I love wine. That's why, when my sister suggested that we take a trip to Malagash to visit Jost Vineyards, I got excited. I've heard great things about visiting this winery, especially in the summer when they let you stomp grapes in a barrel. In April though, this visit would be purely sampling wine and visiting their showroom and gift shop. Fine by me. 
Back to Jost, since moving to Nova Scotia from Germany in 1970, Hans Jost and his family have been gaining a lot of success. In 1999, Jost's Vidal Icewine received accolades at the All-Canadian Wine Championships as Canada's Wine of the Year. Jost Vineyards was the first winner outside of Ontario and British Columbia since the competition began 20 years earlier. Also, in 1999, the Vidal Icewine won the Andy Brandt Trophy for Best Dessert Wine. 
My last post was about a day trip to the village of Tatamagouche. From holding adorable baby bunny rabbits at the farmer's market to an impulse purchase of earrings at Holly's Jazz and Jewels later, my sister and I stepped into The Chowder House for a quick bite. Judging by the lunch crowd, we thought for sure we'd be in for a long wait but were pleasantly surprised with efficient service.
Before leaving town and onto our next stop, we took a quick jaunt into The Raven Gallery. At the front door we were met by owner/director Sharon McKenna who hurriedly hung up the phone to welcome us. The collection of local art was impressive and Sharon spoke with passion about how, after 6 years of opening the gallery, she is proud to say that 95% of the art on her shelves and walls is from Nova Scotian artists. In fact, Sharon likes to concentrate on works from artisans from the three counties of Pictou, Cumberland and Colchester.
Also impressive was the wall of "Young Artists" who are given prime space near the front of her store. This demonstrates how serious Sharon is about teaching art to budding artists. She said how, as a dyslexic student, her teachers encouraged young Sharon to use art as a way to learn and express herself. As a result of her artistic expressions, Sharon gained a scholarship and formally studied art thanks to resourceful educators. Now, this national award winning artist and book illustrator wants young 
Last weekend, my sister and I decided to take a road trip. Even though we had a day jam-packed full of errands, we wanted to venture along the North Shore and brake for whatever caught our eye. My daughter groaned and reluctantly agreed to come with us.
We entered "Creamery Square", a new heritage development, that houses an interactive heritage centre (re-opening summer of 2009) and the weekly Farmer's Market. Once inside one of the big red buildings, you were greeted by tables of homemade soaps, jewelery, fresh baked pies, meats, clothing and the most enormous brownies I've ever seen. I was told that a local woman combines cake and brownie recipes. As with many Farmer's Markets across Canada, it is a regular meeting place for locals and a place to stock up on tested-til-perfect food items.
After my daughter drew a picture at the kids art table (they gave a prize to each young artist), my sister noticed bunny rabbits near the front entrance. The owner had black, white, and brown bunnies for children to hold gently and pose for a picture. Instantly, what my daughter was convinced would be a boring day, turned into an awesome one.
