Let Sussex Surprise You!

Let Sussex Surprise You: Murals, Rolling Hills, Arts & Culture and Small Town Charm

Back in 2018, not long after I launched my travel blog, my sisters suggested we meet in Sussex for a day of wandering. They spoke about giant murals painted across downtown buildings, charming cafés, heritage storefronts, antiques, rolling farmland, covered bridges, and scenic countryside drives. To me, Sussex had simply been a town I passed on the highway between Fredericton and Moncton. But they insisted, “Let Sussex surprise you.”

And it truly did.

What I expected to be a simple sisters’ day trip became one of those places I’ve returned to again and again over the years. Sussex has a gentle way of winning people over. It is creative yet rural, historic yet evolving, and filled with the kind of warm community spirit that makes you want to linger a little longer than planned.

The Heart of New Brunswick

Located between Fredericton, Saint John, and Moncton, Sussex makes an easy and worthwhile day trip from anywhere in southern New Brunswick. Surrounded by rolling hills and farmland, this welcoming community blends small-town charm with a thriving arts and culture scene.

Known as the Dairy Centre of the Maritimes, the Covered Bridge Capital of Atlantic Canada, and the Mural Capital of Atlantic Canada, Sussex offers far more than many travellers expect. Free parking, walkable streets, locally-owned shops, and beautiful countryside views make it an ideal place to slow down and explore.

shopping in sussex

Sussex has quietly become a wonderful destination for vintage lovers, makers, artists, collectors, and shoppers who appreciate independently owned businesses filled with personality and heart.

Come Bye Chance

Before I even made it into downtown Sussex, I found myself craning my neck and doubling back along Highway 10 after spotting Come Bye Chance Antiques. Inside, owner Louise Flaglor welcomed me into a treasure trove of vintage finds, antiques, bottles, pottery, and collectibles.

I left with a handwoven basket, a blue polka-dot creamer jug, and a bag of vintage bottles I absolutely did not need but could not resist. Her flower-covered turquoise scooter parked outside was charming enough to deserve its own photograph. I promised myself I would return with my antiquing friends.

Lackie’s General Store Emporium

Once my sisters and I reunited downtown, we made a beeline for The General Store Emporium, now under new ownership and known as: Lackie’s General Store Emporium. Housed inside a beautifully preserved former MacAfee’s Drug Store, the original shelving and signage give the shop so much character and nostalgia.

Today, it operates as a vibrant community co-op featuring more than 80 local artists, artisans, makers, and creators. You will find antiques, handmade gifts, art, home décor, collectibles, books, and locally crafted treasures throughout the store. It is the kind of place where you discover something unexpected around every corner.

Dairytown Market

Another longtime favourite of mine is Dairytown Market. The antique and vintage selection here has expanded significantly over the years, and treasure hunters could easily spend an hour or two browsing through the pottery, china, collectibles, art, clothing, and retro finds.

At the back, the bakery draws people in with homemade sweets and baked goods that are nearly impossible to leave behind.

Elysian Natural Soap and Skin Care

Another lovely stop downtown is Elysian Natural Soap and Skin Care, locally known by many as “The Soap Works.” This charming little shop specializes in handcrafted natural soaps, bath products, skincare, essential oils, and gifts, all traditionally made with high-quality natural ingredients. The scent alone lures you in before you have even fully stepped through the door. It is the kind of place where you wander slowly, smelling everything, and inevitably leave with beautifully wrapped soaps or little self-care treasures.

Meadow House & Co.

One of Sussex’s newest antique shops is already creating a lot of buzz. Meadow House & Co., which opened in May, 2026, is a beautifully curated lifestyle, home, wardrobe, and vintage store housed inside a historic 1800s building.

During my recent visit, I spent time with co-owner Joëlle Martin and met co-owner Mark O’Dell, whose shared eye for art, antiques, nostalgia, and storytelling has transformed the space into something truly special. Joëlle is well known for her original artwork and her thoughtful vintage wares, which honours the past while encouraging more intentional and sustainable living.

Expect curated vintage finds, furniture, preloved clothing, art, collectibles, and sublime styled displays that feel almost museum-like in presentation. The experience of browsing itself is worth the visit but good luck not falling in love with something special.

The Sussex Flea Market

If you love vintage treasures, collectibles, antiques, quirky finds, and the thrill of the hunt, plan your visit around the Sussex Flea Market held annually during the third weekend of August. Often considered one of the largest outdoor flea markets in the Maritimes, this beloved event transforms Princess Louise Park into a sprawling treasure hunter’s paradise with hundreds upon hundreds of vendors.

What began years ago as an antique automotive flea market organized by the New Brunswick Antique Auto Club has evolved into a massive multi-day event drawing visitors from across Atlantic Canada. You will find everything from vintage Pyrex and antiques to collectibles, handmade goods, automotive memorabilia, retro décor, books, tools, plants, and wonderfully unexpected oddities.

It is the kind of place where one person walks away with a rare collectible while another leaves with homemade jam, an antique chair, and a story they will laugh about for years. Even if you buy nothing, the people-watching and atmosphere alone make it worth experiencing.

If you are a vintage lover, this event alone is reason enough to let Sussex surprise you.

arts and culture in sussex

AX, the Arts and Culture Centre of Sussex

One of the cultural anchors of Sussex is AX, the Arts and Culture Centre of Sussex. Located in the heart of downtown, AX has become a vibrant creative hub offering exhibitions, workshops, literary events, live performances, ceramics programming, and community arts experiences.

