Doors Open “is a unique opportunity for citizens to celebrate our architecture and heritage through the exploration of some of our hidden historical, architectural, and cultural gems.” In other words: doors are open to the public, free of charge, to many places in town you’ve maybe never been.

Ever wanted a drink at the naval officers’ club, The Crow’s Nest? You can learn a little about these places while you’re there. Like how the St. John’s Courthouse was officially opened in 1904 and there was at 14K gold trowel made especially for the opening ceremony.

The 200 year old Commissariat House is part of it too: did you know it was built by the British Navy, and is the last original and intact structure that was part of an extensive British military complex in St. John’s?

See the insides and learn more about places like the St. John’s Central Fire Station, Quidi Vidi Plantation, Newman Wine Vaults, Masonic Temple, The Basilica, Winterholme, Quidi Vidi Brewery, even the Robin Hood Bay Waste Management Facility, and many more

… like Rainbow Riders. They’ve operated a therapeutic horse riding program for almost 25 years, and provide an indoor riding arena to support year-round operation. Pony rides will be offered to the public for $5.00. Note: you MUST be wearing closed-toe shoes at this site.

To single out one more: The James J. O’Mara Pharmacy Museum, Apothecary Hall is a circa 1900 restored pharmacy. The museum is filled with bottles and implements used in medicine-making, all displayed on oak fixtures imported from England in 1879. The building was built as a Drug Store by Peter O’Mara in 1922 and was operated by the O’Mara family until 1986.

Read more here: http://www.doorsopendays.com