Travel Trade, What's New Spring 2011

Spring 2011

What’s New in Fredericton 2011-12 Trade Contact: Mary Ellen Hudson, Fredericton Tourism| maryellen.hudson@fredericton.ca| www.fredericton.travel The St. John River will achieve Canadian Heritage River status in 2011- national recognition by Heritage Canada. The river played a pivotal role in shaping and refining the history, culture and development of Canada and is often referred to as the "Road to Canada".

The St. John's 400 km of inspiration has been traveled widely for thousands of years, first as part of the Maliseet Trail, then by Samuel de Champlain in 1604 and the first European explorers, and later as the Grand Communication Route to Upper Canada.

The St. John River Heritage Corridor, officially created this spring, will help tell the stories of the river.

Representing communities and tourism destinations along "Canada's Most Storied River", the corridor aims to raise awareness about the natural beauty and rich culture of the St. John River and market the region as a top destination in New Brunswick and Canada. A new multiday itinerary is available which winds its way along the river valley to discover the many surprising treasures that lie along the most picturesque river in Atlantic Canada.

The 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 During the War of 1812, Canada's Most Storied River played a central role as 300 men of the 104th Foot Regiment made an epic winter march up the frozen St. John in 1813 to defend the emerging nation. Not a man was lost during the March of the 104th Foot.

Commemorative activities and celebrations are being planned for 2012, including the Fredericton Region Museum with an exhibit (to be displayed for 3 years) to highlight the events and activities that connect Fredericton and New Brunswick to the events and activities in British North America during the war.

Tour directors now have a place to go for real time events when they arrive in Fredericton.

Fredericton Tourism launched our Town Square Social Hub social media site this spring

and have been building our fan base since. The social hub is a unique social community appealing to both visitors and local residents alike where locals engage in conversations about all that’s great in Fredericton, upcoming festivals, concerts, gallery openings or unique stories about our rich heritage. Contesting offers fans the opportunity to win all-access passes to the City’s best festivals and gift certificates to some of our best restaurants.

Canada’s newest professional musical, The Bricklin Musical is back this summer at The Fredericton Playhouse running from July 22 - Aug 7. “The Bricklin- an automotive fantasy” is a full-length musical that recalls the flamboyant premier, the controversial entrepreneurAmerican inventor Malcolm Bricklin, and their shared dream of an innovative new sports car being produced in New Brunswick in the early-mid seventies. With its catchy 1970’s pop and funk inspired tunes, this new musical comedy takes us on a fantastical and wild ride through the politics, business antics, controversy, and fame associated with one of the most colourful stories in our province’s history. Group rates & comp. tickets for drivers /guides. Motorcoach parking (advance notice). www.bricklinmusical.ca BEAVERBROOK ART GALLERY The Beaverbrook Art Gallery is a world class private gallery in the heart of downtown and new this season- the Lord Beaverbrook Experience, a unique group dining option with a sumptuous menu based on some of Lord Beaverbrook’s favourite local foods. Lord Beaverbrook William Maxwell Aitken – was a self-made man who grew up in New Brunswick and went on to become a millionaire businessman, a press baron, and a British politician.

Beaverbrook built the Art Gallery as a gift and provided a world class art collection to the people of New Brunswick.

The Beaverbrook dining experience begins with a guided tour of the Gallery, including signature piece, Dalí’s 13’x10’ masterpiece - “Santiago el Grande. Following the tour, enjoy smoked salmon and crème fraiche in the gallery’s new outdoor sculpture garden, and then sit down

to an impeccable dinner in the grand ballroom of another Beaverbrook namesake, the Crowne Plaza Lord Beaverbrook Hotel.

Beaverbrook Art Gallery Expansion Major expansion and renovations are taking place in 2011-12 which will provide more galleries, programming space, reception space, as well as hospitality services for group tours. So far, a new Contemporary gallery has opened, providing 3500 ft2 of new exhibition space. The Gallery’s signature piece, the Salvador Dalí, Santiago El Grande, is back at the gallery, after starring as the main attraction at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia, in a major Dalí Exhibition last year until January 2011.

A look at Exhibitions this season: * The Language of Dress – a selection of portraits that focus on the importance of dress, drawn from the 18th to mid-20th century works in the Gallery’s permanent collection (artists Thomas Gainsborough, Joshua Reynolds, John Singleton Copley and more). * Glitter and Gloom: The Sketchbooks of Herzl Kashetsky– one of Atlantic Canada’s most prominent artists, best known for his meticulous high realist paintings. His 119 sketchbooks with 7,036 drawings constitute a personal visual diary offering revealing insights into the artist’s inner experience. * Catherine Hale: Between the Spirit and the Dust– Hale’s assemblages and textile work are characterized by a dark, sublime beauty, which may be considered a form of gothic art. This exhibit is a survey of her longstanding penchant for aesthetics and culture of death. * Royal Portraits (until Jan 8/12) – a special presentation of visual biographies of the British monarchy as represented by select portraits from the Gallery’s permanent Collection (artists Walter Sickert, Graham Sutherland, George Romney, Joshua Reynolds, Joe Fafard and more). Info: www.beaverbrookartgallery.org Kings Landing Historical Settlement This spring Kings Landing opens earlier than usual with a May 28 opening date and special events will take place every weekend all season long. The renovated and expanded Simeon Jones room has opened at the King’s Head Inn, expanding group dining to seat 140 patrons for hearty 19th century fare served by costumed staff in a warm 1855 atmosphere.

