10 Local South Shore “Experiences” to Give This Year – 2019

Christmas is only a week away…how are you doing? Got everything wrapped up, under the tree, sipping on an eggnog latte? I didn’t think so. Do the thoughts of hitting the mall make you feel woozy and faint… or maybe that’s just my husband who gets like that anytime he is near a mall in December? Do you have people on your list who always say they don’t need anything? Then how about giving the gift of South Shore experiences?

There are some great local events coming up or even memberships and classes, which is a gift that keeps giving all year! Better for the environment…perfect for the minimalist …for the difficult to buy for….or just about anyone you love and appreciate, why not surprise them with a special local South Shore experience this year.

10 South Shore Experiences to Give this Christmas

Nova Scotia Museum Season Pass

Ross Farm Museum

The Nova Scotia Museum Pass grants you access to nine different museums along the South Shore, and others across the province. Take a day trip, or two, to museums including Ross Farm Museum, The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, The Dory Shop Museum, Barrington Woolen Museum and the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre and more. A great way to spend time with family and learn a little bit about the incredible place that we live.

Lobster Season Surfing Lessons at White Point

Back by popular demand, and part of Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl, why not give the gift of Winter Surf Lessons? Anyone can enjoy a surfing lesson in the summer, but White Point Beach Resort invites you to give it a try in winter during lobster season and become one with the lobsters. Join East Coast Surf School for a two hour lesson and perhaps discover a new winter activity! What a unique experience to give.

A Day at the Spa

There are not many who wouldn’t enjoy receiving a day of pampering for Christmas. The South Shore has a number of wonderful spas including Cocoa Organic Spa & Boutique in Mahone Bay, Spa at Ninety4 in Lunenburg, the Ocean Spa at White Point Beach Resort and Kindred Spirits Holistic Centre in Bridgewater. Whether you choose a specific service like a mani-pedi, facial or therapeutic massage or decide on a gift certificate allowing them the choice, it is a gift that will be appreciated.

Lunch at Allen’s live at the Astor Theatre

Not only would tickets to Lunch at Allen’s at the Astor Theatre be a local experience, but a Canadian one as well. Lunch at Allen’s is Murray McLauchlan, Cindy Church, Marc Jordan and Ian Thomas. As individuals, they have written for or sung on over 25,000,000 cd’s. These artist have come together to form Lunch At Allen’s. They are Canadian song writing royalty who will take you on a journey with humour and stories playing there familiar hits and new songs as well to create an evening of music for the heart and music for your soul. Tickets are $55 and available via TicketPro.

Lunenburg School of Arts Workshops

Do you have someone on your list that likes to dabble in the arts? The Lunenburg School of Arts hosts a number of interesting workshops, for kids and adults, throughout the year. Winter 2020 sessions include painting with acrylics, working with clay, bowl making, a kids and clay program and more. Not sure which class they may enjoy the most, gift certificates are also available.

A stay at the Mersey River Chalets & Nature Retreat

This Christmas why not give the gift of a romantic weekend for two in a rustic chalet along the river, or a fun filled family get-away with all kinds of outdoor activities for everyone. If this sounds good to you, look no farther than Mersey River Chalets and Nature Retreat. The grounds of Mersey River Chalets lie amidst a dream-like landscape, of woods, lake and river on the peninsula of Nova Scotia. With a love for the earth and a vision of a wilderness experience accessible for all people, Mersey River Chalets offers a number of packages , year round, which will allow you to to do as much or as little as you want.

Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre Membership Pass

Swimming, skating, aquafit, elderfit, yoga, room rentals and more are yours when you sign up for an annual LCLC membershipThe Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre has swimming or skating only memberships as well as the annual all-inclusive membership which comes with some extra perks. Separate pricing exists for individuals, couples, seniors and youth as well as family memberships. This is a gift that keeps giving and is also a gift of active living…what a great way to start the new year!

Fondue & Wine Pairing Evening

A fun and tasty evening out with your better half or best pal. Wine Demystified & The Teazer have paired up to bring you a feast of Fondues & Wine Pairings. Join sommelier Manfred Vollmer and indulge in the tasting three different fondues with wine pairings including Lobster & Bourguignon Fondue, Cheese Fondue & a Chocolate Fondue too! Learn how to prepare your own fondue party and wow relive the experience. think I need to add this to my wish-list!

Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival Passes

What’s better than having something to look forward to? This gift will have them dreaming of summer….Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival is a small town festival with a big reputation! Each year, music lovers flock to this distinct UNESCO World Heritage town for the best of Folk music and a healthy dose of fun. They are the longest running music festival in Nova Scotia and one of the oldest in Canada. This all-ages event takes place over four days in early August and offers something for everyone. Perfect gift for the music lovers on your list! Festival passes are on sale now for $135 (reg $175), give the gift of music this Christmas.

Lobster Crawl Craft Beer Festival

On February 15, celebrate the amazing craft beers of Nova Scotia at the Lobster Crawl Craft Beer Festival. With the growth growth seen in the industry and the superior product that is being produced, we are excited to see what the breweries will have in store for us. Plans include having over 20 craft breweries/cidery’s, a food truck or two, games and activities and live music! Tickets are available online now, you can choose between VIP and General tickets and even a Designated Driver Ticket, which includes soft drink tokens and a VIP gift. A perfect gift for those crafty beer lovers on your list!

There are many positives that come from giving experiences, including the happiness one gets from just anticipating the event. A zero-waste, experience gift, works for almost anyone on your list this year. I hope this helps if you are considering giving a South Shore experiences gift this year. So much to do and enjoy right here at home!

Have you ever been given a gift of an experience? Tell us about it!

About Jennifer

Jennifer Naugler is the owner of Simple Local Life Media. When she's not working, she enjoys cooking, gardening, visiting farm markets and thrift stores and spending time with her family. Coffee is life.