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Cabot Trail Biker

The Cabot Trail, located on Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island, is simply spectacular. As Nova Scotia's Tourism website boasts: "The Cabot trail is where breathtaking was invented." So I wasn't surprised by a call from Daniel Ross, an entrepreneur living in Antigonish, who wanted to encourage others to experience the beauty of the trail. About two years ago, Daniel purchased a new Harley Davidson and he headed for the Cabot Trail. He tells me there's a certain rush you experience when you reach the summit of Cape Smokey. An experience that can only be captured on a bike.Read more

Repatriation!

"Going down the road".  For many East Coasters, this is a familiar phrase.  It’s what many Nova Scotians did in the past, seeking opportunity and fortune.

That trend is changing and more expatriates are deciding to return to the province they call home.

CEO's and government leaders are hoping the trend will continue and are making efforts to ensure expatriates know about the opportunities Nova Scotia has to offer.  For instance, by 2014 there will be more than 56-thousand jobs in Nova Scotia due to retirement and growth. Read more

Nova Scotia Beauty and Opportunity

It is a gorgeous day in Nova Scotia.  The leaves are vibrantly green; tulips are blooming; birds are chirping and peepers are peeping.  We often think of beauty when we think of Nova Scotia.  And why wouldn't we? We are surrounded by beauty.  From Cheticamp to Yarmouth and everywhere in between you'll find scenes that will take your breath away.Read more

Radio Rewards

In Hacket's Cove, Nova Scotia, along a beautiful coastal drive, you'll find Nautel Limited. This company is a global leader in the design, manufacture, sales and support of high power Radio Frequency (“RF”) products for AM and FM broadcast, navigation, industrial and space-based applications. This company has also been recognized with five awards at the National Association of Broadcasters convention recently held in Las Vegas.Read more

Hidden Gem - Dawson Brook Falls

Don the hiker knows hidden!  It took two sets of directions, a call to Don, two false starts and Heather Starr Williams’ tuna sandwiches to get there, but we did find Dawson Brook Falls.  Reached by a trail that branches off from a gravel logging road just outside the quaint town of Ellershouse, the falls tumble about 15 meters down the well carved, granite lined gorge of the brook.  The walk in took us past deer stands, wildlife feeders, an elaborate tree house, a group of ATV riders and a couple of savage looking guard squirrels and was truly off the beaten pathRead more

Farewell to our American Friend

Well, it’s back home, to my mundane and non-celebrity like life in the land of limestone, lakes and bluegrass. I wanted to say good-bye to the ocean, so we walked along the board walk in downtown Halifax today, stopping in at Jennifer’s my favorite downtown shop to visit with Darlene, the owner. It was a wonderful visit full of great weather, hospitable people, scenic vistas, and of course, hidden gems. My thanks to Kevin, Kim, and Lucy Little my wonderful and long-suffering hosts in Nova Scotia.Read more

Another Hidden Gem - Uncovered

Today’s hidden gem was a different kind of beach, Lawrencetown, out on the eastern shore of the H.R.M..  I enjoyed the great views of the harbor and the cargo operations from the bridge into Dartmouth. The first glimpse of the eastern shore headland, from a rise just outside of Sidney Crosby’s hometown of Cole Harbour, was breathtaking and I literally cooed out loud at the sight.  This promontory was rocky, marshy, and altogether wilder than the beaches around St.Read more

Another Hidden Gem - Uncovered

 

My home state of Missouri is about as far from the coast as you can get in the United States.  We don’t have an ocean.  We have a lot of big lakes, as you do, some glacial and some manmade.  We have the country’s largest fishing supply store, the Bass Pro Shops.  But salt water-not so much. Read more

An American in Nova Scotia - Hidden Gems Journey

Wednesday was too nice of a day in the Halifax Regional Municipality to sit inside. My host family, the Littles, stayed pretty close to home in Stillwater Lake and we didn’t visit any of the official “hidden gems” suggested by the Come to life contest. Taking advantage of the gorgeous spring weather we did take a hike on the Rails to Trails path behind the Bike and Bean coffee shop in Upper Tantallon. The brook was babbling, the birds were singing and it was a pleasant morning for a hike.Read more

Hidden Gem - Mark's Journey

Today started with a spiced chai and a wonderful croissant (geez, you’d think this country was half French or something) at Two If By Sea in downtown Dartmouth.  The morning was spent visiting with various nonprofits in the Dartmouth area including the feeding program at First Baptist Church, meeting with staff people at the Dartmouth Literacy Council, and touring the Habitat for Humanity Restore with Mary Elizabeth.

  Congratulations to my Habitat colleagues in H.R.M. on the completion of their 30th build!  These visits were done with friend Kevin Little, who was working on behalf of the Public Good Society.  All of these organizations certainly operate as hidden, or perhaps not so hidden, gems in your community. My brand new neon orange winter Nova Scotia cap is off to all of them.  Please give them your time and support. Read more

Hidden Gems - The Journey Begins

As many of you know, Nova Scotia Come to life launched a contest to uncover some hidden gems in Nova Scotia.  You responded and thanks so much to those of you who sent us suggestions.

Mark Lassman-Eul has arrived in Nova Scotia to visit his dear friend Kevin Little.  Kevin is a Minister at St. Luke’s United Church in Tantallon and is very active in his community.  The last time Mark was here, Kevin took him to visit 32 locations in Nova Scotia.  All of them were suggested by Nova Scotians.  Kevin asked for submissions in a column in the Chronicle Herald.

This time around, you answered the call, making several wonderful suggestions.   Here are Mark’s picks and stay tuned for Mark’s stories as he experiences these places first hand.  For those of you who see your suggestions in the top 5 - we'll be in touch with your prize!Read more

Finding Headspace

Nova Scotia means different things to different people.  It has always been my home.

I’ve been a visitor to other places, but my love for this province and its people, beauty and vibrancy keep me here. 

I'm not alone in this sentiment.  Many people choose to call Nova Scotia home and haven't regretted that decision.  Kyle Racki is but one example.Read more

Investment in Jobs and the Green Economy

What a day for the people of Pictou County!  The Province of Nova Scotia is investing 60 million dollars into the former TrentonWorks plant - creating hundreds of jobs and a new spirit of hope in  the community.

A partnership has been forged between the province of Nova Scotia and Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Ltd. (DSME).

DSME will establish a wind turbine tower and blade manufacturing facility at the former TrentonWorks site, creating hundreds of jobs. Read more

With Glowing Hearts

A surge of energy could be felt across Nova Scotia Sunday evening as the province's pride and joy, Sidney Crosby, became a national hero.Read more

Nova Scotia at Vancouver 2010

Nova Scotia's presence at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics has enlivened visitors to Atlantic Canada House, ranked one of the three must-see Olympic pavilions by Vancouver Magazine and mentioned as the best provincial house in the Globe and Mail.

There are several Nova Scotia Acts performing at the Vancouver Olympics, including DRUM, Sloan, Grand Derangement, George Canyon, Zydeco and Blou. Cape Breton native Ashley MacIsaac performed at the Opening ceremonies with more than 60,000 people in attendance.Read more