In With The New
New Valley Businesses to Watch
By Genevieve Allen Hearn
As leaves fall from the trees, locally owned businesses seem to be budding around every corner in the Annapolis Valley. Here are a selection of businesses that have opened in the past month.
The Core by Bad Apple Brewhouse – Wolfville
Getting your hands on Bad Apple products just got a lot easier! Folks have been picking up growlers and cans at Bad Apple Brewhouse’s location in Somerset for years, but now bottle rockets (returnable 2 litre plastic bottles) and cans are available at their retail location in Wolfville. Customers can also sit and enjoy a pint or flight in the cozy taproom. The Core is located at 3 Elm Avenue in Wolfville, and is open from 12:00pm to 8:00pm Tuesday – Sunday.
Maritime Express Cider Co. – Kentville
The Annapolis Valley region has a burgeoning cider industry, and Maritime Express Cider Co. is the newest kid on the block. The cidery and taproom opened their doors in the historic Cornwallis Inn on October 23, and will be holding a grand opening event on November 17. The taproom offers Maritime Express Cider Co.’s dry, sweet, and rhubarb cider, as well as a selection of craft beers and ciders from across the Maritimes. Customers can enjoy a pint or a flight, as well as loads of atmosphere in the beautifully restored space. Hours are 11am – 9pm Monday to Thursday, 11am – 11pm Friday – Saturday, and 11am – 5pm on Sunday.
Freedom Miniatures – Kentville
Whether you are a miniature enthusiast or not, this place is worth checking out! Owner Shelley Acker creates miniature dioramas, and these pieces take time to fully appreciate. The amount of detail, down to the covers on each individual book sitting on the bookshelves, is astounding. In addition to Shelley’s own work on display, Shelley sells nearly empty miniature rooms, as well as miniature furniture and fixtures for those who would like to try their own hand at creating tiny worlds. Drop by the workshop and retail location at 45 Webster Street in Kentville, 10am – 5pm Wednesday to Friday, or by appointment.
LIV Fashion Boutique – Kentville
Kentville just got a little more stylish! LIV Fashion Boutique, previously located in Wolfville, is now located at 294 Main Street in Kentville. They offer “trendy clothing for everyday living†and this Grapevine writer might have already bought two quintessential, cozy fall sweaters – both for under $60 each. Their printed socks and beautiful scarves are perfect for stocking stuffers… just saying! Visit LIV Fashion Boutique 10am – 5pm Monday to Friday.
Breakout 902 Escape Room – Coldbrook
OK, we know this escape room has been around since July, but there’s still many of you who need to try your riddle solving skills! Breakout 902 is located in Coldbrook, where 4–8 players have 60 minutes to solve a series of puzzles and riddles to escape a room. Currently there are two situations to choose from: a Bank Heist and Aunt Edna’s Condo. Participants are locked in the room, and it is a race against the clock to find clues and work as a team to either crack the safe or find information about an inheritance. Book an appointment by visiting 902escaperooms.com.
The LumberYard Axe Throwing – Greenwood
Plaid shirts and beards are not mandatory, but highly recommended for an exhilarating night of throwing axes! The LumberYard Axe Throwing opened in Greenwood on October 9, and offers four targets that can accommodate both walk-ins and group events. The entire facility can also be booked for private events, and the venue has a selection of local beer and cider on tap. Located at 1109 Argus Drive, the hours are 4pm – 10pm Tuesday to Thursday, 4pm – 11pm Friday, 2pm – 11pm Saturday, and 1pm – 8pm on Sunday. Visit lumberyardaxe.ca to book an appointment.
Bistro 300 Coffee House – Middleton
The closing of Pasta Jax in Middleton left many upset. But a sandwich and a latte at the new Bistro 300 Coffee House can certainly help lift our spirits! The bright, cozy coffee shop opened mid-October and has already been a local hit. They offer coffee and tea from North Mountain Fine Coffees, speciality coffees (rumor has it, they have a great chai latte!), gourmet sandwiches (all between $6 – $6.50), daily homemade soups, salads, bagels and a delectable selection of baked goods. Visit the new coffee shop at 300 Main Street in Middleton, 6:30am – 7pm Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm on Saturday, and 9am – 3pm on Sunday.
Have a locally owned business you’d like to feature? Contact info@grapevinepublishing.ca
