Truro Buzz

Events in Truro and Colchester County, NS

Blog

Tell Me What’s a-Happening

By

Breaking the Cycle of Violence

Sam Madore

The goals of the Third Place Transition House are simple, not easy. They aim to break down the stigma of abuse within families, continue to partner with local organizations to best support survivors, and improve the overall wellbeing of families by breaking the cycle of violence. During Family Violence Prevention Week and beyond, it is essential to shine a light on the violence that takes place within families, and to let those experiencing violence at home know that, not only are they not alone, there are safe places and people closeby they can lean on.

“Violence against women is a pervasive and complex social problem,” says Emily Stewart, executive director of Third Place Transition House. “We understand that choosing to leave an abusive situation is never easy, but we are here to support through it. Our services are non-judgemental and… we work to create a safe, supportive environment where healing can begin.”

Serving the Truro, Colchester and East Hants regions in Nova Scotia for nearly forty years, Third Place provides shelter and support services all year, around the clock. Services are free and available to any woman over sixteen who is fleeing abuse of any kind – family, domestic, or intimate partner violence, or abuse from a roommate or landlord. Children often accompany their mothers and have access to a large outdoor playground and an indoor playroom full of toys. 

Confidentiality and safety are key. If you are someone looking for shelter, a stay typically lasts six weeks and includes food, toiletries, and other basic necessities. If you are looking for someone to talk to, to answer questions, or to access resources without looking for shelter, there is not even a need to leave your name. Here are some of the many different ways the Third Place Transition House provides safe, essential community support:

  • A 24-hour crisis support line (902-893-3232) that you can call at any time to talk to someone about your situation or to make a plan to change. 
  • If you are looking for shelter, a staff member will do a phone assessment with you and create a safety plan for leaving. 
  • If you are not looking for shelter, Third Place also provides public education through outreach or family support services. 
  • Staff are available to meet one on one to provide counselling, court accompaniment, assistance with paperwork, applying for emergency protection orders, providing referrals to income assistance, subsidized housing, legal aid and parenting supports, and other essential services.
  • As a service provider working to protect the wellbeing of children, staff at Third Place have a duty to report any abuse. If you have stayed at the shelter and then choose to return to an abusive situation, staff will encourage you to contact child welfare, or will do so on your behalf. 

“We believe that families thrive and grow within a healthy environment,” says Stewart. “And healthy relationships build healthy families, which create healthy communities. We look forward to being part of more advancements in keeping women and children safe in their homes for years to come.”

To find out more information about the Third Place Transition House, its services and staff, visit www.thirdplaceth.ca.

Tell Me What’s a-Happenin’

By

Get Active + Boost Your Mental Health (Long John’s Optional;)

Sam Madore

I think everyone will agree that events are currently not what they used to be. And, until we can get back to some sort of normalcy, that trend is likely going to continue. When it came to deciding on this year’s Truro’s Winter Long John Festival, the Town of Truro staff were determined to keep this long standing event alive through the pandemic in new and creative ways.

“It is important that we move forward with this event because we still want people to get out, be active and enjoy their community to boost their mental health,” says Megan Burgess, special events and culture coordinator for the Town of Truro. “Even though we can’t have our traditional events, we feel that individuals will still benefit from getting outside and enjoying all that winter has to offer.”

Megan Burgess, Truro Parks & Rec

This year, people are being encouraged to create their own individual activities that mirror the traditional group activities that have become a staple of the Long John Festival since it began in 2007. This year, people are being encouraged to track their own participation in activities like snowshoeing, sledding, skating, hiking, building a snowman, and more through a winter passport. Prizes are up for grabs as an added incentive to participate and, even wearing your long johns to work can get you one step closer to potentially winning a prize.

Photo by Saffron Morriz Photography

One addition to this year’s festival is the creation of a story trail, which combines literacy and physical activity by displaying the pages of a book in sequence along a community walking trail. The idea of incorporating a story trail into this year’s Long John Festival came up as a collaboration between Town staff and two Truro and Area Community Health Board members, Mandy Moore and Joel Taylor. Following this initial partnership conversation, the decision was made to showcase the book Hank’s Ball, a children’s book about grief, written by local authors Sam Madore (yours truly;) and Joey Schurman, and illustrated by local artist Amanda Bent. 

