Mitchell & Alyssa's stompin' grounds!

Chester is a pretty small village most of the year, but we have a big summer population. You will be visiting during a perfect time of year - things are just starting to wind down but everything is still open for the season! We recommend checking out one of the local cafes and then the shops and waterfront for a relaxing morning. Sunset is also a special time in Chester!

The Sensea Nordic Spa is also in the Chester area. If you plan to try to head there, booking in advance is a must! They open online booking for the month a few weeks in advance, so keep checking back.

Food in Chester:

Cafes: Kiwi Cafe & The Jib are our go-to options for coffee/tea, pastries, or brunch!

Restaurants: The Fo'c'sle Tavern is Nova Scotia's oldest pub & a good stand-by. We also love Il Ferramenta for a 'fancy' pizza date and the BEST tiramisu hands down! Maritime Hook is a great take-out spot if you are looking for something quick and has fantastic fish and chips & Filipino food! A bit outside of Chester, you will also find Seaside Shanty and The Gold Bean - Both are staples in our household!

Other: Tanner & Co Brewing is right beside Il Ferramenta and they let you bring pizza over to enjoy with your beer!

We hate food - can you tell?

Enjoy a stroll along the Lunenburg waterfront with an ice cream cone or maybe a brisket sandwich...depending on how you roll! The Bluenose II may be in port, but if not - you can hold up a dime to get the idea ;)

Then head over to the Fisheries Museum if you are feelin' educational, or to a patio if you prefer to soak up the sun and a few drinks!

Food in Lunenburg:

Cafes: No. 9 Coffee Bar is a great option and often has some specialty options too (gluten-free, vegan, etc.). The Savvy Sailor Cafe is a very popular breakfast spot as well.

Restaurants: Saltshaker Deli is one of our favs for sure! They have a good selection of food and drinks and a very good view from the patio. Beach Pea right next door is also great if you are looking for something that feels a little fancier! If you are looking for something decidedly NOT fancy, but delicious all the same - Smoke Pit BBQ may be your spot (bangin' brisket sandwich and tacos)!

Other: Just across the harbour is Lightship Brewery's patio/beer garden which often has some fun bands, trivia, or other events going on too!

If you're going to Lunenburg, you really also need to check out Mahone Bay! There are tons of fun shops, Saltbox Brewing, and many tasty restaurants (deets under the "Local Food" tab).

Annapolis Valley Day Trip: Start your journey with a trip to Bedard Bakery in Windsor for the BEST croissants, bread, and other treats. If it is a weekend, make sure you get there before around 11am for the best selection (they are very popular for good reason!). You can grab a coffee or a bigger breakfast at Gerrish and Grey Cafe next door. Head for Wolfville and make a stop at the farmer's market, check out some shopping, or go for a hike on the way! If you happen to want a few drinks (and have a trusty DD!) check out one of the many local wineries (or hop on a "Magic Winery Bus" tour), the fabulous Barrelling Tide distillery (Port Williams), or the Maritime Express Cider Co (Kentville). Enjoy a tasty lunch in Wolfville or Kentville before heading back!

South Shore Day Trip: If white sand beaches are more your thing, head down to the South Shore for the day! If you are up for a bigger day of driving and exploring, we recommend setting out with the ultimate destination of Shelburne. Pack some snacks and water and grab a quick breakfast at a local cafe (or perhaps a Timmy Ho's...) before you hit the road. If you want to break up the drive a bit, plan a quick stop in Port Medway or Liverpool. Continue on to the Keji National Park Seaside for a morning hike. The shorter beach-view (in/out hike) is just over 5km return, and leads to some great ocean views so bring your binoculars if you want to check out some birds or seals chillin' on the rocks! Once you are done here, you will probably be feeling snacky, so head over to Shelburne to Boxing Rock Brewery or the local fav "Mr Fish" for a tasty lunch before starting the big journey home...Maybe making a stop at Carter's Beach or Summerville Beach on your way!