Life in Nova Scotia Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Keith Kucharski, RE/MAX REALTOR®

May 17 No Comments

Nova Scotia Roadside Stands

Author: Keith Kucharski

Visitors and new residents are often surprised and delighted to discover the proliferation of “honour system” Nova Scotia roadside stands or stalls that dot the rural roads of our province. From fruits and vegetables to jellies, salsas to honey or eggs (gotta love those backyard chickens), from seedlings or cut flowers to perennial bulbs, and from baked sweet treats to craggy loaves of sourdough bread, you’ll find it all roadside.

Now that spring is here, tables and coolers are being dragged to the side of the road, and stall doors flung wide to let in the sunshine. Some Nova Scotia roadside stands are elaborate and have active Facebook pages devoted to highlighting what’s in the stand that week, such as the Cake by the Maples in New Germany.

Others are tiny, simple folding tables with a smattering of excess tomato seedlings, surplus vegetables the gardener has grown, or the fruits of their canning efforts.

I’ve seen bushels of tomatoes or apples for sale in utility trailers still attached to tractors, and beat-up coolers or mini fridges full of fresh eggs are common.

Before I moved to Nova Scotia I rarely carried cash, but now there are always small bills in my wallet to ensure I can pick up a gorgeous zucchini or a few gladiolus stems (the glad field I stop at has a roadside stall and an honour system U-Pick field and loaner scissors if you prefer to select your own stems.)

Cash is king – most Nova Scotia roadside stands have a cash box or jar and rely on the goodness of passerbys to leave the cash be, (and for buyers to pay the stated amount). But a few have joined the digital revolution, and accept e-transfers!

What’s the oddest thing you’ve ever seen sold at a Nova Scotia roadside stand? Do you sell anything at the end of your driveway? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

May 14 No Comments

Top 5 Annapolis Valley Garden Centres

Author: Keith Kucharski

Categories: Annapolis Valley,Life in Nova Scotia

Top 5 Garden Centres in the Annapolis Valley

The Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia is known for its fertile farmland, scenic landscapes, and long growing season. For gardening enthusiasts, the area is a veritable paradise (and my favourite garden centre is literally in the community of Paradise).

There are plenty of garden centres to choose from, but I wanted to share my top 5 Annapolis Valley garden centres, each with its unique charm.

Neily’s Greenhouse and Gardens is a quaint greenhouse and market garden located on the old #1 highway halfway between Lawrencetown and Bridgetown in Paradise. They sell a full range of annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, planters, trees, shrubs, fruit trees, berry bushes, and in-season fruits and vegetables. 10139 Hwy #1, Paradise.

Blomidon Nurseries is one of the most popular garden centres in the Annapolis Valley. Located in Wolfville, the nursery has been around for over 50 years and offers a wide variety of plants, including trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals. They also have a selection of garden supplies, such as soil, mulch, and fertilizers. Blomidon is known for its friendly and knowledgeable staff who are always happy to help you find the perfect plants for your garden. 10060 Hwy 1, Wolfville.

Summerland Nursery is a family-owned and operated garden centre in Wilmot. The nursery specializes in perennials and shrubs and has a beautiful display garden where you can see the plants in their full glory. 14608 1, Nova Scotia Trunk 10, Wilmot.

Glad Gardens is a unique garden centre located in Waterville. The nursery specializes in hostas, daylilies, and other shade-loving plants. Glad Gardens has over 300 varieties of hostas, making it one of the largest collections in Atlantic Canada. The garden centre also offers a variety of other plants, including annuals, perennials, and shrubs. 5108 Hwy 1, Waterville.

The Briar Patch is a charming garden centre in New Minas that specializes in roses. The nursery has over 200 varieties of roses, including antique and hard-to-find varieties. The Briar Patch also offers a selection of other plants, such as perennials, annuals, and shrubs. They also have a knowledgeable staff that can help you with all your gardening needs. 4568 Hwy 1 , Berwick, NS.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner, the Annapolis Valley has everything you need to create the garden of your dreams. And be sure to stop in at a Farmers Market or a Frenchy’s while you’re tooling around the Valley!