“Given the hardships that many of our residents have faced this past year, we thought it was important to focus on mental health,” says Burgess. “The story trail allows us to do this in a non-traditional way by using a relatable story to encourage healthy outdoor activity. We chose this particular book as it normalizes grief and its effect on mental health and it explains emotions in a way that is easily understood.”

Now more than ever, we need to keep our mental health a top priority in our day to day lives. Having these friendly reminders sprinkled throughout the Town – nudging us to get outside, get active, be safe, and take care of ourselves – is getting us one step closer to making it through these tough days of winter. 

Hank’s Ball will be displayed on the trail along Kiwanis Pond in Truro starting on Friday, February 12. You can find the most up-to-date information on this year’s modified Truro Winter Long John Festival, including details on the winter passport and prizes, on the Truro Parks Recreation Culture Facebook page.

Photo by Steve Currie

Tell Me What’s A-Happenin’

By

Better (and Bigger!) Together with Big Brothers Big Sisters

By Sam Madore

Right now, connection is more important than it has arguably ever been. Loneliness and social isolation can be difficult for any of us on a good day, let alone in the midst of a global pandemic. How great is it that Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) continues to honour their commitment to the vital mentorship relationships they have cultivated, allowing children and youth to still feel those important connections when they matter the most? 

“Kids need support now more than ever,” says Anna Rutherford, marketing and partnerships coordinator at BBBS of Colchester. “There is a real and tangible need for kids to have the stability, positivity and reassurance that a developmental relationship with a mentor provides. We look at adverse childhood experiences to assess the needs of kids in our program, but right now all kids are dealing with the impacts of the pandemic and isolation. We are right here to provide that support, but we need volunteers to do so.”

January is national mentoring month and there is no time like the present to volunteer to become a mentor. In fact, you likely already are one, you just haven’t filled out the paperwork yet;). 

Big – Kiirsti and Little – Missa
at the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park

“Mentoring relationships are everywhere,” says Rutherford. “What we can do (at BBBS) is bring out the skills you already have as a mentor (in families, communities, workplaces…) and apply them to a match with a child who needs what you have to offer, and provide support and guidance through the whole experience.”

There are countless examples of when mentorship matches have had a positive impact on both the “Big” and the “Little”. One example of a new match that began during the pandemic was between big sister Kiirsti and little sister Missa. Their relationship started online via Zoom and has since moved to safe, in-person meetings. Despite the challenges that can exist when trying to make an initial connection through a computer screen and text messaging, their relationship has truly blossomed.

Having only just moved to the east coast earlier this year, Kiirsti has viewed having a Little as a great way to make important connections and explore the area. “My favourite thing about being a Big is that I get to hang out with Missa, who enjoys a lot of the same things,” she says. “It’s a great excuse to do fun things like making crafts and going to the park.” 

To find out all about becoming “bigger together” and signing up as a mentor through BBBS of Colchester, visit https://colchester.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/. Whether you are supporting their “Big Bucks” program or taking on the role of a mentor yourself, you will be helping a child in your community. Every year BBBS of Colchester provides service to more than 300 local children and youth through their mentoring programs at no cost to the families or volunteers. 

If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we are better when we work together. When we find ways to reach out, connect and help one another, our community and all of the people in it can have a better chance of thriving. 

A Year in Review

By

Looking back and moving forward after a year of crashes, growth and what being Nova Scotia Strong really means.

by Alicia Simms

What happened this year? I think it might be easier to cover what didn’t. Instead of winter blooming in to spring, it lead us in to darkness and uncertainty for months. A global pandemic brought our economy and lives to a grinding halt. As we tried to find our individual footings from lay offs, business closures and working from home, all eyes turned to Nova Scotia as we experienced the largest mass murder in Canadian history. Before we could even process this tragic event, a missing child shook our community once again. There was the downtown fire that claimed 4 of our local businesses. When it seemed like Nova Scotia could bear no more heartache, we came together as family, friends and community to show the world what community really meant – what Nova Scotia Strong really meant.

Mar 22- NS announces a state of emergency.

It’s hard for me to comment on a lot of this. I did not personally lose anyone in April, though I know people who did. While my businesses were closed down for three months, I was able to get by with small business relief programs, and the generous support of my clients; some businesses were not so lucky. I cried a lot and didn’t know why. I had emotions I couldn’t process. I went from working more than I could handle to not working at all . I felt lost and out of control, and I knew I wasn’t alone.

