All Aboard for Florenceville-Bristol

Florenceville-Bristol

This picturesque potato farming community is a proud bunch, and they welcome you like family to their Western New Brunswick, Saint John River Valley home. Florenceville-Bristol is rich in history, and beautiful to explore. You will discover down-home hospitality, and wide open spaces with plenty of fresh air and a big backyard to play in. Plan a road trip but drive slowly to take it all in. There is so much to see & do. Go any season, too. This region has much to offer - all year long.

Shogomoc Railway

Somehow I knew, long before I arrived at the Shogomoc Railway site, that I would be smitten. ! could not wait to get here, although we did make plenty of stops along the way at nearby attractions, but this Canadian Pacific Railway Station was forefront on my mind all day. This designated Local Historic Place is a throwback to the lasting vestige of the railway era in Florenceville-Bristol. On this site you will find a restored 1914 CPR Station, three railcars, and a train-themed playground.

Shamrock Train Suites

Getting the chance to stay in an authentic, refurbished railway car had been on my bucket list for quite some time. Then Pam Brennan, owner of Shamrock Suites, made this dream come true with an invitation for a two-night stay. So, in August, 2021, my mother-in-law Harriet & I moved into the Adventure on the Rails suite for what felt like a girls sleepover weekend. It is the perfect setup for a getaway with family or friends. It just took a glimpse of the Romancing the Rails suite next door, to know I would plan a return with my hubby some day. It is an ideal escape for two to celebrate a special occasion or to just enjoy a simple retreat away from it all. Booking both cars would also work very well for larger families, multi-generational gatherings, or for a much bigger group of friends.

Adventure on the Rails

The Adventure on the Rails suite has everything you need for a stay, come “train or shine.” You will not believe how spacious these railway cars are, and all the amenities and modern comforts they offer. The Adventure on the Rails encompasses an entire railway car with several sections, including a massive sleeping zone, with two double beds, and one queen - each separated with a long bench ideal for your personal belongings. You will also find a washroom & shower, as well as a relaxing gathering place with a couch, table & chairs, a television, and a bucket of board games. A kitchenette completes this Adventure car, and it is well-stocked for a continental breakfast and a night-time snack. Enjoy free wifi throughout the car, as well as bathrobes & slippers to feel right at home.

Romancing the Rails

The more intimate Romancing the Rails car has a queen-sized bed, a cozy sitting area with an electric fireplace, satellite tv & free wifi, a cute bistro table & chairs, a kitchenette well-stocked for a continental breakfast for two and a late-night snack, and a lovely ensuite washroom & shower. My husband, Eric & I enjoyed a fun winter wellness escape in March, 2024 while also enjoying great food in town and some lovely walks on nearby trails. In the guestbook, I saw the couple that stayed the night before us, have been doing so on for the past three years in-a-row to celebrate a special anniversary date. Need a romantic escape? This is it!

Shamrock Suites

Shamrock Suites also boasts a 19th Century home in central Florenceville-Bristol. This Queen Anne Revival style grand lady offers a panoramic view of Main Street & the Saint John River from its perch high on a cliffside. It has been lovingly restored with modern conveniences, still savouring the history of this charming heritage home. Shamrock Suites is designated a Local Historic Place because of its ties to several prominent local merchant families, the Phillips, the Mariches and the Findlays. The home was originally completed in 1895 as the residence of Winifred (A.W.) Phillips. Mr. Phillips was an enterprising citizen, operating at times a general store, a hardware store and the family’s hotel & livery stables. He also generated his own electricity prior to the era of electric lights in the city. By using a stationary gas engine and a belt-driven generator, he powered his store & his home, as well as the Baptist Church & Hall. The residence later became known as the Marich House and stayed in the Marich family until 2007. E. R. Marich operated one of the best known businesses in the area in the early 20th century. He specialized in high-quality housewares such as furniture, china and gifts. His daughter, Mrs. Sid Findlay, would open her own store at her residence, calling it Marich II.