I have attended several exhibitions and literary events here over the years and continue to be impressed by the calibre of programming and the welcoming atmosphere. The gallery beautifully balances established and emerging New Brunswick artists while fostering meaningful community connection through the arts.

The building itself also houses Knocks Café, artist studios, a ceramics centre, a boutique gift shop, workshop spaces, and an outdoor patio. It is the kind of place where creativity feels deeply woven into the community.

Mural Capital of Atlantic Canada

One of Sussex’s most distinctive attractions is its enormous public mural collection spread throughout Sussex and nearby Sussex Corner.

The mural movement first began in 2005 as a tourism initiative celebrating the town’s rich agricultural, cultural, and historical roots. Today, Sussex is in the midst of an exciting new chapter, replacing aging murals with large-scale contemporary works by renowned mural artists from across Canada and beyond.

During a recent visit, I watched Toronto artist Megan Oldhues paint a stunning new mural featuring her signature realism and “slice of life” imagery. If her work is any indication of what is coming next, Sussex’s evolving mural transformation will continue drawing art lovers for years to come.

The town plans to gradually replace older murals over the coming years, breathing fresh energy into the streetscape while still honouring the stories and history that shaped the original project.

Be sure to stop by the Visitor Information Centre, located right off Main Street at the Kiwanis Comfort station in O'Connell park, to pick up a mural walking guide and map. Learning the stories behind each mural makes the experience far more meaningful.

History lovers should also visit the 8th Hussars Regimental Museum, which highlights the military history of Canada’s oldest armoured regiment.

Sussex Restaurants & Cafés

There are many excellent places to eat in Sussex, and the dining scene has expanded beautifully in recent years.

Knocks Café

Located inside AX, the Arts and Culture Centre of Sussex, Knocks Café remains one of my favourite places to eat in Sussex. The atmosphere is artsy, relaxed, and welcoming, with delicious soups, sandwiches, salads, paninis, desserts, coffee, and gluten-free options. In warmer months, the patio is especially lovely for a slow lunch or coffee break.

Taste & See Restaurant and Stable Grounds Café

Another downtown favourite is Taste & See Restaurant and Stable Grounds Café. Expect generous portions, gourmet burgers, wraps, salads, desserts, and warm hospitality. It is popular with both locals and visitors, so reservations are a good idea during busy periods.

All Seasons Inn & Restaurant

For comforting Maritime-style meals, seafood, and homemade pie, All Seasons Inn & Restaurant continues to be a reliable local favourite.

Kame no Mori

Sussex’s food scene continues to evolve, and one newer addition creating excitement is Kame no Mori, an authentic Japanese restaurant specializing in sushi and Japanese cuisine. I have not had the chance to dine there yet myself, but I have been hearing consistently wonderful reviews from locals and visitors alike about both the quality and presentation. It is another example of how Sussex’s dining scene continues to pleasantly surprise people.

The Falafel Spot

I have also been hearing wonderful things about The Falafel Spot, a Lebanese restaurant that has been generating plenty of local buzz for its fresh and flavourful offerings.

Cobbler’s Lane Fudge Factory

If you have a sweet tooth, do not miss Cobbler’s Lane Fudge Factory. With more than 30 fudge flavours, specialty coffees, baked goods, sandwiches, soups, ice cream, and gift shop treats, it is a dangerous little stop in the very best way.

Scenic Drives, Covered Bridges & Countryside Views

Part of Sussex’s magic lies just beyond downtown.

Drive in almost any direction and you will discover rolling farmland, grazing dairy cows, horses, wooden covered bridges, winding country roads, bluff hikes, and peaceful rural communities. The surrounding landscape feels like a patchwork quilt stretching across the hills.

Sussex sits at the junction of the River Valley Scenic Drive and the Fundy Coastal Drive, making it an excellent base for exploring the greater Fundy region, including the Bay of Fundy and the Fundy Trail Parkway.

This is a place that invites you to slow down, pull over often, and appreciate the beauty of rural New Brunswick.

There is so much to see and do here. What are you waiting for? Let Sussex surprise you!

Let Sussex Surprise You

Sussex may appear at first glance to be a small rural town along the highway, but spend even a few hours here and you will quickly discover something far richer.

There is creativity here. Community. History. Beautiful countryside. Talented artists and makers. Delicious food. Warm conversations. And an evolving arts scene helping breathe new life into this charming New Brunswick town.

Whether you come for the murals, the cafés, the antiques, the rolling farmland, the covered bridges, or the hot air balloons, Sussex has a way of quietly surprising people.

And honestly, I think that is part of its magic.

The Atlantic Balloon Fiesta in Sussex, New Brunswick

Each September, Sussex becomes even more colourful during the Atlantic Balloon Fiesta, one of Atlantic Canada’s most beloved festivals. Since 1985, visitors have gathered to watch vibrant hot air balloons fill the sky above Sussex’s rolling countryside.

The multi-day festival includes balloon launches, live music, family activities, food vendors, craft markets, car shows, and evening glow events that create unforgettable memories for visitors of all ages.

Watching dozens of hot air balloons rise into the crisp September air is one of those classic New Brunswick experiences everyone should witness at least once.

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