Experience St. Andrews Like a Local

Experience St. Andrews Like a Local: Hidden Gems & Heartfelt Favourites

Planning a trip to the charming seaside town of St. Andrews by-the-Sea? While the well-loved iconic sights are definitely worth a visit, there’s something special about slowing down and discovering the places locals quietly love. From secret gardens and tucked-away shops to heritage hideaways, shaded patios and sunset views, here’s your guide to experiencing St. Andrews like you live here.

Day One: Garden Paths, Quiet Corners & Local Flavours

1. Begin with a Garden Walk at Crocker Hill

Tucked behind Crocker Hill’s charming King Street boutique lies a hidden gem, an intimate stone garden that feels like stepping into a secret world. Sculptor and artist Steven Smith has lovingly created this peaceful space, where hand-carved works are nestled among miniature plantings and serene corners of quiet beauty. If Steven is there, he often welcomes visitors with quiet pride and a story or two. He will tell you he built it all as a tribute to his beloved wife, a testament of enduing love expressed through his art. Stop inside the shop first, to say hello to Steven’s sweet Gail, and let her know the Maritimes Maven sent you. This is a private garden, generously shared, and it is a rare privilege to experience something so deeply personal and inspired. Please visit with care and gratitude.

2. Step Into the Oppenheimer-Prager Museum at Dayspring

Once home to Lady Dunn and Lord Beaverbrook, this elegant residence is now a gallery space curated by its current owner, Montreal-based maritime lawyer Vincent Prager. Inside, you’ll find a thoughtful curation of international and Canadian works, alongside pieces by Vincent’s grandfather, the renowned artist Joseph Oppenheimer and his mother, Eva Prager.

The collection also features personal artifacts, vintage jewelry, family memorabilia, classic cars (Vincent’s passion), and historic items tied to Dayspring itself. Vincent summers next door and is often seen greeting visitors with quiet warmth. Photography is not permitted inside, so to get a taste of what’s on display, visit the Oppenheimer-Prager Museum at Dayspring online.

3. Discover the Town’s Storied Past

History buffs, follow the thread of time through these fascinating stops: Start at the Charlotte County Archives inside the old Gaol, where cold stone cells and ghostly tales linger. Next door, step into the Courthouse, where whispers of trials past still echo. Then wander to the Ross Memorial Museum’s elegant drawing rooms, and finish at Sheriff Andrews House, once home to the town’s most prominent loyalist.

4. Sip & Stroll: Tall Tom’s or Saint Andrews Brewing Co.

Pause for a flavourful lemonade at Tall Tom’s, known for its old-school charm, or sit and sample a craft beer flight at Saint Andrews Brewing Co., a favourite local gathering place just steps from the harbour.

5. Lunch at Niger Reef Tea House or Drewhaven Café

Set by the water near the Blockhouse, Niger Reef Tea House is a seasonal rustic gem is known for its tasty fresh lunches, ocean breezes and a picture-perfect view. Built in the 1920s, as a log cabin construction, Niger Reef became a popular spot for wealthy summer residents, hosting private parties, bridge clubs, and other leisure activities. During World War II, the space was repurposed to support war-related efforts. Heritage murals by Lucille Douglas were discovered during restoration several years ago. The treescapes and rocky landscapes depict the Atlantic Coast, but were also influenced by the artist’s experiences in the Orient. Niger Reef is a designated Local Historic Place.

Café Drewhaven offers a more upscale, elegant experience, surrounded by whimsical art created by Geoff Slater honouring the work of author/illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans. If you love the famous childhood book Madeline as much as I do, you are in for a real treat. Discover the characters of St. Andrews in these imaginative paintings. This is a local favourite, not just for dining, but also for unique home goods, art events, and the world-class pâtisserie & bakery.

6. Check Into the Treadwell Inn then Dine at The Chandler Room or nearby William & Water

Stay where the view is always centre stage at Treadwell Inn. This historic inn offers stunning suites with waterfront balconies and a warm Maritime welcome, perfectly located for both relaxing and exploring. Later, head downstairs to The Chandler Room for a cocktail and share plates, or dine nearby at William & Water for refined seafood in a contemporary casual dining atmosphere. Reserve ahead for both to guarantee seating.