May 09 No Comments

Community Fundraising Meals in Rural Nova Scotia

Author: Keith Kucharski

Categories: Life in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is a province known for its strong sense of community, and one way we express this, especially in rural Nova Scotia, is through community fundraising meals.

Community fundraising meals are events organized by community members and charitable organizations to raise money for a specific cause or organization. These meals are often held in church basements, community halls, or other public spaces, and involve a hot or cold meal, plus sometimes a raffle or auction, and sometimes even entertainment. They might be weekly, monthly, or more infrequently.

These meals are an important part of Nova Scotia’s culture because they provide a way for community members to come together, socialize, and support each other. Meals are attended by people of all ages, and they provide a way for people to connect with each other and build relationships. They’re part of the appeal of Nova Scotia’s slower pace of life.

If you’d like to make friends in your new community, attending a breakfast, lunch, or supper is a great way to start meeting people. Don’t avoid attending a community meal just because you won’t know anyone. Just go! Strike up a conversation with the person you’re standing in line with, or ask to sit at a table where there’s an open spot and join the conversation.

Another great way is to volunteer! These events are organized by volunteers, and they provide a way for you to get involved and accepted into the community quickly.

Community meals are always cash only, and some will require pre-ordering. Some take Take Away and some are eat in.

If you’re keeping a sharp eye out, you’ll see notices for these meals everywhere. They’ll be on the bulletin board at the gas station, the signage at your local church, on websites like Annapolis Valley Events, in your local community newsletter like the Bridgetown Reader, etc.

Bon Appetit!

Mar 14 No Comments

Frenchys Road Trip

Author: Keith Kucharski

Categories: Annapolis Valley,Life in Nova Scotia,South Shore

Have you taken a Frenchys Road Trip yet? Any serious fan of the used clothing and household goods store has heard that the best locations are in the Valley, and have either done or dreamed of doing the Valley/South Shore loop. If you’re considering a Frenchys Road Trip, here’s what you need to know.

Frenchys or Frenchy’s? There’s a difference.
Edwin Theriault opened the very first Frenchy’s in Meteghan, and his store “inspired” Guy’s Frenchys, which opened its flagship store in Digby in 1972. Today, Guy’s Frenchys stores are larger and better organized, with higher quality modern items. Frenchy’s original stores are less enjoyable a shopping experience for some, but they typically have more vintage and upper-tier designer pieces. In our list of Frenchys locations below, we’ve noted which stores are which, in case you have a preference for which stores you want to stop in on the loop.

Neither store offers returns or exchanges, but most do have change rooms (dedicated thrifters are still holding a grudge about Value Village permanently removing their change rooms during Covid).

All Guy’s Frenchys locations are open weekdays 9 to 9, Saturdays 9 to 5, and Sundays noon to 5, so a Thursday/Friday or Friday/Saturday Frenchys Road Trip is ideal for giving you the most shopping time.

New Minas (Frenchy’s)
927 Commercial Street

Coldbrook (Guy’s)
6931 Highway 1

Berwick (Guy’s)
104 Front Street

Wilmot (Guy’s)
14384 Highway 1

Digby (Guy’s)
343 Conway, Highway 303

Meteghan (Frenchy’s)
2-182 Maxwellton Rd, Meteghan Centre

St. Bernard (Guy’s)
4118 No. 1 Highway

Yarmouth (Guy’s)
10558 Highway 3

Yarmouth (Frenchy’s)
1 Glebe Street

Shelburne (Guy’s)
72 King Street

Liverpool (Guy’s)
344 Main Street

Italy Cross (Frenchy’s)
17198 Fishermen’s Memorial Hwy

Bridgewater (Guy’s)
61 North Street

Frenchys Shopping Etiquette
While more Frenchys locations are offering racked clothing (much easier to browse!), most stores still have some clothing, shoes, and household goods in bins. To ensure you avoid dirty looks from Frenchys pros, here are a few tips:

Pick a spot in front of your chosen bin, then start selecting items and discarding them in an orderly manner.
Don’t toss your discards on someone else’s pile.
Don’t grab items from an area someone else is clearly working through.
If you’re not sure you want it, add it to your basket anyway. You can always change your mind before you check out.
Do inspect items carefully for holes or stains.
Do offer to swap spots with someone working in the same bin if you’re done in your area.

