Hello From Nova Scotia Exploring Annapolis Royal
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Vacations.
Hello From Nova Scotia: Exploring Annapolis Royal
Exploring the Rich History of Annapolis Royal
Driving through Nova Scotia’s fertile Annapolis Valley, known as the Breadbasket of Nova Scotia, I reflected on the fate of the Acadians?"a story I'd recently delved into at the Grand Pré National Historic Site. The North and South Mountain Ranges cradle this region of orchards and vineyards, with the Bay of Fundy just beyond the northern peaks. My journey along the scenic Evangeline Trail led me to the historic town of Annapolis Royal.
Annapolis Royal, resting at the mouth of the Annapolis River, boasts over 400 years of history. Founded in 1605 as Port-Royal by Acadian settlers, it was renamed in 1713 to honor England’s Queen Anne. The name blends Greek and French, reflecting the town’s complex past. Ownership of Annapolis Royal shifted seven times between the English and the French, marking it a testament to colonial turbulence. Significantly, this town predates both Jamestown, Virginia, and Quebec City.
Together with Port-Royal across the river, Annapolis Royal stands as the oldest continuous European settlement north of St. Augustine, Florida. Recognized as one of Canada’s Cultural Capitals, it was also celebrated as the “World’s Most Livable Small Community” in a UN-endorsed competition. I entered Annapolis Royal via the causeway, which houses the Annapolis Royal Tidal Power Generating Plant, and was instantly charmed by one of Canada’s most picturesque towns.
Once the capital of Nova Scotia from 1710 to 1749, Annapolis Royal boasts 135 Municipal Heritage Properties, making it the largest National Historic District in Canada. It's a tourist haven, with quaint bed and breakfasts, restaurants, cafés, galleries, and shops occupying heritage buildings.
Fort Anne, my first stop, is centrally located in town. Built by the British to guard the mouth of the Annapolis River, I was welcomed here by Alan Melanson, a 9th-generation Acadian and senior guide with Parks Canada. As it turns out, my destination was actually the Port-Royal National Historic Site across the river. Fortunately, Alan’s twin brother Wayne, also a senior guide, would be expecting me later that afternoon.
I would meet Alan again that evening for the famous Annapolis Royal Candlelight Graveyard Tour, led by him at 9 PM. With my afternoon appointment set, I took the opportunity to explore Annapolis Royal on foot. Strolling down Lower St. George Street, I passed the Town Hall, the historic 1889 Lighthouse, and the Sinclair Inn Museum?"a National Historic Site along with the Adams-Ritchie House and the Old Post Office.
Wandering up Church Street, I admired the vibrant wooden clapboard houses with their distinctive Nova Scotian decorative trims. Hungry from my travels, I stopped at the Streetscape Café for a delightful vegetable puree soup and vanilla biscotti. Here, I reviewed local brochures, preparing for further exploration.
Just steps beyond Fort Anne lies the Garrison Graveyard, dating back to 1636. It marks the resting place of 2,000 early residents. Across from this historic site was my accommodation for the night, the Garrison House. I continued my walk past Fort Anne, reaching the Court House, erected in 1837 and the oldest still-used court house in the province. An old French willow nearby once served as a whipping tree for minor public punishments.
Further up Upper St. George Street, the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens stretch over ten acres, showcasing horticultural beauty and historical gardening styles. As I entered via the gift shop, I roamed through various display gardens and marshland areas. The Victorian garden was a highlight, and the Acadian House offered a glimpse into the lives of early French settlers with its tools and utensils. Despite it being early October, the gardens still bloomed with colors, offering a summery vibrance.
My brief yet enriching walk through Annapolis Royal introduced me to this beautifully historic town. Eagerly, I looked forward to uncovering more at the Port-Royal National Historic Site later that day.
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