Bee-utiful Experience: The Beekeeper’s Tour

Tour Name: Bee-utiful Experience: The Beekeeper’s Tour

Immerse yourself in the world of bees with our ‘Bee-utiful Experience: The Beekeeper’s Tour,’ where hands-on hive inspections, the art of ‘lighting the smoker,’ and honey extraction await, ensuring an unforgettable day capped off with a jar of pure, golden sweetness to take home. This experience is available for adults and children over 10-years old.

This is a public tour. It is also available as a private customizable group tour for up to 16 people. Email info@TheNatureBus.com to arrange.

TOUR DATE: Sunday, June 23, 2024 (This tour date coincides with National Pollinator Week!)

TIME: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm 

PRICE: $60/person + 2.6% credit card fee = $61.56

*Important Note: We do not offer ANY refunds after tour is booked.

DEPARTURE LOCATION: REI 350 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA  (Private groups can choose the pick-up location.

DESCRIPTION: Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with our “Bee-utiful Experience: A Honey Harvest Tour.” Dive into the heart of nature at our exclusive Stone Horse Apiary and Apothecary, where the buzz of excitement meets the soothing hum of bees. Join us for an immersive journey into the world of apiculture, as you partake in hands-on experiences like bee hive inspections, mastering the art of “lighting the smoker,” and unveiling the sweet nectar with our honey extraction process. At our apiary and apothecary, you’ll not only witness the magic of beekeeping but also become a part of it. As a token of this unforgettable day, each participant will take home a small jar of honey, a sweet reminder of the enchanting connection forged with these incredible pollinators. Seize this opportunity to indulge your senses, learn, and savor the golden essence of nature’s finest harvest. Join us on a journey that promises not just honey, but memories that will last a lifetime.

We look forward to seeing you on the tour! Check out all of the 5-star reviews, so you will be super confident that you will have an amazing experience! You can read these reviews at TheNatureBus.com > click the REVIEWS tab or click this link: https://thenaturebus.com/reviews/

If you have any questions, please text/call the owner. Suzanne 757-288-9595

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of bees and sustainable agriculture with our exclusive farm tour at Stone Horse Apiary & Apothecary! Departing from REI, our journey begins with an engaging discussion on the captivating facts and misconceptions surrounding bees and pollination. Did you know that it takes about 556 workers traveling over 55,000 miles to gather enough nectar to make just 1 pound of honey?

As we arrive at Stone Horse Apiary & Apothecary, nestled amidst picturesque countryside (approximately 60 minutes from our starting point), you’ll be welcomed into a sanctuary of organic agricultural practices on a small-scale farm. Here, amidst the buzzing of bees and the vibrant blooms of the garden, you’ll gain insight into the vital role of pollinators in our ecosystem.

Suit up and “Light the Smoker” as you delve into the basics of conducting a honey bee hive inspection. For those brave souls comfortable around 5,000 flying insects, veils will be provided as you get up close and personal with the hive. Alternatively, engage in our breakout session and discover how hive products are transformed into beeswax candles, soaps, and more.

Experience the thrill of removing honey frames from the hive and transporting them to the Honey House for extraction. Learn the intricate process of honey extraction firsthand, from uncapping the frames to spinning out the golden nectar. Each guest will have the opportunity to fill a small honey bear to take home—a sweet reward for a job well done!

But our tour is more than just an educational experience; it’s a call to action. Partnering with Norfolk Beekeepers and Nature Matters, we’re on a unified mission to address pollinator conservation and local sustainability. By joining us, you’re not just a spectator; you’re a vital part of a movement to protect these essential creatures and promote a healthier planet. Learn more about “planting for pollinators” in 2024. 

Stone Horse Apiary & Apothecary isn’t just a farm—it’s a beacon of hope for reconnecting humans to nature. Our mission is to foster a deeper understanding of beekeeping, sustainable agriculture, and the interconnectedness of all living things. 

Pack your curiosity and a willingness to learn, along with long sleeves and closed-toed shoes for your time near the bee hives. Together, let’s embark on a journey of discovery and action, as we strive to make a difference for our planet and future generations.

Planned itinerary/loose timing/subject to change as needed to enjoy nature:

• 8:30 am – Check-in at REI 350 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach (select your seat; use restroom). Your printed waiver is your ticket to board the bus.
• 9 am sharp – Departure
  • An expert beekeeper (your on board guide) will provide and education program during travel: “Bees and Pollinators Facts + Fictions”
• 10 am – Arrival at Stone Horse Apiary and Apothecary
• restroom break and eat your pocket snacks
• 10:15 am – 2:30 pm (Picnic Lunch at noon; pack your lunch)

  • Tour farm and garden and discuss organic agricultural practices being utilized on a small scale farm.