Oct 2019, Tasha & I filming the Adult Rec series

2020 was going to be a big year for Truro Buzz, my little passion project turned full-time job – and it still was, but not at all how I expected. We started the year off strong – I had hired my first Truro Buzz employee in 2019, Tasha, and we were accomplishing so much together! We were expanding Truro Buzz by taking on Out of Bounds Adventure Tours and hiring my third employee! As the Coronavirus, now Covid-19, spread, the unthinkable happened. I had to close my doors, lay off my staff, and wait.

I think I might have been in shock that first week, I remember sporadically crying a lot. I was home alone – my partner was working on the other side of the country. There was nothing I could do but watch in awe with the rest of the world as the circumstances unfolded. What could I do to help? I have this platform, this audience, but what can I possibly do to help people right now? Like other businesses, we pivoted (yes, I’m sick of this word too). The weekly newsletter went from being upcoming events to helpful tips on how to work from home, indoor activities for kids, recipes using what you already have in your pantry. Posting on social media was updating people on local business hours, and what restaurants were offering delivery.

Interviewing Chief MacNeil Mar 25

I was extremely lucky to be able to offer live interviews with a series of professionals where people could tune in and ask questions – a local doctor, the Chief of Truro Police, a business coach, a grief counsellor, nutritionist, etc. (you can still watch these on our YouTube channel). No income was coming in but Truro Buzz was serving a higher purpose, and it helped me get through as much as it did our followers. I received SO many emails of encouragement and thanks from people grateful for keeping the newsletter and social media feeds going – despite what was happening. My heart was so full. This is why I started doing Truro Buzz in the first place. I was reconnected with my ‘why’.

Out of so much darkness and pain came so much love and support from businesses and the community- like supporting frontline workers by buying them meals and baked goods from local businesses, and a free delivery service for businesses and individuals unable to get around. Eventually we reopened, and hastily so. I had lost my staff for understandable reasons, but was able to rehire great people and continue on with whatever 2020 had in store. We saw life returning to our county- our businesses reopen, able to celebrate holidays, Pride Week, and Truro host its own Black Lives Matter rally as a part of the biggest civil rights movement in history.

All in all, it’s been a year of learning and we’re still here. I, like so many, looked at the time off as a reset button, and how I wanted to go forward when life resumed. Personally, I felt emotions and grief I’d never felt before. Professionally, I learned what it was like to be held accountable for cultural appropriation and what some considered propaganda posts- what running something like Truro Buzz means exposing yourself to. But I’m still here, taking it all in and learning more every day, and I’m glad that you’re here too.

Tanya, myself and Saffron Sept/20

CHRISTMAS CHARITIES

By

Supporting our community means more than ever this year. Here are all the local charities helping to spread joy this Holiday Season. 

Colchester Christmas Index Program

Remember how excited YOU were on Christmas morning as a child? This year why not spread that joy to a child in need?

You, your family, or business can help make Christmas dreams come true for a child in need by donating to the Colchester Christmas Index Program.

Instead of exchanging gifts at the staff Christmas Party or family get together, why not sponsor a family, make a financial donation, or donate new unwrapped toys, clothing or gift cards? Gifts for teens are always in high need.

Through the Cobequid Children First Foundation, the Colchester Christmas Index Program exists to help families at Christmas time that may be facing financial challenges. Christmas can be a stressful time for families. We understand that there isn’t always extra money for special occasions like Christmas.

The Christmas Index Program is a cooperative effort of groups and individuals in Colchester County dedicated to providing assistance for those in need at Christmas time. The objective is to ensure that those needing assistance receive it. The ultimate goal is to match each family that requires assistance to a group, family, or individual.

Go to https://christmasindex.ca/index.php?pageid=1 to donate today!

Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/christmasindex

Elves For Elders – United Way of Colchester

This year more than ever, some folks are feeling very isolated and separated from their family and loved ones. Be an Elf for a local Elder and help make this holiday season a bit brighter for someone special in our community!

This is all you have to do…

  1. Pick a gift from the Giving tree (Find the tree at the Truro Mall, United Way or Classic Rentals)
  2. Shop for the gift that you have chosen
  3. Deliver your new, unwrapped gift by December 10th to the United Way Office
  4. Feel great about helping your community!

