Did summer even happen?

Fall is my favorite season in Nova Scotia. But that doesn't make it easier to see summer pass by as quickly as it did.

As Mayor the passage of summer is marked by occasions and events: Canada Day, Pride week, Natal Day, three Council meetings, and many great community events - all fun, all important but also all-consuming.

This summer I had limited time to get away with my family. And, truth be told, my teenage children had their own priorities. Emma is starting at X this fall and has been focused on spending every possible minute with her friends who it seems she will never again no matter how long she lives. Conor has had a summer of golf, and has played close to 150 games so far. And he is playing well.

So when we had a week to spend in leisure we stayed in this beautiful province, experiencing some of the incredible glory of Nova Scotia. We had a short visit to beautiful Cabot Links (where I played once, and Conor played three times!). We had a wonderful stay at the revitalized Pictou Lodge and the opportunity to visit some of the province’s world class wineries.

I hadn't been to Cabot Links and was anxious to see this place that has rapidly become one of the most highly regarded golf courses in the world. It did not disappoint. If you enjoy golf you can't help but fall in love. Even if you don't enjoy golf, you’ll love the Links. Ben Cowan Dewar has created something remarkable, and the new Cabot Cliffs course may be even more remarkable.

Pictou Lodge is a place I hadn't visited in some years and it has become a tremendous asset to our province. The accommodations and the food are wonderful, and our whole family really enjoyed our time together.

The burgeoning wine industry is doing all Nova Scotians proud.

With much discussion about One Nova Scotia, the most encouraging aspect of all places  is the entrepreneurial leadership that inspires, creates and turns these businesses into huge assets for Nova Scotia, rural Nova Scotia at that. Ben Cowan Dewar, Brad Langille (Pictou Lodge) and wine industry leaders like Carl and Donna Sparkes, Pete Luckett, Gerry McConnell, Stewart Creaser and the Ramey family are living examples of how Nova Scotia can indeed thrive.