LOTS ON TAP IN NOVA SCOTIA THIS SUMMER
05-30-2008
History Comes Alive, New Fossil Centre Opens, Scottish-Style Golf, Rapid Rafting, Slow Food, and a New Napa
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Atlantic Canada, May 28, 2008 – Fancy some history and culture with your lobster this summer? Americans don’t have to cross the pond to relive English history, enjoy Gaelic fiddling or sample French (Acadian) culture. They can jump on a quick flight – there are six airlines flying from most East Coast gateways – and be in Halifax in less than two hours.
Old Fossils in New $6.8 Million Centre
The $6.8 million heritage site at the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, overlooking the Bay of Fundy opened on May 17. Here, the Joggins Fossil Centre features the world’s largest collection of 300-million-year old fossils and is the finest example of terrestrial tropical ecosystems from the Earth’s “Coal Age.” The Centre’s architecture mimics the natural beauty of the cliffs with sandstone cladding from a nearby quarry, while the wooden siding evokes the area’s coal mines. www.jogginsfossilcliffs.net
Malibu East
There’s plenty for adrenaline-seekers. Right outside of Halifax, in Lawrencetown, it’s Malibu East as surfer dudes and boogie boards abound. Here, the One Life Surf School – Eastern Canada’s first women’s surf school – offers instruction, surf camps and leadership training along with massages, yoga and reiki therapy. For an exhilarating thrill the whole family will enjoy, there’s tidal bore rafting in zodiacs on the Roller Coaster Rapids of the Shubenacadie.
Slow Food & Lobster 24/7
The Slow Food movement has come to Nova Scotia. Chef Michael Howell – also owner of the Tempest in Wolfville, voted “best meal in the Maritimes” – opened a new “gastropub,” The Port in Port Williams. At both, he is showcasing the region’s purveyors, fishmongers and butchers – using organic produce and the bounty of local waters – Digby scallops, south shore mussels and maritime halibut to create new regional dishes. For the best culinary experiences, visitors should look for restaurants and inns that display the Taste of Nova Scotia insignia. This year, Lobsterpalooza promises 35 days of “feasts and fun,” including lobster suppers, whale watching tours and Gaelic music. www.lobsterpalooza.ca
The New Napa
One of the first grape-growing areas in North America – Nova Scotia – now has eight wineries producing award-winning vintages in several distinct regions: Annapolis Valley, Malagash Peninsula and LaHave River Valley. Domaine De Grand Pré Winery would be at home in Napa. Visitors can tour the vineyard, sample some vintages and enjoy a delicious lunch at Le Caveau restaurant. Several indigenous grape varietals – L’Acadie Blanc and Marechal Foch – are winning raves. L'Acadie Vineyards, the province’s newest winery just opened May 9 in the Gaspereau Valley, and Benjamin Bridge is set to open in 2009.
Fore!
Two new golf courses are set to open on Cape Breton in 2009. The Lakes Golf Club in Ben Eoin will be a five star, Graham-Cook designed course set along the shores of the Bras d’Or Lakes. And in the tradition of the great seaside course of the British Isles, Cabot Links has been envisioned as a world-class Scottish links-style course with ocean views from every hole. Rod Whitman has been chosen as the designer of what has been called one of the “best untapped golf sites in North America.” In the meantime, the famed Highland Links, designed by legendary Stanley Thompson – and consistently ranked one of the world’s top courses – is undergoing a $1 million tune up.
Relive History; Play Soldier
Fancy reliving the life of an 18th century soldier – skirmishing in the hot sun, sleeping on the hard ground, with music, dancing and tall tales till dawn? Nova Scotia is throwing a year-long celebration for the 225th anniversary of the United Empire Loyalists landing. After the Revolutionary War, 3000 Loyalists fled to Shelburne, Nova Scotia, and the population quickly swelled to 10,000, making Shelburne the fourth largest city in North America, while nearby Birchtown became Canada’s first free black settlement. In July, the town is hosting three weekends of boat races, tall ship tours, treasure hunts, concerts and fireworks. The re-enactment – featuring 500 costumed characters – kicks off on July 17, and visitors who don’t want to play soldier can get in the spirit at the annual provincial Town Crier Competition or attend the Loyalist Garden Party, complete with a pageant of 18th century dress. http://www.loyalistlanding2008.org/
From June to August, Nova Scotia will also commemorate the 250th anniversary of Louisbourg’s second siege. The Fortr
[Back to Press Releases Main]
