Kings County Quilt Barn Tour: A Scenic Road Trip Along New Brunswick’s Barn Quilt Trail

New Brunswick’s Barn Quilt Trail

Some road trips are about reaching the destination. Others are about enjoying every stop along the way. The Kings County Quilt Barn Tour is one of those journeys.

This self-guided driving tour winds through the picturesque countryside surrounding Hampton, New Brunswick, leading visitors to 24 beautifully hand-painted barn quilts displayed on barns, churches, farms, businesses, artisan studios, and historic buildings. Along the way, you’ll discover welcoming communities, scenic backroads, locally owned shops, cafés, vineyards, and fascinating stories that celebrate the region’s agricultural heritage, creativity, and enduring tradition of quilt-making.

If you’ve ever wanted to experience a barn quilt trail, this is one of the most rewarding in Atlantic Canada.

Plan Your Kings County Quilt Barn Tour Adventure

Before you hit the road, here are a few helpful details to make the most of your Kings County Quilt Barn Tour experience.

Location: Kings County, New Brunswick
Starting Point: Hampton Visitor Information Centre
Number of Stops: 24 barn quilt locations
Trails: River & Roots, Blooming Bounty, and Fields & Flavours
Time Needed: One full day if travelling efficiently, or two days for a more relaxed experience
Best Time to Visit: Late spring through late fall, when local businesses, markets, and attractions are open and the countryside is at its most vibrant
Cost: The tour is free; plan extra time for cafés, restaurants, shopping, and local treats along the way
Passport: Pick up your Quilt Barn Tour Passport at the Hampton Visitor Information Centre and collect punches at participating stops
Navigation: Use the QR codes in your passport to access digital maps for each trail
Bring: A camera, comfortable shoes for walking portions of the route, and plenty of room in your vehicle for local treasures

My Recommendation: While it is possible to complete all 24 stops in one day, I highly recommend spreading the Kings County Quilt Barn Tour over two days. This allows you to slow down, enjoy the scenic country roads, browse local shops, chat with business owners, stop for photographs, and experience the communities that make this region so special.

The tour is not just about collecting barn quilt stamps. It is about discovering the stories, landscapes, and people behind each stop.

Choose Your Barn Quilt Trail

The Kings County Quilt Barn Tour is a tourism initiative created by the Town of Hampton to showcase the area’s rich heritage, beautiful countryside, and vibrant local businesses. I recently partnered with the Town to experience the tour using their new Quilt Barn Tour Passport, and it turned out to be one of my favourite New Brunswick road trips to date.

The route is divided into three themed driving trails:

· River & Roots Trail

· Blooming Bounty Trail

· Fields & Flavours Trail

Although you can complete all 24 stops in a single day, why not stretch your adventure over two days. You’ll have time to browse the shops, chat with local business owners, stop for photos, and truly appreciate everything Kings County has to offer rather than racing from one location to the next.

My friend, Julie, and I chose to begin with the River & Roots Trail, followed by the Blooming Bounty Trail, checking off 17 barn quilts on our first day. Since the Fields & Flavours Trail covers a larger rural area with greater distances between stops, we saved those final seven barn quilts for Day 2.

I know what you’re probably thinking—seventeen stops in one day sounds ambitious! I wondered the same thing, especially with a 1½-hour drive from Fredericton before our adventure even began. Surprisingly, the first two trails were very manageable. The first six barn quilts are all within walking distance of Hampton’s town square, so you’ll make great progress right from the start. Anyone who knows me understands that I rarely pass up a photo opportunity. I stopped countless times to capture landscapes, architecture, and little details that caught my eye. Even with all those pauses, we still had plenty of time to browse local businesses, chat with residents, and soak in the scenery.

If photography is part of your travel style, I highly recommend bringing a companion. My good friend Julie volunteered to drive, which allowed me to hop in and out of the car whenever another beautiful scene appeared around the next bend. Kings County is every photographer’s dream. “STOP THE CAR!” quickly became the unofficial theme of our road trip. Just ask Julie. Thankfully, she never minded because nearly every pause rewarded us with another beautiful view, another interesting business, or another memorable discovery.

