Today I awoke to the light ocean breeze coming through my window and the sound of seagulls cawing in the distance. It’s a Thursday so I got myself ready and headed out down the tree-lined streets to the weekly Farmer’s Market. Set against the ocean backdrop I browsed the vendors’ booths underneath colourful canopies and said hello to the familiar smiling faces. After enjoying a homemade lemonade and picking up some local produce for tonight’s dinner I headed down to HoneyBeans, the downtown coffee shop, and found a place outside in the sun where I could sip my latte. The sidewalks were busy with people going about their day and tourists strolling down Water Street with shopping bags full of treasures they’d discovered in the many boutiques and galleries along the way. As I breathed in the salty air and took in the post card-worthy scene I thought to myself, “How lucky am I to live in such a peaceful and lovely place?” I am proud to call St. Andrews By-the-Sea my home and anyone who has the pleasure to visit will fall in love with it as well.
Located on a scenic peninsula in Southwestern New Brunswick, St. Andrews “By-the-Sea” is Canada’s oldest seaside resort town. It is steeped in rich history and boasts some of the most beautiful scenery you can imagine. Heritage homes and a handful of beautiful churches line the gridiron layout of the town’s streets. The United Empire Loyalist heritage and history of St. Andrews, founded in 1783, is evident and lends to the unmistakable charm of the town.
The town is surrounded by Passamaquoddy Bay which creates a setting that celebrates the ocean and offers a wide range of adventures such as sea kayaking, whale watching, fishing, discovering marine life, or simply combing the beaches for beach glass and other treasures. The world’s most extreme tides allow visitors to drive along the ocean floor to explore historic Minister’s Island. If you ask me, that’s a pretty amazing experience!
Not only does The Bay provide the opportunity for adventure, it is also generous in its bounty. Talented local Chefs inspired by fresh local seafood and produce have turned St. Andrews into a “foodie’s” dream. The many cafes, pubs and restaurants offer memorable dining experiences from a simple lobster roll to a decadent lobster dinner. As for where you might stay, the town offers everything from luxurious resorts like The Algonquin with its signature golf course and white sand beach, to cozy B & Bs, lovely inns, oceanfront campgrounds and rustic seaside resorts.
If you enjoy exploring artistic culture, musicians, artists and artisans abound. Stroll through Kingsbrae Gardens and admire the stunning combination of art and horticulture, head down to one of the town’s pubs to take in the local music, visit the many shops and boutiques and marvel at the unique works of local artists, or do as I do and walk through the Farmer’s Market where you will find everything from pottery to Pad Thai.
There is something that will speak to everyone when it comes to this little seaside town but when it comes down to it it’s the people you will meet and get to know that will make your visit a wonderful experience. In every sense St. Andrews is a community, full of friendly, talented and hard working people that are proud to share this little piece of heaven with you. Whether you are celebrating your wedding with family and friends, bringing your family on a summer getaway, or looking for a little spot to get lost for awhile St. Andrews will be your answer.
This article was originally published by reeftocove.com on June 30, 2015 and is reposted with permission. Article by Katy MacDonald // Photographs by Shannon May
Katy MacDonald was born and raised in St. Andrews By-The-Sea and has recently returned to the area to join her mom at The Leather House, a family owned boutique located on Water Street and started by her Grandparents decades ago. She is also a wedding planner with Celebrations by Sarah.
Reef to Cove’s mission is to showcase to the world the first-class scenery and service of this coastal area and to lead the way to enticing discerning couples to start their married lives here, alongside family and friends. More information is available here
