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Mother's Day lands just one week before the Town of St. Andrews, New Brunswick officially "opens" for the spring and summer tourist season. But that doesn't mean there will be a lack of things to do during your visit. You can easily spend an entire day in St. Andrews and fill it up with lovely, relaxing, and soul-filling activities while celebrating and connecting with your Mom.
Coffee and treats at Honeybeans Cafe
It’s no secret that I love Honeybeans and am a frequent customer. In fact, whenever I order my usual—a large latte, two shots of espresso, and no foam, one of the baristas just writes “Shannon-May” on the cup instead of the drink order details. So, every time I write about visiting St. Andrews, I will talk about Honeybeans.
This is a great place to start your day, especially if you’re gluten-free. They always have a selection of gluten-free muffins and for the past many months, I have been enjoying their fruit smoothies.
If you’re not wheat intolerant, you have to try their breakfast sandwiches. They make their own bagels and apparently they are delicious.
Manicures and pedicures at the Algonquin Spa (Saturday only)
Every time my mom comes to visit me (from BC) we always have a mani-pedi date at the Algonquin Spa. They are the only spa in the area that can accommodate two people at the same time, and we always have a great time. I’d suggest booking your appointment as soon as possible as they do tend to book far in advance, especially Saturdays.
Shop on Water Street
There are so many great little shops on Water Street. And since Mother’s Day is just one week before our town officially opens for the summer season, I expect the shops will be brimming with a variety of new things to browse.
Two shops in particular that you must plan to check out are The LH Boutique—owned and performed by the sweetest mother-daughter duo. And MySpace Giftshop. Kelly is a big supporter of local brands and is the exclusive retailer of Marmalade—locally made polymer clay and resin earrings that have a tiny bit of St. Andrews sand embedded in every pair of earrings.
McGuire’s Chocolates
Peanut butter cups. That is all I really need to say. That, and the evolution of their locally made chocolates and chocolate products that McGuires now offers is incredible. From their truffles to their ice cream, to the aforementioned peanut butter cups—the selection of their elevated, bean-to-bar chocolates has been so exciting to see develop. They are building a wonderful family business and their shop is a must-visit when you come to St. Andrews for Mother’s Day weekend.
Enjoy a pint at Saint Andrew's Brewing Company
I’m not a beer drinker but everyone I know who is a beer drinker raves about the flavours and quality of the beer that our local brewing company makes. But I do love the ambiance—inside and out so I’m always happy to enjoy a Tea of Life Kombucha or whatever cider they have on tap. The Saint Andrews Brewing Company is a great midday stop during a day trip to St. Andrews.
The Chandler Room Kitchen and Wine Bar
The Chandler Room opens for the season on April 12th and oh my gosh, I'm so excited. They've made a few changes heading into this new year, including adding a cocktail hour with a limited menu from 3:30 pm until 5:30 pm. I personally have loved every meal experience here. Their unique sharing plate approach is ideal for folks who love to try new things and try a little of everything. Dinner and drinks at the Chandler Room following a beautiful day of shopping on Water Street and a mini photo session with me would be a great way to celebrate Mother's Day for a mother-daughter duo or trio
Walk the beaches
For a small peninsula, St. Andrews has a variety of beautiful and diverse beaches to walk and the tide will be out all morning and for most of the afternoon on Mother’s Day weekend. Bring the whole family for a walk—to comb the beaches for treasure or simply to breathe in the salty sea air.
Lunch or dinner at Seasons by-the-Sea bistro
They are located right in the heart of town, in the market square next to the Wee Fabric Shop. They are always serving delicious specials, and I expect they will plan something extra special for Mother’s Day weekend. And if it’s a warm sunny day, I bet the deck overlooking the water will be open!
Visit the Huntsman Marine Science Centre
Did you know that you can book a private tour for your group? The Huntsman officially opens for the season on May 20th but until then, you can book a private tour. Learn more here.
The Algonquin Brunch (Sunday only)
I haven’t found any announcements yet for the Mother’s Day Brunch at the Algonquin for this year but I do know it’s happening, and it’s one of the most popular events that the Algonquin hosts each year. My mom was here for Mother’s Day last year and we enjoyed the brunch experience—an afternoon, at the Algonquin.
f you’re coming from Saint John, you can even book an excursion to St. Andrews via Nancy Tours and it includes brunch.
High Tea at the Montague Rose
I’ve enjoyed high tea at the Monteque Rose several times and I love that they will accommodate allergies and vegetarians without charging extra for it! I know their special Mother's Day High Tea for Sunday, May 14th is already almost booked up so I’d just on this as soon as possible. Or, you can book a high tea seating for 6 or more people subject to availability. You can book your reservation by connecting with the Montegue Rose here.
Mother’s Day Photo Session with Shannon May Photography
I’d be silly not to include a plug for my Mother’s Day mini-session event.
I rarely offer mini-sessions but wanted to create a special experience for Mothers of all ages who would like to have a fun, fast, yet special portrait session with their children or with their own mothers! Regardless of age, it’s always important to be documented with the ones you love and I really wanted to create space for this in my studio. I’d love to see young moms with their littles, or moms with teenagers, moms with their adult children… or even generational combinations like mother, grandmother, daughter, and granddaughter. Find all the details here or you can email me directly with any questions you may have.
Shannon-May is a full-life photographer based in St. Andrews New Brunswick. She is best known for her timeless and candid approach to photographing all stages of life including weddings, maternity, newborn, and maturing/growing families. Your life is beautiful and it deserves to be documented by the best.