Hampton Visitors Information Centre

Julie and I left Fredericton at 7:30 a.m. and arrived at the Hampton Visitor Information Centre shortly after 9:00. Hannah, Lauren, and Catherine greeted us with warm smiles before introducing us to the Kings County Quilt Barn Tour Passport and sharing helpful tips for making the most of our journey.

The knowledgeable staff pointed out suggested food stops, fuel stations, washrooms, scenic highlights, and attractions along each trail. Those recommendations are also included throughout the passport, making it an excellent companion whether you’re exploring for a few hours or planning a leisurely weekend road trip.

One of my favourite features is the collection of QR codes that link directly to digital maps for each trail. They made navigating the quiet country roads effortless, allowing us to spend less time looking at directions and more time enjoying the drive.

Hannah also explained how the passport works. Participating locations are marked with a hole-punch symbol where you can collect stamps along the route. Once you’ve completed all 24 stops, simply return your finished passport to the Hampton Visitor Information Centre to receive a commemorative keepsake celebrating your accomplishment.

Confident that Julie and I would complete the challenge, Hannah surprised us by presenting our Kings County Quilt Barn Tour pins before we even began. Thankfully, we didn’t let her down.

The River & Roots Trail

The River & Roots Trail is the perfect introduction to the Kings County Quilt Barn Tour. Centred around Hampton’s picturesque town square before branching into the surrounding countryside, this first leg combines local history, heritage architecture, welcoming businesses, and a few delicious treats along the way.You’ll barely have time to settle into the experience before discovering your first barn quilt.

Begin in the Heart of Hampton

Your journey starts at 1) Hampton Visitor Information Centre & Boutique, where the Peaceful Hours barn quilt welcomes visitors to the official starting point of the tour. Housed in Hampton’s beautifully restored former railway station, the centre operates seasonally and features local tourism information, heritage displays, and a boutique showcasing the work of more than 30 New Brunswick artisans. Rail service first arrived in Hampton in 1859, and it’s worth taking a few minutes to browse the exhibits before collecting your first passport stamp and beginning your adventure.

Before returning to your car, take the short walk behind the station to 2) Station 33 Café. The cheerful Sunflower barn quilt overlooks the café’s patio, while another passport stamp awaits inside. I first discovered this licensed café while researching my Towns by the Bay feature a few years ago, and I’ve looked for reasons to return ever since. Along with locally roasted coffee, the café serves house-made soups, sandwiches, baked goods, and other delicious treats prepared with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Julie and I couldn’t resist starting the morning with freshly baked muffins and lattes. It was the perfect way to fuel up before exploring the rest of Hampton on foot.

Just around the corner, 3) Spuds n’ Things greeted us with its colourful Heron on the Marsh barn quilt. This third-generation bakery, produce market, and garden centre is a longtime Hampton favourite. After collecting another passport stamp, we spent a few minutes browsing the fresh produce and homemade baked goods before meeting owner David Goucher.

David’s warm hospitality perfectly captured the welcoming spirit we would encounter throughout the tour. After chatting with us about the Quilt Barn Tour, he insisted we take one of his generously sized strawberry shortcakes. Still happily full of our last stop’s treats, we tucked our dessert into the cooler to enjoy later that evening. It became the sweet reward we’d look forward to after completing our first day on the trail.

A Walk Through Hampton’s Historic Town Square

One of the things I appreciated most about the River & Roots Trail was how many stops were within easy walking distance. Rather than hopping back into the car after every barn quilt, Julie and I enjoyed strolling through Hampton’s attractive downtown, taking time to admire its beautiful heritage buildings.

Our next stop was 4) Lutz Parish Gerrish, where the striking Bowtie barn quilt adorns the firm’s impressive sandstone building. Constructed in 1913 as Hampton’s post office, it’s one of several historic landmarks that give the town square so much character.

