Hampton, New Brunswick: A Coastal Gem

Hampton is a small town in Kings County, New Brunswick, Canada. It is located on the Kennebecasis River, 30 kilometres northeast of Saint John, and is the shire town of Kings County. Hampton is known for its popular attractions, including the Firefly Forest Recreation and the Kilpatrick Footbridge. The town offers a range of outdoor adventures, such as exploring the Kennebecasis River by kayak or pontoon boat, and enjoying the natural environment and trails. Hampton has a population of around 4,395 people and is home to several schools, athletic teams, and cultural events.

Hampton is in Kings County, New Brunswick, Canada

Hampton is a small town in Kings County, New Brunswick, Canada. It is located on the Kennebecasis River, 30 kilometres northeast of Saint John. Hampton is known for its natural environment and outdoor adventures. You can explore the Kennebecasis River by renting a kayak or taking a pontoon boat, and enjoy the river views at the Lighthouse River Centre, which offers a picnic area, wharf, and boat launch. The town also boasts a great network of year-round trails and is home to the Hampton Marshes, which feature a diverse assortment of wildlife and are one of the town's major tourist attractions.

Hampton has a rich history, dating back to the 1600s when it was inhabited by French settlers and First Nations people. The United Empire Loyalists established permanent settlements in the area in 1783, and in 1795, the Parish of Hampton was created out of parts of Sussex and Kingston parishes. By 1871, Hampton had a population of 250 people, which grew to 800 by 1904. The community continued to grow and prosper, and in 1966, Hampton was incorporated as a village. It became a town in 1991 and is now the shire town of Kings County.

The town offers a range of attractions and activities for visitors. In addition to its natural wonders, Hampton has a vibrant cultural scene, with studios and cultural events to explore. The town is also home to several popular restaurants, including the Red Brick Pub & Eatery and the Match Factory Restaurant & Cafe. For those interested in history and architecture, the old Hampton Gaol, built around 1870, is a designated Provincial Historic Site.

Hampton is easily accessible via several highways, including Route 1, Route 100, Route 121, and Route 845. The town also has a modern roundabout in its centre, making navigation convenient for visitors. Hampton's location in the Kennebecasis River valley, with its beautiful flood plain and diverse wildlife, makes it a unique and captivating destination in New Brunswick, Canada.

It is located on the Kennebecasis River

Hampton, New Brunswick, is located on the Kennebecasis River, a tributary of the Saint John River in southern New Brunswick, Canada. The river runs for approximately 95 kilometres, draining an area in the Caledonia Highlands, an extension of the Appalachian Mountains, inland from the Bay of Fundy. The river's source is in the foothills of Albert County, near the rural community of Goshen, and it runs southwest through the community of Penobsquis.

The town of Hampton is located in the Kennebecasis River valley, where the river flows into a wide flood plain. The Hampton Marshes, one of the town's major tourist attractions, are part of a delta-like area informally called the Hampton Marsh. The marshes are home to a diverse assortment of wildlife and offer a constantly changing landscape for different animals, birds and fish as water levels vary throughout the year.

The Kennebecasis River is thought to take its name from the Mi'kmaq "Kenepekachiachk", meaning "little long bay place". The river passes through a well-defined river valley that has become one of the primary land transportation routes in the southern part of the province, accommodating the Route 1 expressway and the Canadian National Railway line to the Port of Saint John.

The upper two-thirds of the river passes through pastoral rural countryside, including Acadian mixed forest and various agricultural areas, notably dairy farms around Sussex. Southwest of Sussex, the river becomes increasingly larger as it passes the communities of Valley Waters and Hampton. West of Hampton, the Kennebecasis flows in a broad fjord-like glacial valley that defines the southern side of the Kingston Peninsula.

Hampton is known for its popular attractions

Hampton, a small town in Kings County, New Brunswick, Canada, is known for its popular attractions. Located on the Kennebecasis River, the town is a service centre for the central Kennebecasis River valley and a suburb of Saint John. Hampton boasts a diverse range of natural and cultural attractions, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

One of Hampton's most notable attractions is the Hampton Marshes, which are home to a wide variety of wildlife. The marshes offer a dynamic landscape that changes with the seasons, as water levels fluctuate and spring run-off causes annual flooding. This natural phenomenon attracts nature enthusiasts and those seeking a unique outdoor experience. Additionally, the marshes have historical significance, as they are located near the Bay of Fundy, where the high tides have an impact on the surrounding area.

