I then returned to the dais as the guard turned and marched past in two straight lines while the piper and drummer did their thing as the guard commander saluted. Next were a series of manoeuvres as they returned to their original position on the square. The guard saluted and the parade was finished. I stepped off the dais and commended their performance. They then marched off with the sounds of the pipes and drums as I was escorted back into the shade (thank goodness) where I met Mayor Brad Woodside, who has been the longest serving mayor in Fredericton’s history.

We all went to lunch. Not the guards, silly. I told him that I’ve never gotten to socialize with my own mayor. Brad said that he comes to New York often enough and perhaps we can get Michael to join us one day.  

 After dining on salmon at The Palate Restaurant & Café I requested to take a photo with the mayor. What better spot than going to City Hall? At first I thought of taking a photo in front of Freddie, “the little nude dude” as he is affectionately referred to. However, rather than a photo of the fountain, I chose to have a few guards stand on top of the steps while Brad and I posed with fists out to each other. This way I could say that I was trying to fight City Hall.  

I took a tour of his office where he presented and signed a book as well as giving me a second gift. It was a photographic scene that typifies Fredericton whose digital image was placed on a canvas. I was quite happy as due to some construction and trees I was unable to capture this from the Trail Bridge, a ten-minute walk from downtown.  

After thanking Brad and saying, “bye, bye”, I was given another tour. This time it was the Council Chamber where a series of tapestries, “The Last 200 Years” are permanently displayed. Produced in honour (English rule) of Fredericton’s 200th b-day, as Capital of NB, two local artists, Mrs.Gertrude Duffie and Dr. Ivan H. Crowell, created 27 colourful tapestries depicting Fredericton’s history. I sat in Brad’s chair. Now, as a VIP, I’m part of Fredericton’s history. Tune in for more about my trip to New Brunswick.  

A few blocks from the hotel to York, I found City Hall to be quite recognizable, not only for copper hands of the chiming tower clock but Freddie, “the little nude dude” that sits atop the square’s fountain. It was here that I met with Mayor Brad Woodside and then took a tour of the council chambers, which houses a series of tapestries depicting the Fredericton’s history. Way cool on both! As it turns out, the mayor owns and operates Carleton Boat Tours, a great way to relax and get some inside info on the St. John River (www.carleton2.com) . 

With a multitude of artisan studios and galleries, there was one particular place that brought my attention, that of Aitkens Pewter, just across from City Hall. Each of the pieces is hand-made in their studio but only sold at their store at 408 Queen Street. It turned out that I was able to have a tour and see just how pewter was made, with the studio located just minutes away, not quite in walking distance. Actually I was most curious to find out what the heck pewter was. It’s like gefilte fish. You know, there is no actual fish called gefilte. Pewter, by the way is composed of at least 90% tin with small parts of antimony and copper.  

It was on to Barracks Square on Carleton, a former military area turned arts and craft with still a bit a history. I passed by the NB College of Craft and Design & Gallery but checked out the Soldiers Barracks & Craft Shops with locals selling their fabulous wares. Also in the area is River Valley Crafts, and as I traveled on I was able to tour the guardhouse to view the jail cells just near the tourism office. The square is also used for free outdoor concerts and movies. One night they were showing “An Inconvenient Truth” along with a lecture.  

As I continued back towards the hotel, I passed the N.B. Sports Hall of Fame as well as the York-Sunbury Historical Society Museum to spend time at Officer’s Square. It is there that a bronze statue of Lord Beaverbrook stands and the venue for the Changing of the Guards. It was not only a grand ceremony worth watching but I was given the honor of inspecting the guards. The square is another space used for outdoor concerts, theatre and winter skating. That night there was a Celtic band performance.  

The Lighthouse Adventure Centre, on the St. John River, abutted on Regent and afforded me a great view from the top. It’s not a huge climb. Each of the landings has a display that interprets facts about life along the St. John River. Afterwards I got a Fredericton shirt at the gift shop.  

Out of the Garrison District I continued past the hotel to the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. There’s that guy’s name again. Who was he and why is there a dispute over the 85 paintings? William Maxell (Max) Aitken, was the first Lord Beaverbrook and prior to his death in 1964, shelled out big bucks to New Brunswick, where he grew up. Since Fredericton is the capital, so it goes that much would be dedicated to him. As far as the dispute, tune in next year for the results. In the meantime I was able to enjoy his art collection as well as that of a few other donors.  

Although the Provincial Legislative Assembly Building was just next to the Playhouse, I didn’t go inside as they were doing some construction. This is the seat of the government in New Brunswick since 1882. I was told that when the Legislature is not in session, I may visit the Assembly Chamber and take some awesome photos.  

Due to poor timing I didn’t have the opportunity to take in some theatre activity at The premier performance venue that offers live performances by regional and world-class musicians, dance companies and theatre companies. Guess who forked over the funds for it. The Playhouse is New Brunswick’s only professional English-speaking theatre company.  

I pause to divert from Queen Street to go around the corner on St. John and walk a few blocks to the Science East Science Center, home to over 130 hands on exhibits and a newly renovated dungeon museum. The building’s outside walls appeared to be a bit thick and was told that they were 40” of solid granite due to it’s prior use of a jail. Had I have been there on a Saturday morning I would have noticed the “backyard” was home to the W.W. Boyce Farmer’s Market.  

I was now on Brunswick where I continued on to the Trail Bridge, stopping to take in the Christ Church Cathedral, considered to be the first Cathedral in North America (1845-1853) to adhere to the standards of the mid-19th century Gothic Revival in church architecture.  

As it was much too hot (95 degrees) to walk across the bridge to Carlton Park, I did walk far enough to be able to view what would be considered as the “skyline” of Fredericton. This old CN Railway bridge is only open to pedestrians.  

Did I ever pause to eat? Rather than dwell upon what I consumed, of which there was much seafood, I’ll just give you the info on the restaurants. Blue Door Restaurant, 100 Regent Street; Palate Restaurant – where I had lunch with the mayor – 466 Queen Street; BrewBakers, 546 King Street; Trinitea’s Cup Fine Teas, 87 Regent Street; and Bruno’s Seafood & Chophouse, located at the Delta Fredericton Hotel, 225 Woodstock Rd.  

Considering that Kings Landing Historical Village is New Brunswick top attraction and Provincial Historic Site, I did take the one side trip back to the 19th Century. Horse-drawn wagons take you to the main village where the folks are all in costume. Aside from having buildings to view the blacksmith, sawmill, theatre and typical houses, kids can sign up to spend a week going back in time where there were no televisions or Ipods. I chowed down at the King’s Head Inn pub and dining room for some traditional fare.  

One other side step from the downtown area took me to Fackleman Chocolaterie & Patisserie (506-450-2520) featuring the Schnitzel Parlor with German cuisine. I took a class on truffle making using Belgian chocolate. Otherwise, you may just want to indulge!  

With free parking for visitors, you may consider staying at New Brunswick’s only gay owned/operated campground, Rivers Edge Campground and RV Park, for the GLBT community and their families. Located along 1000 feet of the Nashwaak River, it’s just 20 minutes north of Fredericton. For those who require a more “hotel” accommodation, there are a few rental trailers.  

Although Fredericton has a rather large gay population, don’t expect a slew of gay bars. However, gay nite-life sparks at Boom! Nightclub located at 474 Queen Street (506) 463-2666, a high-energy dance bar.  
   

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