Drop off location: United Way office by December 10th

90 Esplanade Street, Suite 2

902-895-9313

coordinator@colchester.unitedway.ca

https://www.colchester.unitedway.ca/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/UnitedWayCol

Coats For Kids – Maggies Place Family Resource Centre Colchester 

Thanks to the support of Wilson’s Heating, Maggie’s Place is receiving donations of new and gently used children’s winter coats. 

Ensure that every kid who needs a coat this year gets one. If you have a gently used kids coat that is no longer needed, you can drop it off at Maggie’s Place (Address below). If your child is in need of a coat this winter, common down and pick one out! 

Maggies Place

1027 Prince Street, Truro NS

902-895-0200.

colchester@maggiesplace.ca

http://www.maggiesplace.ca/

Colchester Food Bank

The Colchester Food Bank gives out hundreds of thousands of pounds of food to people in Colchester County each and every year. The food bank has thousands of clients on file and relies on the very generous support of the community for donations.

The Colchester food bank needs your donations now more than ever! Let’s help feed bellies this Christmas!

580 Prince Street, Truro, Nova Scotia

colfoodbank@eastlink.ca

902-893-4566

http://www.colchesterfoodbank.com/

Grocery Gift Cards – Above & Beyond Home Decor

Help bring Christmas to local families. 

Above & Beyond Home Decor is accepting $25 gift card donations from a local grocery store or drugstore. They will then donate these gift cards to Maggies Place and your name will be entered for a chance to win a Christmas gift basket valued at $300! Above & Beyond will also match your donations for up to $1000!

Above & Beyond Home Decor

49 Inglis Place Truro, NS

(902) 895-1445

aboveandbeyond@bellaliant.com

http://www.aboveandbeyondhomedecor.com/

Holiday Heros – Truro Police

Holiday Heroes 2020 is going to look different this year than in the past. One thing remains the same though, 60 local elementary students (nominated by their respective schools) along with their siblings, will be receiving gifts taken from their Christmas wish lists! 

In years past they depended upon the generosity of our local community members and small businesses and they were fortunate enough to be welcomed under the umbrella of the Christmas Index Program. This enabled them to really go big, to provide these kids and their families with an abundance of useful and exciting items. 

As a result of the current pandemic and its impact on our community, they have decided not to reach out for donations knowing this would greatly impact their budget. Fortunately, our community is a very supportive and generous one. Businesses, organizations, and individuals have begun reaching out wishing to contribute to the cause. They are now optimistic that they will be able to provide not only for the selected children and their siblings but potentially for some additional families in the community as well. 

If you would like information about how you could become a Holiday Hero helper or make a donation please email them at ourholidayheroes@gmail.com  

Donations have to be in by December 15th! 

Holiday Food Hampers – CEC

Each year Cobequid Educational Centre (CEC) supports students/families in need through the donation of holiday food hampers. Because of Covid-19, the school is limited in both resources and opportunities for generating revenue to support this important program. In 2020, instead of hampers, the school will be providing grocery gift cards to those who are identified.

CEC is accepting grocery gift cards or cash donations for those in need this Christmas!

Call the office to donate 902-896-5700

Christmas Card Drive for Seniors – Truro Buzz  

Since visiting our seniors is discouraged, we are organizing a Christmas card drive to brighten their holiday season!

Let’s bring our community together and gather as many Christmas cards as we can for our seniors in enhanced care facilities throughout Colchester County! 

Make a card, buy a card, get your kids involved, and create some fun art! Get your neighbors, co-workers, and friends involved! LET’S GET CREATIVE! 

Drop off locations:

Truro Buzz Hive – 802 Prince Street, #102 Truro NS

Truro Library 

Stewiacke Libray 

Tatamagouche Libray

We are accepting cards from now until December 18th!

Let’s put some smiles on our senior’s faces this holiday season!

Giving Tree – Truro Farmers Market 

You can find the giving tree at our local farmers’ market. 

How it works:

  1. Pull a tag – any tag from the tree
  2. Flip the tag over to see what someone at the shelter is wishing for this year
  3. Purchase the gift and bring it, unwrapped to the Hub House at 862 Prince Street by December 18th
  4. Celebrate the holidays knowing that someone’s season is brighter because of you!