Home-Away-From-Home

There are seven suites spread over three stories with shared kitchens/kitchenettes & lounging areas. Each aesthetically-appointed suite from the Carlingford & the Carlow on the first floor, to the Wicklow, the Waterford, and the Wexford on the second floor, to the Dublin & the Derry on the third floor has its own unique style with a luxurious queen-size bed & satellite television, and private ensuite washroom & shower. Enjoy free wi-fi throughout the home, as well as bonus laundry facilities on two floors, and ample parking. A continental breakfast also comes with your stay here. This home is bright & cheerful inviting you to curl up to read in a sunny nook or stretch out on a lounge chair, but do not miss the opportunity to stroll the landscaped 6-acre property. Enjoy an outdoor seating area with access to a barbecue & fire pit, too. This is the perfect home-away-from-home when visiting the Florenceville-Bristol region.

Dark Sky Destination

Shamrock Suites is a premier destination for astronomy enthusiasts, offering a Cliff Valley Astronomy Astro-Destination Top Experience. The location boasts Bortle 3 dark skies, and rolling mountains peaking at 300-400 metres providing stunning backdrops for astrophotography. Whether you are an avid stargazer or a beginner, you will be captivated by the night sky's wonders here. Shamrock Suites has 10 x 50 binoculars for house guests use at Shamrock Suites, and they can be reserved in advance for train car guests. This destination is ideal for all levels of perfect astronomers, astrophotographers, nightscape and Milky Way photographers and nature lovers, in general. Note that fees for stargazing events will be quoted in advance of booking.

Photo credit: CJ Bernard. Neqotkuk (Tobique) First Nation

Total Solar Eclipse

On April 8th, 2024, thousands of people flocked to Florenceville-Bristol for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse. Central New Brunswick was in the direct path of totality — the first time since the year 932. Seasoned astronomers and curious observers alike were awed by the extraordinary celestial event, which unfolded under perfect weather conditions. Colonel Chris Hadfield, the legendary Canadian astronaut, author, and musician captivated the crowd with his inspiring presentation, opened by British-Canadian comedian James Mullinger. Col. Hadfield was gobsmacked by the experience, sharing, “Never… have the stars aligned for me so I could see an eclipse until today. It’s amazing. It’s almost like a religious experience to see something otherworldly like that happen.”

Buttermilk Creek Eatery

Eric & I were recently treated to a very tasty lunch at a new spot in town called Buttermilk Creek Eatery. From soups to quiches to pastry delights (hello chocolate almond croissants) and so much more, give this bakery - dessert shop - café a try when in Florenceville-Bristol. Find local arts & crafts products on sale here, too.

On the Boardwalk Café & Wine

In 2021, my mother-in-law Harriet & I enjoyed a 5-course tasting menu at On The Boardwalk Café & Wine which showcased one fabulous dish after another. Servers here are well-versed in every aspect of the menu offerings and are very attentive. The signature summer cocktail - the Blueberry Gimlet, was a scrumptious start and it just kept on coming all evening long. Harriet & I were wowed by this experience. Count on wonderful food & service at On The Boardwalk Café & Wine, and soak up the warm ambiance created by architectural features designed by Acre Architects.

Dining & Celebration Destination

On The Boardwalk Café & Wine truly is a gem. My hubby & I retuned in March, 2024 during our winter escape weekend, and enjoyed another great dinner here. The signature cocktail changes often, but once again - it called my name, so I began with it. The Bee Sting was made with jalapeño-infused honey, citrus, gin & dry vermouth and I highly recommend it. Eric & I shared an appetizer of a tasty berry & feta salad with the complimentary herb bread, then we each had our own entrée - a tender med-raw beef strip loin for me (cooked to perfection) & Eric went for OTB’s tasty Banger Burger entry in the Grand Champion Best Burger Contest & we came together to share an espresso cheesecake for dessert. This dining & celebration destination serves a warm welcome, exceptional food & an unforgettable experience. Put On The Boardwalk Café & Wine on your must-dine list.

Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery

The Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery (ALMAG) is another gem in town, and has ongoing exhibits, workshops, guest speakers and artistic events. This non-profit, community art gallery cultivates a broad art appreciation in New Brunswick. It was established in 1984, and is housed in the same building as the Andrew & Laura McCain Library. In 2021, I throughly enjoyed the Isolated Together exhibition commemorating the cultural impact of masks during the pandemic. It was curated by the Beaverbrook Art Gallery and it involved 14 NB artist-designed wearable face masks. My favourites were the Black Swan Mask by Trish Hirschkorn & the Butterfly Mask by Vicky Lentz.

ALMAG

On March 2, 2024 I revisited the ALMAG for the Opening Reception for the 2023 New Brunswick Art Collection Acquisitions Exhibition. See this impressive art bank on display until March 30th or discover future exhibitions and the permanent collection, including a Molly Lamb Bobak floral watercolour donated in Marion McCain’s honour. The ALMAG gift shop always has a great array of quality artisan-made treasures. I fell in love with two pottery mugs by the uber-talented potter Elsa Valiñas (Clay Corazon), who was a finalist on The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down 2024. What a find!

River Valley Arts Center & Studios

McCain Foods donated the River Art Center & Studios to the The Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery in 2020. I enjoyed a tour of this not-for-profit organization. It provides an affordable working studio space for artists to create, exhibit, and teach, as well as a community gathering place to enjoy art experiences.

Second Wind Music Centre

Second Wind Music Centre is an lovely venue in town that I had the recent honour to visit. It provides opportunities to learn an instrument, to perform, to listen to live music and to enjoy other community activities. The once Bristol United Baptist Church (c1897) was purchased by Peter McLaughlin & Anne Turner in 2014 and repurposed as the present day music centre. Great care was taken to retain its original charm with its stained glass windows and pressed tin walls & ceilings, with extensive renovations taken to bring it to life as a beautiful venue for concerts & music lessons. It is also a rental space for various activities & private gatherings. I cannot wait to take in a concert here in the future.

Riverside Park

Riverside Park was created in 2007, and designated a Local Historic Place for its association with the former location of the home of mill owner & philanthropist, Michael Welch (1844-1913). The multi-use gazebo, park & walking trails offer spectacular views of the Saint John River, and there is an original ice house on the property from the Welsh estate. A striking Marich Pole sundial sculpture by local artist Stephen Hutchings stands prominently at the entrance. It was commissioned to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Marich House (now Shamrock Suites).

Shiktehawk Walking Trail

The Shiktehawk Walking Trail is a community-built 2.2 kilometre nature trail that borders the Shiktehawk Stream. This trail is enjoyed year-round for nature walks, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and picnicking. It features small bridges over brooks, and steps for sure footing over steeper bits as well as lookouts, picnic tables, and benches.

New Brunswick Trail

The New Brunswick trail runs throughout the province and just so happens to run right through the middle of the town of Florenceville-Bristol. The NB Trail is a well-loved trail that residents & visitors alike embrace for walking, running, biking, four-wheeling and snowmobiling and it is conveniently located directly behind Shamrock Train Suites.

Northern Carleton Recreation Centre

In December, 2023, the new expansion of the Northern Carleton Recreation Centre (NCRC) was opened. Eric & I toured it in March, 2024 and it is impressive. It offers a rock climbing room featuring a 15-ft bouldering wall & a top rope wall, a full-size FIBA-regulated gymnasium (also used for pickle ball), a state-of-the-art gymnastics facility that is one of the best equipped gyms in all of Atlantic Canada, a community multi-purpose room, and a walking track that is a total of 172 meters long (1 Km = 5.8 Laps). The new expansion conveniently connects inside to the original facility which houses an ice rink. It is also where I found what the Penalty Box Canteen manager, Devon Everett, says just might be the winning Grand Champion Best Burger Contest entry. My hubby & I were treated to Slapshot Burgers that we devoured back at our Shamrock Train Suite digs later. It was lip-smacking good so will most certainly be a real contender. What an impressive recreational sports facility, too!

