The N.S. Tourist Board use to publish a booklet called "Gourment eating in N.S." (I think that was the title.) Some of the restaurants look like truck stops or diners but the food is great. Someone told me the best place to get Digby scallops was at the Irving Oil gas station on the way into town!! Should you attend the Apple Blossom Festival? I think most of the activites would appeal mostly to the local people as each town in The Valley usually has an event. There is a website http://www.appleblossom.com/ that you can check for further info.

Enjoylife, sorry to hear you won't make it to CB this trip. I'm just throwing this in as many people tend to focus solely on the Cabot Trail when talking about the island. Keep in mind that if you ever do come there is much much more than just driving on the Cabot Trail. Take in the culture that makes the island so special. Go to a real ceilidh where locals will pull you through the steps. Stop in at a pub for live traditional music and meet some locals. Do a sailing tour on the Bras d'Or Lakes and see Alexander Graham Bell's house and burial ground (from the water); go to the Fortress of Louisburg, the largest historical reconstruction in North America, and then do some of the meandering seaside walks near the small working fishing villages in the area; sample whisky at the only singe malt distillery in NA; visit the Gaelic College, also the only one in NA; enjoy the Acadian culture in Cheticamp and Arichat; kayak, hike, whale watch.... There is so much that makes Cape Breton special, if you ever do get here don't limit yourself to just driving on one of the trails! Wow has a good point - come at a time when you are sure everything is in season. And as for your question, yes, I think you should take in the Apple Blossom Festival while on this trip! Enjoy Nova Scotia!

ttt.
What is a good map for this trip? I was unable to get a rental car w/ gps.

Hi, one thing about Nova Scotia, YOU go where the roads and map say you have to go. It isn't like a huge city with a perfect "grid" and a trillion different path combinations you could take.

Many of the highways take their sweet time and are the only logical paths on your way. Finally, with water all around, the natural boundaries sorta keep you from becoming terribly lost.

I'm trying to say that even a broad map such as Rand McNally's

"Atlantic Canada" edition

(which covers New Brunswick, PEI, and Newfoundland) gives enough detail so that you wouldn't have significant problems.

Sometimes the FOG can get so thick that you can barely see the map in front of your eyes.

The small overview map of Halifax (on that Rand McNally issue that I mentioned) is perhaps detailed enough so that you won't have any trouble.

Furthermore, if you get to NS and have the strong sense you wish to return, you'll want to have the whole region on a map, and not JUST "NS".

Thanks for all the advice. Still wondering about must buys and must eats?

Only 4 more days & you'll be in Nova Scotia!;;) Can't help you w/ the "must buys" "must eats" but I will remind you to check the weather forecast! Today it is struggling to get up to 50 degrees in Sydney, NS. It's been very cold & rainy. They even had snow not too long ago! So, be prepared.
Please post back upon your return & have a great trip!

In Lunenburg, if you want a restaurant with a chef that trained in Michelin-starred places in Lyon, go to Fleur de Sel. If you want funky, low-moderate price, great food, and a two-hour wait, go to Magnolia's. If fish, the Old Fish Factory Restaurant in the Museum of the Atlantic bldg. Knot Pub has great pan fried haddock. The Lunenburg Arms restaurant, Risser's, is also very good as is the Innlet Cafe in Mahone Bay. All these are a reasonable or better walk from Greybeard's. Enjoy my town!

Hi enjoylife!

It has been very cool and rainy/windy here. I have been reading all the responses to your original query and boy! they have you making the rounds! Glad you have some places booked now...
I wanted to tell you the the lobster place is called SHATFORDS, it is near Hubbards. Another great place to see work of local artisans is "La Maison d'Art" between Head of St. Margarets Bay and Boutiliers Point. (on Highway 3 between Halifax and Chester.) Many neat things to see. It is probably just open on weekends right now. In Halifax there is a place called "Bogside" in the Hydrostone Market (Young Street) which has wonderful work. It recently won an award. It would be open every day, as it is in the city. Jennifers of Nova Scotia on Spring Garden Road is also nice. Chester and Mahone Bay both have a number of shops, but check "open hours" because it is still the off season for many. For fine art, check out Steven Rhude Fine Art in Lunenburg or www.stevenrhudefineart.com

Have a great trip and bring a jacket :)

When in Nova Scotia it is always interesting to see if McDonald's is serving the "McLobster Sandwich", which certainly isn't something they sell in Laredo, Texas or the like.

Hope your trip is grand!

NWM, I forgot about that McLobster Sandwich! Definitely a "must eats"!

My husband and I are going to Nova Scotia in JUly and staying at Milford House south of Annapolis Royal. Since we have only 6 days, what should we tour and focus on so that we have a nice trip with a minimum of driving while there. We take walks, not hikes, enjoy shopping, scenic drives, and nice restaurants, although we will eat as much as possible at Milford House since our food is included in the daily cost.

Hello,Marybethp! You will get a much more complete response if you start a new post for your question w/ a focus on the area that you will be visiting.