Category Archives: Places

Antigonish Photographers Exhibit

 

 

Antigonish Photographers Exhibit

Antigonish Photographers Exhibit

Antigonish has always been known for its thriving art community.  Now photographers in Antigonish have formed a group called “Antigonish Photographers Exhibit (APx)” which will have their first exhibition beginning April 16 at the Prissy Pig Café and Deli.

The formation of the group is the brainchild of Jeff Parker, owner of Lyghtesome Gallery.  According to Jeff  “Over the years the gallery (Lyghtesome) has been called upon to exhibit photography.  I am a photographer myself and  I am often approached by photographers to exhibit their work.  But we don’t show much photography in our gallery and many photographers have been disappointed. “

“When a request was presented to us by the management of the Prissy Pig to assist them in establishing an exhibition schedule, ‘local photographers’ is what first came to mind.   The Café and Deli has excellent gallery space and according to the General Manager of the Prissy Pig,  “We want to support and promote the local arts scene, local photographers and musicians. “

Jeffrey explained   “I put together a list of photographers that I knew of and then expanded that with the help of Steven Jewkes of the Photo Shop at the Antigonish 5 to $1 and called a meeting to plan a group photo exhibition.    In our initial meeting we decided that we would put up a group show.  Each of us has our own styles and interests and it will be very interesting to see the range in a show of this type.  We haven’t set out any specific themes and the individual works will be selected by the photographers themselves.   This first show will feature 10 photographers and the works will be on sale. “

The Antigonish Photographers Exhibit (APx) will hold its first exhibition opening with a reception on April 16th at the Prissy Pig Café and Deli.  The opening reception will be 7PM to 9PM and refreshments will be served.  We hope that everyone will stop in to view the exhibit and chat with the photographers.   Everyone is welcome.

Photographs will be on exhibit by – Jeffrey Parker, Peter Jowett, Betty Cameron, Stan Mizgala, Danny Polson, Jennifer Polson, Anne Louise MacDonald, F.X MacDonald, Bernice MacDonald and Denise Davies.   The group members are excited at the opportunity and have been appreciating the synergies in the group. Our hopes are that the group will expand and perhaps offer presentation and information nights to assist in technical training and upgrading in this continually changing field. To enjoy and learn from each others expert knowledge is one of our emerging interests in continuing the pursuit and recognition of photography as our contemporary art form.

We would like to thank our sponsors who have supported the group – Jeffrey Parker of Lyghtesome Gallery, Steven Jewkes of Antigonish 5 Cents-$1.00, and Danny Polson of Polson Design Studio and to The Prissy Pig Café’ and Deli for providing the exhibition space and facilities.

A few photos from the APx photographers.  Click on the Arrow key to view the photos.  Click on the “Captions” on the right side to view the photographer name and photo title.

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APx Premier Exhibition and Sale

Group of 10 Prominent Antigonish Photographers
At the Prissy Pig 20 St. Andrews St. (corner of Main St) Antigonish
April 16 – June 30th, 2011
Reception April 16th 7-9 p.m..
Refreshments will be served, All are Welcome

  • Download poster –

  • APx Poster

    APx Poster

 

 

 

 

Hike the Acadian Trail

The Pomquet Acadian Trail and Chez Deslaurier

Acadian Trail - Wildflowers

Colorful Wildflowers on the Acadian Trail

This October day was a perfect day for a hike with crisp clean air, deep blue sky with spectacular ocean views from a grassy meadow high above the ocean looking over St. George’s Bay and a view of Cape Breton in the distance.   The sunlight shone on fields of wild flowers in purples, yellows, golds, reds and orange with even a few butterflies and dragon flies humming around.

Chez Deslaurier is a tea house set in an old farm house on high ground, not

Chez Deslauriers

Chez Deslauriers – Pomquet

far from Pomquet.  This is an Acadian French area of Nova Scotia where French is spoken and Acadian traditions are still celebrated.

From the farm house you overlook Monk’s Head and a series of islands and islets and Pomquet Beach.  With the sun and cloud playing over the land and the sea you could sit for hours and watch the changes in the light and shadow.

Behind the farm house several old farm implements are set off in the grassy meadow.   Keep walking along the grassy track with the water to your right and you will come to the trail head for the “Acadian Trail”.

