Tag Archives: antigonish

Antigonish Landing

Getting outdoors in nature is just a few steps away.  The Antigonish Landing is great for a walk, run, biking or walking the dog.  Two elevated platforms look over the wetlands to the farmlands on the Williams Point area.

The trail is accessible in every season.  In the winter enjoy snow shoeing (Snowshoes available at the Town Hall and the People’s Place Library).  Enjoy a hike or biking (bike rentals available from the Highland Bike Shop on Main Street).

Each season brings its own special enjoyment – spring buds, summer flowers and bird song, apples and berries in the fall.  Each turn in the trail brings a new view making this a favorite for photographers.   Ducks, herons and other water birds nest and feed in this wetland.  Chickadees, red wing blackbirds, warblers and seasonal visitors feast on the berries and seeds.

This 2KM trail (4KM return) is on the outskirts of town.  The first entrance is just across the railway tracks on the East end of town, on Adams Street.  The 2nd entrance is off Hwy 337 just past Tony’s Meats on the Landing Road.

Photo Gallery
Photos by Denise Davies

Map

Antigonish Landing Map from MapCarta

Welcome to Antigonish

Antigonish is a vibrant small town (pop. 5000) on the northeastern corner of Nova Scotia, surrounded by countryside of natural beauty.

Special Olympics Canada 2018 Summer Games will be hosted in Antigonish July 31-August 4,  bringing over 3000 athletes, families, friends, supporters, and volunteers from across the country.  Welcome to all visitors.

This series of articles, posts and photos will share ideas of things to do, places to visit and open possibilities to explore the town and surrounding countryside.

There is something here for everyone.  If you enjoy nature and the out of doors you can enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, bird watching, camping, rowing, kayaking, beach combing, fossil hunting and fishing.

Arts and culture are a big part of the town life with art exhibits, theatre, history, music, film, lectures, and discovering local arts and crafts at fairs and markets.

There is a wide variety of places to eat out and shopping experiences.

Subscribe to the blog to receive regular updates.   Add your comments and questions in the comment box and start your to-do list for your visit to Antigonish.

Welcome to Antigonish

Antigonish Town and County Calendar 2018

Antigonish Town and County Calendar – 2018

The Out and About Nova Scotia Antigonish Calendar 2018 is now available with beautiful scenes of Antigonish Town and County.

Enjoy Antigonish throughout 2018 with 13 photographs by Denise Davies, This makes a great gift for anyone who has lived in Antigonish or to send to friends.

Scenes include Antigonish Main Street, StFX, Antigonish Landing, rural Antigonish, Ballantynes Cove, Cape George Lighthouse, Antigonight.

Satin paper stock. 8 1/2″ by 11″. Coil bound. Photography by Denise Davies, Out and About Nova Scotia.

The calendar is available at The Posh Peppermint, 200 Main St. Antigonish $20

or ORDER ONLINE

$20.00 CAD

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Antigonish 2018 Calendar

 

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Antigonish Welcome

The Antigonish Summer Art Scene – Music and Performing Arts

Antigonish is a happening place with lots of events particularly in the summer months.  Browse through the events below.  All take place in Antigonish except for the section “Out of Town”.  Put a “Save the Date” in your calendar and check the link to get additional details and updates.  Enjoy the summer!

EVENTS / HAPPENINGS

Festival AntigonishFestival Antigonish is celebrating its 30th year of wonderful professional theatre to enjoy this summer season.  This year they are presenting The Hounds of the Baskerville, Kingfisher Days, Stage Kiss and Martha.  Also there is a Summer Theatre Camps for children. Performances begin July 12 and run through August 26.  Location: Bauer Theatre, St. Francis Xavier University.  www.festivalantigonish.com

 

Antigonish Heritage Museum SummerCeilidhSummer Ceilidh Series at the Antigonish Heritage Museum.  Enjoy fiddle, piano, vocals with a variety of local performers.  Join the Ceilidh gathering Thursday evenings July 6 through August 31. https://www.facebook.com/Antigonish-Heritage-Museum-1592589657697199

 

 

 

Keppoch the Last WakeKeppoch The Last Wake story and song, wit and humour presented by the Ships of 1801 focuses on a ceilidh house.  Schwartz auditorium on STFX campus, July 6 and 8 are sold out. July 9 performance added. Get tickets soon as this is likely to sell out.   http://www.antigonishhighlandgames.ca/keppoch-the-last-wake/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Antigonish Art FairAntigonish Art Fair. Each art fair will feature a headlining musical act. Performers include Mary Beth Carty, Former Ordinary Horse, and Andre Pettipas and the Giants.  Of course artists and food trucks, a children’s fun corner are all on tap.  Chisholm Park, June 23, July 7,21, August 4, 18.  6 – 9PM. https://www.facebook.com/AntigonishArtFair/

 

 

 

 

Antigonish Highland GamesThe Antigonish Highland Games.  The 154th year of the Highland Games features pipers, drummers, highland dancers from across Canada and international in addition to the athletic games.  Enjoy Scottish ceilidhs, concerts and the parade with pipes and drums.  The Concert Under the Stars on the Main Stage, July 7 is always a hit.  Join in at the  Family Round and Square Dance on July 4 at St. Mary’s Parish Hall in Maryvale.   Competitions and entertainment will be held throughout the week of July 2-9.  www.antigonishhighlandgames.ca/

 

 

Stroll the main street fairStroll the Main Street Fair. Performance stages on the Aphrodite lawn and in front of the RBC. Special this year is the antique car show thanks to classic car owners form all over the region. Other features include displays by Riverside Speedway, a virtual hockey booth, outdoor adventure equipment, highland dancers, wine and beer tasting and, to mark our country’s birthday, a 150 ft long Canada 150 banner which will be painted right on the street in front of town hall.   Main Street Antigonish. Thursday July 6. 10AM – 3PM. https://www.facebook.com/events/650349771829022/ 

 

 

 

 

AntigonightAntigonight: Art after Dark festival.  A free, annual, 2-night festival of interactive and contemporary arts in Antigonish.  Antigonight 2017 will take place starting Friday September 1st, 2017 in the People’s Place on Main Street, AND Saturday, September 17 in Downtown Antigonish. Events start both nights 7pm-10pm. There will also be several workshops in between these dates.September 1st-16th 2017  http://www.antigonishculturealive.ca/antigonight/

 

 

 

Antigonish Performing Arts SeriesAntigonish Performing Arts Series.  Ariana Nasr and Curtis Thorpe sing Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel.  Immaculata Hall, September 9.  https://www.facebook.com/antigonishperformingarts/

 

FOOD AND MUSIC

TownhouseTownHouse Brewpub and Eatery .  Sundays, Irish Traditional Music. Thursdays, Live Jazz. Starting 6:30 PM No cover.  https://www.facebook.com/AntigonishTownhouse

 

 

 

 

Dream CatchersDream Catchers Main St. Pub Music nights with Country Legends.  July 19, August 30 https://www.facebook.com/DreamCatchers-Deli-Treats-142112755830123/

Out of Town

Stan Rogers Folk Festival StanfestStan Rogers Folk Festival – StanFest. Over 50 artists and groups gather to celebrate songwriting and to perform 100+ shows on 7 festival stages.  Canso.  Canada Day weekend. June 30, July 1 and 2. http://www.stanfest.com/

 

 

 

Daryl MacLean’s Beach Party.  Ocean Front Shanties, Cribbons Point, Antigonish. Fri, July 21, 9:00pm – 1:30am

Arisaig LighthouseArisaig Lighthouse Concert.  Arisaig Wharf. Sunday,  July 30, 6:30 – 8:30pm

 

 

 

 

Black River Music FestivalBlack River Music Festival. Eastern Canada’s newest music festival is proud to call Eastern Nova Scotia home! Located just outside Antigonish, in the rural community of Heatherton, Black River Music Festival takes place over three days surrounded by nature.Headliners include: Matt Minglewood, Working Class Band, Big Fish, JP Cormier, Ray Mattie and more August 4-6.  https://www.blackrivermusicfestival.ca/

 

Ballantyne's Cove

Ballantyne’s Cove

Ballantyne’s Cove Concert at the Wharf.  Tuna Interpretive Centre.  August 6. 6:30-8:30pm.  https://www.facebook.com/bluefintunacentre/

 

 

 

 

 

St Marys Parish Hall MaryvaleFamily Round and Sqaure Dance.  Featuring Shelley Campbell. St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Hwy 245. Maryvale, August 18, 9pm to midnight.