Coat Exchange – Odd Fellows Liberty Lodge 

Liberty Lodge Tatamagouche has taken on the community Coat Exchange this year. You will find the coat rack at the entry to their Lodge on Main St.

“If you need a coat, take one.”

“If you have a coat, please leave one.”

245 Main Street, Tatamagouche, NS

Christmas at the Cafe – Souls Harbour Mission

Chritmas at the Cafe will look different this year as many things are.

They will be offering a take out Christmas Dinner with a stocking. Dinner will take place December 24th from 12pm – 2pm at Soul’s Harbour Mission at 130 King Street.

If you would like to make a donation to this event, please contact Aaron Stevenson (902) 305-3100 or aaron@adstevenson.com for more information

Food Bank Donations – Fundy Vets 

The Fundy Vets partners and staff recently decided to do something to help those in our communities who may need a hand during this 2020 holiday season.

From Dec 1st, to Dec 15th, Fundy Vets will match every monetary donation to our local food banks dollar-for-dollar, with a commitment up to $10,000!

If you’re as fired up as we are about helping out in our communities this holiday season, and you’re in a position where you can donate, go to this link on our website to give what you can: https://www.fundyvets.com/blog/fundy-vets-foodbank

More information can be found on their website about this important holiday initiative. http://www.fundyvets.com/

Truro Location 902-895-8195

Shubie Location 902-758-3180

Volunteers Needed!

By

Our community needs your help! If you have any spare time this summer why not give a helping hand to some of our community in need. PLUS Volunteering looks fantastic on your resume! 

Below is a list of organizations in need:

Lotus center:

A form on the website to apply. Don’t have set hours for volunteers, but rather whatever time you can volunteer. Office open Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30, occasionally some special events in the evenings and weekends.
Sandi Dunbar- Administrative Assistant 902-895-4295 ext 1

SPCA:

Not currently looking due to COVID. But will need volunteers when they can bring new people into the building again. Typically 4-hour shift and no night shifts.

United Way:

Will be looking for workplaces or groups interested in helping with the Back to School Campaign. Help with school supply and backpack drives. Additionally this year they want to include masks for kids heading to the classroom. Last year they supported 300 students. Anyone interested can email ed@colchester.unitedway.ca

Truro Homeless Outreach Society:

Different positions are available. Each position has it’s the onset of requirements and duties. All volunteers must follow COVID policies.

Shelter Attendent: shifts are daytime, 6:30pm-12am and 12am- 8am.

Shift Manager: 6pm- 10pm on call until 12am. Must have 3 months experience in the shelter attendant position.

Meal Prep Volunteer: prepare meals for 16-20 people using what is available. Hours vary but generally 5 pm-7 pm. Meals can be prep ahead of time or off-site.

Cleaning and Maintenance Volunteer:

No set hours. Responsible for cleaning and maintenance to keep the house in good condition.

Donation Sorting Volunteer:

Day position. Sorting food, clothing, and personal hygiene donations.

Lead Donation Sorter:

Keep accurate and up to date inventory of all donations. Weekly or biweekly visit to the shelter.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Colchester:

Looking for individuals and couples to be “Bigs”. Have a new project that will be launching soon with all contact being virtual for those at higher risk of COVID. Can apply and get more info on the site. https://colchester.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/what-we-do/community-matching/

Slate Youth Centre:

Reopening in Sept with new COVID policies. Still a bit unsure of all positions that will need to be filled but will definitely need volunteers for after school and early evenings. Commitment is 8 hours/month as they are trying to limit the number of people coming and going. For more information contact crystal@slateyouth.ca.

The Great Deck Rebuild!

By

With help from our friends at Hubcraft Timbermart, we redesigned and built our ultimate outdoor oasis!

Our deck was past its prime: dried out, rotting, and there was a lot of damage from a pool that had been taken down years ago. Not to mention, the wasps and other bugs that were making the hollow rotting boards their home! To say we weren’t enjoying our outdoor space to the fullest was an understatement! After being in this house for 6 years, it was time to have a deck that we wanted to spend time on!

The size of the deck was ok for us but we didn’t think we were maximizing the space we had to its full potential. Do we build the same as what’s there? Do we change the layout? How do we get started? We had so many questions!

Driving along Pictou Road one day, I see ‘It’s Deck Building Season!’ on the marquee outside of Hubcraft Timbermart, and figure it’s time to consult the experts.


