Nova Scotia Road Trip: Antigonish County
In need of long-weekend plans?
Satisfy your taste for adventure by exploring the amazing food, drink and coastal views that Antigonish County has to offer. Although the Lighthouse Route (Sunrise Trail, route 337) may be considered the road less traveled, to locals it’s the perfect route to spend the day exploring. Follow along with us as we travel Antigonish County and get inspired for your next road trip.
Stop one: Snow Queen
Home of the all-day breakfast, the Snow Queen on James Street is the perfect place to start your day. Serving locals and visitors alike since 1962 they work hand in hand with local farmers and producers to offer the freshest ingredients possible. Try adding an old fashioned milkshake to your order, or a stack of fluffy buttermilk pancakes, to take your breakfast to the next level.
Stop two: Main Street Cafe and Lounge
Stop in to the Main Street Cafe and Lounge to pick up coffee and one of their gourmet sandwiches before you hit the Lighthouse Route. They have everything from Black Forest ham and brie paninis to crisp veggie wraps on their menu. There are gluten free options and lots of yummy sides to choose from too!
Stop three: Lighthouse Route
Now it’s time to find the perfect picnic spot! Explore the Lighthouse Route while you take in breathtaking views along it’s seemingly endless coast. Stop by one of the many active fishing coves, take a swim if weather permits, discover a new hiking trail or learn about the community’s local history.
A few options include Mahoney’s Beach, Ballantyne’s Cove & Beach, and the Cape George Point Lighthouse.
Stop four: Steinhart Distillery
After a busy morning its time to find something cool and refreshing at Steinhart Distillery! Learn about the distilling process by taking a tour from one of their knowledgeable staff. Grab a cocktail or beer to pair with a tasty treat from the Schnitzel Shack as you relax on the deck. And don’t forget to take something home for later, although we wish you luck choosing from their incredible selection!
Stop five: Knoydart Cheese House & Farm
The salty air of the Northumberland Straight adds something special to the the grassy fields grazed by Knoydart Cheese House & Farm’s free range dairy cows. Inside the cheese house you will find a selection of locally flavoured organic cheddar cheese and cheese curds made by the Hunter family.
Stop six: The Townhouse Brewpub & Eatery
If you’re looking for craft brews paired with a comforting meal for supper, the Townhouse Brew Pub and Eatery is the place to be. This cozy, neighborhood restaurant serves up old-world and globally inspired rustic pub food. Everything is homemade – even the pickles, chutneys, pâté and breads featured on their menu. They even serve their own cask conditioned, hand-pumped, British style bitter ale on tap!
Stop seven: Gabrieau’s Bistro
You can’t forget dessert! Experience world class cuisine in the heart of Antigonish at Gabrieau’s Bistro. Chef Mark Gabrieau and his culinary team offer a selection of decadent desserts and specialty coffees, as part of their extensive menu, that are sure to satisfy any sweet-tooth.
Bonus! “The Original” Mr. Donair Tony’s Meats Donair Dip
After a long day adventuring Antigonish county, this is the perfect dip to come home to. Although Tony’s Meats doesn’t have a storefront, you can conveniently pick up their mouth watering donair meat and creamy donair sauce from your local grocery store. Whip up this easy dip recipe using some of the fresh Knoydart cheese you purchased earlier in the day!
Ingredients
| 1 package (8 oz) | cream cheese |
| 1 cup | shredded cheddar cheese |
| 1 package (250 ml pouch) | “The Original” ™️ Mr. Donair sauce |
| 1 package (225 g) | “The Original” ™️ Mr. Donair meat |
| 1/2 | medium white onion |
| 1 | medium tomato |
Directions
- In a medium frying pan lightly brown all of your donair meat on both sides.
- Remove browned donair meat from frying pan and cut up into bite size pieces.
- In a large bowl mix together cream cheese, browned donair meat, donair sauce and shredded cheese.
- Spread mixture in an oven safe baking dish and place in oven.
- Bake at 400F for 20 minutes or until golden brown on top and bubbling.
- Garnish with chopped onion and tomato and serve with corn chips or your favorite dipping bread.
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