Middleton

Halfway between Yarmouth and Halifax in the Annapolis Valley you'll find Middleton, appropriately known as “the heart of the valley.” You'll find this slogan everywhere in town – from the sign that welcomes visitors to the heart shaped street signs that guide you through town, bringing new meaning to the term follow your heart!

Once a popular fishing spot for the native Mi'kmaq, the Acadians used the area's Annapolis River as a transportation system through the Annapolis Valley before they were expelled. Later Loyalists settled the area and built the beautiful (and still standing) Holy Trinity Church in 1789. The town itself was founded in 1810 and incorporated in 1909. Today Middleton boasts a population of 1832.

I visited Middleton on July 14th, and here's what I found:

1. Selfie – Got a pic of meself in front of the “Heart of the Valley” town welcome sign on Main Street.

2. Visitor’s Centre – Found in the first floor of MacDonald Museum, lots of maps and info, but no swag.

Museum/Visitor's Centre/Art Gallery and all-around amazing place!

3. Museum – MacDonald Museum is, in a word, impressive. The three storey museum, located in what was Canada's first consolidated school, houses a large clock collection, re-creations of an early nineteeth century classroom and a general store, as well as a military and town museum. 

A glimpse inside an nineteenth century general store 

4. Food – Having had a big brunch at The Big Scoop (before realizing that it was NOT technically located in Middleton, but in neighbouring Wilmot – still good though), I opted for some afternoon veggies and dip at the Capitol Pub on Main Street.

5. Drink – Middleton doesn't produce any of its own spirits, but while at the Capitol Pub I enjoyed a cold Lunn's Mill First Cut IPA made in nearby Lawrencetown.

6. Public Space – Took a brief respite at Riverside Park. The park, located along the Annapolis River, includes a picnic area and walking trails.

7. Art – There's an excellent exhibit on display at the Art Gallery in the MacDonald Museum called “New Perspectives.” Created by area high school students, this eclectic mix of mediums proves that there is quite a bit of talent in the local youth.

8. Swag – Middleton was freakishly devoid of swag. I checked out all the usual souvenir hot spots – the visitor's centre, convenience store, pharmacy, dollar store, gift store even hardware store – but no luck. How am I to express my Middleton pride?

When should you go? Check out Heart of the Valley Festival (mid-July), Market at MacDonald Museum (all summer) or the Movie Night in the Park (all summer).

A little bit of trivia: Water clocks use water to measure time. The water clock on Commercial Street next to Middleton's Town Hall is one of only 3 known water clocks in North America. 

Up next: A town known for its scallop fishery. Find out where on Sunday!