Just a short stroll away sits 5) Old Kings County Jail, home to the Courthouse Steps barn quilt. Built more than 200 years ago, the former gaol now houses the Regional Service Commission’s Planning Department, while guided tours of the historic jail can be arranged through the neighbouring Kings County Museum. You’ll even find one of the passport hole punches mounted beneath the quilt, allowing visitors to stamp their own passports.

Continue around the square to 6) Hampton Health/Pharmasave, where the Saw Tooth barn quilt celebrates another long-standing local business. Family owned and operated since 2003, the pharmacy occupies a building dating back to the 1890s, adding yet another layer of history to Hampton’s welcoming downtown.

By this point, we had already checked six barn quilts off our passport, and I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly the morning had flown by. What had initially sounded like an ambitious itinerary suddenly felt entirely manageable.

Into the Countryside

With Hampton’s town square behind us, it was time to venture into the surrounding countryside for the final three stops on the River & Roots Trail.

Our first stop was 7) Saltbox Primitives, where owner Heather welcomed us into her delightful home décor shop. The aptly named Saltbox barn quilt reflects both the store’s name and its timeless charm. If you enjoy decorating your home with unique finds, don’t be surprised if you leave with a bag or two. Julie and I certainly did.

A short drive brought us to 8) St. Paul’s Anglican Church, one of the area’s oldest Loyalist-era churches. Surrounded by a beautiful stone wall and distinguished by its soaring steeple and traditional English lychgate, the church is rich in history. I was especially intrigued to learn that worshippers once arrived by boat, entering through the riverside gate at the rear of the property. The elegant Sage Bud barn quilt complements the historic setting beautifully.

Nearby, 9) St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church marks the final stop on the River & Roots Trail. Its colourful Northern Lights Stained Glass barn quilt celebrates Hampton’s long-standing partnership with Piggs Peak in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). The quilt’s colours reflect the country’s national flag and recognize the community’s ongoing humanitarian connection. Before we knew it, we had completed the first of the three trails.

The River & Roots Trail is a wonderful introduction to things to do in Hampton, New Brunswick, combining local history, heritage, architecture, and welcoming small businesses. It eases you into the Kings County Quilt Barn Tour experience at a relaxed pace while leaving you excited to discover what awaits on the next leg of the journey.

The Blooming Bounty Trail

Crossing the Kennebecasis River, the landscape begins to change. Hampton’s historic downtown gives way to rolling farmland, quiet country roads, and some of the prettiest rural scenery in Kings County.

The Blooming Bounty Trail celebrates the area’s agricultural roots and thriving local businesses, leading visitors to farm markets, antique shops, heritage churches, artisan studios, and, of course, more beautifully painted barn quilts. As we continued our journey, I found myself settling into the slower pace of the tour. There was no rush. Every stop offered another opportunity to meet local business owners, browse unique shops, or simply admire the countryside before carrying on.

Our first stop on this leg was 10) Hampton Corner Grocery, formerly known as Kredl’s Corner Market. The colourful Apple & Stars barn quilt greets visitors outside, while inside you’ll find a wonderful selection of fresh produce, baked goods, a deli, and locally sourced products. During the warmer months, The Paper Plate Cookhouse, operated by the Beer Daddy Restaurant Group, serves up delicious seasonal meals. Before leaving, don’t forget to collect another passport stamp.

As we continued along the country roads, a small herd of horses grazing peacefully nearby caught my eye. They seemed perfectly at home in the surrounding fields and made a lovely introduction to the rural landscapes that define this portion of the tour. We had arrived at 11) Bloomfield Equestrian Centre. Although this private facility isn’t open to the public, the untitled barn quilt is clearly visible from the roadside, making it an easy stop for a quick photograph before continuing on.

