Trenton

Named for Trenton, New Jersey, Nova Scotia's Trenton is a small Pictou County town (population 2,474) located along the East River. Despite some recent economic struggles, the town is home to a beautiful park and an airport that has welcomed many international dignitaries, such as Queen Elizabeth and former American President Bill Clinton.

Town Hall

First settled by Scottish immigrants, Trenton was founded in 1786 and incorporated in 1911, much of the town's history was tied to TrentonWorks, a steel fabrication company which existed under several different names since the 1870s. This was Canada's first steel mill, producing everything from rail cars to wind turbines, and had a prominent location along the town's waterfront. Unfortunately the facility closed permanently in 2016.

I visited Trenton on August 19th, and here's what I found:

1. Selfie – Took a pic in front of a beautiful granite welcome sign on the Trenton Connector Road.

2. Visitor’s Centre – No visitor's centre in Trenton, the closest one is in Westville, which contains almost no information about Trenton.

Sonny's Diner on Main Street

3. Museum – The Trenton Heritage Museum is located in the town's library – both of which were closed the day I visited.

4. Food – I had filling brunch at Sonny's Diner on Main Street.

5. Drink – Trenton doesn't produce any of its own spirits, and unfortunately there was no NSLC or licensed restaurants available either.

6. Public Space – Trenton Steeltown Centennial Park is a beautiful 565 acre park with kilometers of trails, playgrounds, a pool, an outdoor amphitheatre and picnic space. And many friendly ducks, except for one, who seemed rather bitter.

Steeltown Centennial Park

7. Art – Much of the art found around town reflects Trenton's steel working heritage. I particularly enjoyed the fountain monument on Main Street.

8. Swag – I went to a few shops in town, but couldn't find any swag. If anyone knows where I can get my paws on some Trenton trinkets, please message me.

When should you go? Check out Trenton Fun Fest (July), Pictou County Senior's Festival (August) or Christmas Tree Lighting (December).

A little bit of trivia: Nova Scotia Power's Trenton Generating Station is a geothermal electrical generating station, using coal to produce 12% of the province's electrical power needs.

Up next: This town is the headquarters for the second largest grocery chain in Canada. Find out where on Sunday!