We showed Jim and Marissa our pictures and chatted about what we thought we wanted our deck to look like. He was so thorough with his questions to help us determine the kind of deck we wanted – from the height and size, to functionality of the space, we covered all the bases! Jim did up a sketch, presented lots of different material options ( I had NO idea there were so many), and we made a plan! I can’t believe how easy the process was when we came in with no ideas.

Jim did up our material order and we arranged delivery- SO EASY! With that, we were off to the races! Of course, the demo revealed lots of fun surprises – like a vent hole under the patio door, which is why the deck was two different levels, and a wasp nest the size of a football!!! We chose to build the deck ourselves, but Timbermart also has a list of trusted contractors they can recommend to you!

Once our deck was demoed, a community garden project reached out to us to up-cycle some of the old wood for their garden boxes! It was great to see the wood reused to help such a great initiative!


After a lot of sweat, and only a little blood from me (I am so accident prone..), our beautiful deck project was complete!

We had a great debate on which side to have the pergola! After much debate, the left side won, and its the perfect spot for our hammocks!


We couldn’t be happier with our new deck and outdoor space. Hubcraft Timbermart was so easy to work with and helpful, we couldn’t have done this project without their help! For all your reno and building needs, be sure to check this amazing local business out!

Summer Bucket List

By

Contest Alert! Summer’s not over yet so we asked what’s on YOUR summer bucket list and this is what came back! We want to see you checking off your own summer bucket list! If you need suggestions, check out this list of must do’s before the leaves start to fall! Read through to find out how to enter!

Chasin’ Waterfalls
Hiking a new Trail
Cheers to Beers and Cocktails
Ice Cream Dreams
Tidal Bore Rafting
Have a meal on an outdoor patio
Plan a day trip -exploring, eating, site seeing!


Chasin’ Waterfalls
I know TLC told us not to, but you’ve got to go chasin’ waterfalls when there are so many practically in our own backyard!

1. Hidden Falls is located at the edge of the Cobequid Mountains in Five Islands near Parrsboro. You’ll hike past 3 smaller falls before coming to Hidden Falls which is around 21 meters high. Hidden Falls is on private property, but the owners allow access to the public. Click here for directions.
2. Economy Falls is found between Upper and Lower Economy, east of Parrsboro. This is one of the most visited falls in Nova Scotia. It is part of a trail system and is protected within the Economy River Wilderness Area. The trail is easy, but the long staircase (186 steps) can be tiring. There are benches (for resting) as you make the climb. Click here for directions.
3. Wentworth Valley Falls is a full bridal-veil falls. It’s beautiful and easy to get to. There’s no deep gorge to scale unlike other falls in this area. This falls is located in the Wentworth Valley, north of Truro. The trail is not part of a trail system, but should be easy to access. If you have children they might like to splash around at the base of this falls. As always, make sure it’s safe before allowing your children to play in the water. Click here for directions.
*Sourced from www.storyteller.travel. Check this page out for more Falls

Hike a New Trail
We literally want you to go take a hike. There are so many trails throughout Colchester to choose from, no matter what level of hiking you enjoy.

1. The Mi’kmawey Debert Interpretive Trail is a woodland trail with several stream crossings. Interpretive panels, with beautiful artwork by Dozay Christmas of Membertou Mi’kmaw Community, tell the story of the First People in Nova Scotia and their life in Debert.
2. Gully Lake – Nuttby Hiking Trail System is a 34-km wilderness hiking trail system, developed and managed by Cobequid Eco-Trails Society, is situated in the Cobequid Mountains near Earltown and Kemptown. It currently consist of three independent loops ranging from 6 km to 10 km, plus linear connector trails. Highlights of the trail system include Gully Lake Wilderness Area, Caribou Lake Brook, Taylor Lake, Earltown Lake and Rogart Mountain. The trails also pass by or near numerous waterfalls and ecologically sensitive marshes.
3. The Stewiacke River Park Trails are the “river trail” and the “upland trail”. Along the “river trail”, stroll under hemlock and pine trees beside the river. Benches along the trail provide places for rest and relaxation. Along this path you will also pass the playground, picnic shelters and washrooms. The “upland trail” follows a mowed path through mixed forest in the upper section of the park, away from the river. Watch for bald eagles, song birds and white-tailed deer in the park. In spring, look for woodland wildflowers, including trout lily and lady’s slipper. 
4. Rogart Mountain Trail at Sugar Moon Farm is 6.2 km. long, starting at Sugar Moon Farm, wanders through white spruce woods, stands of sugar maple and yellow birch, and, at its highest points, gnarly dwarf beech and old growth forest lichens. The trail passes old stone walls, 3 brooks, 4 look-offs, Jane’s waterfalls, 3 foundations, and 17 interpretive points. Though this trail has many steep climbs, the falls can be accessed on flat terrain by doing a shorter trip counter clockwise.
Click here for even more trails throughout Colchester.

