One Day, So Much to Discover: Sunbury-York South
What happens when you put art, history, nature, good food, a little Western style and some unexpected stories into one day?
You discover Sunbury-York South.
Last Friday, my colleague Ashleigh and I headed out from the Ignite office for another adventure, ready to discover some of the people and places that make this area so special.
Oromocto River view with Morrow Bridge at the back
Art with a story behind every piece
Our first stop was the Hanson Art Gallery, Nature Preserve and Sculpture Garden, where we met artist Robin Hanson. He took us through the gallery, and it quickly became clear that this is much more than a collection of paintings and sculptures. Almost every piece has a story, a purpose or a memory behind it.
We looked up at the incredible ceiling painting, where Robin told us that birds once flew inside, mistaking it for the sky.
Remembrance Day by artist Robin Hanson
We discovered a pterodactyl, a hand-carved pine eagle and a dragonfly created to raise awareness about the declining numbers of Green Darner dragonflies, which migrate south much like Monarch butterflies.
Then came “Remembrance Day”, one of Robin’s most meaningful and popular paintings. At first glance, you see Canadian soldiers meeting their friends and family at the Peace Tower. Look closer at the clouds, and you see the soldiers beginning their journey to a better place.
We were impressed by the incredible variety of artwork on display. With so many different styles and perspectives, there’s something for everyone, and you’re sure to find a piece that speaks to you.
What makes the gallery even more special is the story behind each work. Many of the paintings and sculptures have fascinating backgrounds that invite conversation and curiosity. In fact, you could easily spend hours exploring the gallery and talking about just one piece!
Becoming soldiers for the day
Outside, Robin turned us into “soldiers” and took us back more than 200 years to the War of 1812, sharing the important role New Brunswick played in defending Canada.
We marched, learned, fired an imaginary cannon and, apparently, successfully scared the Americans back toward Maine!
It was a fun way to experience history, and a reminder that there are stories from our own region that many of us have never heard.
Touring the Sculpture Garden
The Sculpture Garden is filled with artwork for everyone to enjoy, but each installation offers more than just something beautiful to look at. As you explore the garden, you’ll discover pieces that connect you to history, beauty, and fascinating facts about the area. Every stop has a story and a purpose, making the experience both enjoyable and enriching.
One detail that caught our attention was the colourful T-Rex. The colours weren’t chosen at random, they were specifically inspired by New Brunswick’s colours. The artist chose them after discovering that T-Rex may have been experts at camouflage, adding a fun connection between the prehistoric creature and our province.
And there’s more to look forward to this fall! This year, Hanson Art Gallery, Nature Preserve & Sculpture Garden will host a special Halloween program in partnership with the Geary Lions Club. Stay tuned to their social media channels for the official announcement and details!
Nature, big trees and quiet moments
From there, we explored the Hanson Preserve, including the Hanson Nature Preserve's Bird Watching Tower overlooking the 52-acre pond and marsh. We walked the Gene's Adventure Trail, visited the log cabin and eventually met one of the stars of the preserve: the Great White Pine tree estimated to be about 260 years old.
Along the trail, we also discovered one of its more unexpected offerings: a Wind Phone, an unconnected stationary telephone that provides a quiet, symbolic space for people to talk to loved ones who have passed away.
Standing beside the old-growth forest, the peaceful trail and the remarkable tree, it was one of those moments that makes you stop and think. How much has changed around this place, and yet here it is, still standing.
And, of course, food and local businesses!
After all that exploring, we were definitely ready for something to eat! Big Stop Restaurant at the Lincoln Big Stop was our choice for lunch; there, we enjoyed mozzarella sticks, a club sandwich with poutine and meat lasagna. If you’re in the area, this is definitely a spot to check out, and don’t forget to take a picture with the iconic blue canoe, Moose and Beaver!
Recharged and ready for our next stops, we headed to Decadence Fine Baked Goods, where we met Jeanne and picked up chicken pot pie and apple pie. Everything we got was gluten-free, and it was a great reminder that local businesses can offer delicious options for everyone. Their baked goods are also available to order online.
Our last stop took us to North Stream Tack Shop, where we met Karen Thomas, who runs the store with her husband and family. We had a wonderful conversation about the store’s history, current trends, and activities while exploring their impressive selection. Whether you’re looking for something for the horse or rider, or discovering Western style for the first time, there’s plenty to explore.
The Thomas family also runs KT’s Tasty Treats, an ice cream spot in Charters Settlement, giving you yet another reason to visit the area, and perhaps the perfect sweet stop after exploring the tack shop!
From art and history to nature, food and local businesses, our day in Sunbury-York South showed us just how much there is to discover close to home.
And this is only one adventure.
Where should we explore next?