7. Catch the Sunset

Wrap up your day the local way, with a sunset. There are several locations to enjoy it from. But after my friend, Vicki Hogarth shared her favourite spot to enjoy dinner with a view, I’m making a beeline for Elizabeth Park next time, where the sky stretches wide over the Passamaquoddy Bay and everything seems to slow down. It’s quiet, peaceful, and the perfect place to reflect on the day.

Day Two: Coastal Wanders, UNIQUE shops & Sweet Moments

8. Treasure Hunt: Local Shops Worth the Wander

Explore some new-to-you or tucked-away shops and local favourites that you might not have found yet:

Marée by Margot for French flair
The Nautical Shop for coastal finds
Marmalade Home & Gift Boutique for curated cottage style
Jona & Jessie for slow fashion and handpicked pieces
Bucca Dell’Acqua or Pulp & Paper Books for your next great read
Sunbury Shores Arts & Nature Centre for rotating exhibits, artisan goods, and creative inspiration rooted in land and sea
Keffer Pottery for handcrafted ceramics made right here

And don’t miss antiquing at Macklem House Antiques and the Great Canadian North Art Gallery, where more treasures await.

9. Lunch in the Garden at Sage

Inside Kingsbrae Garden, Sage offers garden-fresh dishes surrounded by flowers, sculpture, and wide-open sky. It’s a beautiful pause in the heart of a nationally-celebrated horticultural haven.

10. Explore the Van Horne Trail by E-Bike or on Foot

Rent an e-bike from Explore EV, located at the Algonquin Resort or set off on foot along the Van Horne Trail, which winds past wooded paths, heritage homes, and eventually out to the water’s edge. Discover Pendlebury Lighthouse, the oldest remaining mainland lighthouse in New Brunswick, soak in views of Ministers Island, and if the tide is right, cross the sandbar or dip your toes in at Katy’s Cove, a sheltered little beach locals love for a quiet swim.

11. Sweet Finish: Ice Cream & a View

Treat yourself to a creamy cone from McGuire Chocolate Company, known for its bean-to-bar sweets and small-batch ice cream. Find a bench or quiet spot by the water and watch the tides come and go.

12. Waterfront Dining

For dinner, head to the patio at The Gables or Seasons by the Sea Bistro. Both offer fresh-caught seafood with unforgettable views and a laid-back pace. You’ll understand why locals never tire of it.

Bonus if You’re in Town on the Right Day

St. Andrews Farmers Market (Thursdays) for local food, art, and friendly faces
KIRA (Kingsbrae International Residence for the Arts) Summer Events at the open-air amphitheatre
Ministers Island Concert Series, where music meets tide and time

St. Andrews may be known as a resort town, but its true heart lives in the places that don’t compete for attention —the quiet, the personal, and the beautifully unassuming magic you find only when you take the time to look.

Stay longer than a weekend and you’ll begin to see what locals already know: the beauty of this place reveals itself slowly. That’s part of the charm.

Come curious. Leave refreshed. Return often.

Fall in Love, and Stay Awhile

Let St. Andrews by-the-Sea enchant you in its quiet, powerful way. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you, this little resort town has a way of getting under your skin and staying in your soul. If you’re ready to explore more, take a deeper dive into my Saint Andrews by-the-Sea feature, where I highlight even more must-see spots and meaningful moments. And don’t miss three nearby favourites that each deserve their own spotlight: the award-winning Rossmount Inn, a culinary and nature lover’s haven; the whimsical beauty of Kingsbrae Garden, where art and horticulture meet; and the historic charm of Cory Cottage, a seaside stay with stories to tell.

**Rossmount Inn - Culinary Destination**

This post was sponsored by Visit Southwest New Brunswick Tourism; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Follow Maritimes Maven on FaceBook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn & Threads. Subscribe to be the first to receive my latest articles. Share articles you love with your social media community so they, too, will discover, There’s No Place Like Home!