Windsor

Ever had the urge to paddle a hollowed out giant pumpkin across a lake? Maybe your friends think you're weird but you'd be more than welcome in Windsor. This central Nova Scotian town of 3648 people was founded as an Acadian settlement in 1685. After the expulsion of the Acadians in the mid-18th century,Windsor was later settled by the English and incorporated in 1878 (Happy 140th Birthday Windsor!). Much of the downtown buildings were destroyed in a devastating fire in 1897, and rebuilt using brick instead of wood.

Water Street

The Mi'kmaq called this area Pesikitk, meaning “to flow split-wise,” referring to the the town's position between the Avon and St. Croix rivers. This little town has an impressive history – it's home to North America's the oldest agricultural fair (Hants County Exhibition), the oldest independent school in the Commonwealth (Kings-Edgehill), the birthplace of hockey, and the world's first pumpkin regatta.

I visited Windsor on June 9th, here's what I found:

Along one of Windsor's beautiful trails

1. Selfie – I found a lovely Windsor sign on Water Street while walking along the town's trail system.

2. Visitor’s Centre – Stopped into the Visitor's Centre on Gerrish Street and plotted the rest of my journey after speaking with a very helpful attendant.

3. Museum – The Haliburton House Museum is not only a heritage home, it's also the home of the Hockey Heritage Museum. I was impressed not only with the amount of information here but their demonstrated inclusiveness in hockey history – covering women and blacks in early hockey, as well as the important role of the Mi'kmaq who were renowned for their skills in carving early hockey sticks.

Goes well with fish & chips!

4. Food – Enjoyed a feed of fish and chips at The Spitfire Arms, a British Pub on Water Street.

5. Drink – While at the Spitfire I imbibed Schoolhouse Brewery's Principal Ale, which is brewed across the street from the pub.

6. Public Space – I parked Sparky at Fort Edward (built in 1750 – it's the oldest standing original military structure in Canada) and walked along the river on the town's trail systems to the Haliburton House/Hockey Heritage Museum.

7. Art – There are many gorgeous murals in downtown Windsor, but I was particularly smitten with a pair of large funky metal plants I spotted on the corner of King and Water Street. 

8. Swag – Bought a postcard featuring one of farmer Howard Dill's award-winning pumpkins at the Visitor's Centre.

When should you go? Check out Avon River Days (August 3-5), the Hants County Exhibition (September 14-16 and 21-23), and the famous Pumpkin Regatta (October 15th).

A little bit of trivia: Windsor born Thomas Chandler Haliburton (1796-1865), was an judge, politician and best selling author of The Clockmaker series. His mention of boys playing “hurley on the long pond on ice” outside Kings-Edgehill School is the basis of Windsor's claim as the birthplace of hockey.

Up next: This town is home to the Apple Blossom Festival and the Pumpkin People Festival. Find out where on Wednesday!