Oxford

Located at the place in Cumberland County where River Philip, Black River and Little River converge you will find Oxford. The town is home to the world's largest processor of wild blueberries and has thus claimed the title of “the wild blueberry capital of Canada.” To cement this claim, the town has erected a 7.5 foot tall blueberry to welcome visitors.

Oxford took it's name from the area near a small river oxen would cross. The town was also known as Slabtown due to the number of sawmills and slab wood in the area in the nineteenth century. Founded in 1791 and incorporated in 1904, 1190 residents call Oxford home.

I visited Oxford on July 27th, and here's what I found:

1. Selfie – took a picture off of Exit 6, where Main Street begins. And a picture with the giant blueberry, because one should always seize such an opportunity.

Main Street, Oxford

2. Visitor’s Centre – Located in the foyer of the town hall, where you'll find pamphlets and info on the town and it's surrounding area. I also had an eager and knowledgeable town employee give some recommendations.

3. Museum – No museums in Oxford, although I spotted a few artifacts at the town hall. The receptionist there offered to call up a local history buff to fill me in on some Oxford historical tidbits. Very sweet offer, but I declined.

4. Food – Had a turkey dinner at the Parkview Restaurant.

5. Drink – Oxford doesn't produce any of its own spirits, and Parkview doesn't offer anything local. However, you can find some Jost wines from nearby Malagash at the town's NSLC.

6. Public Space – The Trans Canada Trail runs through the town on an abandoned rail bed. As it was too hot to trek, I took shelter in one of Oxford's little places of respite – there were several (some unnamed) parks found along the rivers that run through the town. 

7. Art – I spotted a few options – murals, a decorated chair, and some amazing works at the Riverside Art Gallery - but my favorite was a funky painted piano that I found in a shelter off of Main Street.

8. Swag – GJDE Enterprises Ltd. had several Oxford options in its funky general store. I picked up an Oxford blueberry magnet to commemorate my visit.

When should you go? Check out the Wild Blueberry Harvest Festival (August 17 – September 1), Cumberland County Exhibition (August 28 – September 1) or Friday Evening Jam Sessions at the Capitol Theatre (ongoing).

A little bit of trivia: Wild blueberries are Nova Scotia's provincial berry and account for $100 million in export sales for the province.

Up next: The town that spawned noted politicians, an award winning musician and WWE Hall of Fame wrestler. Find out where on Sunday!