Just a few minutes away, we reached one of my favourite shopping stops of the day. 12) Bloomfield Treasures, Antiques & Primitives is the kind of place where you should allow yourself extra time. Before stepping inside, look up to admire the Cusack Quilt 1900 barn quilt mounted above the entrance. Then head indoors to collect your passport stamp before exploring two floors filled with antiques, vintage finds, collectibles, and charming home décor. Whether you’re a serious collector or simply enjoy browsing, it’s a wonderful place to wander.

The drive continued through peaceful countryside to 13) Christ Church Anglican, an impressive Loyalist-era church dating back to 1811. The beautiful Diamond Star Variation barn quilt is displayed near Bloomfield Hall, where local quilters continue to gather each week. I loved that this stop not only celebrates the history of quilting but also reminds visitors that the tradition is still very much alive in Kings County today.

Just down the road, 14) Hall Brothers Enterprises Ltd. offers another quick photo stop. The locally owned tractor dealership proudly displays the Crossroads barn quilt, a fitting tribute to Bloomfield’s historic role as an important crossroads for both stagecoach routes and the railway.

One stop I was especially looking forward to was 15) The Soapbox Soap Shoppe, located inside the beautifully restored former Apohaqui Inn. Built in 1876, this charming heritage home now showcases handcrafted natural soaps along with work by Atlantic Canadian artisans. Unfortunately, the shop was closed when Julie and I arrived, but that didn’t stop us from admiring what became my favourite barn quilt on the entire tour. The elegant Lily pattern is simply stunning and worth the visit on its own. While photographing the building, we enjoyed chatting with a friendly local resident who shared a little of the area’s history before wishing us well on the rest of our adventure. Those unexpected conversations often become some of my favourite travel memories.

Our route then brought us into Sussex, affectionately known as the Dairy Town of New Brunswick, for 16) Cobbler’s Lane Fudge Factory. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll definitely want to plan a little extra time here. The Mariner’s Compass barn quilt is displayed on the far side of the barn, while inside you’ll find another passport stamp along with an irresistible selection of handcrafted fudge, ice cream, flavoured popcorn, chocolates, and other delicious treats. The welcoming café also serves specialty coffees, sandwiches, and light lunches, making it an ideal place to take a well-earned break before continuing your journey.

Our final destination on the Blooming Bounty Trail was 17) Rosartsky, a music and art studio that has been inspiring creativity in Kings County for more than four decades. Unlike many of the other barn quilts along the route, this colourful design was created by the owner and painted collectively with the help of more than 30 students, making it a true community project. You’ll find the passport hole punch mounted on the side of the building before continuing your way.

As we climbed back into the car, I couldn’t believe how much we had packed into a single day. Seventeen barn quilts, countless photographs, wonderful conversations, and several bags filled with local goodies later, we were more than ready to call it a day.

The strawberry shortcake tucked into our cooler from that morning was waiting for us, but first, we had one more important stop to make—a well-earned supper before settling in for the night and preparing for the final leg of the Kings County Quilt Barn Tour.

A Relaxing End to Day One

Up to Par Restaurant

After a full day exploring 17 stops on the Kings County Quilt Barn Tour, Julie and I had certainly worked up an appetite. Our final stop before turning in for the night was Up to Par Restaurant in Norton, where a hot meal and friendly service were exactly what we needed.

Julie chose the club sandwich while I ordered the BBQ chicken wrap, and both were fresh, flavourful, and generously portioned. Sometimes, after a day spent exploring back roads and small communities, simple comfort food really hits the spot. A special thank you to the restaurant’s new owner, Lori, who stopped by our table to introduce herself. It was a pleasure meeting her, and the warm hospitality from both Lori and her staff made us feel genuinely welcome.

Located just a short drive from our accommodations, Up to Par Restaurant was the perfect place to relax, reflect on everything we’d experienced throughout the day, and recharge before tackling the final trail the following morning.

Forest Lane Domes & Experiences

One of the reasons I recommend completing the Kings County Quilt Barn Tour over two days is that it allows you to truly enjoy the experience instead of watching the clock. That slower pace led us to Forest Lane Domes & Experiences, where we spent the night surrounded by nature before continuing our journey the next morning.

