The Blomidon Inn: A Perfect Romantic Staycation Location


I often take for granted the sheer beauty that exists in Nova Scotia. Caught up in the hustle of a busy work schedule, at times I forget about countless scenic places to visit, and a rich history that can be experienced within an hour’s drive of Halifax. One such destination is the stunning Annapolis Valley: home to Acadia University, a wine industry that is garnering international attention and some of the most spectacular views in the province. This past weekend, I decided to take my girlfriend Kelly on a staycation off Exit 10 on Highway 101, planning the weekend around a stay at the historic Blomidon Inn in Wolfville.

A beautiful three-story Victorian home, the Blomidon Inn was built in the 1880s and has a storied history, having served as a music retail store, a residence of Acadia University and in recent years a classic inn complete with a house of gifts and fine dining.

The Blomidon is currently owned and operated by the Laceby family, with brothers Michael and Sean presiding over the inn and kitchen, respectively. The family feel extends to the service offered to guests. Calling to make the room and meal reservation, I was greeted with warmth by Michael.   He provided us with a “superior room”  that had a spectacular view of the Valley sunset.

My girlfriend Kelly and I made the drive down highway 101 from Halifax, enjoying the beautiful slow setting sun along the way. In less than an hour, we had been transported from bustling downtown Halifax to the peaceful, relaxing town of Wolfville. Pulling into the long maple-gated driveway of the Blomidon Inn, a sense of calm after a long week seemed to instantly sweep over me.

We were greeted at the front desk by Michael, who let us know about dinner recommendations and complimentary continental breakfast (complete with delicious homemade brown bread). Our room, “The Annapolis”, was situated on the 3rd floor of the Inn, and featured an incredible view of Cape Blomidon’s red rock and the historic dyke lands extending across the Valley floor.

We were greeted in the dining room – an icon in Nova Scotia fine dining since the 1980s – by friendly and accommodating staff who were well versed in the local features available on the menu. With many options available, it was a tough choice. Kelly and I settled on wine first, selecting the Leon Millot from Jost Vineyards – produced from Annapolis Valley grown grapes.

After much deliberation, I decided to start with a bowl of Maritime Seafood Chowder. As an aside, I should note that beside one of my lifelong ambitions, is to one day find the world’s most delicious seafood chowder. As a seasoned connoisseur of chowder, this appetizer met all criteria on my ABC rating system for chowder excellence:

Overall, a delicious chowder, complete with great presentation.

My high-ranking chowder was followed by a perfectly prepared, locally produced Braised Lamb Shank, which was served with roasted beets, baby potatoes, and asparagus. Full of robust flavor, the lamb was tender and nearly fell off the bone. The roasted beets added a delicious sweet contrast to the meal. Rustic perfection.

It must be stated that I am a sucker for desserts that blend action verbs and delicious ingredients. Needless to say, when I saw Blueberry Explosion on the menu, there was no question as to what I would be ordering. This tasty dish featured local wild blueberries flambéed with Sambuca, butter, and sugar married perfectly with soft French vanilla ice cream.

Our entire meal was enhanced by live jazz, which provided the perfect soundtrack to a great meal. Chatting with the band during a set break, we were encouraged to check out the Wolfville Farmers’ Market, a happening place to be on a Saturday morning in Wolfville. Overall, the Blomidon Inn offered a perfect weekend getaway, complete with stunning views, great food and relaxed atmosphere. Without a doubt we’ll be back for another quiet weekend away.

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