Are you considering moving to the Annapolis Valley for a slower pace of life? Check out MovetotheAnnapolisValley.ca to learn more about the various small towns and communities in the Valley.

Jan 15 No Comments

Nova Scotia’s Slower Pace of Life – What Does That Mean?

Author: Keith Kucharski

Categories: Life in Nova Scotia

Many people move to Nova Scotia to enjoy a slower pace of life. But what does that mean, exactly? People are more relaxed and less rushed in Nova Scotia, for the most part. Which can lead to some culture shock when you’re relying on other people to feel a sense of urgency when it comes to fixing your heat pump, serving you dinner, or other related services.

My wife was born and raised in Nova Scotia, while I was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. And while we visited the east coast often before moving here permanently a few years ago, there were still quite a few things about life in Nova Scotia that I wasn’t expecting, and they’re directly related to the slower pace of life on the east coast.

The Trades

First, tradespeople are in high demand, but that doesn’t mean tradespeople are working lots of overtime and taking on evening and weekend jobs. While some might burn the candle at both ends, it’s much more common for homeowners to find it difficult to get a tradesperson to return your calls, show up at the appointed time (or at all), send the promised quote, or even remember to send an invoice. Tradespeople in Nova Scotia will be prioritizing time with family or enjoying the beautiful outdoors (that may be why you’re moving here too!), and typically aren’t as driven as they are in larger cities.

Open for business (or not?)

There are many small businesses in Nova Scotia, from little consignment stores to independently owned restaurants, and a lot of them are very flexible in their adherence to their hours of operation.

The business hours shown on Google, Facebook, or their website are often incorrect, and many shops will close for bad weather, family plans, or because walk in customers slowed so they closed up early. Don’t leave picking something up until the last minute, and if you’re going out of your way to visit a small business, you’ll get used to calling first to ensure they’ll actually be open!

Winter weather blues

Speaking of closing, if you have school aged children you’ll want to have backup care arranged in advance of winter. Nova Scotia schools close a good deal for bad weather and poor roads. In fact, we lead the country in weather related closures for schools.

Halifax typically has 4.4 snow days a winter on average, with the rural number being even higher. In comparison, schools in Winnipeg have not had a snow day in 30 years! During bad weather, businesses are also quick to close early, open late once the roads have cleared, or just not open at all for the day.

A different kind of party

Another part of Nova Scotia’s slower pace of life is being more connected to the environment. More beach days, more walks in the woods, more time connecting with friends and loved ones, more time for fishing or gardening (and maybe even raising chickens).

If you’re in a rural area, there’s less opportunity to get dressed up and head out for an expensive night of drinking, dinner, dancing, theatre, etc. People are more likely to throw on their flannel jacket and hang out around someone’s rustic camp or head to a kitchen party with a six pack. Rural residents especially don’t typically have access to costly gyms, pricy salons, high end shopping, ritzy private schools, etc.

Still considering a move to Nova Scotia? I can help. Download my free Guide to Buying a Home in Nova Scotia for Out of Province Buyers, or give me a call at (902) 349-1022.

Sep 04 No Comments

Nova Scotia Farmers Markets

Author: Keith Kucharski

Categories: Life in Nova Scotia

Many people move to Nova Scotia hoping for a slower pace of life. One of the things people often want to do is slow down and take the time to prepare fresh fruit, vegetables, and local meat. Shopping at local farmers’ markets where you can talk to and build relationships with the local vendors is a lovely part of living here.

Nova Scotia actually has the most farmers’ markets per capita! There are more than 40 certified Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia located throughout the province. You can use the interactive online map here, download and print one yourself, or ask for a copy at your local Visitor Information Centre.

