The Hometown Edit: West NB Gift Guide

Cheers to HomeMake spirits bright with gifts from Downriver Beverage Co. Their new Liqueur and Whisky Tasting Gift Sets are made for anyone who loves a festive sip. For something truly nostalgic, reach for a Maritime classic: the smooth, cinnamon-and-chocolate blend of Chicken Bones Liqueur or the rich, velvety warmth of Gingerbread Cream Liqueur. Both bottle up those iconic New Brunswick flavours that taste like home. Holiday Happenings: Join the hometown cheer at the Small Town, Big Christmas Carolling event in the Hartland Courtyard on December 6th from 7-8pm! Enjoy classic carols, warm up with the cozy hot chocolate station, and enjoy festive cookies - a sweet, simple way to celebrate the season together. Coffee Lovers Tobique River Trading Co. is a holiday hideaway for anyone who lives on caffeine and good vibes. Stop in for small-batch coffee blends, local merch, and craft brews-all under one roof! Pick up a Fidelio Cafe Gift Card so friends can choose their perfect cup, and treat yourself to something seasonal along the way...maybe a Peppermint Mocha or a festive Eggnog Latte.Holiday Happenings: Ease into the season with a Christmas Kitchen Party at Tobique River Trading Co. on December 20th, 5-7pm. Grab a drink, settle in early, and enjoy the cozy pre-holiday atmosphere with friends. Outdoor ExplorersGive gifts that spark fresh air, movement, and a little adventure. E-Bike or Kayak Rental Gift Cards from Wolastoq Cycling & Repair set the stage for next summer's memories. Choose a pass for one, or a two person card for couples who love exploring together. Swing by Covered Bridge Golf & Country Club for Gift Cards that can be used on the course or for a round on the indoor simulators. For Anglers, a $25 Mystery Bag from Dead End Lures paired with an E-Gift Card is the perfect catch. And keep an eye out for 2026 MRA Member Supporter Memberships arriving soon. Exclusive tours and nature perks at the Meduxnekeag Nature Preseve for only $35.Holiday Happenings: Catch the excitement as the Woodstock Slammers take on the Lewiston MAINEiacs on December 13th at 7:30 pm - your only chance to see a home game before the holiday break!  Gourmet GiftersTreat the food lovers in your life to a little everyday luxury. Wabanaki Maple's beautifully boxed Maple Syrups, aged to a rich, glowing amber, bring a decadent touch to breakfasts, baking, and festive feasts. Small-batch and proudly made in Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), it's a guaranteed crowd pleaser. For something warm and cozy, Falavory's locally made Soup Blends make delicious stocking stuffers or charming add-ins for gift baskets. They're simple to prepare, deeply flavourful, and perfect for those winter day cravings. Gift Cards to local restaurants are always a thoughtful and appreciated gift. Consider gifting a culinary experience from one of our popular evelvated dining restaurants such as the Pathsaala Restaurant. Holiday Happenings: Enjoy a festive dinner and live music in Florenceveille at Exit 153 featuring Ray Haines on December 12th, 6:30–8:30 pm for an easy, spirited night out with friends and family. Experience Seekers Give the gift of moments they'll remember. A Gift Card to Escape Woodstock unlocks a special holiday-themed Escape Room ideal for the critical thinkers and thrill seekers on your list. With a Timber & Clay Gift Certificate, they can choose between Axe Throwing or Pottery Painting for a fun-filled day out. For an extra win, Woodstock Bowlacade Gift Certificates deliver instant holiday fun: glowing arcade games, crashing pins, and plenty of laughs. Holiday Happenings: Jumpstart your holiday cheer with Kenny & Dolly's Christmas Tribute at the McCain Community Theatre on December 6th, featuring a surprise appearance from Elvis. Admission is by donation. The Artisan CornerStep into a world of handmade magic at the Small Works Exhibition. Every piece - sparkling ornaments, mini masterpieces, and unique creations, are all crafted by local New Brunswick artist and priced under $200. It's the perfect place to find something meaningful. Open until December 20th. Holiday Happenings: Don't miss the Mini Craft Fair at Creek Village Gallery on November 29th, 11 am-3 pm. Stop in for treats, meet the makers, and explore the holiday creativity filling the space Creek Village Cafe! Boutique Wanderers Local boutiques are brimming with gifts that feel personal and thoughtfully chosen. As you wander, you'll find handmade treasures, seasonal accessories, and Gift Certificates for those who love to pick their own surprise. Here are a few must-visit stops:The Parlour • HartlandThe Gathered Cottage • WoodstockCountry Card & Gift • CentrevilleVanity Flair & Eska's China • Woodstock, NBBodega By Pathsaala Mini Mart • Perth-Andover, NBHoliday Happenings: Local craft fairs are here! Check everybody off your list at one of these stops. Hartland Community School | November 28, 2025 • 10am-6pmPerth-Andover Holiday Market | November 29, 2025 • 9am-3pmTobique Valley High School | November 29, 2025 • 9am-2pmWoodstock First Nation Craft Bazaar | December 5-6, 2025 • 4pm-6pm / 10am-2pmKnights of Columbus, Beechwood | December 6, 2025 • 9am-2pm