Cheers to Beers and Cocktails
Nova Scotia is full of award winning craft breweries and distilleries. We’ve got a few in our own county you won’t want to miss! You might just discover your new favourite summer beverage!

1. Tatamagouche Brewing Co is a family owned and operated microbrewery where they make small handcrafted batches of organic beer. Over their 6 years in business, they have expanded 3 times and brewed over 45 kinds of beers. In 2018 they were voted Craft Brewery of the year by the Atlantic Brewing Association. My favourite is their summer brew of Rushton’s Peach Sour!
2. Uncle Leo’s Brewery produces fine ale in the traditional style of craft breweries. Their beer is made from various malts, hops, yeast and water with no added fillers or preservatives. Uncle Leo’s is one of only a few breweries that make beer from fresh well water. You’ve gotta try their smoked porter!
3. Salty Dog Brewing Co is brewed in the heart of Nova Scotia, with the Bay of Fundy and Cobequid Mountains in our backyard, this handcrafted beer
​embraces the spirit of adventure and living in the moment. I can’t go very long without grabbing a pint of their rhubarb wheat!
4. Coldstream Clear Distillery has expanded! Have you been to their new location at Mastodon Ridge in Stewiacke? They’re in the same building but larger location for shopping and sampling! Try out a flight of their cocktails and take your favourite mixes home! I can’t get enough of the peach iced tea!
5. Raging Crow Distillery features all-natural, small-batch, locally-sourced and handcrafted products. They have many unique products including their Spruce Tip Gin, Dill Pickle Vodka, Cajun Chocolate Liqueur, Haskap Gin, Nova Scotia’s only potato vodka, and Honey Liqueur. You’ll truly find something for everyone here. If you’re a caesar fan, the dill pickle vodka is not to be missed.

Beach Combin‘
Did you know we have the warmest waters of all the beaches in Nova Scotia? Check out these tips for finding sea glass!

1. Melmerby Beach, Little Harbour was named after the barque “Melmerby” which sank off the beach on October 12th, 1890 returning from Quebec City. Its one of the warmest and busiest beaches. It has flush toilets, showers and a life guard on duty during the day.
2. Blue Sea Beach, Malagash is a wide, 1.4 km long beach located in Malagash, on the Northumberland Strait. Great place for bird-watching and snorkelling. It is also a stop on the Out of Bounds Foodie Tour!
3. Rushton’s Beach is located in Marshville, east of Tatamagouche. It features wide sandbars (low tide) and a salt marsh that is home to many varieties of birds. There is a wheelchair accessible boardwalk to the beach and sheltered picnic area.

Ice Cream Dreamin‘
I can’t let a sunny day go by and NOT get some delicious ice cream. Lucky for me (unlucky for my waistline) there are lots of places to grab this tasty treat!

1. Tatamagouche Ice Creamery is new this year to Main Street, Tatamagouche and these handmade artisanal ice creams are worth the drive!
2. Fundy Scoops, formerly Molly’s Dairy Bar, is a social enterprise for the Big Brother’s Big Sisters of Colchester, meaning every dollar spent goes right back to programs for children and youth in the community!
3. Noveltea Bookstore & Cafe now also offers Ice Cream!

Tidal Bore Rafting
This is a time honoured tradition in this part of the province with options for the nervous first timers and the seasoned thrill seekers! This is on MY summer bucket list!

