20 Reasons to Visit Annapolis Valley During Apple Blossom Festival

20 Reasons to Visit Annapolis Valley during Apple Blossom Festival

Credit: Apple Blossom Festival

The Annapolis Valley is the Maritimes largest apple producer, so it is no wonder that they celebrate the coming of summer as the apple blossoms bloom. The Apple Blossom Festival starts on Wednesday, May 29th, 2019 and runs until Monday, June 3rd, 2019. People from all across Canada head to this festival. Listed below you will find 20 reasons to visit the beautiful Annapolis Valley during the Apple Blossom Festival.

 

See the Apple Blossoms

This is the obvious one. The festival does celebrate the blooming of the thousands of apple blossoms across the Valley. These pretty, light pink blossoms will be everywhere during the festival.

Applelicious

From May 1st – May 30th, head out to Applelicious locations around the Annapolis Valley and try a scrumptious dishes like Blossom Burger and Valley Apple Chicken Curry Wrap, showcasing the star of the show “Apple”.

Have Tea with the Princesses

Meet the Apple Blossom Princesses at the Valley Tea on Thursday afternoon from 2 pm to 4 pm. You can relax with a cup of tea and light snacks while listening to speeches from local dignitaries and the princesses and enjoying the live entertainment.

Try Street Food at the Blossom Food Truck Party

On Thursday, May 30th, Food Trucks from across Nova Scotia will be parked at the Louis Millett Community Complex. Enjoy a meal that is a little different while having fun. There is going to be something for everyone to try at this popular event.

Watch the Grand Parade

The Grand Street Parade is the main event during Apple Blossom and it takes place on Saturday, June 1st at 1 pm. The parade has the Apple Blossom princesses and Queen Annapolisa, floats, bands, and many other diverse groups from across the Annapolis Valley and Nova Scotia.
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Watch the Blossom Fireworks

Kick off the weekend at the Blossom Fireworks at Memorial Park in Kentville on Friday Night. Memorial Park is the place to be on Friday night, along with the fireworks, the 89.3 K-Rock Birthday Bash is happening and there will be vendors, the crowning of Queen Annapolisa LXXXVI, and lots of other fun things to do.

See a Movie at the Valley Drive-In Theatre

 

On the weekends, the Valley Drive-In is the place to be as the sun goes down. The drive-in shows 2 new-releases for just one admission price. Since it is one of the last drive in theatres, it is a ‘must do’ when you are visiting the Valley in the summer.

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The Wineries

The Annapolis Valley is home to many of Nova Scotia’s top wineries. Many wineries offer tours and tastings during the Festival. Luckett’s Vineyard, Jost Vineyard, and Blomidon Estate Winery are three of the most popular wineries in the Valley.

Great Cups of Coffee

Wolfville is home to two great fair trade coffee producers that are served across the Valley and Nova Scotia. T.A.N. stands for “The Alternative Network” and has locations in Windsor, Wolfville, and Kentville. Just Us is another local fair trade coffee roasters and is located in Grand Pre and Wolfville.

Fresh Scallops

Digby is so well-known for its scallops to the point that the town even has a festival celebrating scallops. Take the drive down to Digby and enjoy fresh scallops at one of the local restaurants, The Wheelhouse Seafood And Pasta, which is said to be one of the best seafood restaurants in the Valley. Digby even has some Apple Blossom Events, like naming a Princess and other fun apple-themed events.

Take in the View from Cape Blomidon

Cape Blomidon is known for its breathtaking views of the Minas Basin and the Bay of Fundy. The Blomidon Provincial Park has many trails for hiking and a beautiful beach for visitors to enjoy. While you are visiting the park, be sure to note the tide times if you are walking along the beach because the tide comes in very quickly.

Visit the Farm at Hennigar’s Farmers Market

Hennigar’s Farmers Market is a popular spot right outside of Wolfville, not only for the farm fresh produce it sells but also because it is a fun place to spend time with the whole family. The Farm Park is home to goats, ducks, bunnies, and chickens and there is also a farm-themed playground. The goats love the goat cones that are available at the market, and will be happy to see you when you have one.

See the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens start to Bloom

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Credit: Apple Blossom Festival

The spring showers have brought the flowers to bloom, and the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens is one of the best places in the Valley to see them. You can explore the gorgeous 17-acre gardens and take in the spectacular breathtaking views of the tidal river. Make sure to visit the reconstructed 1671 Acadian house that is based on the pre-deportation time period.

The Year-Round Farmer’s Market

The towns of Wolfville and Kentville host year-round farmer’s markets. The Kentville Farmer’s Market takes place on Wednesday morning and kicks off the festival in Kentville. Wolfville Farmer’s Market takes place on Wednesday evening and Saturday morning. Both will have apple blossom themed events during the festival.

Go to Oaklawn Farm Zoo

Head to Aylesford to see the Maritime’s largest collection of large cats and primates. Oaklawn Farm is a 50-acre zoo that has a family farm setting. It is home to a wide variety of animals, birds, and reptiles. Young kids love the pony rides. There is also a canteen and a gift shop on-site.

Connect with Nature at Kejimkujik

Visit Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site. It is the perfect place to reconnect with nature while you explore 4,000 years of Mi’kmaq heritage. Keji is a short drive from most of the Apple Blossom festival events but it is worth taking a break from the celebration to relax in nature and possibly spot harbour seals from a singing beach.

Learn about Wetlands at Miner’s Marsh

Right in downtown Kentville is a wetland that is home to many animals and plants that you can only find in this important ecosystem. Miner’s Marsh has two trails, 0.8km and 1.2km long that will take you along the marsh. You can learn interesting facts about the wetland by reading the informative panels that are located along the trail. Please stay on the trail to help protect this delicate area.

Small Town Feel

 

The Annapolis Valley is home to many small communities and towns. Take it slow and relax as you visit each town to see what unique experiences it has to offer and what fun and exciting events are happening in each one during the Apple Blossom Festival.

Travel Back in Time at Fort Anne National Historic Site

Near Annapolis Royal is the beautiful Fort Anne National Historic Site. The area has a long history of being passed from the Scots to the French and then to the British. The Fort is situated on 37 acres of land. You can explore over 400 years of Annapolis Valley history at this national historic site.

See Military Aircraft at the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum

The Airforce Bases across the Valley have played a huge part in Nova Scotia’s history, both at home and across the ocean. Located outside the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum are life-sized aircraft that you can take photos with or just take a closer look at. The indoor display is over 10,000 square feet and has displays that cover the base’s history.

Visit One of the First European settlements in North America

Port Royal was one of the first settlements in North America on land that is the traditional homeland of the Mi’kmaq, which makes it an iconic space. Many people have heard of Port Royal but have never visited it. The Port Royal National Historic Site will be open during the Apple Blossom Festival, so you can visit the early 17th century town and travel back in time to see what life was like for the Acadians and the British.

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Author: Melyssa Jackson

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