Send your youngest clients to 19th century New Brunswick! The popular Visiting Cousins, a Living History Education Programs at Kings Landing has expanded to host more nearly 40 campers every week in this 5-day historical adventure. kingslanding.nb.ca Photographer Freeman Patterson Among 30 new Workshops for edVentures This year the edVentures program continues to grow into one Canada’s leading learning vacations programs with the addition of, Freeman

Patterson, perhaps Canada’s most famous international photographer. Patterson’s workshop -Visual Design in photography is one of 30 new workshops of the 120 offered this summer season.

Officers‟ Square makes finals for „Great Places in Canada‟ Officers’ Square has been named one of Canada’s top 10 best Public Spaces by the Planners Institute of Canadathe only public space in the Maritimes to make the top 10!

The Institute recognizes the special places that Canadians love most and received over 6000 nominations. We know why we love Officers’ Square in the Historic Garrison District – the rich history and summer concerts, Guard ceremony, theatre and a great green park space are just a few reasons!

Rent in-line skates, bicycles, kayaks at Lighthouse on The Green This summer, in addition to the bike rentals the Lighthouse on the Green offers, in-line skates will also be available to rent. Since much of the riverfront trails were paved last season, trails are now more accessible for walkers, cyclists, wheelchair users and in-line skaters. At the Lighthouse on the Green, there will also be an operator, Eco-logical Adventures, renting kayaks and providing guided tours on the St John River. www.ecologicaladventures.ca, New Brunswick is ranked the sixthCana009.

Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival announced the fall lineup that boasts internationally recognized talents such as Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Gregg Allman, blues legend Taj Mahal, and New Orleans jazz troupe, the Rebirth Brass Band, Steven Page (formerly of the Barenaked Ladies) along side Fredericton's David Myles and the Warren Haynes Band. And there’s more- other headliners include jazz chanteuse Sophie Milman; bluessoul guitarist Jonny Lang; jazz-funk group Karl Denson's Tiny Universe; Canadian singer-songwriter and former Barenaked Ladies frontman Steven Page; blues-funk collective J.J. Grey & Mofro; folk-rock group Melvin Seals & JGB; Brooklyn-based funk band Pimps of Joytime; acclaimed jazz trio Medeski, Martin & Wood; British blues acts the Oli Brown Band and 24 Pesos; jazz crooner Daniel Matto; and blues troupe Girls With Guitars, all amongst the 350 performers from across the region, Canada and around the world playing 125 long-set performances this Sept. 13-18. harvestjazzandblues.com Happy 30th anniversary to the New Brunswick Highland Games Festival, recognized as one of ABA’s top 100 events in North America once again for 2011. The festival is a celebration of Scottish and Celtic culture and brings together hundreds of musicians, dancers, athletes, performers and enthusiasts to create an explosion of Celtic culture for all to enjoy –on the riverside grounds of National Historic Site, Government House. highlandgames.ca

Food & Drink News Hotel News: Downtown Hotel Construction is planned for 2011-12 A 120+room hotel will be constructed over the next year, located downtown next to the new Fredericton Convention Centre.

Crowne Plaza Fredericton Lord Beaverbrook offers “A Celebration of Lord Beaverbrook” Get to know Lord Beaverbrook! This FIT experience, part of the New Brunswick Experience Collectionincludes an hour-long, guided tour of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, one night stay in the classic Lord Beaverbrook Suite and a 5-course menu featuring many of Lord Beaverbrook’s personal favourites, white-gloved servers and stories about Lord Beaverbrook’s legacy. The package also includes breakfast served right in your suite.

-Also at the Crowne, guestroom renovations will begin this year, including the addition of flat screen tv’s in all guestrooms.

At the Ramada Fredericton, renovations are underway to update all guest room bathrooms.

At the Delta Fredericton, full bedrooms renos will begin this year with new wallpaper, carpet, dressers, beds and curtains. Guests can advantage of Delta’s urban resort offerings like bike rentals, pool side pedicures, in-room workout equipment, private flight tours to the Bay of Fundy and Dip & a Flick(outdoor movie night on the patio) and the Delta Walking Club, where guests meet the Delta’s staff walking team for a walk on the riverside trails.

Riverside Resort and Conference Centre Now under new ownership, the hotel has completed renovated 6 cottages and the lodge. All bedroom and suites as well as meeting space will undergo full refurbishment this year. Groups at Riverside can arrange a bon fire or enjoy the groomed riverside walking trails.

Picaroons Traditional Ales micro-brewery, part of the Atlantic ECONOMUSÉE Network, recently opened downtown on Queen. Visitors can learn about the brewing process, taste-test new products and buy their favorite hand crafted traditional British-style ale. www.picaroons.ca M& T Deli, Fredericton’s favorite deli has re-located on Queen Street and has expanded capacity to seat 50. The Deli’s colorful walls are featuring art from local artists.

Nirvana- Yoga Studio, Resto & Juice Bar, opened in downtown Fredericton this spring- a limited but tasty and healthy menu of all organic food.

Up Wine Bar opened on Queen St. this spring, an intimate, upscale lounge with a great ambiance and wine menu and one of the co-owners is a certified sommelier.

Old Orchard Crafts, a unique gift shop featuring local and Canadian crafts, has moved to a new but old downtown location- into an early Fredericton homenearly 200 years old! It was here that Prince Charles once enjoyed a cup of tea during a royal visit.

Congratulations to Fredericton Thumbs up to Fredericton, the only Atlantic provinces city on the list of best places to live in Canada.

MoneySense magazine picked us as the 6th most liveable community in the country, - 5th straight year we’ve made the list !