As a resident of the Annapolis Valley, there are a few farmers’ markets in my usual rotation. The Annapolis Royal Farmers Market, operating outdoors on Saturday mornings throughout the summer and early fall, is a very popular market. The Wolfville Farmers’ Market offers three different experiences: a year-round Saturday market, an online store WFM2GO with twice weekly deliveries, and a Farm and Art Market Store.

There are also a number of smaller, unofficial farmers’ markets happening throughout the province. I sometimes swing by the Macdonald Museum Market in Middleton on Thursday afternoons, which typically has vendors selling a mix of fresh food, locally-made products, and artisan wares.

Want to get your hands dirty? You can always head out to a U-Pick! Check out this list of U-Picks in the Annapolis Valley.

Aug 24 No Comments

Annapolis Valley U-Picks

Author: Keith Kucharski

Categories: Annapolis Valley,Life in Nova Scotia,Moving to Nova Scotia

One of the best things about living in Nova Scotia is the easy access to fresh, local, fruits and vegetables during the summer months. Sometimes though, buying your fresh fruit and veg from the many farm market stands or hundreds and hundreds of end-of-driveway market tables just isn’t enough. If you feel the urge to get out to the fields and pick your own blueberries, strawberries, beans, corn, and more, I’ve compiled a list of my favourite Annapolis Valley U-picks.

Dempsey Corner Orchard in Aylesford is our family’s absolute favourite Annapolis Valley U-Picks. They offer fruits and vegetables including squash, pumpkin, corn, potatoes, carrots, onions, and beets. There’s a small farm-themed playground and petting zoo with goats and other farm animals, and there are often kittens playing about. A bakery, tea room, and retail area are onsite, and during special events, they have scavenger hunts, wagon rides, and more.

Noggins Corner Farm in Greenwich is a mixed farm operation that includes a variety of homegrown fruits and vegetables, a dairy, a bustling year-round farm market, and a corn maze.

Spurr Brothers Farms in Melvern Square, near Kingston offers limited berry U-pick, and a fantastic market store. Check their Facebook page before you go to ensure they’re allowing picking.

Blue Ridge Farms outside Berwick offers blueberry U-pick each August.

Morse’s Farm in Berwick offers strawberry U-pick, and a small market with veggies they’ve picked and packed. Check their Facebook page before you visit.

Kennie’s Farm in North Kentville offers U-pick strawberries, beans, peas, and more.

Vital Berry Farms (also known as My Country Magic or Blueberry Acres) in Centreville offers U-pick berries and tomatoes.

Boates Farm in Woodville offers apple and pear U-pick in the fall. Follow them on Facebook for updates.

Arirang Farm in Port Williams offers no spray blueberry U-picking in August.

Make a day of it – visit a U-Pick and one of these popular Annapolis Valley festivals.

Jul 18 No Comments

Raise a family in Annapolis Valley

Author: Keith Kucharski

Categories: Annapolis Valley,Buying in Nova Scotia,Life in Nova Scotia,Moving to Nova Scotia

Are you thinking of moving to Nova Scotia, and wondering if the Annapolis Valley is a good place to raise a family? In 2017 my wife and I moved to the Annapolis Valley with our then 10, 7, and 6-year-old children, and we’re so happy we did. Here are some of the reasons we love raising our kids in the Annapolis Valley.

Close to nature

We traded in our tiny city suburban backyard for a beach, lake, and forest. But even if you’re moving into one of the towns in the Annapolis Valley, you’ll likely still find nature is much closer than it is where you’re living now. When we lived in Alberta, the closest public beach was a 90-minute drive away, and the ocean was a full province away! Now we spend a lot of spring, summer, and fall hiking and enjoying the hundreds of beaches Nova Scotia has to offer. Because we bought a rural property, we can raise chickens, grow a huge garden, and feel like we’re on vacation as soon as we pull up to the house. The kids get hands-on experience with growing their own food, and their new peer group is also more familiar with this kind of lifestyle. Many of the kids they now socialize with have chickens, barn cats, or horses, and raise animals for food.

