Craft beers, farmers markets, festivals and more! There is plenty to experience in Pictou County. Check out our Top 5 Things To Do in Pictou County This Summer.
#1 Attend a Summer Festival
Summer festivals are huge in Pictou County!
They start early with the Pictou Lobster Carnival, July 5th-7th. This festival has run since 1934 and this year will feature everything from a lobster banding competition to live music from Matt Minglewood, Jimmy Rankin and the Barra MacNeil's. Don't forget the ongoing lobster dinners!
Trenton FunFest happens from July 11th-14th! Register for the slo-pitch tournaments, go to the dances, pancake breakfast, trivia and the concert under the stars. It all concludes with the fireworks grand finale!
Finally, the staple event in Pictou County this summer is the Riverfront Jubilee in New Glasgow. Check out the beer tents and enjoy the full lineup of entertainment and concerts from Sass Jordan, Kim Mitchell, Ria Mae, Wintersleep, Trooper, Big Wreck and much, much more!
#2 Dine Local – East Avenue Dining
We can't get enough of New Glasgow's newest restaurant, East Avenue Dining which opened on June 21st!
Too start, we've tried their PEI Mussels in white wine cream sauce and served with a roll. If you're stopping in for lunch you need to try their Fish Tacos. They're served with blackened haddock, pineapple salsa, avocado, cilantro, chipotle mayo and lettuce on a white tortilla. For the chicken lovers in the group, try the Dirty Bird Sandwich. It comes with marinated grilled chicken, pineapple salsa, BBQ sauce and is served on flat bread. Finally, more seafood! The Battered Haddock is served with gluten free haddock, cabbage slaw and tartar sauce and fries or a spring mix salad.
Those are just the items we've tried. They have a menu for brunch, lunch and dinner.
#3 Check Out This Craft Brewery – Backstage Brewing
Opened a year and a half ago at 37 Bridge Avenue in Stellarton, NS, serving growlers, it has evolved into a full craft brewery and tasting room. They have their own craft beers on tap, plus many from other craft brewers around the province. You need to try their Little Sister IPA. Of the four Backstage brews we sipped on, it was our favourite!
#4 Soak In The Rays at Melmerby Beach
Loacated in Little Harbour, NS, Melmerby Beach is one of the warmest in the province with water temperatures averaging 19 degrees celsius in the summer. Lifeguards are on duty in July and August
Our tip would be, if you want some more privacy and to avoid the crowds, keep driving to the end of the parking lot and enjoy the beach in a quieter atmosphere. Be sure to stay in the flagged, supervised areas, to avoid dangerous currents.
The beach features change houses, flush toilets, salt rinse showers, picnic tables and a boat launch.
#5 Have a Backyard BBQ!
Shop local and pick up some quality meats at The Pork Shop on Westville Road and get ready for your backyard BBQ. For your produce, visit the New Glasgow Farmers Market on Saturdays where you will find many local vendors that sell everything including meats, cheese, vegetables and much more.