This trail ventures along the scenic Kennebecasis River, making lots of time for stops at some of our favourite local antique and artisanal shops!
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This iconic local fresh farm market, bakery & garden centre has undergone massive growth over the last 40 years. Focused on local, organic produce, Hampton Corner Grocery is committed to delivering quality product and an unforgettable small town experience! Enjoy lunch from the in store deli or seasonally from the Paper Plate, the on-site cookhouse operated by Beer Daddy Restuarant Group.
www.hamptoncg.ca
This impressive Barn Quilt was created by the owners of this private equestrian facility and added to the tour in recognition of their beautiful contribution to our community.
For your safety at this busy facility, please admire the block from the roadside
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Bloomfield Treasures represents one family’s passion for local history. Carolyn Hawthorne opened the store in 2004, offering a wide selection of ‘treasures’ from furniture and collectibles to stained glass windows collected from the local area. Carolyn is part of the Cusack family. Her mother, Ruby, is a local historian renown for her writings on area history. The quilt block pattern is taken from a quilt created by a Cusack ancestor in the early 1900s which is still treasured by the family today.
Situated across the road is the "Old Kirk" cemetery, part of the first Presbyterian church in Kings County. The oldest stone dates to January 1840. One stone is that of Rev. Andrew Donald, the "walking parson". It is said that if he could not get a seat on a coach he would walk from Moncton to Hampton in twenty-four hours and arrive in time to conduct morning service.
Bloomfield was established by Loyalist settlers in 1782, including Captain Simon Baxter, a remarkable character who survived incredible hardships and persecution during the American Revolution. While fighting for the British, he was captured, imprisoned and tortured by American soldiers; he carried bayonet scars to his death. Baxter managed to survive the war and settled along the scenic Kennebecasis River in Bloomfield and began a new life. In 1797 he deeded 2-1/2 acres of his land grant to the church for the sum of 5 shillings: “for and in consideration of the love, goodwill, and attachment to the Church of England as established by Law, and for the purpose of erecting a house of Public Worship of Almighty God.” Church plans were still underway in 1804 when Simon and his wife passed away – they would never see the long hoped for church realized. They were buried together near the large rock close to their own house. In 1811 Christ Church was erected, and was consecrated on July 18, 1826 by the Right Reverend John Inglis, Bishop of Nova Scotia. The building originally stood on the opposite side of the road – where the graveyard is situated. In 1838 John C. Hayes donated a piece of land across the road and the building was relocated to its present site. The move was accomplished by Isaac Raymond who placed the building on rollers and moved the structure using 13 yokes of oxen. Once in its new location the tower was added to the structure. The church has served its community ever since, celebrating significant anniversaries in 1911, 1936, 1961 and in 2011. It has been a beacon of light for many and as such, is fittingly represented by the quilt pattern, Diamond Star.
Robert M. Raymond Memorial Hall
In 1939, land was donated for a church hall by E. A. Schofield. The Robert M. Raymond Memorial Hall was built and it continues to serve the community for special celebrations and community events.
Bloomfield Creek Covered Bridge
Originally the Bloomfield Station Road went from the Post Road past the West end of Big Rock Cemetery, then veered left over a stone causeway, cutting the Creek in two, then East along the riverbank to just below the steel bridge, then fording the river down to the sandbar, and from there up to the present road. This was originally a toll road, and the toll-house was on the hill just below the Robert M. Raymond Memorial Hall. The original Creek Bridge was an open truss bridge, and the present Covered Bridge is 45 m (146 ft.) in length and was built in 1917 with the Howe Truss design.
Welcome to the Norton crossroads! Since its settlement by Loyalists in the late 1780s, Norton has found itself at the crossroads for generations of travelers. That’s why this quilt block pattern – Crossroads – is such an appropriate selection. In earlier years, the river was the highway to this village. Durham boats and canoes were used to carry people and goods up river. Before a bridge was constructed, the river was forded at the shallows; or travelers could employ Ruth Stark, a local woman who ferried passengers across the Kennebecasis. People wishing to cross would ring a bell alerting Ruth at her nearby home; she would come and row them across the river for a small fee. In 1835 stagecoaches began traveling through Norton and its reputation as the crossroads truly began. Travelers and mail were routed through the village on their way to all parts of southern New Brunswick; and locally grown produce from area farms were carried to larger markets by these same roadways. The routes to so many different destinations intersected here that they were marked by a series of finger shaped signs at the crossroads. For this reason, through much of its early history, the village of Norton was known as the “Fingerboard.”. In 1859 the European & North American Railroad came, joining Saint John to Shediac and the village became officially known as Norton. In 1888 Norton became the terminal of the New Brunswick Coal & Railroad that went from Norton to Chipman and Minto. With the arrival of this branch line great growth came with rails, bridges and station buildings constructed and several hotels. Many stores sprang up making Norton a shopping destination – a special train called the “Cannonball” ran on Saturdays just to bring crowds of shoppers to Norton!
The heart of this community still centers around agriculture and benefits from being a rural community that is so well connected to larger urban areas. Hall Brothers are a key player in this scene, providing modern farming equipment to a new generation. Their business sits prominently here at the crossroads – a fitting spot for connecting Norton’s past & future.
The Soapbox Soap Shoppe is located in what was the former Apohaqui Inn, constructed in 1876. This small shop features incredible scented soap creations and artisanal works from across Atlantic Canada.
thesoapboxsoapshoppe.com
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This heritage barn in 'Dairy Town' is home to a sweet business crafting handmade fudge inspired by local dairy farms and homegrown ingredients. Enjoy onsite delights, including artisanal crafts and a coffee shop
This site has a passport hole punch.
Nestled in the rural countryside of Apohaqui, Rosartsky Studio has been spreading joy, creativity, and positivity through music and art for over 40 years. Specializing in piano instruction and visual arts—with a touch of science mixed in—the studio is owned and operated by award-winning artist Rosanna Armstrong. Rosanna designed this block, and more than 30 of her students helped bring it to life through hand-painting, making it a true community collaboration.
For a video of her students painting process for this one-of-a-kind quilt block, visit https://www.youtube.com/@rosartskystudio2491