More Information

Check the following calendars for additional performances that may be listed at a later date.  See Antigonish Summer Arts – Visual Arts

 

The Antigonish Summer Art Scene – Part 1

The Antigonish Summer Art Scene  – Visual Arts

Antigonish is a vibrant hub of the arts with events, exhibits, art fairs, performing arts.   Whether you are an artist yourself or enjoy participating in events there are many things to see and do. If you live in Antigonish – you’re lucky – if not – come and visit and stay a while.  Stroll around town with its colorful flower baskets and murals. Drop in to one of our many restaurants and Cafés. There is so much to see and do that this article focuses on the visual arts.  Check the links at the end of the article for up to date information from the individual websites and social media.  All addresses are in Antigonish unless otherwise noted in the out of town locations.

EVENTS & HAPPENINGS

St.FX Art Gallery Fundraiser GalaSt FX Art Gallery Fundraiser Gala 2017 will be an exciting evening for the arts. There will be a dynamic mix of Live Art, Live and Silent Auction, Reverse Raffle and Fine Art Door Prizes and an opportunity to watch artists create. The art items are from some of Nova Scotia’s finest artists and collections.  June 10. 7PM. Keating Centre, StFX. Tickets $40.

GoArts 2016 Alan Syliboy speaking at opening eventGathering of the Arts (GoArts) is an annual exhibition of regional artists’ work in the visual arts. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, GoArts will be showcasing 20 art installations in 20 unique venues around Downtown Antigonish. Opening Gala – July 4. People’s Place Library.  Exhibit continues July and August.

Antigonish Art Fair 2017Antigonish Art Fair: A fun filled family evening with a wonderful array of art, artisanal arts and crafts, multicultural foods and terrific performances. This family event includes the Creative Children’s Corner with a multicultural flavour. 2017 dates are Fridays 6 – 9 PM. June 23, July 7, 21, August 4, 18. Chisholm Park. Rain location will be announced on social media.

GALLERIES, EXHIBITS & SHOPPING

St. F.X. Art Gallery is an exceptional exhibit area on the campus of St Francis Xavier University. The gallery interprets a diverse range of art for community members and the public. It connects the University’s cultural life to that of the wider community through exhibitions, publications, and events and fosters an appreciation of visual arts & culture. First Floor Bloomfield Centre, StFX University Campus. Summer Hours Monday – Friday, Noon – 5pm

Lyghtesome GalleryLyghtesome Gallery. The gallery established in 1975, features an outstanding collection of original works by Nova Scotia printmakers, watercolourists & oil painters, as well as award-winning pottery, wood, clay & metal sculpture, art-related books & cards, and Celtic artwork. It represents artists Anna Syperek, Linda Johns and many others. Open year round.  166 Main St. Mon–Sat 10am–5pm.

Down to Earth GalleryDown to Earth Art Gallery displays a great selection of original paintings, carvings and iron work.  Works by J. Franklin Wright, Alan Syliboy, Kate Georgallas and more  240 Main St. Mon-Sat 9am-5pm.

 

 

Antigonish Town & County Library - The People's PlaceAntigonish Town & County Library – The People’s Place. Monthly exhibits in the Bistro area from local artists and art groups. July and August hosts the GoArts Exhibit. Browse throughout the library and the surrounding for art installations commissioned during the building of The People’s Place.  283 Main St.

 

Tall & Small Cafe - Art exhibit by Hearts & HandsTall & Small Café. Monthly art display by local artists.  The Café offers daily soup specials, fresh baking, fairly traded coffee and an array of teas.  342-2 Main St.

 

 

 

The Made in Nova Scotia Store.  Photography and wood, pewter, knitted and woven crafts by Nova Scotia craftspeople. 324 Main St. Tues-Sat 10am-5pm.

 

 

 

Aphrodite Art and FashionAphrodite Art and Fashion. Ladies Clothing Boutique and Gallery of Fine Craft and Art. 292 Main Street. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm. Sat 10am-5pm

 

 

 

Hearts and HandsHearts and Hands Shop.  Building community through art.  Open Monday to Friday 9 am to 3.30 pm. Everyone is welcome to come by and visit us. 4 West St.

