Saint Andrews, New Brunswick

How does one begin to describe Saint Andrews, New Brunswick? Calling it St. Andrews by-the-Sea is a start. It was a tourism branding initiative several years ago, but it fits - beautifully. Whichever title you give it - the salty spell that St. Andrews casts on you happens instantly. It is a fairytale setting with its own castle on the hill - The Algonquin Resort. St. Andrews will sweep you off your feet and hold you spellbound. You sense the history and grandeur here. The majesty and magic of this seaside resort town began enticing visitors here in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Did you know there were more millionaires per kilometre here in St. Andrews than any other town east of Montreal, and that in the 1950’s & 1960’s the local liquor store was reputed to sell more imported champagne than any other? There’s no question the upper crust enjoyed summering here, and the Algonquin was frequented by some very famous guests - including royalty. They knew this town was special, and you will, too. I dare you to not fall in love with St. Andrews.

The Algonquin Resort

St. Andrews has long been one of New Brunswick's premier vacation destinations. Every time I visit I wonder why we don’t live here. My realtor keeps a lookout for properties. You never know… we may call it home one day. I hope so, but until then… we visit - as often as we can. It begins in early spring each year - like a calling - when golf season opens. The world-famous Algonquin Resort signature golf course - designed by Thomas McBroom draws my husband Eric to town first. It is typically the first course open in the province, as the weather is moderated by the ocean here and there is far less snow to melt. I come to St. Andrews for other reasons, but I am not opposed to walking the golf course with Eric or getting a tasty bite at The Smokehouse BBQ and Bar. The coastal views from the clubhouse and patio are pretty easy on the eye.

Kingsbrae Garden

Kingsbrae Garden is a big drawing card for me in St. Andrews. This 27-acre fine horticultural garden highlights traditional formal gardening as well as modern styles. Each themed garden beautifully showcases unique features and characteristics. The sculpture garden is impressively filled with winners of a Canada-wide sculpture competition, and The Garden Café offers lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner with lovely garden views. Award-winning Chef Alex Haun oversees dining at Kingsbrae Garden. Alex and his culinary team create artistically-inspired plates utilizing the freshest garden ingredients & products from all over New Brunswick. Everything on the menu is delicious, but don’t miss the in-house made pasta dishes. See link at end of this article for another solely focussed on this beautiful oasis.

The Best Place to Visit in Canada

And then there is downtown St. Andrews. Stroll Water Street nestled next to the Passamaquoddy Bay, and take in New Brunswick’s prettiest town. Many buildings reflect St. Andrews’ Loyalists founding roots as displayed on the historical plaques, but they now house unique boutiques, galleries, restaurants, cafés and a brewery. In 2016, The Canadian Institute of Planners bestowed the title of Canada’s Great Street to Water Street. In 2017, USA Today named St. Andrews - The Best Place to Visit in Canada. When you arrive… make a beeline to Honeybeans Coffee, Tea and Treats. Loved by locals and visitors alike, this café is the perfect first stop to fuel up for some serious shopping. I come here a lot, and I have some favourite shops in town that I never miss popping into. The owners greet me like an old friend. Say “Hi” to: Gail & Steve from Crocker Hill, Pam at Marée, and Janis at Cottage Chic. The Leather Shop, and Serendipin’ Art are also must stops for me, as is The Sunbury Shores Arts & Nature Centre to catch the latest exhibition. Wander all the way down to the easy-to-miss Keffer Pottery, and have fun treasure hunting for antiques at the Great Canadian North Art Gallery, then jump back in your car to scoot up to Macklem House Antiques. I could go on all day, so I think my best advice is to visit every shop in town - they are all great!

The Chandler Room

There is no shortage of award-winning chefs in St. Andrews, amazing eateries, and dining locations that overlook the bay. I am partial to a few, but I am always open to trying a new place when one appears. A given for years was heading to the back deck overlooking the wharf at The Gables, but in more recent years, The Chandler Room Wine Bar & Kitchen at The Treadwell Inn has been impressing. Most recently, we were treated to drinks and share plates with a view there, and I highly recommend it. Staying for a week really allows lots of time for enjoying many of the great options in town. St. Andrews begs for more than a weekend getaway.

Drewhaven

Lunching at The Pâtisserie & Bakery at Drewhaven surrounded by whimsical art created by Geoff Slater honouring the work of author/illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans, while being entertained by DH owner & international lifestyle & interior designer Lee Wells, felt pretty fantastical! I’m not sure which part made it more so, the murals or Lee’s storytelling, but if you love the famous childhood book Madeline (as I do), you are in for a real treat. Discover the characters of St. Andrews in these imaginative paintings, including ones depicting Lee & his husband Andy, their dogs, and their Pansy Patch home, the Algonquin Hotel, and much more. The lunch & drinks Eric and I enjoyed were also delightful.

Niger Reef

Niger Reef is a hidden gem in St. Andrews. Not only is it a great spot to grab a flavourful healthy lunch with a fabulous view, it is also a designated Local Historic Place. It was originally an I.O.D.E. Tea House and a very popular spot for St. Andrews’ wealthy summer residents. Catered private parties, afternoon bridge clubs, and other leisure activities took place here. During WWll, it became a work room during the war effort. Built in 1926, this log cabin stands near the old St. Andrews Blockhouse, (which was erected as a fortification during the War of 1812). Check out the heritage murals inside - painted by Lucille Douglas. The treescapes and rocky landscapes were appropriate to the Atlantic Coast, but also influenced by Lucille’s experiences in the Orient. She created them in the style of Chinese panels with strips of wood laths separating and dividing the panels. They were discovered and restored several years ago. Go for the food, go for the history, go for the view… just go - and tell Dave & Nicki, the Maritimes Maven sent you.

