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Happy Anniversary Norstead – Eleven Years and more than Tens of Thousands of Visitors
Let’s rewind to July 28, 2000 – More than 17,000 people were on site during the unveiling of Norstead – A Viking Village & Port of Trade (www.norstead.com) as they celebrated 1,000 years since the Vikings were the first Europeans to re-discover North America. The Province did a tremendous job marketing this summer festival.
Can you imagine the excitement on site for this new addition – an open air museum; one which provides a unique approach to education and culture, where one can gain an enriched understanding of Norse life. More than 28,000 visitors trekked through this site during the first season alone.
I have to extend a big thank-you to the interpreters and all who work at Norstead – this non-profit just 2 KM from L’Anse Aux Meadows (UNESCO Site). Some have been on-site, showing tremendous dedication to the organization for the past 11 years.
It is a pleasure to walk through the gift shop, which has an array of local product – Dark Tickle’s Teas, Jams, Sauces and Syrups; Handmade Soap, Handmade Jewellery, Norse Swords, Norse Game – 9 Man Mills, Postcards, Local Art, Pottery, Knitted Items and more. The employees make products on-site and also during the off-season.
There is a wealth of knowledge from the employees and they are quite willing to share with you – creating a warm and inviting learning experience. You have the ability to try your hand at living like a Viking.
There is much opportunity to expand on this already wonderful gem on the Great Northern Peninsula. I see much potential to work with regional partners, develop further products, expand into Learning Vacations – live like a Viking (day, weekend or week-long stopovers), workshops and other activities. The future is bright for this not-for-profit entity.
It has added much value to our Rural Economy and also the travel experience of those who are fortunate enough to take the time to visit.
Norstead is a wonder we have, it is possible because f the wonderful people who show up and do their part every day. For that, I thank you.
Live Rural NL –
Christopher C. Mitchelmore
Related articles
- Norstead – Viking Village & Port of Trade (liveruralnl.com)
- Babe, Orson, Wilbur, Porky? ….All Famous Pigs, but this fellow’s name is Willie 🙂 (liveruralnl.com)
- Deep Fried Ice-cream – A must have treat at the Daily Catch, St. Lunaire-Griquet, NL (liveruralnl.com)
- I AM A Viking at L’Anse Aux Meadows World UNESCO Heritage Site (liveruralnl.com)
- A day in the sun – L’Anse aux Meadows, Canada (travelpod.com)
- Viking settlement discovery celebrated (cbc.ca)
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My Kitchen Spa – Handmade Newfoundland Soap
The owner of My Kitchen Spa has a tremendous opportunity – she makes a natural product from items found around the kitchen. I have had the opportunity to purchase several bars of the soap.
The “Perk Me Up” Coffee Soap may be just the cure for those heading to work on Monday morning. The ingredients are listed as lard, olive oil, caster oil, sodium hydroxide, ground coffee, coffee beans and fragrance.
“Fun at the Beach” is a pleasant bar that is nice and refreshing.
“Peppermint Pattie” boasts a scent that can almost be eaten. I love the mixture of chocolate and vanilla coming together to produce something truly delicious.
“Oatmeal, Milk & Honey” is full of relaxation. One can only imagine the good these products can do to moisturize the skin.
Who knew that I would be critiquing soap?
My Kitchen Spa has prepared a good product that is well-packaged. It is environmentally friendly, with a small paper strip that is big on branding. The playful soap name, business name, location and ingredients are clearly listed. As the business develops it may wish to list a website and email for questions, comments or to re-order.
When considering a product, I look so see if it is locally made! I crave these items for myself and gifts for friends and family members. The Dark Tickle Company’s products have been delivered as far as Ireland, Switzerland and Edmonton to date. Those visiting our region will also be looking to see if an item is locally made and most likely will factor in their decision-making process.
The gift shop at Norstead – A Viking Port of Trade, is ideal for finding local products. This stems from jewellery, painting, Norse games, Dark Tickle products, pottery and of course, My Kitchen Spa. One can purchase a small bar for $4 and a large bar for $7!
Find your niche in business! There is lots of opportunity to grow our rural economies…
Live Rural NL|
Christopher C. Mitchelmore
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Home-Based Business Opportunity – Make Soap Jellies
Related articles
- Hand-Craft a Batch of Soap (education.com)
- 3 Home Based Business Opportunities You Could Do (secondwage.wordpress.com)
