In 2025, We Took the Scenic Route
If 2025 taught us anything, it’s that every community has a story worth slowing down for… and sometimes worth taking a snack break for.
We started in Harvey with a horse and wagon ride through Kings Landing, maple snow candy in hand, and a comforting lunch at Denny’s inside Fen’s Market. History, handmade furniture, and fudge in our bags, basically a sugar-fueled history lesson. Not a bad way to kick things off.
In Hanwell, we traded wagon wheels for walking trails at Hanwell Recreational Park, paused for a not-so-fun-sized game of Jenga, trust us, it’s harder than it looks, then stepped into the world of craft spirits at First Light Distillery. We wrapped the day at Porter’s Diner with bottomless fries and full hearts, calories totally worth it.
Nackawic welcomed us with waterfront views along Route 102 and a visit with Mayor Tim Fox at the World’s Largest Axe, yes, it’s really big. From sneak peeks of the Smallmouth Bass Open to mini cascades along the Nature Trail, plus a Chicken BLT with a Fix and a Strawberry Cheesecake smoothie, it was a full day in the Forestry Capital of Canada, and no axes were harmed in the making of memories.
In Sunbury York South, we embraced the rain because nothing says community adventure like soggy shoes. Gluten-free French Almond Macaroons from Decadence Fine Baked Goods, breakfast at Uncle Pete’s Diner, Sunday Market vendors at the Rusagonis Rec Center, and pre-packaged ice cream cones from Sun’s Convenience rounded out the day with sweetness and slightly damp enthusiasm.
Oromocto brought big smiles at the Municipal Office, cozy coffee at Sour Grape Café, creativity at the Oromocto Galleria, frog spotting on the Gateway Wetland Trail, a warm welcome at Roblynn Home Hardware, tail wags at the Oromocto and Area SPCA, and a relaxed meal at Griffin’s Pub and Eatery. Basically, we covered all the essentials, caffeine, culture, amphibians, and puppies.
Fredericton gave us inspiring conversations at the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce and City Hall, abstract sculptures at Gallery 78, greenery at Hanson Road Flower Co., bold designs at Happy Hatti, a new space at Coastline Pizza, and a behind-the-scenes look at Picaroons Roundhouse after crossing the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge. Long story short, brain food and pizza, in that order.
In Nashwaak, we experienced the Music Fest for the first time. Lunch at JPM Canteen and Dairy Bar, stories of how the festival began as a shared dream, over 300 campers and 2,000 attendees, and local vendors like Bell Tent Orchard and Paige Hair and Braids. We left with a deeper understanding of what that festival means to the community.
Fredericton Junction’s Come Home Week brought Poutine Week at the Sunbury Diner, bowling at the Tri County Complex, and local history at the Currie House Museum, complete with a quilt dating back to 1973. History, carbs, and strikes, or gutter balls depending on your luck.
Grand Lake welcomed us from Chipman to Minto and beyond. Rachael Sky Photography and Gallery, famous donuts from KBistro Café, visits to both municipal offices, the Internment Camp Museum and Coal Mining Museum, lunch at Omega Restaurant, and a peaceful stop at Princess Park Campground on the shores of Grand Lake. Donuts 10 out of 10. Everything else also great.
Central York gave us fall colours at Crabbe Mountain, a self-guided hike in questionable footwear, chairlift courage, mini donuts, crisp apples from Laughing Apple Farm, and a cozy lunch at the Crabbe Mountain Inn. Let’s just say our footwear learned a lesson that day.
In New Maryland, we wandered the Nature Trails, explored the Fall Market at the New Maryland Centre with local vendors and Chase the Ace tickets, and finished with Maple Chicken Wraps and homemade Caesar dressing at Wetmore Street Bar and Grill. Adventure level mild. Flavor level maximum.
Tracy brought us to Springbrook Cranberry for a full farm experience, fresh lunch and cookies from Momma B’s Take Out and Pizzeria inside The Tracy Store, a stop at the Jeremiah Tracy First Settler Statue, and a great conversation with Mayor Dale Mowry at the Village Office. Proof that small towns pack big charm and possibly the best cookies.
And finally, we closed the year in Arcadia. Festive coffee at Nove’s Place, a tour of the Jemseg Fire Hall, Christmas in the Village in Gagetown with over 50 vendors, a horse and carriage ride, lunch at the Gagetown Grill, and one last stop at the Gagetown Recreation Centre. A festive finale worthy of sugar cookies and Santa hats.
From maple snow candy to mini donuts, from museums and municipal offices to music festivals and fire halls, 2025 was about showing up, meeting the people behind the places, and experiencing firsthand what makes each community unique.
We hit the road a lot last year and honestly, we wouldn’t change a thing.
Now it’s 2026, and we’re back at it, visiting each entity once again and kicking things off with Fredericton at the end of March. We’re always open to attending events, exploring new spaces, and connecting with businesses and community members across the region. If you have an idea or an event we should add to our list, we’d love to hear from you- please click here to contact marketing.