A Stroll Through the Mahone Bay Scarecrow Festival

 

 The Mahone Bay Scarecrow festival in Nova Scotia usually takes place at the end of September with a few different fun activities and then the scarecrows are left up for a while after.

 

You get quite the selection to view as you stroll through town. The town also isn't very large so the smaller kids can go and enjoy it as well without getting too tired.

 

There are also no steep hills like Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, which is only a short drive away. Maybe ten minutes.

 

You may even see some characters you know join in on the fun.

 

There are little shops along the main street to enjoy as well.

 

Some displays can go large and incorporate other areas of Nova Scotia.

 

For instance the treasure of Oak Island was found by these guys.

 

 This witch greets you while hanging outside this shop.

 

Who knew Cruella got in on the action.

 

Even some animal representation along some yards.

 

The royals stopped in for a visit too.

 

Sometimes pumpkins just want to be a head.

 

 Birds also seem to flock to the Mahone Bay area.

 

 I guess he just wants to block you from jumping in the water.

 

You'll even be met by some on your way in and out of town.

Verdict on the Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia Scarecrow Festival

If you want to have a fun day on the weekend and take in some scarecrows it is a great place to go. Gets the kiddos hyped for Halloween, as if they need that, and you can take it some activities as well. Be prepared to walk though as parking is limited, especially with lots of people there for the festival itself. You will find easier parking if you are just going afterwards. But, as said, it isn't a big town, so even the little ones can walk most of it with ease.

Go and take in the scarecrows if you have never been. I wouldn't necessarily recommend going back year after year, unless you are going during when the activities happen, as I've found they use the same scarecrows many years in a row. Once you've seen them a few times, you've seen them.

Overall a fun family outing that should be explored in Mahone Bay at least once.

We All Do Summerville Beach in Nova Scotia

 

 

 If you are looking for a good beach in Nova Scotia, Summerville beach along the south shore of the province is a fine choice. Not only does it have the sun and sand of many other beaches, but it also has a bridge.

 

Have you ever heard the saying "if everyone else jumped off a bridge would you do it too?"

Well now you can say you jumped off a bridge. If that is your thing and if it is high tide and if you aren't afraid of any potential consequences. Mainly, you know, bodily harm. Jump at your own risk. 1000s have and are alive to tell the tale. Me included.

 

The water is also usually very clear. It is almost never that warm, but it is clear.

 

And you can go all year around with kids, dogs, or just by yourself. The out of season times there aren't as many around, so if your dog is reactive then they may like that more.

 

You can run along the water and even check out around the bridge. The dogs don't care, but the kids may like seeing if there are any crabs there, which there are sometimes. 

But doesn't it look calm? Where are the waves? Another perk of this beach. You get the best of both worlds.

At the far end is the section with the bridge. There it is farther away from the ocean. So if you fear your kids getting sucked out, sharks, or what have you, it is a nice perk.

 

An easily to travel boardwalk will get you to the the waves if you like. Whether dogs drag you or...

 

You just want to walk it yourself.

 

If you go to the right once there, you get this view of the bridge. There isn't much water at low tide, so use common sense and don't ever jump during this time.

 

The beach stretches on pretty far and it is almost never super crowded.

 

If you want you can even carefully cross the bridge to the shore on the other side. It is more sandy than rocky though. Here is a shot of underneath. It has seen better days.

 

While the dogs always like the waves, they seem to head here mostly every time. So we may get quite a few shots around the bridge.

 

They do find it fun to venture into the waves though. Whether that be alone or...

 

Together as they run about. Just be sure and watch for the jellyfish when they are out. There can be plenty on the beach like most others.

 

And if you want to stay close to it or just get something to eat, the Quarterdeck Resort is nearby. 

 

Maybe not nearby if you are this far away. As you can see the beach stretches on quite a ways.

 

 

You can easily relax and find a little spot to build sand castles too.

 

Or if you really want to have some fun, you can pick up the kiddos and chuck them in the water.

 

Everybody's verdict of Summerville Beach in Summerville, Nova Scotia

 

 The dogs love it. They get to explore the beach, swim in the waves and the calm water, and best of all the path to it is filled with vegetation if you go to the far end parking lot. So they can pee on everything on the way there. 

The kids love it too. There is plenty of space to dig holes. It is safer at the end with the bridge. Of course you still have to practice water safety. You can search for crabs by the bridge. And maybe even play with other kids that show up.

It is one of my favourite beaches due to the fact of the calm water. I'm not worrying that the kids or dogs will get sucked out by a waves. The undertow isn't bad at all at Summerville Beach, so I've found and been told by surfers, but I like to stay cautious. There they can have fun and actually swim without having to go out in the ocean waves. Plus, I've found there to be less jellyfish on that side of the beach.

 

They also have old wooden outhouse type bathrooms there. Along with some wooden shack change rooms. Nothing to get the sand off, but a shower can take care of that when you get back. One drawback is sometimes it can smell fishy I've heard. I've never noticed it, but just be aware.

So if you are looking for a Nova Scotia beach, Summerville Beach along the south shore of Nova Scotia is the place to be. The food at the Quarterdeck I'm told is good, little pricey, and the rooms I'm told are very nice as well. Price point was only complaint I've heard. But that depends on beach view and other aspects I'm sure.

 Overall, whether you are driving, staying nearby, at the Quarterdeck, or just walking by, Summerville beach is one the dogs, kids, you, and the rest of the family should enjoy.