Midland Ice Caves

Well, I’ve been waiting for the snow to go explore the Midland Ice Caves, and I definitely got what I’ve been asking for! As I’m writing this, I just cleared about 50 cm of snow from my driveway. :/ The white stuff definitely did make the trip more beautiful though :) 

A few friends and I headed out towards Norton from Moncton and met up with my sister in Sussex to make the trek to the caves!  

I forgot to time the way into the caves, but I think it was about an hour. When we arrived at around 11:00, there had already been a pretty obvious trail made and the snow was patted down. The first 2/3 is through a field that gets pretty steep by the end. It will make you want to lose some layers, and we each lost at least one on the way up - some we left in trees with notes in the snow, and others we carried. :) Besides the grade, it's a pretty easy hike. At the top of the hill you can either go straight or turn left, you turn left into a wooded area. 

The last third in the wooded area is quite easy and beautiful.

Once you go in about 10 minutes, you take a right at the sign. The sign was broken, so we tried to fix it for ya! 

You go down this "trail" for under 10 minutes and come to the small valley where the caves are! 

Every year there are holes in the ice so you can actually go in and explore the "cave" and get your perfect photo op! 

It's slippery, so be careful! You can climb in and slide out! (But that really hurt my butt) 

Someone was nice enough to set up these ropes to help you get up and down! 

The way out is pretty much all downhill, so it only took about 40 minutes. We did walk pretty fast though. It was hilarious to go down this field and see 19, NINETEEN cars lined up of people going to check them out. I love the Maritimes, but clearly we could use some more winter entertainment. haha. 

So after this week of blizzards, I'd probably pack some snowshoes, but go check it out! 

For great directions, check out Hiking NB, as usual. Also, this is private land, so let's be kind and considerate so we can enjoy them for a long time! 

Centennial Park

Let's keep this one short - get to Centennial Park ASAP, especially if you live in Moncton. This is one of the most beautiful places I've seen for fall foliage. Here's your incentive to make it at its peak: 

Did that convince you? :)

Pointe-Du-Chêne Wharf

It is hard to beat wharf vibes. I remember wharf nights as a kid, driving through, getting ice cream, and climbing on the rocks at sunset. Mmmmmm 

I fell in love with swimming at the wharf just last summer. I think it was my first time trying it. I've always been a little scared of swimming in water where I can't see the bottom, but I overcame my fear and have been loving it since. :) 

I love wharf nights at Captain Dan's, followed by a little sunset swim. It's a great weeknight activity. Send a quick text and meet some friends after work! 

Somebody missed the memo . . . :)

Where else can you drive up, jump in, and watch the sunset at eye level in some of the warmest salt water in the country? Well, there are probably other places, but THE VIBES!! 

PS - I recently discovered the millions of tiny fish there that swim all around you. Eek! Still worth it though. I guess the "fishing" section should have tipped me off . . . 

Got more than just a weeknight? Why not spend a day at Parlee Beach, and then head to the wharf for sunset . . . 

Corn Hill Nursery

When you live in New Brunswick (or if you're visiting), you have to go along with the weather. Well, at least that's how I plan my explorations. Corn Hill Nursery is a spot I would go to on a day that's a little cooler; when a day by the water isn't really an option. 

I went out here a few weeks ago now with my friend Jenna to have lunch and chat about this blog, actually. There's a really cute restaurant called Cedar Cafe with a lower and upper seating area and also a deck. We went for the deck! It had a great view of the nursery and the rolling hills behind it. 

I had a quesedilla, which was really good, and Jenna had the soup and bruschetta. As usual, I was too eager to eat my food so I forgot to take a picture of it :)

 Interested in their menu? You can take a look at it on their website here. 

We meandered through the nursery for a while, which is really quite beautiful. Some hydrangeas caught Jenna's eye, but we went home empty-handed this trip! 

Corn Hill Nursery is in Kings County at 2700 Route 890, between Petitcodiac and Sussex. 

If you're looking to go on a beautiful drive in the country and enjoy a scenic sit-down meal, this is a great place to try! Be sure to check their website for their hours before heading out.