Bridgewater

Up until this year, Bridgewater was the furthest south I had ever traveled in Nova Scotia. Known as the “Main Street of the South Shore,” this town (population 8,532) is the commercial centre for Lunenburg County. This is also the place where actor Donald Sutherland grew up, beginning his career in media at the age of 14, working part-time as a correspondent for the town's CKBW radio station.

King Street

Bridgewater was named for the bridge that crosses the LaHave River and connects the town. Founded in 1812 by “foreign protestants” who had settled the Lunenburg area, the town was incorporated in 1899. Initially, the town's growth was due to the forestry industry, but today the major employer in the town is the Michelin plant. In recent years, Bridgewater has invested in recreation and cultural endeavors in hopes of continuing it's ever increasing population growth.

I visited Bridgewater on August 6th, and here's what I found:

1. Selfie – Got a picture at the town's entrance on Route 10, just before it becomes Glen Allan Drive.

2. Visitor’s Centre – The Visitor's Centre for Bridgewater is located in nearby Blockhouse. There a very friendly and helpful team gave us loads of information on the area.

3. Museum – All the museums in Bridgewater were closed the day we visited. Even the one with the “Open” sign posted out front. But I'm not bitter.

4. Food – Enjoyed a lovely lemon pepper haddock at River Pub on King Street overlooking the LaHave River.

5. Drink – FirkinStein Brewing was closed the day we visited, but I did enjoy “Nun on the Run” Cream Ale from Saltbox Brewing in nearby Mahone Bay with my haddock dinner.

6. Public Space – There are some beautiful parks along the LaHave River, and we took a stroll through King Street Court, which features a bandstand and awesome views of the LaHave River fountain.

King Street Court

7. Art – Got a cute picture of a colourful farm inspired cut-out at the site of the Bridgewater Farmer's Market.

8. Swag – At Treasured Friends Gift Ltd. on King Street I bought a hand-painted “Bridgewater” sand dollar magnet.

When should you go? Check out the South Shore Exhibition (July), Music Along the Riverbank (all summer) or Afterglow Art Festival (September 28th – September 29th).

A little bit of trivia: Actor John Dunsworth, best known for his portrayal of Mr. Lahey in the Trailer Park television series and movies, was born in Bridgewater in 1946.

LaHave River Fountain

Up next: This town's airport has been utilized by the likes of Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, Prince Charles, Babe Ruth and Bill Clinton, to name a few. Find out where on Wednesday!