Sussex, New Brunswick: A Hidden Gem

Sussex, New Brunswick, is a town in Kings County, Canada. It is located in south-central New Brunswick, between the province's three largest cities: Saint John, Moncton, and Fredericton. The town is known for its dairy farms and is nicknamed Dairytown and the Dairy Centre of the Maritimes. Sussex is also famous for its murals, covered bridges, and natural attractions, including Fundy National Park and Hopewell Rocks. It is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and hot air ballooning.

Sussex's dairy farms and products

Sussex, New Brunswick, is a major dairy producer in the province. Brownsville Farms, a multi-generational dairy farm, is a notable example. The farm has been in the Brown family since 1926 and is currently run by Nick and Tara Brown. Over the years, the farm has expanded its capacity, adding more cows and updating its milking system. The farm now has a 50-cow rotary parlour milking system and a free-stall barn that can accommodate 375 cows.

Another notable dairy farm in Sussex is Southview Farm Dairy, one of the few traditional dairy farms left in the region that processes milk from its own herd. The farm has been in the Hughes family since 1930 and is currently run by Charlie Hughes. Southview Farm started milk processing in 2003 and offers a range of dairy products, including milk, cream, yogurt, and ice cream. They deliver fresh produce daily to local businesses and provide raw milk directly from the farm gate.

In addition to these farms, Sussex is also home to the Agricultural Museum of New Brunswick, which showcases the province's pride in its rural roots. The museum is dedicated to collecting, documenting, and displaying artifacts related to the family farm, particularly those from before the 1970s. It hosts various events, such as harvest day demonstrations and the Antique Power Show, to engage the community and promote agricultural heritage.

The 8th Hussars Regimental Museum

The concept of the museum was first envisioned in 1981, and it officially opened its doors in 2004 to coincide with the town's 100th anniversary. The museum is located in the heart of Sussex, a town with a rich historical past. Sussex was established in 1904 and has become a cultural powerhouse in Atlantic Canada. The town is known for its natural monuments, such as Fundy National Park and Hopewell Rocks, as well as its charming country atmosphere.

The 8th Hussars themselves have a long and illustrious history. They were a British Army cavalry regiment raised in Ireland in 1693. The regiment served in numerous campaigns until 1958 when it was merged into The Queen's Royal Irish Hussars. The 8th Hussars saw action in the War of the Spanish Succession, the French Revolutionary War, the Crimean War, the Indian Mutiny, and the Second Boer War, among others. They were also involved in anti-guerrilla operations during the Boer War and saw extensive combat in North Africa and Greece during the Second World War.

The museum showcases the history of the regiment through various exhibits and displays. It is a place where visitors can learn about the sacrifices and achievements of the 8th Hussars and explore the military heritage of the region. The museum also has a Facebook page and a website, providing virtual access and information to those who cannot visit in person.

Sussex's covered bridges

Sussex in New Brunswick, Canada, is known as the Covered Bridge Capital of Atlantic Canada. The town and its surrounding region are home to 16 covered bridges, eight of which are within a 10-minute drive of the town hall. These wooden bridges are a unique tourist attraction, adding to the charm of the area's country atmosphere.

The bridges are:

• Salmon (at Four Corners)
• Plumweseep (at Plumweseep)
• Tranton (Roachville)
• Urney
• Moores Mill (both in Waterford, near Poley Mountain)
• Oldfields (in Newtown)
• Centreville (Berwick area, west of Sussex)
• McFarlane (Wards Creek, south of Sussex)

Covered bridges were constructed for a practical reason: to protect the floorboards and supporting beams from the elements, thus extending the lifespan of the bridge. They also served as a meeting place for neighbourhood residents when community buildings were scarce.

The bridges of Sussex are also popular with horses, who—due to a survival instinct—are often reluctant to cross open bridges, especially those over running water.

The town's murals

The Town of Sussex, New Brunswick, is known as the Mural Capital of Atlantic Canada. The town has 26 or 27 murals, which were created during the summers of 2006 and 2007. The murals depict the history of Sussex and the region's heritage, from its start as a Maliseet community to its role as a world leader today. The murals were painted by internationally-renowned artists, including Michael O'Connor from Thunder Bay, Ontario, and Ken White from Swindon, United Kingdom.

The idea for the murals came from the proprietors of Jonah Place Bed & Breakfast Inn in Sussex, who were inspired by their trip to Chemainus, BC, and its local Festival of Murals. The murals were intended to stimulate the local economy and attract tourists to the town. The project was funded by a $500,000 grant from ACOA and was managed by the Kings East Development Partnership Inc. (KEDP), a non-profit organisation that fosters economic development in the Sussex area.

The murals in Sussex are not just beautiful works of art, but also a way to preserve and celebrate the town's history and unique identity. They enhance the architecture and bring a new dimension to the whole area. Visitors to Sussex can enjoy a self-guided tour of the murals using the Otocast app, which provides visual and audio information about each mural. Printed walking guides are also available for purchase at various locations in the downtown Sussex area.

The murals in Sussex have transformed the town into a vibrant and enriching vacation spot, attracting thousands of visitors each year. They are a testament to the creativity and dedication of the artists and the local community.

Sussex's natural monuments

Sussex, New Brunswick, is a charming small town located in south-central New Brunswick, Canada. It is known for its natural beauty, including its wooden covered bridges, murals, and nature trails. Here are some highlights of Sussex's natural monuments:

Wooden Covered Bridges

Sussex is renowned for its high concentration of wooden covered bridges, which serve as a unique and scenic addition to the area's country atmosphere. These bridges are one of the top tourist attractions in Sussex, delighting visitors with their rustic charm. Whether you are driving, riding, or walking, these covered bridges offer a delightful experience and a glimpse into the past.

Murals and Street Art

Sussex is also an art lover's paradise, boasting dozens of murals and street art sites throughout the town. These detailed and vibrant artworks offer a unique way to explore the town's history and culture. With 26 murals created during the summers of 2006 and 2007, Sussex has earned the reputation as the Mural Capital of Atlantic Canada.

Nature Trails

For those who enjoy the great outdoors, Sussex offers a variety of nature trails, including the Sussex Nature Trail, Fox Trot, Goat Path, and Bear Necessities. These trails are perfect for hiking or mountain biking, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region.

Fundy National Park

One of the most popular natural attractions near Sussex is Fundy National Park, where visitors can experience the world's highest tides. The park offers pristine forests, deluxe campgrounds, and a taste of Atlantic Canada culture. Visitors can kayak as the waters rise, walk the sea floor at low tide, or explore inland trails leading to waterfalls deep within the Acadian forests.

Hopewell Rocks

Another remarkable natural monument near Sussex is Hopewell Rocks, located within the Bay of Fundy. These reddish cliffs were formed millions of years ago and continue to be shaped by the powerful tides that rise and fall twice a day. The unique flowerpot formations are a result of erosion, creating a striking and ever-changing landscape.

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