Locals Know

The CTC (Canada Tourism Commission) has launched their campaign "Locals Know" featuring people who post things to do off the beaten path. Well I think we should do a Suzy and Friends know. I feel confident we know whats fun to do in the Saint John and surrounding area. This week, I've asked my good friend and co-workers Sally what her favorite things to do in Saint John are:

Sally’s favourite things in Saint John:
1.Wind in my hair and sun on my back, sailing and racing on the Saint John and Kennebecasis Rivers

2.Imagining I am a tourist off a cruise ship , sightseeing along the boardwalk at Market Slip

3.Listening to the monkeys and letting my mind go, as I mountain bike or cross country ski through Rockwood Park. A twelve km work out that’s absolutely beautiful, calming and exhilarating at the same time.

4.Warm goat cheese salad with blue berries, and piping hot chicken curry soup out of a big mug at Opera Bistro. Mmmmmmm

5.Having lunch with a friend on the patio over looking Lily lake – relaxing

6.Dipping my toes in the river and going in for a cool swim.

7.Riding the cable ferries on a Sunday drive discovering out of the way places in Gagetown and the Evandale Inn

Wow I might have a busy weekend trying to fit this all in! Stay tunes to more favorite picks!

-Saint John Suzy

Volleyball on the Boardwalk

I play in a league every Thursday on the boardwalk on Market Slip. This is beach volleyball folks. I'm talking sand beneath the toes, a good ole fashion hose to wash the sand from your toes.. truly a good time. So one thing I noticed about myself this time around is my timidness to the ball. I would hit it but most of the time I found myself crouching like a baby. I need some work. The point I'm trying to make here is that you don't have to be in a league to play. When the courts are not being use, one can use them as they wish. Start your own volleyball game and then afterwards grab some drinks and some food on the boardwalk where you will find some great restaurants and even some clubs. This is a Saint John Suzy must do experience.

What to do on a rainy day?

In honour of the rain today, I have decided to post my favorite things to do in Saint John when it's raining out.

In no particular order:

1)Reading at a café. I love Java Moose on Prince William Street. If you're lucky, grab a seat by the window and enjoy the sights

2)Great Hall of Whales. New Brunswick Museum is a fantastic place to take the kids when it's raining out. Not only educational and informative, the museum is full of fun with hands on activities and fantastic exhibitions.

3)Shopping. Start with a little shopping uptown at Market and Brunswick Square. Work you way down to Eastpoint where you will be sure to find some great bargains. McAllister Place Mall follows and is sure to deliver an amazing shopping experience.

4)Create your own gallery hop. You might need a umbrella if you plan on hopping to each art gallery, but this is a great activity to do.

5)Paint a mug. At the Paint Your Own Pottery boutique in Rothesay you are able to pick which piece you would like to paint and then put your vision to work. I had a great time painting a mug that i know will be a household favorite for a long time to come.

I hope I've given you a few ideas on how to entertain yourself until the sun come out. This is Saint John Suzy... til' next time! ;)

Saint John Reading Spots

I've been reading since I could talk! I like reading. I like reading so much that by taking my book with me on the bus I've managed to read my way into a deep sleep missing my stop. That of course is annoying but none the less it was a chapter well read and a funny story to tell at the office the next day. The reason why i bring up reading is because I want to share my five favorite spots to read in Saint John.. and no none of them are in the comforts of my own home.

1) The Bus. I love reading on the bus. You all know this from my falling asleep story. The bus is so tranquil sometimes despite all of the traffic and tooting horns you may find in the city.

2) Loyalist Burial Ground. When it is just too hot out, and you need a break from the sun, this is the best place for you to go. With the trees to shade you and the surroundings of a beautiful park, how could you go wrong with this perfect reading spot.

3)Market Slip. Sometimes I just sit on the stairs or if I'm lucky enough to grab a table i will read while intermittently watching volley ball. Especially when I get bored with my book, I am able to switch gears from read mode to super interested sports mode. A real game changer.

4)Harbour Passage. Harbour Passage may be one of my favorite places in the city. I love grabbing a bench and getting lost in the latest series of the epic Twilight... Hey now, don't make fun!

5) Finally the best place to read a book in the City of Saint John is.... drum roll please...for me would have to be on a nice blanket in King Square. You have the best of both worlds, sun and shade. There are flowers and historical monuments surrounding you, you are virtually close to everything and best of all, you get to see all of the people as they pass by. You could spend hours here just reading away, or simply enjoying the sights.

Well now that I have opened your eyes to reading spots in this great city, I hope you are encouraged to pick up a book and try one out. You won't be disappointed. Til next week, this is Saint John Suzy!