 

Kirk Building.  Photography exhibit.  219 Main St. Corner of Main and Church Street.

 

 

 

Antigonish Farmers Market. Art, photography, crafts in addition to local produce, baked goods and entertainment in a great setting to meet the locals.  Saturday 8am – 1pm. Antigonish Arena, James St.

 

SHORT DRIVE FROM ANTIGONISH

Old Barn Galleries & Gardens  The gallery is situated in the middle of 350 acre Beaver Dam Farm with abstract and impressionist art by owner / artist Carol Rivoire, Surrounding the gallery are beautiful, old-fashioned perennial gardens and a charming courtyard. 71 Melanson Rd. Pomquet. Opening June 1.

 

Tickletree Ag and Art.  This is a new gallery that will be creating and showcasing fused glass, art and photography.  Contact via Facebook for opening dates and hours.

 

 

 

A Matter of Tastes.   Art gallery, etchings, work of Vicki MacLean, photography.  Hwy 7, Antigonish.

 

 

 

 

Studio Rally.  Check out the Studio Rally website for visual art and fine crafts studio and information. Select for “Northumberland Shore” for Antigonish area.

ORGANIZATIONS

Antigonish Culture Alive ACAAntigonish Culture Alive – ACA is the community arts council of Antigonish, a non-profit organization which strives to foster the creation and appreciation of the arts in the community of Antigonish.  A directory of artists and a calendar of arts events.

 

 

Arts Health Antigonish AHA! – AHA! values and respects the immense contribution of the cultural sector to community vitality, vibrancy and health and champions the role of the arts in a healthy community.

 

ASAPThe All-of-us Society for Arts Presentation (ASAP) is an artist-run centre located in Antigonish, promoting the work of local and regional artists, and addressing infrastructure, promotion, education, and funding opportunities for the visual arts in the community.

Anything missing? Please send any comments and suggestions of visual arts in Antigonish.  Stay tuned for Part 2 which will feature the Antigonish Summer Arts Scene – Performing Arts

More Information

 

Nova Scotia and Antigonish Calendars 2017

This year I created 2 calendars.

The Out and About Nova Scotia Calendar 2017 is in its 5th year.  I love going over my photos from the past year to produce this calendar to enjoy throughout the year.  It has become a family favorite.

This year, I decided to produce an Antigonish Town and County Calendar.  We live in such a beautiful part of Nova Scotia and you may want to share this with your family and friends.

Both calendars are available online.  Click on the link below the photos for details.

Farmers’ Market Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia has wonderful Famers’ Markets.  A great way to meet some of the locals, try fresh local produce, enjoy entertainment, shop for arts and crafts from local crafts people.  Markets vary by area so check out the local bulletin board or shop to find out the dates and times.  Or check the link below to “find a market”.

You can look for food, art, photography, crafts, jewelry, breads, cookies, muffins, fiddlers, dancers, local produce, jams, jellies, honey and sauces, beer, gin, vodka and wine, quilts, and more.  Ask for recipes and tips if you find unfamiliar items.

Enjoy a visit to the Antigonish Farmers’ Market

Find out more

Sunrise Trail Loop Northumberland Shore

Enjoy a scenic drive with ocean views, rolling hills, and stops at harbours a distillery and cheese maker.  Our road trip today goes in a loop from Antigonish and along the Northumberland Shore.

Start out in Antigonish on Hawthorne Street, to Hwy 245 and at Malignant Cove turn left on Hwy 245 W along the Sunrise Trail.  You are now traveling along the ruggedly beautiful Northumberland coast with vistas of the ocean and rural countryside.

Arisaig

Arisaig

At Arisaig turn right at the church down to the busy harbour.  The tangy salty sea air and the sound of the gulls and waves surround you while you explore the wharf and views from the Lighthouse.  You may see fishermen preparing to go out or on their return with lobsters in the May / June season.The beach at low tide is great for tide pooling and beach combing. Learn more about lobsters at The Lobster Interpretive Centre (July 1- Aug 31). The Dockside Tea Room has lunch pastries and chowder. In the summer season the Lighthouse Canteen will be open for ice cream and souvenirs.

