Oh haiii, some news… I’ve been published by BBC Travel! Delighted to have a new outlet for my food and travel journalism by writing for the British Broadcasting Corporation.

For my debut on BBC Travel, I wrote about the world’s largest market located in Mexico City (Central de Abasto) and how it shaped Mexican fine dining, with photos by my pal Rey Lopez. Of course, my writing references Tim Burton, Blade Runner and little devils… I hope you enjoy reading it!

More about our Mexico restaurant and food adventures in this CDMX blog.

I thought this series of red phone booth photos (taken by Joey Wong) in Nova Scotia was apt for the BBC journalism announcement!

It’s located in Luckett Vineyards in Wolfville, which is Nova Scotia’s wine country (did you know that the province had one?)

Annapolis Valley’s ocean breezes, Maritime minerals and sunshine are perfect for growing grapes at Luckett and other vineyards.

Only an hour’s drive from Halifax, Wolfville is the spot for wine tastings, tours and food experiences. Now that’s something worth phoning home about!

This sunny area is buzzin’ with vineyards, cider, seasonal dining and Acadian culture. The bright red phonebooth at Luckett stands out among the green grapevines.

Luckett Vineyards’ red phonebooth actually works (you can make call from it). But of course, this germaphobe dared not touch the phone receiver!

Inside, I did wine tasting of Luckett’s Gaspereau Valley wines, which include Rieslings, Chardonnays, and “Phone Box Red.” I preferred the premium ones made with local grapes like L’Acadie Blanc.

You can pair the wines with food at the open-air bistro. (If you saw my last post, you’ll know that Nova Scotian cuisine rules!)

Talk about an Instagrammable, photogenic spot in Nova Scotia.

I left with the traditional method NV, a dry, fresh bubbly with minerality from the 50% L’Acadie and 50% Petit Milo grapes.

Love being able to try wines from different regions (if only I could have taken more back with me!) Did you know that Nova Scotia has such a terrific wine region?

Wolfville, NS is also home to Annapolis Cider Company. Their premium ciders are made from apples grown in nearby orchards, and are among the best I’ve ever tried.

Go inside their Wolfville shop for generous cider tastings. I was especially into the ginger rhubarb and signature Earl Grey and blueberry flavors.

I took so many Annapolis Cider bottles home that I barely made the luggage weight allowance!

Nova Scotia’s farms grow all types of tasty produce, which you can purchase fresh from farm markets near Wolfville. At Noggin’s Farm (which sells all-local fare),  Joey and I got apples from their family orchard, and Sassy Farmer cans of dry, crisp cider made right there.

We got peaches and peach cider at nearby Hennigar’s Farm Market.

Just look at the colors and textures of the strawberries and cherries. All photos Joey Wong.

Hail microplastics… not! Located next to the farm market is this goat petting zoo.

You can purchase an ice cream cone of snacks at Hennigar’s to feed the hungry goats.

Everyone we met in Nova Scotia is so friendly – including the cute animals!

Halloween is creeping closer… these goats are ready.

Hail Wolfville, Nova Scotia! What a wonderful place for food, wine, cider, and produce.

Speaking of spooky – I thoroughly enjoyed resting my head at historic inns throughout the province, such as Queen Anne Inn in Annapolis Royal.

The 1865 Heritage property doesn’t have a history of ghost sightings… that is, until I came along!

The Victorian mansion turned B&B is a gem for anyone Gothic.

Look out, there may be a ghost lurking behind the upholstered chairs in the parlor!

On the not-so-scary side: the fresh-made breakfasts at Queen Anne Inn, served with a smile.

Pancakes with fruit, spinach quiches, and hot out of the oven blueberry scones… We loved these so much that we had seconds!

Watch my video of what we ate in Nova Scotia for more deliciousness.

Located on the Evangeline Trail, in historic Annapolis Royal, this beautifully preserved property looks like it belongs in a Tim Burton film.

The grand, 18th century moldings and fireplaces got me in the sprit of Halloween.

She’s the ghost with the most.

It’s all about the details… Feels as if we’d stepped back into 1865.

Watch my video of Nova Scotia historic sites to see other heritage spots around the Maritime province, from citadels to museums.

Some of the earliest Canadian settlements were in Nova Scotia, hence the storied history… I wouldn’t be surprised if there were friendly ghosts around!

Each of the Queen Anne Inn rooms is unique. Despite the old-time feel, there are modern amenities like jacuzzi bathtubs.

Can you tell that we had fun road-tripping around Nova Scotia?

Check my Instagram @lacarmina to see more snaps and travel tips from Nova Scotia — and see my previous blogs about the province’s historic attractions / museums and Halifax sites / food! 

Thanks to Visit Nova Scotia and HMI Marketing / Creator Coast for making our travels possible. If you have any questions about visiting the Canadian Maritimes, drop me a comment.