Fat Biking in the Saint John Region

February 20, 2025

When I look out the window and see the snow falling, I get excited about getting out and enjoying it. For me, this often means riding my fat bike. Fat bikes, for those who aren’t familiar with them, are bikes with very wide tires that run on low air pressure allowing them to almost float over the snow. Usually, fat bikes are ridden on trails that have been groomed for winter riding by using snowmobiles to run over the trails, often pulling a tire. This packs the snow down making it smoother for riding. 

A Bookish Bay-cation 📚

January 27, 2025

If your idea of the perfect getaway includes curling up with a great book, exploring charming shops, and immersing yourself in the local community, then the Saint John Region is the destination for you. 

Whether you’re a dedicated bibliophile or just looking for a quiet escape with a touch of literary flair, a Bookish Bay-cation promises inspiration, relaxation, and plenty of stories to bring home.

A Bay-cation Gift Guide 🎁

December 13, 2024

It's the most wonderful time of the year, but we know it can also be the most hectic! Still making your way through your holiday shopping list, but stuck on ideas? Can't figure out what to get for the loved one who seems to have everything? We're here to help!

From date night plans to activities the whole family can enjoy, you're sure to find the perfect gift for everyone you're shopping for in this Bay-cation Gift Guide:

Saint John and the Towns by the Bay for the Holidays

December 10, 2024

Searching for the perfect holiday escape? Saint John and the Towns by the Bay have everything you need to capture the magic of the season. Imagine sparkling lights, charming window displays, unique boutique shopping, heartwarming theatre productions, cozy rural markets, festive food and drink, and of course, visits with Santa—all wrapped up in a warm embrace of holiday cheer.

Stroll through Quispamsis Arts & Culture Park’s breathtaking Holiday Dreamland, aglow with over 50,000 twinkling lights. Share a magical moment with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the storybook setting of an outdoor European-style Christmas Market at Belding Hill Farms. Or find yourself stepping into a Hallmark-worthy scene during Hampton’s enchanting Winter Wonderland celebrations. Add a gentle dusting of snow, and you have a destination brimming with the kind of seasonal magic that lingers in your heart.

There’s truly “snow” place like Saint John and the Towns by the Bay for the holidays to discover all the ways to make this season unforgettable.

Read the full blog on Maritimes Maven's website here.

Stories of the Saint John Region's Cemeteries

November 08, 2024

A few weeks ago, my sister and I were in Fernhill Cemetery looking for our grandparent’s gravesite. As we wandered around trying to locate our family plot, I was first taken by how beautiful and calm a spot this was with the stately old trees and ornate grave markers. And as I read some of the inscriptions on the grave markers, I realized that cemeteries are a very tangible evidence of our history - the remains of the people that created the stories that are important to us are buried under these headstones. And with a city as old as Saint John, there are a lot of stories to tell.

Gravel Riding in #SJTownsByTheBay

September 25, 2024

I have been reading some very interesting research about both the physical and mental health benefits of simply being in nature. In fact there is a Japanese phrase, Shinrin-Yoku, which loosely means forest bathing and refers to the health benefits of spending time in natural settings. Although I imagine most of the research has been done on walking and hiking, I don’t know why gravel cyclists wouldn’t also see similar benefits since a lot of the gravel routes are through the woods. I know I feel a lot more relaxed after a ride along some of the back roads and trails in the Saint John Region. Here are a few of my favourites: