Christmas is in 5 days…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 a “gift of an experience”?
There are some great local events coming up or even memberships or 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 Local South Shore Experiences to Give this Year
Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre Membership
Swimming, skating, aquafit, yoga, room rentals and more are yours when you sign up for an annual LCLC membership. The 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!
Think Tank Escape Room
What a unique and fun gift this would be for a family! Think Tank Escape Room opened this year and have been hosting groups of people trying to figure out clues and puzzles to see if they can “escape” before time runs out. They currently have people trying to escape from The Bank and their latest, Oak Island. You can stop in to their location, 14 Dufferin Street, Bridgewater, to pick up a gift certificate (message to see when they are there) or buy tickets online.
Love Mahone Bay- Vow Renewal Ceremony
The Three Churches Foundation & Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre are hosting a Romantic Vow Renewal Event, February 8th and 9th! Say “I DO” all over again or for the very first time.
The rugged South Shore of Nova Scotia, coupled with the charm of the iconic Three Churches of Mahone Bay will provide the setting for the ceremony that confirms your relationship. Whether you are marking a milestone or simply the joy of still being together, join friends and family in a winter wonderland to celebrate your special event in the season of love! You are invited to cozy up to a round of romantic and meaningful festivities.
Choose from a social or a private ceremony package. With a welcome package, dinner and dancing options, corsages and souvenir photographs, everything is taken care of. Make a weekend of it and stay at one of the many beautiful B&B’s, dine in the local restaurants and cafes and spend some time in this charming community.
What a perfect gift for families to give to their parents or grandparents. What a meaningful, memorable gift that would be. A truly unique experience. All the details, including booking information is found here.
Ross Farm Season Pass
Sleigh and wagon rides, pumpkin planting and picking, feeding baby animals and taking nature walks are just some of the things to do at Ross Farm. At Ross Farm Museum they want their visitors to understand the importance of the land in Nova Scotia’s past. They want you to see why they take pride in our rural heritage, and help you discover what life was like on a Nova Scotia family farm during the 1800’s and early 1900’s. The cost for a family admission is $25.00 or you can buy a whole seasons pass for $48.00! Think of the fun weekends you can have visiting the Farm away from screens and technology. Sounds like a visit to the Farm is something we all could benefit from.
Lunenburg School of the Arts Workshop
Lunenburg School of the Arts offers workshops led by professional art educators and working artists. Their small and intimate class sizes allow students to work closely with instructors and each other, fostering self-expression in a supportive atmosphere. Their Winter 2019 program offer classes like Painting the Sea in Oils, Coffee and Clay, Kids and Clay, The Joy of Drawing, Wheel Throwing and more!
Lobster Crawl Craft Beer Festival
On February 9, celebrate the amazing craft beers of Nova Scotia at the Lobster Crawl Craft Beer Festival in Bridgewater. Plans include having over 20 craft breweries/cidery’s, a food truck or two, games and activities and live music! There are 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!
PC Cooking School Classes
Feeling like you’re in a bit of a rut when it comes to cooking? Want to learn some new skills and recipes? PC Cooking School at the Bridgewater Superstore offer three class designs for your enjoyment and preference. Whether demonstrative, Interactive or Hands On, their chefs will guide you through the creation of several flavourful recipes, and provide you with great time-saving tips and techniques sure to help make meal planning and entertaining a little easier and stress free. January classes include Fun with Phyllo, Canadian Winter Comfort Food, and Winter Soups and Stews. What a fun thing to as a date night or with a group of girlfriends! Love this. 
Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival Pass
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!
Ian Sherwood and Luke McMaster at the Astor Theatre
What’s better than the gift of music? Ian Sherwood and Luke McMaster are playing a show at the Astor Theatre in Liverpool, on February 6th, 2019. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Introduction to Cheese Making- Sweetwood Farm
Have you ever wanted to learn how to make cheese? This popular class, being held on Sunday, January 20th, is a fun and informative day at Sweetwood Farm. This foundation class will set you up for making any kind of cheese from any kind of milk, using any kind of procedure and ingredients!
This class is a full day of learning the basics (and more) to making cheese at home. You’ll gather in the 1780s farmhouse kitchen to learn all about making cheese at home. You’ll work with cow’s milk and goat’s milk (and talk about other milks too). You’ll use specialized cheese starter cultures, as well as explore other options for the DIY homesteader. You will make a selection of fresh cheeses (as many as 4 different cheeses) which you will each take home, some to finish in your own special way. You will also share in a semi-formal cheese tasting session with a complimentary cheese board over a potluck lunch. For more information or to purchase tickets, check out their Facebook event page.
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 local “gift of experience” this year. So much to do and enjoy right here on the South Shore!
Have you ever been given a gift of an experience? Tell us about it!
