A Day in Arcadia - Exploring Paradise with the Ignite Marketing Team
Last Friday we went on the road to Arcadia, a place where every road is ‘the scenic route’. Sonia and I started the day at LavenHop Grows where owners Bill and Jackie gave us a tour of their beautiful gardens and greenhouses. We learned about all their plans to add to the farm as well as some tips to growing our own lavender. Check them out at the Gagetown Market to see their fresh produce or visit the farm in July to see the Lavender in full bloom.
Our next stop was to the historic Fort Jemseg.
This little slice of history was created in 1659 as a trading post during the English possession of Arcadia. The trading post was ceded to France in 1667 and later captured by a Dutch expedition in 1674. Fort Jemseg is now considered a national historic site.
We then headed to Turner’s One Stop for lunch and filled up on chicken strips with fries and a BLT with a side of poutine. You wouldn’t know Turner’s was hiding a dining area from the outside, but it is well worth feeding your curiosity. Overall it was quick, convenient, and delicious. We also heard they make the best quesadillas, which just means we have to go back and try it out for ourselves.
We filled up on Turners but still made sure we left room for dessert because our next stop was McCabe’s Ice Cream in White’s Cove.
McCabe’s Ice Cream est. 1984
It turned out to be a beautiful day to celebrate their season opening! Tim and Janice welcomed us in and told us all about their homemade ice cream. When Tim took over the shop from his father, he continued the tradition, offering a variety of classic flavours and often making specialty flavours made with local ingredients. We tried the key-lime ice cream, and it was a perfect balance of fresh citrus and creamy vanilla.
To wrap up our day we decided to try our luck with the infamous Gagetown Ferry linking lower Jemseg to the Village of Gagetown. Only a short ride across the Saint John (Wolastoq) River, this truly unique experience allows you to pause and enjoy a nice breeze while taking in the beautiful blue of the sky and river. What a great scenic addition to your drive.
Driving through these areas and seeing all the lush greenery, it's easy to see why it's called ‘Arcadia’. It really does look like paradise. If you’re curious to see what goes on in the winter months, read about our last Arcadia visit here.