Vacation Tips: Nova Scotia's hidden gems - Bear River

This village located just 15 kilometers from Digby and just over 2 hours from Halifax has that something special that you can't quite point out. It's not just that their Main Street continues right across the river and the river never stopped them from building anyway, or even the tidal effect of this river. It is the people that make this little village so special. Leave the big city pace behind and come with a open mind. The beautiful artwork made here and the memorable conversations you might just find yourself involved in will amaze your senses.

Start by spending some time in the village: enjoy the views across the river, the friendly locals and the eclectic little stores. Then stop in at the Bear River Cafe just to overload your senses - they serve a fantastic cherry pie (and all kinds of other wonderful food that will tinkle your tastebuds).

Once you've had your fill in town continue down Clementsvale Road to pay a visit to either one (or both) of the wineries. You will see the signs directing you to Bear River Vineyards and Annapolis Highland Vineyards. Both of these wineries offer some wonderful wines that would go very well with a nice seafood supper or a nice steak, both have won awards for good reason. The tours offered are far more personal than some of the huge wineries (hint: Bear River Vineyards is for sale!) you can find elsewhere and you might just find yourself an hour or so later still sipping wine trying to decide which one you should get.

After all this there is still more: the Bear River First Nation Cultural Center. This center opens June 9th for the 2010 season and offers a rare glimpse into the fascinating Mi'kmaq culture and long history. You will leave with some different views and insights that will give you something to think about.

The artist studios in and around Bear River are open to visitors and worth a stop, all of them simply love what they do and love sharing their passion. You can simply take a pick, there is something for everyone. If you have any doubts or can't decide just ask at the Flight of Fancy art gallery right on the bridge, they are sure to give you some great advice. Actually talking to the artists and watching them at work in their own space: you might just walk away with a beautiful piece that will bring back great memories every time you look at it.

To give you some more info on the Flight of Fancy: this is one of those truly mesmerizing spots on this planet, created by an inspired soul. The variety of artists (somewhere around the 200 mark) and the owner's own artist studio right upstairs (and open for you to visit) are just a few of the more tangible points that make this place so special. Todays world doesn't always allow for truly connecting with each other or taking your time to soak something in. Bear River to me is the ultimate representation of these things, there is always time for that friendly chat or enjoying the view over the river while enjoying an ice cream. The Flight of Fancy to me is the ultimate representation of human connections and making all the running around seem pointless. The artwork on display represents something more than just something pretty to look at: it represents something very real and comforting that I just can't quite grasp. All I know is that Bear River has that something special that makes me want to come back time and time again.

Bear River on Mapquest: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Bear+River&state=NS&country=CA&latitude=44.573399&longitude=-65.651061&geocode=CITY