Next stop is the Arisaig Provincial Park.  Explore the green forest trails with the clean scents of pine and spruce.  The interpretive centre describes the geology and history of the area and has a great view of Arisaig Harbour and the lighthouse.  Take the stairs down to the beach and look for fossils dating back millions of years.  At low tide you can walk along the beach to the harbour but be careful to check the tide times.

Drop in to Steinhart Distillery and learn how local ingredients such as maple and cranberry are used to make fine vodka.  The Steinhart Gin in the blue designer bottle is also available with Haskap. Try this unique flavour.  The Distillery is open Monday to Friday 10-6, Saturday and Sunday till noon – 6 till Thanksgiving (2016). The view from Steinharts is spectacular with the Arisaig Harbour and lighthouse.  Check out also the chalets with their deck overlooking the coast.

The Red Roof Bed & Breakfast at McArras Brook is a great family place to visit or stay. This solar powered B&B welcomes visitors to drop in and meet the alpacas and donkeys, and to see the apple orchard and home garden.  Josie Dessouroux cards, spins, knits and weaves with the Alpaca fleece and is happy to show you the process from the raw fibre to the finished items that she has for sale.  The property has beautiful ocean views and a private beach with fossils.

Knoydart Farm is one of only 2 organic dairy farms in Nova Scotia. Family owned by Frazer Hunter, they produce organic Gloucester and Caerphilly cheeses in a variety of flavors including peppercorn, garlic, dill, cumin, chili, smoked, caraway and cranberry and Cheddar.  Call ahead to visit 902-867-1305

During your road trip keep an eye out and stop at several Historical Kiosks found in Lismore, Merigomish and Barneys River Station.  The plaques have interesting maps, tidbits on the area and historical photographs that will take you back to when these were thriving communities.

After Ponds, turn right to Big Island.  The narrow 2KM causeway connects Big Island to the mainland. Walk across the sandy dunes to the long sandy and pebble beach – perfect for beach combing and paddling.   Continuing on to the main island you pass through rolling green hills, with views across the inlet, wooded areas and even the occasional deer.

Back on Hwy 245 continue to Merigomish, a picturesque stop with the river, historical plaques and sign for Sunday tea on the old schoolhouse.

At Sutherlands River turn left on HWY 4 for a more scenic drive through rural country, or get on the HWY 104.

At Barneys River Station the one room school house was originally built in 1802.  These one room schools were phased out in the 1970s.   Read the Historical plaques to find out how Marshy Hope got its name and maps and business listings from the 1800s.

Merge on 104E after James River and take Exit 31 to return to Antigonish to finish the loop drive.

More Information

 

 

Antigonish Small Town Big Heart

Antigonish: Small town, big heart

This was a fun article to write.  Antigonish is my home town and I am a graduate of StFX University.

“Every September, the small town of Antigonish (population 5,195) doubles in size with the arrival of the students excited to start their new year at St. Francis Xavier University. Well known for its campus spirit, its strong international reputation, top ratings by students
in Maclean’s university rankings, and, of course, the X-ring, StFX easily attracts students and faculty from all over the world.”

  • The XPerience
  • International Connections
  • Small Town Charm
  • Arts and Culture
  • Economic Impact

This is one of a series of articles in Saltscapes Magazine on “Our University Towns” in the March/April 2016 issue.

See the attached PDF of the article
Antigonish Small Town Big Heart PDF

article photos Coady, People's Place, GoArts, Antigonish Sidewalk Fair

Click Here to Subscribe to Out and About Nova Scotia

Spring is Coming Winter Storms

Well this has been quite a week leading up to spring. Storms back to back all week and snow banks mounting up day by day.  The first storm squall was 24 hrs and localized to the Antigonish Guysborough areas.  The 3rd storm lasted for 2 days with strong winds, blowing snow and 70 cm of snow down.  The plows were busy and warnings for everyone who could to stay home.  Schools and businesses closed for the most part. Since it was March break a lot of people had their travel plans affected.  We are all looking forward to Spring which starts today – even though there are still piles of snow and more on the way on the weekend.

Ahhh weather in Nova Scotia is always interesting 🙂