Hi guys!! I am so excited to share this post with you guys! Most of my readers are New Brunswick based and we’ve created a Saint John New Brunswick staycation perfect for a weekend getaway! The beauty that New Brunswick has to offer is not something to be overlooked. We are SO close to the ocean, obviously my favourite, but we are home to some amazing local shops, restaurants, waterfalls, trails and unreal views. I’m happy to get to share some of my experiences with you from last weekend. Hopefully you make some time to check out these spots this summer.
First up, we have brunch!! One of my favourite places to go for a coffee and a snack is the Art Warehouse! It's a cute little art studio and cafe, I always get their vanilla oat milk latte, it's delicious!!! The Art Warehouse is the coolest spot because you can create artwork there. They have paint and easels set up for you to create your own magic. You can bring your own supplies, or use theirs, it’s up to you! Literally, if I were to open my own cafe, it would be exactly like this one.
While you’re in uptown Saint John, there are so many great must-see spots. A few of my favourites are Handworks Gallery, the City Market and Lordon. Handworks and the City Market are where most of my pottery collection has been purchased. Both spots are filled with the works of local makers and carry the most beautiful things. Lordon has an amazing selection of clothing, jewelry, gifts and accessories. I will warn you, it’s very had to walk into Lordon without walking out with something. LOL. As you enter, you are faced with an art installation by me!! If you’ve been by in the past few months you may have seen it! I am always thankful for their support of local artists.
For your overnight staycation, I have the PERFECT spot!!!! We stayed at the locally- owned, Ridgeback Lodge on the Kingston Peninsula, about a 30 minute drive outside of the city. We stayed in the dream dome and I cannot put into words how amazing it was. It was the coziest and dreamiest experience ever. The domes are so cute and perfect for a mini staycation. You are secluded in your own area of the woods in your little dome, and there is a hot tub right next to your dome… SO amazing!! We barbecued, had drinks, lounged in the hot tub and explored the trails. This place has a lot to offer and it’s very romantic! It’s time to put your cell phone away and really breathe in being immersed in nature.
After our little night getaway in our dome, we drove through the gorgeous rural peninsula, with views of fresh wild flowers, horses, wildlife and across the ferry over to the town of Welsford. Welsford is home to one of my favourite waterfalls. And -lucky for us, it’s so easy to get to. For those who have followed me for a long time, you know I am not a fan of hiking… lol. BUT!! This was a 6- minute hike (I timed it!). Easy peasy. We went to Welsford Falls and it was breath-taking. The water is deep enough there that you can swim, which is a bonus!! If you’ve never been to Welsford falls, I highly recommend!!! Another fun resource for recommended waterfalls is on a recent Instagram post! All kinds of New Brunswickers chimed in on their favourite local falls! See the list here.
Finally, we have our date night at one of our favourite local restaurants! We went out to eat at Italian by Night on Germain Street, and let me tell you… their food is SO good!!! Justin & I haven’t been out to a restaurant in sooo long, and it felt so good to get out on a much-needed date. My favourite was the crème brulée (of course lol), but our entire meal was delicious! We have so many great memories at IBN. The staff here is so professional, friendly and funny. They go above and beyond to make sure your experience is always a 10/10. The owner often comes around checking in on each table and chatting. It really is top-notch.
And that concludes our little mini staycation right here in Greater Saint John!! It is so important to support local, and these are a few of the amazing local places right here in our own province! I hope you guys are inspired to check out the Ridgeback Lodge, the little shops uptown, Welsford falls, and of course, other local operators across the province! I would love to know some of your favourite hidden gems in New Brunswick that you think we should check out next!
Have a great week everyone!
xx
Allie
**This post was sponsored by Destination NB