French Fry Capital of the World

Did you know that one third of the world’s frozen french fries come from McCain Food’s potato processing plant in Florenceville-Bristol? That’s a lot of fries and it has earned this small New Brunswick town the title of The French Fry Capital of the World.

New Brunswick Potato World Museum

Take a guided-tour through the New Brunswick Potato World Museum from early June to mid-October to learn more about NB’s agricultural history. Discover hands-on displays as well as antique machinery. This is also home to the Potato World Hall of Recognition, acknowledging the extraordinary achievements and contributions of New Brunswick in the potato industry.

Hunter Brothers Farm Market

Hunter Brothers Farm Market in Florenceville is a fourth generation family farm market nestled on the banks of the Saint John River Valley, and what a beautiful location it is. It is open daily July through Halloween. Pick up fresh produce, baked goods, and preserves here, then enjoy an ice cream cone, and ask about their hydro-cooling method of growing sweet corn. In the autumn, Hunter Brothers Farm bustles with family fun activities including a massive corn maze, a petting farm, wagon rides, and more.

The World’s Longest Covered Bridge

While in the area, do not miss driving through the world's longest covered bridge in Hartland, New Brunswick. It is a whopping 1,282 feet (391 m) long. Fun fact: when the bridge was mostly used by horse and wagon, couples would stop half-way across to share a kiss. It is thought to also be good luck to hold one’s breath the entire way across while driving. Many tell me honking the horn was also a tradition here, to let other vehicles coming in the opposite direction know that the one-way bridge was occupied.

Moonshine Creek Distillery

It’s always 11 o’clock somewhere, so it is always time to pop by Moonshine Creek Distillery, to do a responsible wee tasting of their barrel-aged spirits like whisky, rum, brandy, and several innovative spirits like their Canadiana; a rum-like spirit derived from maple sugar. I really enjoyed their chocolate liqueurs, including the Peppermint Patrick (think peppermint patties), and Chicken Bone (chocolate & cinnamon) liqueur. Find this popular family-owned distillery in Waterville.

Covered Bridge Potato Chips

Sadly, on Friday, March 1, 2024 the Covered Bridge Potato Chips factory in nearby Waterville was completely devastated by fire. It is a huge loss to the community, but thankfully no one was hurt. The show of support across this region, province, and country is strong, and Ryan Albright, CEO of Covered Bridge Potato Chips, has released a statement saying they will rise again.

Storm Chips

In 2021, my mother-in-law & I enjoyed a self-guided tour of the facility watching the process of transforming potatoes into potato chips. At the end of the assembly line, you could access a drawer of freshly-made bags of chips for a sample. We grabbed a bag and headed to the tasting room to select from 28 different flavourings to experiment with. It was fun to see which flavours we were drawn to, including their famous lobster-flavour. I have no doubt this old fashioned kettle chip company, with old country taste & tradition will return again and kids of all ages will get their snack on, and enjoy factory tours once again. The inventors of Storm Chips will weather this storm, and be back stronger than ever.

All Aboard for Florenceville-Bristol

Get on track for a fun-filled adventure Florenceville-Bristol. Enjoy the spectacular views and explore all there is to see & do along the way. Experience some of New Brunswick’s greatest food & drink, then climb aboard a railway car to for the most unique accommodations ever. Book your stay, discover the hidden gems, and tell them the Maritimes Maven sent you.

This post was sponsored by Florenceville-Bristol, West NB Tourism, Shamrock Suites, On the Boardwalk Café & Wine, the Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery, Buttermilk Creek Eatery, and Penalty Box Canteen; however, all thoughts & opinions are my own. Follow Maritimes Maven on FaceBook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Threads & X. Subscribe to be the first to receive my latest articles. Share articles you love with your social media community so they, too, will discover, There’s No Place Like Home!