Pomquet Acadian Trail

Pomquet Acadian Trail – Map

The trail is well marked and has maps of the area with a choice of several loop trails. The trails wind  through a variety of natural areas. Numbered markers along the trails are linked to a self-guided interpretive brochure, available at Chez Deslauriers.  The walking is easy and suitable for families.  A longer trail continues along the water and along Monks Head.

The first part of the trail is along an old cart road through a grassy meadow

Acadian Trail

Acadian Trail

area.  In fall this was thick with wild flowers of all colors – Queen Anne’s Lace, wild roses, clover, daisies, asters and grasses.  Off to the right were the views of the deep blue ocean below and towards Cape Breton.    This grassy trail is along the cliff top with open fields and hedged with evergreens and the occasional fruit tree.

The path then descends with a choice of going to the right down to the beach.  We took the left fork which heads down into a beautiful forest area with a well kept trail.  There were many varieties of mosses in greens with patches of reds,

Acadian Trail Forest Path

Acadian Trail Forest Path

evergreens and many types of mushrooms.     The light filtering through the forest was cool and inviting and great for exploring.   This is a great place to go with your camera and bring along a book about trees or mosses.  You will definitely find lots to investigate.

A left turn at a small pond takes you back to the open old farm land and leads back up to the Chez Deslaurier house in a circle route.  The whole short loop route took less than an hour.    You can easily spend a day in the area exploring the different trails or head down to Pomquet Beach.

The Chez Deslauriers property is maintained and administered by the

Mushrooms and Mosses

Mushrooms and Mosses

Pomquet Development Society, a volunteer organization aimed at promoting the Acadian culture and encouraging tourism in the community.  According to Collette Rennie of the Pomquet Development Society,  “The trails are open year-round. [The Society] will be performing maintenance on these trails before the summer ‘walking’ season as winter along the coast can create much damage. The tearoom will be open each Friday beginning on July 8 from 11 AM to 2 PM.  We serve a different traditional homemade Acadian meal each Friday, along with traditional Acadian meatpie ($8 per meal). “

Chez Deslauriers Tea Houase

Chez Deslauriers Tea House and Interpretive Centre

“The interpretive centre will be open during those times as well. As well, we will have two lobster roll dinners during the summer – on August 14 and September 11. Both will be from 3-6 PM and include local entertainment, BBQ and a delicious lobster roll meal. The interpretive centre will be available to visitors as well during these two events. This information will soon be posted on our website.” (http://www.pomquet.net/en/trails.html )

Photo Gallery

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How to get there

To get to  Pomquet, take either Exit 35 or 36 north off Highway 104.  Then turn right at the north end of Monk’s Head Road and follow the gravel road for approximately 1.5 km.  It is approximately a 25 minute drive from Antigonish or 40 minutes from the Canso Causway if you are coming from Cape Breton.

Antigonish to Chez DesLaurier


View Larger Map

Updates and more information

The Prissy Pig Café and Deli

 

 

For a tasty meal in attractive surroundings and enjoy local produce – head to the Prissy Pig Café and Deli on St. Andrew’s Street  at the corner of Main Street, Antigonish.

The Prissy Pig Cafe' and Deli

The Prissy Pig Cafe' and Deli

According to the General Manager, “The restaurant has evolved over the past eight months in response to the market.    The Prissy Pig was started and is owned by a number of local farmers in the area who are shareholders.   We attempt to use local products in a 100 mile radius from Antigonish.  We believe in sustainable development and the importance of using and supporting local producers. “

“Breakfast is a popular meal here for a healthy start to the day and a great value.

Prissy Pig Daily Menu Specials

Prissy Pig Daily Menu Specials

Lunch and brunch is also busy with different menu items featured daily depending on the chef and local produce.   We always have vegetarian selections and if you don’t see a vegan option ask the chef to produce something fresh.”   On Sunday we often have live music from a local musician.

I really enjoyed the “Pulled Pork” sandwich – a very generous serving with delicious and tender meat.  The

Prissy Pig Deli

Prissy Pig Deli

apple cider glazed meatballs were a delicious evening selection.   The paté from the deli was a great treat.   The chef, Mary Gillis leads the staff in preparation of new recipes for sandwiches, wraps, soups, pasta bar, hickory ribs and luscious desserts.   The home-cooked meals are tasty and there is an attractive selection from the salad and pasta bar.