  • Guests will Suit up and “Light the Smoker” and learn the basics on how to conduct a routine honey bee hive inspection. Veils will be provided for any guest comfortable with being around 5,000 flying insects. All other guests can stand away from the hive and observe. The beekeeper will bring frames to those guests and explain the three types of honey bees in the hive and other hive facts. NOTE: Guests not interested in the hive inspection can participate in a Break-out session to learn how hive products are utilized to make beeswax candles, soaps and more.

  • Guests will remove honey frames from the bee hive and transport them to the Honey House for extraction.

  • Guests will learn the honey extraction process and each guest will get to uncap the honey frames and load them in the extractor.

  • Guests will spin out the honey and learn how to get the honey from the extractor to the honey bucket.

  • Each guest will fill a small honey bear to take home as a “Sweet Treat” for a job well done!

Check-in and tour duration: Please arrive at the bus at 8:30 am (15-30 min before departure). Seat selection is based on the order that each individual checks-in. The check-in procedure takes some time. Have your printed/signed waiver + ID ready. Departure is promptly at 9:00 am. Return to REI approximately 4:00 pm. The tour is approximately 7 hours round trip:  9:00 – 4:00 (ish) – Flexible return time/Traffic + guest dependent. We “often” return later than the stated time due to a variety of reasons (one being that everyone is enjoying themselves). We do TRY to come back on time, but before purchasing your ticket, be sure you are ok with coming back later if that is how the day plays out.

“Adopt the pace of Nature: her secret is patience” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

WHAT’S INCLUDED:
– Expert pre-planning services
– Transportation: Departure from: REI 350 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach > travel about 60 min (each direction) to and from the apiary/bee farm.
– Air conditioned/heated, clean vehicle; this is a “school bus” with bench seats. It is a comfortable “eco tour bus” ready for adventures! (not a luxury vehicle with bucket seats)
– All fees (including gasoline, insurance, tolls, permits/admission fees when applicable to the destination locations; excluding food/drink)
– On board education program delivered by an expert beekeeper!
– Farm/apiary tour
– Hands-on activities: hive inspection with smoker; frame removal; honey spinner/extraction
– Beekeeping veils to wear
– Small bear of honey to take home
–MEET YOUR GUIDE Frank Walker (beekeeper):  https://thenaturebus.com/our-team/

THINGS TO BRING:

IMPORTANT NOTE – LONG SLEEVES AND SOCKS/CLOSED TOE SHOES. In June it can be warm/hot outside, so you can wear summer gear on parts of the tour, but when you are near the hives, you will need to wear the long sleeves and socks/closed toe shoes.

– Add a hand-written/signed statement to your waiver form (below) that states: “I do not have a bee allergy and do not hold The Nature Bus responsible for my decision to take the beekeeping tour.” (With that said, the beekeeper wants you to know this: DID YOU KNOW? Bee Venom, the “ouch factor” most people remember, is likely a bad experience with a wasp and not a honey bee. Although sharp pain and some swelling and itching are natural reactions to a bee sting, only a very small percentage of individuals are highly allergic to bee venom.)
– Not optional: COMPLETED WAIVER FORM: When you purchase a ticket for a tour, your name automatically appears on our tour “check-in list.” So, you do not need to bring your actual ticket. But . . . your signed waiver is your TICKET TO BOARD! We will collect this waiver at the door of the bus. Please print it at home, fill it in, sign it, and bring it with you. Here is the link to the required waiver form: https://thenaturebus.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/NB_Waiver1.pdf
– You are required to show ID. Only the original ticket holder can board the bus (names appear on our check-in sheet).
– Please, bring your lunch. Pack your lunch into your own “very small” insulated lunchbox with ice pack (ie: the type children use for school lunches). We encourage you to “go green” by using washable/reusable containers instead of single use plastics. We provide picnic blankets and/or folding chairs.
– Bring a refillable water bottle filled with ice water. We encourage you to “go green” by not using single use plastic water bottles.
– We recommend that you also pack “pocket-snacks” in your pocket or backpack – ie: granola bars, power bars, trail mix, or something else that is very EASY to snack on while walking outdoors. Please respect our strict policy: Eating, drinking, chewing gum is not permitted on the bus. The bus is SO clean and we want to keep it this way. For fear of choking hazards, we do not allow anything (even mints) while the bus is in motion. 

– CASH! It is customary to tip 15% gratuity for eco tours. 

– Optional – $25 cash if you’d like to purchase a Nature Bus t-shirt! You’ll love it. The expression on the t-shirt is: “SAY YES TO NEW ADVENTURES!” Can only be purchased on board the bus and only with advanced ordering. T-shirts are light blue or grey (as supplies last). If you’d like one, TEXT us 757-288-9595 with your t-shirt order ahead of time. Text this exact information: your first + last name, tour name, tour departure date, size of t-shirt (sm, m, lg, xl), color selection.

