Music history wouldn’t be the same without John, Paul, George and Ringo, just like accessing Bridgewater wouldn’t be the same without Highway 103 exits 12, 12A, 13 and 14. For a great Day In The Life of running errands, a Lunenburg County resident must be familiar with all four routes. Bridgewater’s urban landscape is always changing, so Tomorrow Never Knows what the best way to get in and out will be. Here’s a primer for the four ways to get to Bridgewater from the highway, for anyone who might need Help!
Exit 12 – PAUL – THE UPBEAT ONE
Much like Sir Paul’s lighthearted tunes and catchy melodies, Exit 12 is an exit of optimism and hope. You might find everything on your grocery list today, there might be a cool shirt at Frenchy’s, A&W might have a new menu item. When you get off at Exit 12, it’s all possible.
You don’t need to worry about which bridge to take, or if you’ll be able to find street parking. On the Exit 12 side of the river, a pleasant afternoon of shopping, getting groceries, and grabbing a bite somewhere is all laid out before you. You’ll be in no hurry to Get Back out of Bridgewater if you take Exit 12.
Exit 12A – JOHN – THE EXPERIMENTAL, BROODING ONE
John Lennon was known for being a misanthrope who saw right through the trappings of fame. He would fit right in among cynical Lunenburg county residents who see right through Bridgewater and feel like going there is a necessary evil that they must occasionally tolerate.
Exit 12A is the exit for haters. You can quickly get in and out of Michelin, Parkview, Access Nova Scotia and a whole host of other locations where no one would voluntarily spend their time without feeling like you were ever really in Bridgewater at all.
Plus, featuring two roundabouts and a mysterious road out to somewhere called “Logan Road North,” Exit 12A takes the concept of a highway exit to bold new places, like John Lennon did with songs like Revolution Number 9 and I Am The Walrus.
Exit 13 – GEORGE – THE STOIC ONE
George Harrison and Exit 13 are both reliable without being flashy. Plus, as the closest exit to NSCC, many refer to 13 as “The Thinking Man’s Exit.”
As it deposits you near the Wile Carding Mill, where sheep were once shorn by a waterwheel somehow, the Plaza where the mighty Kmart once proudly stood, and the cemetery where former shepherds and Kmart shoppers are laid to rest, Exit 13 encourages you to contemplate that All Things Must Pass.
Exit 14 – RINGO – THE ONE THAT’S MOSTLY VIBES
Calling Exit 14 the least efficient way to get into Bridgewater is like calling Ringo Starr the least talented Beatle. Sure, it’s true, but that’s not really the point. You’re not gonna listen to Octopus’ Garden every day, and you’re not gonna take Exit 14 every day, so what?
On a lazy August Saturday, try a leisurely drive down the road to Exit 14, stopping by the Tastee Freeze out in Hebbville, and listening to Yellow Submarine. Bridgewater doesn’t get much more pleasant than that.
