Hello From Nova Scotia - Part 11 - The Mackinnon-cann Inn Where Home And Garden Television Meets The Travel Channel
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Vacations.
Hello From Nova Scotia: Part 11 - The MacKinnon-Cann Inn: A Fusion of Home and Travel
Introduction
After a restful night cocooned in the luxurious high-thread-count sheets at the MacKinnon-Cann Inn in Yarmouth, I was ready to embrace a new day. My adventure began with an exhilarating drive down the Evangeline Trail and a tour of the Bear River First Nation Heritage and Cultural Centre. An early walk through Yarmouth’s Victorian heritage areas made for a fulfilling day, underscoring the need for a good night’s sleep.
A Memorable Breakfast
As morning dawned, I headed to the inn’s elegantly decorated dining area for breakfast. Neil Hisgen, one of the inn's co-owners, was bustling in the kitchen but found time to share insights about the inn and his background.
Neil, originally from Wisconsin, comes from a large family and spent six years in the Navy before venturing into the hospitality industry in Florida. His career blossomed over 18 years as he climbed the ranks from a Marriott front-desk position to a general manager role in a major hotel.
A New Chapter
Neil’s journey intertwined with Michael Tavares, his business and life partner, whom he met in 1997. After selling his first house, Neil decided to invest in a bed and breakfast. Michael already owned a 200-acre property in Nova Scotia, which charmed Neil with its changing seasons. They decided to seize the opportunity to open a bed and breakfast in Yarmouth’s Victorian district.
Michael’s Story
Michael, originally from Boston, developed a fascination with old buildings at a young age. His curiosity led him to restore several historic properties in Boston and later, landscape design projects in Key West. His profound interest in historic buildings led him to Yarmouth.
Together, Neil and Michael transformed a dilapidated Victorian mansion into the Charles C. Richards House, a charming bed and breakfast with rooms themed around the 1930s Art Deco period. The MacKinnon-Cann Inn, built in 1887, was lovingly restored with each room reflecting a different decade of the 20th century.
Heritage and Community
Michael plays a vital role in Nova Scotia's heritage community and is actively involved in preserving historic properties. Both inns are provincially registered heritage sites and have received numerous awards for restoration and community contribution.
In addition to the inns, Michael is renovating another Victorian property nearby, with aspirations to transform it into a restaurant. Together, Neil and Michael have revitalized an entire street block, showcasing stunning architectural revival.
A Commitment to Preservation
Michael believes that heritage restoration can spark a cultural and economic renaissance. His respect for historical integrity goes beyond profit, focusing instead on community growth. Engaging local merchants in his projects, Michael has garnered respect within the community, even amidst initial challenges as an outsider with fresh ideas.
A Tour of Restoration
After breakfast, Michael guided me through their projects. We explored a smaller Victorian house under renovation and admired its transformation. The restored blue Victorian mansion followed, leading us to the Charles C. Richards House?"a stunning Victorian masterpiece.
Conclusion
With its intricately carved features, lush gardens, and vibrant history, Yarmouth's charm was undeniable. I thanked Neil and Michael for their hospitality and headed to the Yarmouth County Historical Museum, eager to uncover more of the town’s rich past.
For an in-depth experience and photos, visit [Travel and Transitions](http://www.travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/mackinnon_cann_inn.htm).
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Hello From Nova Scotia - Part 11 - The Mackinnon-cann Inn Where Home And Garden Television Meets The Travel Channel.
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