#3

We can't narrow it down to just one for this blog....beaches! We've been to a lot over the past few years but we have our favorites. So I am going to list our 3 favorites, and a couple Honorable Mentions, lol.

1. Sand Dollar Beach-located in Rose Bay, about 20 minutes outside of Bridgewater. I know most people like Rissers, but we LOVE this beach! Only the locals seem to know about it, it is one of those well hidden secrets down around that way. When the tide is going out, hundreds of sand dollars are left behind on the shore. The kids love discovering all these cool treasures and walking in the tidal pools. Nearby is a nesting area for pipers and plovers, they can put on quite the concert if you happen to be there at the right moment. Don't be surprised if you see a few wandering the beach near the water's edge. The water is so warm, like bathtub warm, so it is great for swimming. This is our favorite, hands down!

2. Mavaillette Beach-located down around Clare and about 3o minutes before Yarmouth. It is a provincial park. It is a nice sandy beach, lots of room even on busy days. This is our favorite for "riding the waves". The water can be cool depending on the day (but so can Rissers), but that never seems to deter the kids. We have spent entire afternoons there, boogey boarding and wave jumping. Love it!

3. Port Maitland Beach-it is a looooonnnnng drive to get there, past Yarmouth....but boy is it worth it! Another beautiful sandy beach with picnic tables and miles and miles to explore. Also great for surfing/boogey boarding. The only downside is that the weather can change so quickly in that area, that you may leave Greenwood in the sunshine, arrive there in the fog, then have the sun come out again after an hour. I found the water at Mavaillette tends to be colder though.

Honorable Mentions:

Carters Beach-located in Port Mouton. There are three gorgeous horse shoe shaped, white sand beaches. The water is turquoise so it looks like you're somewhere tropical. It is a popular spot with locals and tourists both. But don't let the white sand and turquoise water fool you!! It is gorgeous to see but boy is it freezing!! We were there once during a warm snap, but the last couple of times we went, the water was frigid...brrr! The kids played in the water for a while, which I just don't get, but I hung out on the beach. There are small streams and pools flowing into the main parts of the beach that are slightly warmer, but not much! Definitely nice though if you just want a picnic or to go for a walk on the beach. Worth stopping at if you are going to see the Seaside Adjunct. (I blogged about that last month, another place one should plan to visit!)

Clam Harbour Beach-located in (you guessed it), Clam Harbour. Every summer there is a sandcastle building competition. It is fantastic!! It draws a very large crowd but it is worth it to see all the amazing creations. It is also a gorgeous beach that goes on for miles too. There are sandpools and "rivers" that have a strong enough current to carry you on your boogie board, across the beach and into the water. Depending on the day, the water can be quite warm there, almost tropical.