WHAT TO WEAR? 

IMPORTANT NOTE – LONG SLEEVES AND SOCKS/CLOSED TOE SHOES. In June it can be warm/hot outside, so you can wear summer gear on parts of the tour, but when you are near the hives, you will need to wear the long sleeves and socks/closed toe shoes.
– Wear closed-toe shoes. Flip-flops/sandals are not appropriate foot wear for nature outings.
– Dress for the weather. Famous quote: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing” by Alfred Wainwright (a Norwegian saying). And another saying: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning how to dance in the rain” (unknown author/motivational quote).  Hot days > sunscreen, sunhat, lots of ice water, comfortable walking shoes (bathing suit, water shoes, towel for some tours). Cold days > warm layers, hats, gloves/mittens, warm boots, air-activated heat packs/inserts for your socks and mittens (available at REI). Rainy days > rain jacket, rain hat, umbrella, comfortable waterproof footwear (trails can be muddy if it rained the day before). TICKS: For forested or meadow trips >protect yourself from insects/ticks!  We recommend long pants tucked into light colored (white) knee-high socks to easily see ticks. Bring insect repellent and/or “the bug suit” (a thin mesh jacket + pants) (Google: the bug suit). After nature tours, especially if you have been in a forest or meadow, be sure to shower immediately and do a thorough “tick check.” You can Google “how to do a self tick check” for accurate instructions.

Really important notes  “Know before you go” ~

*We go “rain or shine“. Please dress for the weather. In the case of rain, we simply take cover and wait it out. This tour has a barn to shelter from the rain.  ALL SALES FINAL/NO REFUNDS for any reasons, including sickness/covid. Only the ticket holder can board the bus. You are required to show ID. Tickets are not transferable. Only YOU have completed the registration (with emergency info, allergy info, etc). Please stay home if you are not feeling well or have a fever. To avoid a call on the day of the tour, please notify us via text 757-288-9595 if you would like to remove your name from the check-in list. Food/Drink: Again, eating, drinking, chewing gum is never permitted on the bus. There will be opportunities to eat (off of the bus) during the tour. WATER is always allowed on board the bus, and recommended.  Arrival: Please arrive 15-30 min before departure. The check-in process takes some time. Seat selection is based on the check-in order. When we check you in, you will receive a temporary bracelet with a number on it. This is the order you will board the bus and select your seat. Some seats are more desirable than others. The “hot seat” is the back seat. Some bus seats have wheel wells.  Waiver: Other tour guests do not want to wait (and loose time on their tour). Please save everyone time at check-in by bringing your signed waiver. No restroom on board the bus; arrive early enough to use the rr at REI (opens at 10 am) or Fresh Market (opens at 8 am) before boarding the bus. The tour itinerary includes restroom stops. Departure: We cannot wait for latecomers because we must adhere to our planned itinerary. Therefore we must pull away at the exact departure time. We cannot receive telephone/text calls to let us know you are running late because we will driving and using the phone as a GPS.

*ALL OUR TOURS INVOLVE WALKING; GUESTS SHOULD EXPECT VARYING DEGREES OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. We apologize, but there is no room on board to accommodate wheel chairs or walkers. Our tours require participants to be ambulatory and in reasonably good physical health to manage our nature excursions. There are three (3) large steps to climb to enter the bus. There is one (1) handrail on the left of these steps. Health/COVID Safety Measures: We care about the health and safety of those participating in our nature experiences. The bus is sanitized between each tour. Feel free to crack open your window if you prefer. Please stay home if you are not feeling well or have a fever. Federal Law no longer “requires” masks be worn on airplanes, trains and buses. Masks are optional.

The owner’s Samoyed dog, named Sequoia, may be on your tour! She joins us on SOME tours. A service dog is trained to help people with disabilities. Sequoia is NOT a service dog. A therapy dog is trained to provide comfort and affection to people. Sequoia was certified as a Therapy Dog by TDI in 2021 (not updated). She is safe, friendly, sweet and has all of her vaccinations up to date at all times. (*note: if you are allergic or frightened of dogs, you may not want to purchase a ticket; you may also request to sit in the back, further from Sequoia). Want to learn more details about Sequoia and/or see a photo of her? MEET SEQUOIA:  https://thenaturebus.com/our-team/

• We must meet our minimum number of participants for a tour to GO! Most of our tours fill up FAST. But if we do not meet the minimum, then we will cancel the tour and you will be reimbursed (- minus the 2.6% credit card processing fee). We will notify you 48 hours before the tour departure via email.
• Share on your social media and with everyone you know! Let them know you are going on a really amazing tour! Spread the word! Help fill up the bus 🙂 See you soon!
• If you have any questions, please text/call the owner. Suzanne 757-288-9595