1. Shubie River Wranglers www.gotidalborerafting.com 902-456-2673
2. River Runners https://riverrunnersns.com/ 1 800-856-5061
3. Shubanacadie River Adventure Tours http://www.shubie.com/ 1 (888) 878-8687

Have a Meal on an Outdoor Patio
This year we have more outdoor patio areas than ever! The weather is hot, the drinks are cool and the food is incredible! Check out this blog on outdoor patios in Colchester County! Bonus points if it’s a restaurant you haven’t tried before!

Plan a day trip!
There are so many awesome places you can visit in a day around northern Nova Scotia full of scenic views and delicious local treats!

1. Explore Great Village and Economy with the Artsy Antiquey tour! This is great for families and couples alike! Check out hidden treasures a Great Village Antique Corner while enjoying a coffee and treat from the newly opened Wayside Cafe & Gallery in the historic St James United Church Building. Explore the monuments at the Veteran’s Memorial Park before heading to the Dutchman’s Cheese Farm to enjoy samples of their house made cheese. You’ll love exploring their animal and nature park where you can interact with and feed the animals! After that, you’ll grab your lunch or upper from Diane’s restaurant and head to Five Islands Lighthouse Park to enjoy your meal with beautiful seaside views.
2. Go Mud Sliding in Maitland! This Nova Scotia rite of passage is not to be missed this summer! Grab your kids, bubble families and friends and enjoy some local treats from Coldstream Clear Distillery and Made with Local along the way! You’ll be surprised how smooth (and fast!) the muddy banks can be!
3. Eat and drink your way through Tatamagouche on a Foodie Tour! You’ll want stretchy pants for this day trip! It’s full of local products like handmade chocolates and ice cream, locally brewed craft beer and roasted coffee, sumptuous seafood chowder and MORE! Not to mention a trip to Blue Sea Beach (mentioned above). This is the ultimate day of local indulgence!
4. Bike your way through Truro! Sure, you’ve seen the town but have you ever biked from downtown to the Fundy Tidal Centre to see the tidal bore come in? Enjoy Truro on two wheels and see it as you’ve never experienced it before. You’ll also get shopping discounts from downtown locations!

To Enter our Summer Bucket List Contest: Tag Truro Buzz in your post and use the hashtag #tbsummerbucketlist and we’ll draw a winner of a Truro Buzz Prize pack on Aug 31! (*note: if your account is set to private, we won’t be able to see the tag. You can email your entry pic to info@trurobuzz.com and we’ll share it on Truro Buzz!)




Patio Season is Here!!

By

Summer is here, and we can FINALLY go places, eat sit down meals and just enjoy life again! We wanted to take the time to compile a list of restaurants that have outdoor patios. We recognize the importance of physical distancing and being outside is just an amazing every opportunity we can get!

Downtown Truro Area

Hub Grub in Downtown Truro
  • Hub Grub
  • Nook & Cranny Brew Pub
  • The Blunt Bartender
  • Sauced Woodfire Pizza
  • NovelTea Cafe & Book Store
  • Bistro 22
  • Great British Grub
  • Dairy Queen
  • Engine Room Pub
  • Jimolly’s Bakery Cafe
  • Parichat’s Asian Thai Restaurant

Truro Area

BellyUp BBQ & Grill
  • Old Road BBQ
  • Cheese Curds / Habaneros
  • Boston Pizza
  • Frank & Gino’s
  • The Patio Lantern
  • BellyUp BBQ & Grill
  • Greco / Cpt. Submarine
  • Mary & Larry’s Diner & Take Out
  • McDonald’s
  • Deluxe Fish & Chips
  • Bistro on Prince
  • Roadside Willies

Stewiacke Area

Whistler’s Pub and Grub
  • Whistler’s Pub and Grub
  • KFC, Mastodon Ridge, Coldstream Clear all have a common area
  • Fox Hollow Golf Club
  • Dairy Queen

Tatamagouche Area

Chowder House
  • Sugar Moon Farm, Earltown
  • Big Al’s at 30
  • Chowder House
  • Tatamagouche Brewing Company

Masstown – Five Islands

Catch of the Bay Fish & Chip Boat
  • Catch of the Bay Fish & Chip Boat, Masstown
  • That Dutchman’s Cheese Farm, Economy
  • Diane’s Restaurant, Five Islands
  • Briny Bay Cafe, Five Islands

We sure love eating “Al Fresco” as they in Italy, and with all these options to pick from, it makes eating out a great experience. Not only does it increase your mood, its great for the restauranteur by allowing more seating area.