Nova Scotia, Canada: The Next New England
Posted by Phillip Townsend
I've found a traveler's dream. It's like New England at prices that won't break the bank. It's Nova Scotia in Canada...
If you're on a budget, tired of crowded beaches and packed hotels, love seafood, and have a 19th-century mindset, then Nova Scotia is for you. It's being called "The Next New England." Think New England, and vivid images come to mind: of lighthouses and fishing boats, charming coastal towns, lobster and crab, Victorian homes and rich history. It has always been an intriguing region, steeped in truth and in fiction by the novels of Stephen King. If you like New England, you'll love Nova Scotia, Canada's second smallest province. Find Nova Scotia on a map — in the North Atlantic, east of the state of Maine — and "vacation hotspot" won't be the first thing that comes to mind. But don't let Nova Scotia's northern location fool you. Summertime temperatures are comfortable and winters are milder and less snowy than in many northern states. Situated just two hours from New York City or Boston, Nova Scotia feels a world away...as if you've stepped back in time. Largely underdeveloped and rich in natural beauty, history and culture, this hidden escape has a lot to offer: pristine beaches, resort, spas, B&Bs and country inns, rustic lodges, world-class golf and whale watching. Just picture England, Ireland or Scotland 100 years ago, and you get a idea of what Nova Scotia is like. Almost an island, it is best known for its picturesque coastline, sleepy fishing villages and friendly people. The province's gem is Cape Breton Island, an area deeply steeped in Scottish heritage. The island's breathtaking Cape Breton Highlands National Parkand the Bras d'Or Lake (pronounced "bra door") are popular with Canadian and foreign travelers alike. Not only is Nova Scotia a prime tourist destination, but cheap real estate and a reasonable cost of living make it an attractive second home. 1-acre oceanfront lots sale for as little as $10,000, while a three-bedroom home on 5 acres can be had for as little as $50,000. It's no wonder that Hollywood heavyweights such as Jack Nicholson and Demi Moore have snapped up summer homes here. Considering its close proximity, not many Americans make it to Nova Scotia. Of those who do, few are disappointed. Why not go see for yourself? Phillip Townsend is author of Passport to Canada: The Complete Guide to Living and Retiring in Nova Scotia. His website is http://www.nsliving.info
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