5 Autumn Experiences in West NB 🍂

Corn Maze and Adventure FarmThe wait is finally over — Hunter Brothers Farm has unveiled this year’s corn maze art, celebrating one of Canada’s most iconic musical groups, Blue Rodeo! While the corn maze is open all week, weekends are perfect for families to enjoy the full range of experiences at the Adventure Farm. Tickets can be purchased online in advance to guarantee entry. With over 20 activities to enjoy and new ones added regularly, kids will have a tough time picking their favourite! Local tip: This year, the maze features QR codes linking visitors to YouTube videos of Blue Rodeo songs — music in the maze adds a fun, interactive twist to the adventure!Apple PickingApple Picking is the ultimate treasure hunt in the Fall!  Here in West NB, you can enjoy this classic autumn activity at two local orchards, each with its own charm and seasonal treats. Transform an ordinary day into a cherished, memory-making tradition. Homestead Orchards, located in Hartford, will open for UPICK on September 20 at 10 AM. Visit on Sunday, September 21, and treat yourself to Tobique Wood Fired Pizza. Dukeshire's Apples, in Northampton, has been an annual family tradition for many years. Starting September 20th, pick from a variety of apples, fresh pears, and plums. There's plenty to fill your baskets, so be sure to follow them on Facebook for UPICK schedules. Local tip: Visit Downriver Beverage Co. to try Homestead Orchards' Hard Apple Cider or their Sparkling Flavored Apple Ciders (non-alcoholic) - a fall favourite, whether you prefer spirited, sparkling, or classic. Step into FallFall is the perfect season to lace up your hiking boots. You'll be surrounded by autumn colors, rolling hills, and bubbling streams, all while enjoying cool, comfortable temperatures. Notable hikes that showcase the best of the season include:Maliseet Trail - Hays FallsOrange, Red, Yellow, Trails of the Meduxnekeag Valley Nature PreserveTomlinson Hike to FreedomMount CarletonShiktehawk Walking Trail  Local tip: Each fall, thousands of migratory birds pass overhead on their journey south. Two of the trails listed above are part of the official Birding Trail, making them perfect spots to catch the spectacle. As you hike, don't forget to look up - you'll be treated to both the vibrant fall colors and the flurry of birds in flight.  Ride into AutumnRiding an ATV in West NB during the fall is an experience like no other. The trails wind through rolling hills and forest ridges that burst into a spectacle of fiery reds, glowing oranges, and golden yellows. Each turn offers sweeping views of the changing landscape, where crisp autumn air and crunching leaves add to the thrill of the ride. Whether you’re exploring high lookouts or cruising along hidden backcountry paths, ATVing in fall is the perfect way to take in nature’s most colourful season.Local tip: Be sure to check out these must-see lookouts: Ayers Lake, Kenneth, and the Pinnacle. Use this Map for directions and GPS coordinates to plan your route with ease. Each of these high vantage points rises above the backcountry ridges, offering sweeping views that stretch for miles. On a clear day, you may even catch a glimpse of Maine's Mount Katahdin from the Kenneth lookout. Scout Giants in the WoodsGet ready for an unforgettable adventure with wildlife photographer Nathan Robinson! Book a wildlife photo workshop this Autumn and get the rare chance to see moose up close in their natural habitat. Capture breathtaking shots, hear expert tips from Nathan, and feel the excitement of being truly immersed in the region's untamed wilderness—an unforgettable experience for every nature enthusiast. No camera? No problem! Even without a camera, it's a fascinating experience to watch the majestic animals wander, feed, drink, and roam freely in their natural habitat.