Truro

Welcome to Nova Scotia's largest town. Truro is known as “the Hub of Nova Scotia” due to its location as the historic intersection of several rail lines. These railways helped develop the town as an industrial centre, with businesses such as Stanfields finding success in the town. Truro's central location made it the perfect home to several provincial institutions such as the Nova Scotia Agricultural College (now part of Dalhousie University) and the former Nova Scotia Teacher's College.

Colchester East Hants Public Library and Farmer's Market

The Mi'kmaq called this area "Wagobagitik" meaning "end of the water's flow". Acadians settled this here in the early 18th century but left after the expulsion in 1755. Later, British settlers settled and the town was founded in 1759. Incorporated in 1875, today this “big” small town has a population of 12,261.

I visited Truro on July 29th, and here's what I found:

1. Selfie – Got a picture (between raindrops) of myself in front of the town's welcome sign on Robie Street.

2. Visitor’s Centre – Stopped in to the Truro Welcome Centre to plan my journeys. Lots of info in a beautiful building at the town's centre.

3. Museum – All the museums were closed in Truro the day I visited. Poopie. And I was really looking forward to checking out the Colchester Historeum, because the name alone was so damn cool.

4. Food – At The Nook and Cranny I enjoyed Salty Dog Blueberry Fish and Chips, made with Blueberry Wheat Ale from Salty Dog Brewing next door.

5. Drink – Ironically, I could not indulge in a Salty Dog Brewing Company's Blueberry Wheat Ale to accompany my Blueberry Fish and Chips (they were fresh out at The Nook and Cranny) so I had their Strawberry Wheat Ale. Still excellent.

6. Public Space – Went to Victoria Park, a thousand acre park in Truro. This park has over 20 trails, a large playground, pool, tennis courts and much more. While I was there I took in an outdoor concert at the Bandshell.

7. Art – There are a number of murals around the town depicting the town's history. I got a shot of one showcasing Truro's historic downtown on Inglis Street.

8. Swag – I popped into My Home Apparel and Mercantile on Inglis Street and picked up a Truro bumper sticker. 

Inglis Street in Truro's downtown

When should you go? Check out the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition (August 22 – August 26), Rock the Hub Weekend (August 24 – August 26) or Nova Scotia Music Week (November 1 – November 4).

A little bit of trivia: Truro born Robert Stanfield (of the famous Stanfield clothing manufacturing family) was premier of Nova Scotia from 1967 – 1976. A well respected statesman, Halifax's International Airport was re-named in 2007 in his honour.

Up next: This town is known for its iconic “Three Churches”. Find out where on Sunday!