With a pair of binoculars around your neck and the mossy earth beneath your feet, you find yourself in the heart of the Appalachians’ serrated peaks. Inhaling the fresh mountain air and surveying the sheer majestic beauty of nature, your attention turns to a quiet village that straddles the celebrated St. John River.
Perth-Andover is located at the head of not one – not two – but three incredible trail systems. The Appalachian, Trans-Canada and New Brunswick trail systems converge in the village – enticing you to explore Waterfront Park on the river’s edge, where old-growth forests and an abundance of wildlife is just a camera-click away.
Perth-Andover first sprang to life when the Maliseets formed one of the earliest known settlements along the St. John River. By the end of the 18th century, Loyalist English soldiers settled Andover. Across the river, Perth was settled by the Scots, and by 1966, the two historic villages had become one – Perth-Andover.
Today, with its shingled storefronts and friendly shopkeepers, modern life mingles gently with the traditions of the past. Open the door to the Rocking Horse. As the shop bell announces your arrival, you’ll see a unique collection of locally made arts and crafts – including handmade bird’s-eye maple carvings and paintings by folk artists.
If the browsing and buying make you hungry, visit one of Perth-Andover’s restaurants and experience their tasty cuisine. York’s Restaurant has a table waiting, with a renowned menu that attracts people from across the region. If it’s Saturday, then the Perth-Andover Farmers Market is the place to find some home-baked treats, fresh from local kitchens.
The evening sunset glazes the river in gold and a stroll along the boardwalk is a blissful end to another memorable day in the village.
For more information call 506-273-4959, visit www.perth-andover.com, or e-mail info@perth-andover.com.