Amherst

Located near the New Brunswick border in Cumberland County, Amherst is perhaps most notable for its citizens. Not only was it home to four of the Fathers of Confederation, but was also the birthplace of the award winning singer/songwriter artist Feist; Willard Boyle, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics and Rocky Johnson (aka Wade Douglas Bowles). Johnson began his career as a boxer, sparring with Muhammed Ali and George Foreman, before his famed career as WWE wrestler. Today he is most known as the father of actor Dwayne Johnson. Yes, half of The Rock's DNA originates in Amherst. 

 In Victoria Square off East Victoria Street

The Mi'kmaq called this area Nemcheboogwek meaning 'going up rising ground', referring to the town's location near the Tantramar Marshes. Acadians who settled there in the 17th century called this area Les Planches, before it was later settled by the British and named in honor of Lord Amherst, a now controversial British military commander, as it is believed that he advocated for the genocide of the native indigenous population.

Founded in 1784 and incorporated in 1889, today the population of Amherst is 9,413, making it one of the larger towns in Nova Scotia. I visited Amherst on July 28th, and here's what I found:

1. Selfie – Got a pic of meself in front of Amherst's welcome sign where Route 2 becomes South Albion Street.

2. Visitor’s Centre – The town's Visitor's Centre is located off the highway near the border with New Brunswick. 

Inside the Cumberland County Museum (Children's Exhibit)

3. Museum – Visited the Cumberland County Museum & Archives on Church Street. Located in a beautiful Victorian home, this museum contains many artifacts from the town's history. Our guide there was beautiful and friendly cat.

4. Food – Enjoyed a spinach salad and bruschetta at Bella's Cafe and Bistro on East Victoria Street.

5. Drink – While at Bella's I had a refreshing Trider's Craft Beer Yellow Beer'd Blonde Ale, which is made right in Amherst.

6. Public Space – There are a number of trails around the town, but I took the opportunity to explore Victoria Square in Amherst's downtown. The square includes a bandstand, veteran's memorial and a tribute to 4 Fathers of Confederation from Amherst.

7. Art – The town has a number of tree sculptures carved along Victoria Street. I got a picture of the Barker Brother sculpture created by Bruce Hebert representing one of the brothers who founded the Two Brother's department store in Amherst in 1907.

8. Swag – No Amherst souvenir options at the Nova Scotia Store located at the Visitor's Centre, but thankfully the vendors at Daley's Grand Market did not disappoint, and I was able to find an Amherst magnet.

Inside the funky and fabulous Daley's Grand Market

When should you go? Check out the Bordertown Biker Bash (July), Nova Scotia Fibre Arts Festival (October 9 – 13) or the Amherst Winter Carnival (February 12-18th)

A little bit of trivia: The famed Russian Revolutionary Leon Trotsky was imprisoned for a month in a POW camp in Amherst during World War I.

Up next: Known as the Hub of Nova Scotia, this next town is the largest in the province.