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

Saint John Transit

There's nothing I love more than putting my ipod on and catching a ride on the bus. Now you may find that taking the bus weird activity to enjoy but taking the bus in Saint John is kind of like taking a tour around the city minus the tour guide. Saint John City Transit is very user friendly and allows for one to use public transportation easily. Where Saint John isn't a massive city, you can get from one location to another fairly quickly and hassle free.

City Transit even allows for you to take a bus out to the neighboring communities such as Rothesay, Quispamsis and Grand Bay-Westfield. This is their new Comex bus line. Often tourists will want to go to the Brundage River Centre in Grand-Bay or the Quispamsis Arts and Culture Park (just some examples) when there are certain events being held outside of the city. With this bus line, one is able to make the short commute.

Saint John City Transit even offers up a bus tour. I will include the information below.

Saint John Transit City Bus Tours
Saint John Transit offers guided tours of historic Saint John from mid-June through late September, twice daily. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours. Tickets are available from the driver on a first come-first serve basis. Dates of operation are June - October.

Tour 1
Departures:
Reversing Falls9:30 am
Barbour's General Store9:45 am
Rockwood Park Campsite 10:00 am

Tour 2
Departures:
Rockwood Park Campsite: 12:30 pm
Barbour's General Store: 12:45 pm
Reversing Falls: 1:00 pm

For more information:
Tel: (506) 658-4700
www.saintjohntransit.com

I thought i would include some pictures of when I went ziplining in Costa Rica about 5 years ago to get us in the mood for the new zipline that will be coming to Saint John. Yes folks, I said it. A zip line in Saint John... and it's not going to be across a forest or in someones back yard. No no, it will be across the Reversing Rapids. That's right we are getting a zipline that will take you across the Rapids and a tormenting speed that is sure to be a thrill for all. Whether you are risk taker or not, this experience is a great way to the rapids in action. How else will you be able to get up close and personal with thousands of tonnes of water rushing in and out of the bay? Truly amazing. You can visit the link I've provided below for more information. This is one adventure Suzy will definitely be trying out once in place yeeeeeeeeehawwwwwwwww!

http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/city/article/1012863

Boating in Saint John

I bought a boat. Yes this is a weird post but i though I would share with you all my reasoning for buying a boat (this post ties in with tourism I promise). The Kennebecasis River is an amazing body of water that should be experienced by all who visit our region. It is full of amazing aquatic life and not to mention the fishing one can do. My favorite spot is Long Island which is directly across from the Rothesay Yacht Club. It is about a 40 minute paddle from the Quispamsis / Rothesay area to the island. Some of the island is protected due to rare flowers that grow on it. Some of the island is privately owned.

The river system is amazing whether you are in a paddle boat, a kayak, or ripping around in a speed boat. When I worked my first ever job, I bought a kayak, I figure why not step up my game and get a speed boat. I'm much older and wiser now and above all, I deserve it.

The point that i'm trying to make is that an afternoon paddle or a boat ride on the Kennebecasis or Saint John River is a great way to spend time in the Saint John and surrounding areas. I know i'll be on my boat as soon as possible... visit www.tourismsaintjohn.com for more information on tour companies that offer these services!

-Saint John Suzy

John Hooper Studios

John Hooper is a world renown sculptor who made his home and studio in Hampton, New Brunswick. His works can be seen all over Canada and even overseas. John was born in 1926 and past away in January of 06'. His legacy lives on through his amazing pieces of art. The art featured in this video today are the Market Square Time Piece and People Waiting. How to read the Time Piece The timepiece is a clock tower with a difference. It has no face and no hands. The numerals are on a horizontal band, above which another, encircled by a snake, completes one rotation every six hours. The traditional hands are replaced by the tail of the snake. How to tell the time has not been explained since the artist wished people to have to “ puzzle it out”. The snake’s tail is the “pointer” or “hour hand” and as it reaches the hour there are two numbers or hours to choose from - which one is obvious since the observer is usually aware of the general time of the day. The carvings are all in some way related to Man’s involvement with time. The snake grasping its tail for instance, is the symbol of eternity, and the little group at the top of the column are passing time. The structure and the carvings are of Honduras mahogany. Epoxy has been used as a sealant, stains for the bench and structure, and acrylic polymer paint for the carvings. The guilding is gold leaf. The clock mechanism is located immediately beneath the four standing figures and is driven by an AC synchronous electric motor (which can be heard above the traffic noise if one listens carefully). John Hooper of Hampton designed and carved the timepiece. Kathy Hooper, also an artist and John’s wife, was a colour consultant and assistant. The clock mechanism and wood construction is the work of Jack Massey of Darling’s Island.