Rossmount Inn

Our most memorable dining experience this week in St. Andrews was at Rossmount Inn. It was hands down the best meal of our lives! Award-winning Chef Chris Aerni made all our selections and they were to die for - one course after another. Earlier in the week, Chris invited me to spend an afternoon with him on his property, and we walked up Chamcook Mountain to take in the breathtaking views from the top. Along the way, I learned about Chris and his journey that brought him to St. Andrews. He feels he is living a Chef’s Dream at his beloved Rossmount, but personally I think we are the lucky ones. We are so blessed to experience his culinary skills and creative artistry. If you have not been yet, make a reservation, and enjoy a memorable meal at Rossmount Inn. Eric and I look forward to many more in our future.

St. Andrews Farmers’ Market

Find the St. Andrews Farmers’ Market at the corner of King & Water Streets. This seasonal open-air market is a staple for residents and a tourist attraction for visitors. I had a lovely chat with market regular, Helen Stanley and her sweet grandson, Wilder, at her pottery stand in Market Square. She shared there are over 50 vendors offering a wide variety of fresh 100% local produce, delicious ethnic foods, specialty foods, home baking & unique handcrafted gifts. It happens every Thursday 8:30 am - 1 pm, May through October, with other additional special markets showing up throughout the year.    

St. Andrews is a Friendly Town

St. Andrews is a friendly town. People here are a welcoming lot. I was encouraged to move here many times over. I was invited to Katy’s Cove Beach to a Dragon Boat clinic. I was invited for cocktails, given a private historic house tour, and a couple of private garden tours. I met shop owners, restaurant owners, and residents alike who all shared interesting tidbits about St. Andrews. I met a restaurant owner opening his patio for the day, who stopped what he was doing to enthusiastically cheer on the last Wharf-to-Wharf run participants. I met artist, Barbara McLean, and saw her Elvis Presley Boulevard artwork commissioned by Graceland (which was displayed at Heartbreak Hotel) and is now adorning a wall at That’s Amor’EH Emporium on Water Street. I learned that St. Andrews is also a very pet-friendly town, as there are many places to stay, play, and eat with your furever friend. I met a Dog Walk volunteer handing out dog treats, and it was he - Mark James - that gave me the best advice of the day. He shared it wasn’t too early for me to go to a craft beer tasting at Saint Andrews Brewing Company, as it’s a well known fact that it’s okay to drink as soon as the sun rises above the yardarms on the lampposts. Thanks to Ian & Jess of SABC, I had a tasting flight lined up and discovered my favourite brew. Their hazy pale ale Wharf Bound got my vote. This town truly has the friendliest people!

St. Andrews is an Entertaining Town

Whether you enjoy pulling up a seat with a cold one with bay view or jumping into the action, there are many opportunities in this town, and they know how to throw a party. Check out the Town of Saint Andrews Events page for the many festivals held throughout the year including: PaddleFest, Canada Day, Artist-by-the-Sea and Indulge Food Festival. I have now attended them all, and give two big thumbs up encouraging others to discover what an entertaining town St. Andrews is!

Seaside Adventure Awaits in St. Andrews

Sign up for a whale watching cruise or a fishing expedition, set sail aboard a tall ship, or paddle or swim at Katy’s Cove Beach, visit the Huntsman Science Marine Centre’s Fundy Discovery Aquarium, or drive over the ocean floor at low tide to explore Sir William Van Horne’s Summer Estate on Minsters Island. Seaside Adventure awaits you in St. Andrews.

There is Something for Everyone in St. Andrews

If you are a land lubber, walk the town plat to take in the beautiful architecture, enjoy a picnic in a park, stroll the wharf, beach comb for treasures on the Passamaquoddy Bay, climb Chamcook mountain, or hike the many trails in the area. History buffs will enjoy visiting & learning about the St. Andrews Lighthouse (c.1833) - the oldest remaining mainland lighthouse in New Brunswick. Then, there is the St. Andrews Blockhouse, the Oppenheimer-Pager Museum at Dayspring, the Charlotte County Archives, Sheriff Andrews House, and the Ross Memoriam Museum & Library. Watch closely at dusk and dawn, as that is when the lawn ornaments come out. Enjoy St. Andrews by-the-Sea - there is something for everyone here. I dare you to not to fall in love with St. Andrews.

This post was sponsored by Cory Cottage at Pansy Patch, Rossmount Inn, The Kingsbrae Garden & Kingsbrae Garden Café, The Pâtisserie & Bakery at Drewhaven, The Chandler Room Wine Bar & Kitchen at Treadwell Inn, The Algonquin Resort, Niger Reef, Honeybeans Café, Minister’s Island, The Fundy Discovery Aquarium at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre, Saint Andrews Brewing Company, the Town of St. Andrews by-the-Sea, and the Charlotte Coastal Region Tourism; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Follow Maritimes Maven on FaceBook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn & Threads. 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!