For those seeking outdoor recreation, Hampton offers the Firefly Forest Recreation area, providing a magical experience amidst the trees. The town is also home to the Kilpatrick Footbridge, offering picturesque views and a unique perspective of the surrounding natural environment. Adventure seekers can explore the Kennebecasis River through kayak rentals or pontoon boat tours, allowing them to immerse themselves in the beauty of the river valley.

Hampton also boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with studios and cultural events that showcase the talents of local artists. Foodies and wine enthusiasts will delight in the town's year-round markets, cafés, and restaurants, as well as the Dunhams Run Estate Winery. The Match Factory Restaurant & Cafe and the Red Brick Pub & Eatery are popular dining spots, offering delicious cuisine and a taste of local flavours.

Overall, Hampton, New Brunswick, is a charming town that punches above its weight in terms of attractions. From its diverse wildlife and natural landscapes to its cultural offerings and outdoor adventures, Hampton has something for everyone. Whether you're seeking a relaxing getaway or an action-packed vacation, Hampton is sure to leave a lasting impression.

The town has a rich history, dating back to the 1600s

The town of Hampton, New Brunswick, has a rich history, dating back to the 1600s. Initially, the region was inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Mi'kmaq, and the French, with the former calling it home since time immemorial. The area was part of the seigneury granted to Charles de La Tour in 1635 and served as a site for native camps. The name "Ossekeag", meaning "marshy brook", is derived from the Maliseet language of the indigenous Mi'kmaq people.

The United Empire Loyalists were the first to establish permanent settlements in the area in 1783, shortly after the end of the American Revolutionary War. Kings County, one of the original eight counties in New Brunswick, was established in 1785 and initially comprised four parishes: Westfield, Springfield, Kingston, and Sussex. The Parish of Hampton was created in 1795 from parts of the Sussex and Kingston parishes. The origin of the name "Hampton" is uncertain, but it is believed to have been introduced by pre-Loyalist English settlers.

In the early 1800s, shipbuilding and agriculture prospered in Hampton, along with various industries such as a tannery, shingle mill, grist mill, and a sash and carriage factory. The town also had a thriving Front Street, with various stores, hotels, lawyers, blacksmiths, doctors, and undertakers. Hampton continued to grow and develop, with the construction of bridges, roads, and railways, eventually becoming a bustling community with a diverse range of attractions and natural landscapes.

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Hampton had become an established town with a growing population. It served as the seat of county government from 1870 to 1966 and became a centre for administration and transportation in the region. Hampton was incorporated as a village in 1966 and later gained town status in 1991. Today, Hampton is a welcoming community, known for its stunning marsh areas, fertile farmland, and diverse wildlife. It offers its residents a wide range of services and facilities, enhancing their quality of life.

It offers a range of outdoor adventures and natural experiences

Hampton, New Brunswick, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Located on the Kennebecasis River, this charming town offers a plethora of natural experiences and outdoor adventures.

For those who enjoy exploring the water, the Kennebecasis River is a great place to start. Rent a kayak or hop on a pontoon boat to paddle through the river and take in the stunning scenery. If you're feeling more adventurous, head to Firefly Forest Recreation for a championship-level miniature golf course and a 260-yard driving range. Hampton Golf Club also offers one of the most scenic and popular 18-hole golf courses in Southern New Brunswick, suitable for golfers of all levels.

Hampton is also home to several beautiful parks and trails. Spooner Island Rotary Nature Park features family-friendly nature trails that lead to a gazebo overlooking the Ossekeag Creek, where you can spot waterfowl, herons, and songbirds. Dutch Point Park Trails offer breathtaking views of the Hampton Marsh, Stonehammer rock formations, and woodland scenery. The Hampton Marshes, one of the town's major tourist attractions, provide a diverse assortment of wildlife and a constantly changing landscape due to fluctuating water levels throughout the year.

For those interested in learning about the area's geology, the Lighthouse River Centre at the Unesco Stonehammer Geopark is a must-visit. Here, you can gain a geologic perspective of the 'newly forming' river valley and the ancient volcanic rocks of the surrounding hills.

Hampton also has a rich cultural scene, with studios and cultural events worth exploring. Indulge in local flavours at year-round markets, cafes, and homestyle restaurants. Visit the Kings County Museum to delve into the town's history, including its time as the seat of county government from 1870 to 1966.

With its natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and variety of outdoor pursuits, Hampton, New Brunswick, is a fantastic destination for those seeking adventure and a deeper connection with nature.

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