Saint John Suzy explores the Pedway System

There is nothing worse then having to walk outside in the rain, snow , fog and whatever obstacles mother nature throws at us. This is why the inside connection pedway system is so fantastic. You can get from one end of the city centre to the other in virtually a few minutes and all by staying inside out of the bad weather. The pedway system connects you to all major amenities. These amenities include: the Saint John Free Public Library, Trade and Convention Centre, Market Square, Hilton, Delta, City Market, Saint John City Hall, Brunswick Square, Brunswick Business Centre, Aquatic Centre, Harbour Station, and not to mention countless shops and restaurants. This is part one of a two part series. Stay tuned for part 2!

Loyalist Burial Ground

The Loyalist Burial Ground is a landmark in Saint John. Despite it being a historic grave yard, the park is actually quite beautiful. The greenery in the summertime is beautiful and is a must see when visiting the city. I find as a tourist, whenever I am in a destination I've never been before, I tend to get tired quite quickly. This park is somewhere where you can relax, unwind and get that second wind to do other fantastic fun things within the city. There is also a fountain where you can sit and regroup before hitting the market or taking a ride on the jet boat. For the historian in you, the park offers plenty of of interesting facts and historical depictions on different stones. You're walking and learning! who woulda thought? Next time you are in Saint John, grab a coffee and take a stroll through the Loyalist Burial Ground. You won't regret it I'm sure.
-Suzy

City’s Best: Saint John Photo Competition

Tourism Saint John is proud to sponsor this year’s City’s Best: Saint John Photo Competition. Starting March 15, 2010 until June 30, 2010, email us your best photos of Saint John for a chance to win:

First Prize: Gift Certificate to Appleby’s Photo Centre ($150.00)
Second Prize: Jet Boat Ride for two (valued at $80.00)
Third Prize: Dinner for 2 at Grannans ($50.00 Gift Certificate)

*All winner’s photos will be posted on www.tourismsaintjohn.com as well as be displayed in the visitor information centers*


Rules and Regulations:
•Photos must be taken in the following categories:
1.Scenic (landscapes, seascapes, ect.)
2.Outdoor Fun (Festivals, picnics, sport, ect.)
3.People shots
4.Saint John turns 225! History, culture and art
• The submitted images must be the photographer’s original work and have never been copyrighted.
•Contest starts March 15, 2010. All entries must be received by midnight, June 30, 2010.
•All photos must have been taken within the last 12 months.
•All digital photos are to be submitted to visitsj@saintjohn.ca
•Prizes must be accepted as offered and are not transferable for cash.
•No purchase is necessary to enter or to win.
•All applicants are responsible for any liability issues that may arise from photographs and/or the violation of terms and conditions of their release
•All photos submitted become the property of Tourism Saint John. Some will be chosen and displayed at the visitor information centers around Saint John.

How to Enter:
-Submit your digital photograph(s) to the following address: visitsj@saintjohn.ca or
-Mail your photo(s) to the following address:
Saint John Photo Competition, Tourism Saint John,
PO Box 1971, Saint John, NB, E2L 4L1 or
-Drop your photo(s) off at Tourism Saint John Visitor Information Centre (Shoppes of City Hall).
-All photographs must have been shot within the last 12 months.
-Rules & Regulations are displayed at Visitor Information Centre or on our website, www.tourismsaintjohn.com. For more information, call 506-658-2855.