A slower pace of life

People often say they want to move to Nova Scotia for a “slower pace of life.” But what does that actually mean? For some, it means enrolling the kids in fewer structured activities and enjoying more leisurely pursuits, such as family board games, fishing, or just spending time together at the waterfront or around a campfire. If you move to a rural part of Nova Scotia to raise a family in the Annapolis Valley, it’s not as easy to access elite-level sports or academics. For instance, many smaller schools don’t offer AP or IB classes in person but do offer them virtually, and clubs like Debate or Coding may not be available at all. Stepping out of the elite level of these pursuits and enjoying them more recreationally might be the right move for your family.

Fewer commercialized activities

There are so many free or inexpensive events and activities in the Annapolis Valley, and the focus is less on attending large-scale, costly events or facilities. When you have to drive an hour to the nearest indoor trampoline park, or 45 minutes to the McDonalds, you just don’t go as often! Instead, you can take in a festival, sign up for a free class with groups like Annapolis Valley Folk School, or visit one of the many beaches, parks, playgrounds, orchards, or farms in the area.

Do you want to learn more about what each of the smaller towns and communities has to offer? Visit my relocation website, MovetotheAnnapolisValley.ca, to find information on places like Berwick, Kingston, Paradise, and more.

Apr 15 No Comments

Raising chickens in Nova Scotia

Author: Keith Kucharski

Categories: Life in Nova Scotia

Is part of your moving to Nova Scotia dream raising chickens for fresh eggs? Walking out to the coop in the morning to pull a fresh egg out from under a happy chicken is a special delight that doesn’t get old (though cleaning the coop in the dead of winter isn’t as pleasant).

Whether you want a tiny coop with two or three hens, or a larger barn with free-range chickens, here are a few things you should know.

Understanding regulations

In most counties, including suburban and rural areas of the Halifax region, a small number of egg-laying hens are allowed. In some counties, you can have roosters too, or chickens in larger numbers.

If you have your heart set on raising backyard chickens in Nova Scotia, make sure they’re permitted in the area you’re considering buying in. I recommend you contact the local municipal office for specific zoning regulations.

Learning how to raise chickens

Spend time researching what chickens need before you start building the coop. There’s a ton of great information on Backyard Chickens, as well as in the Facebook group Maritime Fowl. Understanding what they need in terms of space requirements, how to protect them from weather, what to feed them, and how to care for them if they’re injured is important.

Building a chicken coop

Chicken coops can be small or huge, simple or elaborate. You might want to have a covered run or let them free-range. These decisions are quite personal and will depend on things like how large your property is, how far from the road or house your coop is, and how much you want to spend.

Where to buy chickens in Nova Scotia

You can buy different breeds of chickens from most of the feed stores in the spring. You’ll need to order them in advance, and pick them up on a specific day in a time window.

You can buy chicks (sexed or unsexed), or pullets, which are just older chickens closer to laying age. Chickens can live for 10-12 years, though their egg production slows down as they age. Also, in rural areas, many people raise specific breeds of chicken and you can buy them privately, or attend a poultry sale.

When buying chicks, you will need to raise them with a heat lamp in a brooder box, and give them special attention until they’re a few months old and more hardy.

Raising backyard chickens can be rewarding and fun, especially if you raise them from chicks!

Posts

Category: <span>Life in Nova Scotia</span>

Nova Scotia Roadside Stands

Top 5 Annapolis Valley Garden Centres

Community Fundraising Meals in Rural Nova Scotia

Frenchys Road Trip

Nova Scotia’s Slower Pace of Life – What Does That Mean?

The Trades

Open for business (or not?)

Winter weather blues

A different kind of party

Nova Scotia Farmers Markets

Annapolis Valley U-Picks

Raise a family in Annapolis Valley

Close to nature

A slower pace of life

Fewer commercialized activities

Raising chickens in Nova Scotia

Understanding regulations

Learning how to raise chickens

Building a chicken coop

Where to buy chickens in Nova Scotia