Your No-Fail Economy to Joggins Vacation Guide

This morning we chatted with CTV Morning Atlantic about great local vacations for summer 2013: http://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/ctv-morning-live. Economy to Joggins is one of the less-traveled area of our province, which is a surprise when you look at all of the amazing sights, restaurants, businesses and activities in the area! Here is our no-fail guide to Economy – Joggins!

This vacation guide is intended to give you ideas to help plan your trip through some of the less traveled places in Economy, Advocate, Parrsboro and Joggins. The list below is not segmented by driving order, but by activity type. Pick and choose, plan a route and leave time along your trip to discover some of your own hidden gems!

5Islands

1. Plan the Perfect Picnic:
Start your trip at Masstown Market and stock up on local goodies for a picnic in one of the many scenic spots in this area.  Pop into That Dutchman’s Farm in Upper Economy for a tour and to purchase some of the provinces best cheese! There is no shortage of great picnic spots, but we recommend Cape D’Or and Five Islands Park.

Grab an ice cream from Ottawa House during the summer, or u-pick blueberries in the fall, and walk along one of the many beaches or stroll through Partridge Island. Don’t forget your camera, Partridge Island has some amazing photo opportunities.

Fundy Geological Museum

2. Dig For Dinosaurs:
There is a lot of history in this area, and in Parrsboro that history goes right back to the Dinosaurs. Check out the Fundy Geological Museum, a collection of some of the oldest dinosaur bones in Canada. While there, learn about some of earths most ancient creatures, and take a beach tour to find mineral treasures like amethyst and agate stones!

Fundy Geological Museum will be open daily starting Saturday, May 18th 9:30 am – 5:30 pm.  If gemstones are more your thing, you can also visit Amethyst Boutique to browse and buy some local gems.

You can also journey a little further to Joggins where you will find the Joggins Fossil Centre. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has the worlds most complete fossil record of life in the Coal Age.  Fossils here are far older than the dinosaurs, dating back over 300 million years.

3. Take to the Skies
This weekend, Parrsboro is hosting The 19th Festival of Free Flight. From May 17 – 21 the skies around Parrsboro will be filled with the beautiful wings of paragliders, hang gliders and powered paragliders. Bring a chair, picnic and a pair of binoculars, or try a tandem flight with a certified and experienced tandem pilot. For more info call . 254-2972.

4. Sit Under a Waterfall
This area is home to a number of great waterfalls, but perhaps the best known is Economy Falls. Located in Colchester County, the Economy Falls trails give you access to both the top and bottom of this 65 ft. waterfall.

Hammock Advocate Harbour Nova Scotia Wild Caraway Restaurant

5. Dine in Style
Relax in a hammock while you wait to be seated at Wild Caraway, a restaurant and inn in Advocate Harbour. The menu features lots of local produce, and some tasty, affordable options. You’ll also dine with a view – the restaurant overlooks Advocate Harbour.  You can read more about our food tour from Masstown to Advocate Harbour HERE.

6. Let Them Entertain You
All summer long Civic Park in Parrsboro has Sunday evening concerts at the Bandstand in the park.  The event starts June 9th and are by donation, with all proceeds going to the musicians charity of choice. The series wraps up on Sun July 28, 2013 with Band Day, which runs from 1-5 pm.

Also in Parrsboro is the Ships Company Theatre. This venue has concerts, workshops and live theatre all summer long.  They just launched pay-what-you-can nights, or, if you plan to spend a lot of time in the area you can get a season pass for just $175.

Kayak the Bay of Fundy - Nova Shores

7. Go for a Ride
There is no shortage of great kayaking spots in this area. We got to experience the fundy tides from the water on a kayak adventure with Nova Shores. Read all about this surreal nature experience HERE.

You can also get around on horseback. Spirit Reins Ranch offers Horse Back Riding, trail rides and other outdoor adventures in Parrsboro. Ship building has always played a big role in Nova Scotia’s industry.  In Port Greville, you can learn more about our lumber and shipbuilding history at the Age of Sail Museum.  Tour the hands on exhibits or take an interpretive tour.  www.ageofsailmuseum.ca

8. Get to Know the Community
One of the best ways to discover a new place is by speaking to the people who live there! Each Saturday during the summer there is a community breakfast at the Diligent River Hall. Every second Saturday, the hall is transformed into an open Mic.

One of our Local Traveler facebook friends Kimberly White said it best: “The best sights and sounds are the people who live here and down the shore. The sights of rolling hills and waves are breathtaking, but the people who stop by and show their support or tell a story or just listen are what make this little piece of heaven so amazing.”

Driftwood Retreat Park

9. Fall Asleep on the Shore
If you want to extend your trip a little longer, there are no shortage of great places to spend the night. Check out The Gillespie House, a four-star Victorian style B&B in Parrsborro. It’s a good mid-way point to continue along the Minas Basin the next day. Parrsborro is quickly becoming known as an arts and culture hub. If you spend the night, be sure to take a little stroll to check out the public art. You can also wine and dine yourself at nearby BlackRock Bistro.

If a cottage by the sea is more your style, keep heading to Driftwood Park Retreat, a peaceful, secluded set of cottages right on Advocate Harbour. Read all about our experiences at Driftwood Park Retreat HERE.

Thank you so much to everyone who contributed their favourite places and spaces in Economy, Parrsboro, Advocate Harbour and Joggins.  If you want to add your suggestions for your favourite places to visit in Nova Scotia, like us on facebook and join in the conversation!

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The Local Traveler

Two travellers' tales of finding adventure on the East Coast. This blog is dedicated to the best parts of travel, and to discovering, celebrating and promoting things to do in our corner of the world, and sometimes beyond. We especially love craft beer, day trips, romantic escapes, local food & hidden gems. Join our community on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and share tips and photos of your favourite East Coast adventures.

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