we encountered an amazing boardwalk experience and fantastic sunset views. Seriously, how does it get better than this?

Our bedtime snack was the Cheesecake Factory desserts of Key Lime Pie, Salted Caramel and Chocolate Oreo. Another list item checked off!

Disney… Springs

On 17th February 2019

In Florida 2019, Places We've Been

Rebekah’s Florida Bucket List started with a visit to Disney and not your typical Disney stop but one which included shopping! This area of Disney seems to be larger now than the parks. Today’s goal is actually quite light with a set of Disney shot glasses needed for Beck’s new apartment but along the way we did enjoy a few other attractions!

From the Cupcake ATM, Amorettes delicacies, pictures with Pooh Bear, Goofy’s Candy Shop, and our favorite stop at AristoCrepe’s for Salted Caramel Chocolate Pretzel Bubble Waffles! This was just our first morning with much more on that list to be checked off!

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén

Check out our new Videos page!