The décor is bright and cheery with windows on three sides and bright designs on the walls which feature an art gallery with rotating exhibitions planned.

Enjoying a coffee with friends

Enjoying a coffee with friends

The plush leather chairs and coffee tables in the corners give a relaxed and welcoming place to sit with your friends for a cup of coffee or a snack.  Several of the diners remarked that they come in often and enjoy meeting friends in the friendly atmosphere.

Comfortable homey setting

Comfortable homey setting

The management is concerned with being environmentally conscious and in fair trade. The Prissy Pig Café & Deli serves “Just Us” Coffee and organic teas. Management is constantly looking for ways to lessen environmental impact, from being energy efficient, to using packaging and containers that have a lesser impact on the environment.

Future plans include landscaping, improvements to the façade, opening for dinner (evenings) and a license for beer and wine.

Local suppliers of baked goods, deserts, farm produce and other local products are encouraged to contact management for possible collaboration.  Local musicians and artists are also welcome.

Prissy Pig Cafe' and Deli

Prissy Pig Cafe' and Deli

The Prissy Pig caters to events and parties.  They supply everything including pickup and delivery for catered events to make your life easy.   Or you can host your business party or meeting on location in their lounge style setting.

The deli / retail area features Tony’s meats with a delicious selection of sausages, pate’, ham  and sliced meats; local cheese from Knoydart Farms; Haveracres Maple Syrup and Lo Dolce Terra Honey.

For a tasty meal in attractive surroundings and to support local farmers – head to the Prissy Pig on Main Street Antigonish.  This is a great new addition in town.  Be sure to drop in.   Students with ID get a discount.   20 St. Andrews Street, Antingonish, NS B2G 2H1.  Hours Monday to Saturday 7AM to 7 PM. Sunday 7AM to 4PM.

Check out their Facebook Group for daily specials:  http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=128315050521433

Enjoy a Day at the Halifax Waterfront

Halifax Waterfront

You can easily spend a day – or if you have just a few hours you can make a shorter version of this inexpensive way to enjoy the Halifax harbour and its many attractions.  It has something for everyone young or old.

Along the Halifax Boardwalk

Along the Halifax Boardwalk

The Boardwalk on the Halifax side of the harbour stretches from Pier 21 on the South end to the Casino on the North end.  As you walk along you will enjoy the view of the boats and ships on this largest xx …    Many visitors to Halifax arrive via cruise ships and to boardwalk is a great way to experience the historical side of Halifax, enjoy the harbour views and have many places to drop in and shop or enjoy a meal. Be sure to wear good walking shoes and dress in layers even on a sunny day.

The Farmer’s Market near Pier 21 is open daily and has a huge selection of produce but also arts and crafts, baked goods and much more.  Great place to browse or buy.

There is a large Tourist Information Centre with lots of brochures, maps and

Halifax Waterfront

friendly people to advise on where to go and what to see throughout Nova Scotia.  It’s a great place to help in planning your visit.

If you are interested in history, Pier 21 is the Museum of Immigration.  So many people entered Canada through Pier 21 and the exhibits are interesting to give us a view of our history.  The Maritime Museum includes both small and large craft, boat building, sailing, the Titanic explosion in Halifax.

There is plenty of shopping and browsing along the route if you are so inclined.  Nova Scotia crafts, salt water taffy, t-shirts and souvenirs.

The restaurants and snack places are dotted along the route with upscale dining, and family style restaurants as well as take outs if you wish to enjoy your lunch out of doors along the boardwalk.   The small parks along the way have seating or you can perch on the wooden

Ferry Trip

One of my favourite things to do is to take the ferry from Halifax to Dartmouth.  This is the poor man’s harbour cruise.  For $ 1.50 (senior) or $ 2.50 (adult) you can buy a ticket that takes you from the Halifax Ferry terminal to Alderney Landing in Dartmouth. Sit up on

Halifax McDonald Bridge at night from the ferry

Halifax McDonald Bridge at night from the ferry - Time lapse photo

the upper deck and enjoy the activities in the harbour, see the two bridges spanning and joining these two cities.   The ferry system is part of the Halifax Metro transport system.  So you can even use your ticket to get on a bus on the other side.  Or you can enjoy walking around the Alderney Landing area, have a snack or browse and then hop back on the ferry within a 2 hour limit and use the same ticket!

Nighttime also gives a spectacular view of the skyline of Halifax and the bridges.  Best on a clear night and be sure to wrap up warmly.