Clocks spring ahead an hour, Suzy loses an hour of sleep

For those of you who didn't change your clocks this morning, i bet you have some pretty mad bosses. I was fortunate enough to remember. I lost an hour of sleep last night but woke up surprisingly refreshed this morning. I am so excited for Wednesday!! ST PATTYS DAY

This weekend was a great weekend. I went to check out some of the live music at O'learys Pub and even got up to play a quick acoustic set with Ryan Smith who plays in the acoustic section of the Irish bar. Saint Patrick's Day is coming up sooner than later. There were many celebrations this past weekend pertaining to the Irish holiday. I keep getting alot of questions as to what is going on this St. Patty's Day. Well be rest assured, there will be lots to do in Canada's oldest Irish city. The Irish Canadian Culture Society offers a great calendar of events pertaining to this Irish holiday: http://www.newirelandnb.ca/Events/Events-Saint-John-area.html

I hope you all have a safe and jolly Saint Patrick's Day.
-Saint John Suzy

Shopping for a deal in Saint John

How about this weather? It is beautiful in the city today. The birds are chirping which is a sure sign that spring is here and hopefully here to stay. I wanted to talk about shopping in the city. I am known as the queen of shopping around here. If there is a deal to be had.. I'm on it.

There are several places to shop in the city. It really depends on what you are looking for.

McAllister Place Mall is on the eat side of the city. It is located with easy access to Highway 1, a major traffic artery.It is full of 110 different shops and services. The mall underwent major renovations this past year so it's become a great spot to shop and have a bite at the food court while you're at it. Parkway Mall is also on the east side. It has some clothing stores, a pet store and Newbody's fitness is located there. This is a smaller mall in comparison to McAllister Place. East Point Shopping Centre is brand new and is full of clothing stores, Costco, and Indigo. It's a definite stop when trying to shop in Saint John. Here is their website. http://www.eastpointshopping.ca/shops_and_services.php

There is a mall further West if you are visiting the Falls and would like to do a quick shopping trip. Lancatser Mall is located on 621 Fairville Boulevard. This mall has 25 shops and services to choose from.

The uptown core offers Brunswick Square and Market Square for malls. Brunswick Square has over 60 shops and services. They both offer great clothing stores and fantastic places to eat once you get hungry from all of the shopping you've been doing.

Then you have the vendors on the streets as well as shops that line the street ways. You are always sure to find something unique in one of these shops.

-Saint John Suzy

City of Saint John Gallery opening

Do you like art? I once went to an exhibit and interpretted something completely wrong. What was supposed to be a part of the Berlin wall, I thought was a gun. The artist was unfortuneately standing next to me and overheard my pensive conclusion of the peice. He agreeed and thought that maybe somehow he sunconscioulsy painted it in the shape of a gun. I think he was just trying to make me feel less dumb. Anyway the Saint John Arts Centre on 20 Hazen avenue will host "Recent Works by Saint John artist Peggy Smith," on Friday, March 12, from 5:30 pm-7:30 pm. The exhibition continues through to May 1.

Suzy Q on the Scene

Last night was a good night. The wind was a blowin', the snow was a snowin' but that wasn't going to stop me from hitting the town to see what kind of trouble I could get myself into. I ended up at Pepper's Pub where a bunch of people had gathered to enjoy half price wing night and live entertainment. That's one thing about Saint John. It may be a small city but it sure has some amazing talent. Miacha Nickerson, Sean Roach, and Erin McKay hit the stage and put on a hell of a preformance. Every Thursday night, artists are brought in to preform. This is a great place to go Thursday nights. It is a great place to go period. Lemongrass is the restaurant portion of the establishment, GREAT FOOD. The Thai food is amazing. One of the best in the city. So there you have it folks. EAT, DRINK, and be MERRY!

My trip to the City Market!

I love the City Market. It always smells so great! The coffee from Java Moose, Lord's fresh fish, and the Baking Stones sweets all make the contribution to the experience. Today I shot a quick video about the history of the market. It was built 1876 and actually is the oldest continuing farmers market in all of Canada. In 1877, the great fire swepth throughSaint John and left the market untouched? Miracle, I should say. The market also has a really neat feature which I think is so cool. Next time you are there look up at the ceiling. It's shaped like an inverted ship's hull.