Conveniently located near the Fields & Flavours Trail, it made an ideal overnight stop and allowed us to begin Day Two feeling refreshed rather than rushed. Tucked into a peaceful woodland setting, our dome offered everything we needed for a comfortable night’s stay after a full day on the road. I especially appreciated the grounding bed, an interesting feature designed to help guests reconnect with nature while they sleep.

As evening settled over the forest, the twinkle lights surrounding the private fire pit and hot tub created a wonderfully cozy atmosphere. Although cloudy skies prevented us from enjoying the stars that night, Forest Lane is an officially certified Dark Sky Destination, recognized for its exceptional Bortle Class 2–3 skies and outstanding stargazing on clear evenings.

Inside, the dome was clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully equipped for an overnight stay. After spending the day wandering antique shops, chatting with business owners, photographing barn quilts, and discovering quiet country roads, it was the perfect place to unwind.

Looking back, breaking the Kings County Quilt Barn Tour into two days was one of the best decisions we made. Instead of feeling rushed, we had time to browse local businesses, linger over conversations, stop whenever another beautiful view caught my eye, and simply enjoy the journey.

After a restful night’s sleep—and one final coffee before hitting the road—we were ready to discover what would become my favourite section of the entire tour.

The Fields & Flavours Trail

Sometimes the most memorable part of a journey is the one you least expect. That was certainly true of the Fields & Flavours Trail. As Julie and I pulled away from Forest Lane the next morning, neither of us realized this final stretch of the Kings County Quilt Barn Tour would become our favourite. The scenery became even more spectacular as quiet country roads wound through rolling farmland, river communities, forested hills, and breathtaking pastoral landscapes.

Every few kilometres seemed to reveal something new: a historic farm, a vineyard overlooking Belleisle Bay, a former steamboat inn, a bustling farm market, a maple syrup lodge, and countless scenic viewpoints that had me asking Julie to pull over more times than either of us could count.

If you enjoy taking the scenic route, you’ll love this section of the tour. Although the stops are spaced farther apart than on the first two trails, the drive between them is every bit as rewarding as the destinations themselves.

Our morning began at 18) MacDonald Farm, where the Scottish Thistle barn quilt celebrates the heritage of this fourth-generation family farm. Built in 1915 by Scottish immigrants, the property remains a beautiful reminder of Kings County’s rich agricultural history.

A short drive later brought us to 19) Sherwood Farm, another long-standing family farm dating back to 1900. Its Album Variation barn quilt stands proudly against the historic barn, offering another wonderful glimpse into the farming traditions that continue to shape this region today.

From there, we continued to 20) Midland Meadows Golf Club, where rolling fairways stretch across former Gray family farmland. Opened in 2001, the scenic 18-hole course now features the striking Oklahoma Foxtrot barn quilt, recently added by Glen and Sherry Gray. Be sure to pop inside to collect your passport stamp and, if time allows, spend a few minutes taking in the beautiful views across the course.

The road soon led us toward Belleisle Bay and 21) Gillis of Belleisle Winery. Watch for it on your right as you pass the Belleisle Highschool. Although the winery isn’t currently open to the public, its award-winning vineyard provides one of the prettiest roadside views along the tour. The LeMoyne Star barn quilt overlooks the vines, creating a wonderful photo opportunity before continuing toward Hatfield Point.

This next stop quickly became one of my favourites. At 22) Pleasantview Inn, a former steamboat inn overlooking the Saint John River, history and scenery come together beautifully. Wander down to the wharf, breathe in the fresh river air, and imagine the days when riverboats regularly stopped here more than a century ago, bringing travellers and goods along this important waterway. The Brick Variation barn quilt is mounted on the historic inn, but don’t rush away after taking your photograph. The peaceful riverside setting is well worth lingering a little longer.