Dartmouth Waterfront

The Dartmouth side of the harbour gives you a great view of the Halifax skyline.  On the weekend you can visit the Farmers Market.  The Alderney Landing Library is just a few steps away and you can drop in to relax and read a magazine or look at the views of the waterfront from the upper floors.

Alderney Landing Dartmouth

Alderney Landing Dartmouth

If you are in the mood for more walking take a right from the Alderney Landing along the waterfront and follow the path.  This leads over a small bridge which is the beginning of the Shubenacadie Canal.  There are several museums and heritage sites in the vicinity well worth visiting including Evergreen House – the Dartmouth Heritage Museum.  They have “high tea” several afternoons a week.  Check their website for timings.

 

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Map

Click on the map to get bus transit details and to zoom in on the route.  The route shown uses Lower Water street – but just head towards the water to get on the boardwalk at any point.


View Larger Map

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Useful Links

 

I Love the Library

I must confess that I actually AM a librarian by profession but it has been many years since I have worked in a library or had much to do with libraries in the past 15 years or so.

Pictou Antigonish Regional Library - Online

Pictou Antigonish Regional Library - Online

Now I am newly in love with libraries having registered and got my library card at the Antigonish Regional Library.  I am just thrilled with the range of materials even though the current library has a very tiny collection of books.  The selection is well thought out and given the restricted space has some wonderful finds.

Since it is part of the Nova Scotia system – you have access to a much largerpool of books that are brought in on request from other libraries in the province.  Now also you can go online and browse, renew your books and look for reviews and descriptions and do searches.

You can even borrow magazines – which will saveyou a PILE of money instead

Pictou Antigonish Regional Library Features

Pictou Antigonish Regional Library Features

of purchasing them.   Crafters, nature lovers, news hounds, cooks and teens will all find something to interest them.  Login using your library card and browse through online magazine articles using specific search terms.  This is a terrific resource when researching a topic or looking for more information on your area of interest.

Antigonish Town Hall Main Street

The Library is behind the Antigonish Town Hall Main Street

The current Antigonish Library is a tiny 2 room location just behind the Old Town Hall.  In a couple of months they will be moving into the new “People’s Place” on Main Street which will house not only the library but also community rooms, meeting places, art exhibits and much more.  Everyone is looking forward to the new location and facilities.  The community has been very supportive in the “Adopt a Book” for the new collection with over 1000 items being purchased for the new library location.

Antigonish Library

Antigonish Library

I recently attended an evening meeting that reviewed different eBook readers and a demonstration of how to download eBooks and Audio Books from the library to your reader or computer.  There is a growing collection of materials online available for this popular new format.

The library caters to different interest groups and has activities for seniors, teens, young children, business and naturalists.  Check out the online site for details.

Having recently downsized into a smaller apartment but loving to read the library is a great way to read and browse books without having to wonder where to store them.

If you live in or near Antigonish be sure to drop in – otherwise check in your own area to visit your local library.   Libraries have continued to grow in the services they offer to the community. And the price is right !

For the traveler the library can be a great place to check out local information, what’s happening in the area, and to access the Internet while you are traveling.

Winter Stroll in Point Pleasant Park

It was a January cold, frosty, icy day in Halifax but the sun was shining brightly. Bundled up for the cold I headed for Point Pleasant Park to see what the park looked like in the winter time.

Families walking in Point Pleasant Park

Families walking in Point Pleasant Park

This is a great family park and lots of people were out enjoying a walk with their dogs.  There are both on and off leash areas.  According to Andre’ Chiasson “It’s a great place to take Ceilidh (our dog) – she can run off leash and be safe. We like to see the dogs there – people are very friendly and the dogs are friendlier off leash. We used to go every week even though it takes us a half hour each way to get there. Ceilidh loves it – when we drive down she starts to get excited when we’re on Connaught Avenue and the closer we get, the more excited she gets. She can’t wait.”

The park has miles of roads and trails. There are many paths where you can go off on your own and explore.  Some of the paths were very icy – more like a skate than a walk.  But most of the trails were cleared and OK for walking.   The occasional maps will show where you are and three sides of the park are on the water with views of Dartmouth, McNab’s Island, the docks,  Purcells Cove, and on summer days you will see sailboats from the different sailing clubs.