Just across from the Belleisle Bay ferry landing, 23) Bates Landing Market & U-Pick offered another opportunity to stretch our legs—and do a little shopping. The Century Farms barn quilt reflects the area’s agricultural roots, while inside we found fresh produce, homemade baking, ice cream, and plenty of locally produced treats. Julie and I couldn’t resist bringing home a few locally made cookies to enjoy later.

By now, I was convinced this final trail had completely stolen my heart. Every stop seemed to reveal another reason to slow down, another beautiful landscape, or another welcoming local business. Even between destinations, the drive itself was unforgettable.

Our final stop on the Kings County Quilt Barn Tour was 24) Elmhurst Outdoors, where the fitting Maple Leaf barn quilt celebrates one of New Brunswick’s most iconic symbols. Depending on the season, visitors can enjoy maple syrup experiences, homemade treats, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or simply relax and take in the peaceful surroundings.

Standing there beside the final barn quilt, I couldn’t help but reflect on everything we’d experienced over the previous two days. Twenty-four beautifully painted barn quilts had introduced us to so much more than colourful works of art. They had led us to fascinating history, passionate business owners, welcoming communities, delicious food, scenic back roads, and some of the most beautiful countryside in New Brunswick.

The journey had been every bit as memorable as the destinations themselves..

A Scenic Road Trip Worth Taking

Completing all 24 stops on the Kings County Quilt Barn Tour felt like earning more than just a commemorative pin. It reminded me of something I’d almost forgotten—the simple joy of an old-fashioned Sunday drive.

When I was growing up, Sunday afternoons often meant piling into the car with no real destination in mind. We’d wind our way along country roads, admire the scenery, stop for an ice cream, and see where the day took us. There was no schedule, no rush, and no expectation beyond enjoying the journey together. That’s exactly how this road trip felt.

Over two days, Julie and I followed winding back roads through historic villages, productive farmland, and peaceful river communities. We met passionate local business owners, discovered charming cafés and markets, admired beautiful heritage buildings, and photographed 24 unique barn quilts that each tell a story about Kings County’s people, history, and traditions. While the colourful barn quilts are what bring visitors here, they’re only part of the experience. The true magic lies in everything you discover between the stops.

If you’re planning your own adventure, I encourage you to begin at the Hampton Visitor Information Centre, where you can pick up a Kings County Quilt Barn Tour Passport before hitting the road. Collecting each passport stamp adds an extra layer of fun to the experience, and earning the commemorative Quilt Barn Tour pin at the end feels like a well-deserved reward.

If your schedule allows, I’d also recommend following our lead and spreading the tour over two days. It gives you time to browse the antique shops, enjoy locally owned cafés and restaurants, chat with the people you meet along the way, and linger whenever another beautiful view catches your eye. Some of our favourite memories came from the unplanned moments between destinations.

Although every trail has something special to offer, the Fields & Flavours Trail completely won me over. The sweeping pastoral landscapes, quiet country roads, Belleisle Bay views, and warm rural hospitality made it a fitting finale to an unforgettable journey. I already know I’ll be back.

Seeing the Kings County Quilt Barn Tour in summer was a delight, but I can only imagine how spectacular these country roads and colourful barn quilts must be surrounded by New Brunswick’s brilliant autumn foliage. I had a small taste of that while researching my Towns by the Bay feature a few years ago, and I’d love to experience the entire tour again when the leaves begin to change.

If you’re searching for scenic drives in New Brunswick, the Kings County Quilt Barn Tour deserves a place on your list. I have a feeling you’ll leave with a full camera roll, a few local treasures tucked into your trunk, and a new appreciation for one of New Brunswick’s most scenic corners. Happy Travels.

If you’re looking for more things to do in Hampton, NB, be sure to read my Towns by the Bay guide, which explores Hampton, and its nearby communities of Quispamsis, Rothesay, and Grand Bay-Westfield. One unforgettable Bay-cation in New Brunswick awaits.

This post was sponsored by Hampton 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!