In 2003 there was a violent hurricane – Juan that destroyed many of the old

Sculptured Trees

Sculptured Trees Point Pleasant Park

trees in the park.  Some of these are still standing and their beauty is in the sculptured look of their shape.  It is great to see the park is coming back to life.

There are old fortifications to explore and plenty of areas to view the ocean and get down on rocky beaches to watch the waves and the sea gulls.  On this day there were waves rolling in with a view of McNab’s island out towards the mouth of the harbour.   You can enjoy getting down to the water on the rocky beaches – lots of colors in the stones and sea weeds, and the smell of the salt sea air and sound of the sea gulls and waves are peaceful and refreshing.

Point Pleasant Park is situated at the south end of the peninsula of Halifax, near the CPR, tourist ship docking and the South End of Halifax with its stately homes.  You can catch a bus, drive or a 20 minute walk from downtown Halifax.   Be sure to bring your own water and snacks as there is nothing open during the winter.

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Whether you live in or near Halifax or are visiting by car or coming in on a tourist ship take some time to enjoy the peaceful trails and explore a historic and natural part of the city.  Every season will have its own special views and things to enjoy.
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Find more hiking places in and around Halifax see these books:

Treasure Trove of Local Artisans

Walk in to this tiny shop on Main Street of Antigonish and you are in the midst of a treasure trove of locally made items that engage all your senses.

The Made in Nova Scotia Store is not your normal tourist shop.  Everything here is hand made by known crafts men and women, artisans, cooks and artists.

Maple Products, Jams and Jellies

Maple Products, Jams and Jellies

Taste the jams and jellies with the flavors of Nova Scotia.  Enjoy the colors and feel of locally grown wool, hand knitted and woven shawls, mitts and sweaters.  Explore the exotic hand crafted candles and soaps with scents of lavender, pine, and unscented if that is your preference.  Marvel at the jewelry designed with local stones and beach glass with intricate designs in silver.   The choices go on and on – Mi’kmaq porcupine quill ear rings, leather moccasins; framed photos and gift cards; hand made quilts, beach stone lamps, wooden frames made from old barn wood.  Every corner has unique and local items.   You can find body products, blue berries, carved wooden salad servers made from Bird’s Eye Maple and even enjoy home made baked goods or buy free range eggs.

Anna DeCoste, the owner of The Made in Nova Scotia Store says “I had

Anna DaCoste, owner The Made in Nova Scotia Store

Anna DaCoste, owner The Made in Nova Scotia Store

been doing crafts for years and really just wanted a place to display my own things.  I have a lot of contacts with arts people in the area and the idea just snowballed in a very short time to setup the shop”.

Visitors to the shop are primarily tourists and visitors to Antigonish who are looking for gifts or mementos.  They comment that they are so pleased to find a store where they can buy everything local and to easily find such a variety in one location. Everything is made locally and you can learn about the person who made it. There are author bio cards and Anna knows the artisans personally and can give details about who they are and their backgrounds.  This is so different from the regular “tourist shop” where items might come from China.   Everything is made locally by a known artisan.   Local people come in to browse and bring in their visitors as a convenient location to find a wide variety of gifts.

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The Made in Nova Scotia Store is located on the ground floor of a handsome clapboard house that was built in 1857 by Alexander MacDonald, “Sandy the Carpenter” and was originally owned by Master Mariner and Ship Owner, Captain Dan MacDonald who lived here with his household of 13 people.  It is one of the charming buildings on Main Street that gives an old world charm to the town.

The store is a boon to the artisans of the Antigonish and surrounding areas.  This one-stop outlet gives crafts people a wonderful place to display their works all year round.

Winter shot of The Made in Nova Scotia Store

Winter shot of The Made in Nova Scotia Store

How to find it: The Made in Nova Scotia Store, 324 Main St. Antigonish NS, Canada (across from Shoppers Drug Mart).  Browse the website for products and shipping information. 

 

 

Links for more information

  • www.themadeinnovascotiastore.com
  • Click to read more about the HISTORY of the building
  • Nova Scotia – Book by David Orkin. Nova Scotia tells visitors where to eat the best smoked fish, find the most stunning beaches and pick the plumpest wild blueberries. Delving deeper than any other guide, it reveals the best of the province both on and off the beaten track.

Article and photos (c) Denise Davies.  For information on republishing please fill contact davies@eckova.com .