As summer winds down you may feel like all your fun Sunday afternoons are behind you. Well don't let the fun stop yet. Use our list of another 5 awesome Sunday activities to keep you inspired and enjoying all that Sunday has to offer. 

1. Spend a Day Watching the Tide.
 Visit Fallsview Park at low, slack and high tide. In between, test your courage by walking on the glass platform of the Reversing Falls Skywalk. More information about the tide schedule can be found HERE. 

2. Make Your Own Saint John Selfie Album.
​Saint John has some of the most beautiful architecture, public art, and historic sites that can be found anywhere in Canada. Take the time to go and visit some of these locations. You could either wander through the Uptown to find all of the stops yourself, or go ahead and download the Saint John Selfie Tour map from the Saint John Walking Tour app. 

3. Take a Walk Through Time
Follow three historic walking routes. Download the Saint John Walking Tour app or pick up a brochure at the Visitor Information in City Hall. Along the way you will learn about the history of Uptown Saint John and the beautiful buildings and sites. Perfect for any tourist or local looking to play tourist for the day!

4. Brews Clues ($) 
Breakout Saint John offers a wicked Uptown Scavenger hunt for download. One code is good for up to 6 people to play together. After your adventure visit Big Tide, Picaroons, Gahan, or the Saint John Ale House for a flight of beer and to discuss the challenges. 

5. Breakout ($)
Speaking of Breakout, try one of their Escape rooms. Breakout Saint John is Saint John's only real life escape  room game. Each team has 60 minutes to piece the clues together to solve for their big escape. Think you have what it takes? Plan your escape and find out more information HERE.
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Here is a little follow up to our lobster boil post from earlier this summer. This has been an amazing summer so far with record heat and a record number of lobster feeds - 5 lobster boils and lobster BBQ (Thanks Steve!). Living on the East Coast has never been so sweet. Now, on to the matter at hand.

I'm regularly asked where the best place to eat a lobster is in Saint John. I can list off a whole slew of great restaurants (North Market Seafood, Billy's, Grannan's & Steamers) that will cook up a lobster for you, but, I always find that a fresh cooked lobster on the beach is the best. Maybe just because it's so much work.  

Back in June we met some friends out on the beach for a lobster boil. I've been cracking into lobster for as long as I can remember (thanks Mom!) and we always use crackers, picks and sometimes even the coveted lobster scissors. Then one day, about 10 years ago in Cape Breton, I learned how to skip the tools entirely. So fret not if you forgot the utensils, this short video will show you how to get all the best meat out of your lobster!

You can book a private lobster boil on the beach with Uncorked Tours, or join us for Fundy Seafood City, an Uptown walking tour making 4 stops for delicious seafood and lots of Saint John stories.

​At Uncorked Tours we love our Beer, and so do all of our friends. But what do you do when you have six different people who all like something different? Hoppy beers, balanced beers, drinkable beers, extra special bitter beers, domestic beer and craft beer are just some of the descriptors we use now. It can be hard in this big beer world we live in for a group of people to agree on what they should drink. 

The solution is simple, do the Big Flight, at the Saint John Ale House. The Big Flight is exactly what it sounds like. One giant paddle with every single beer the Saint John Ale House has on tap. That's 30 beers! Everything from Moosehead to Loyalist City Pale Ale! Of course, the beer they have on tap is always changing, so chances are you'll never have the exact same flight twice. 

​The best part is that Thursday is flight night at the Saint John Ale House, where all flights, including the Big Flight, is discounted. So grab your best friends, or 5 of them, and head to the Ale House. Regardless of their preferences in the beer, they will be sure to have something to satisfy their palate. 

Prefer a guided Uptown experience? Check out our beer tours below. Cheers!

Highlights: Lobster poutine, Fossil Hunting, Waterside Winery
Duration: 2-3 hours
Pairing:​ Waterside Winery - Sparkling Rhubarb

Anyone who has been on a tour with me knows that I am nuts about rocks, minerals and fossils. My tours regularly include a discussion on deep-time, the moon and the tides, and famous fossils from Saint John. Not to mention the geology of the stones used to build Uptown SJ after the 1877 fire. So imagine my surprise when I "discovered" that Cape Enrage, New Brunswick is home to a FOSSIL BEACH. This was an extra shock since I had grew up visiting Cape Enrage, and I've made several trips to Joggins, NS across the Bay of Fundy, well-known for its fossilized tree trunks and coal seams.

Over the past few years I've introduced a few people to my rockhounding hobby, my husband being one, so we decided to go on a fossil hunting trip to Cape Enrage. On our way we stopped at Waterside Winery, a fruit winery located just a few minutes from Cape Enrage. You can either stop in on your way, or if you have lunch at Cape Enrage, like we did, you can order Waterside Winery wine by the glass.

On the day we visited Cape Enrage was earning its moniker. The wind blew so strongly that the zipline and rappelling has to be closed. Down on the beach it was a bit more calm and set about on our hunt. It takes a few minutes to adjust your gaze to see across the surface of the rock and "through" time, but it didn't take long before the fossils jumped out at us. 

Mostly, we found Calamites, a distant relative to the modern horsetail fern, and the fossils of small bivalves. There was plenty of indication of ancient trackways and ripples from ancient waves preserved in the stone. The most exciting find for me was a circular fossil that reminded me of an echinoid like a sea urchin.   

Cape Enrage is home to one of New Brunswick's oldest light stations. The original light was built in 1830, with the current light station being constructed in 1870. You many not see many boats on the Bay today, however, a kilometer reef extending South from Cape Enrage caused many shipwrecks in the 19th centuries when this area was heavily trafficked.

The wind was so strong at the lighthouse that we could barely walk out to it. As we walked along the path, holding the rope railing, we could see the wind whipping up the waves and sediment in the Bay. It's easy to imagine how important these light stations were to mariners in the 19th century, and how scary some of their trips must have been. The Bay provided the main access to the farming communities and the developing community of The Bend (Moncton).

Next time you visit the Upper Bay of Fundy, make sure to schedule enough time for a quick fossil hunt, however, please remember to take only pictures as fossils continue to be protected and should never be removed from the beaches.

6. Sea Kayaking with River Bay Adventures ($)
​Starting at 70/per person, River Bay Adventures provides a Kayaking experience way East of ordinary. Excursions run about 3 hours and include an intro to Kayaking and paddling techniques, a stop at the beach, and a snack break. Popular destinations include Partridge Island, Tucker Park, and St. Martins where you actually go into Ocean caves and along the Bay of Fundy Coast. 

7. Take a day trip to Campobello Island via Deer Island ($)
Only connected to land by the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial Bridge at Lubec, Maine, Campobello Island is as scenic a retreat you will ever find. The Island was once the site of President and Mrs Roosevelt summer home, which today has been converted to an international park. The Island also features one of the most photographed picturesque lighthouses in the world, the East Quoddy Lighthouse. To get to the Island from Canada you first must take a ferry from mainland New Brunswick to Deer Island. Once on Deer Island, you will take another ferry to Campobello. You can find more information here. 

8. Fossil Hunting in Stonehammer Geopark 
Perfect for adventurer, Stonehammer Geopark is North America’s first Global Geopark. There are several different sites for you to explore, including Brundage Point River Center, Dominion Park, Fundy Trail, the Irving Nature Park and more! Take a stroll through a billion years of history and see what you can find. You can find out more information here. 

9. Whale Watching at the New Brunswick Museum ($)
​Want a guaranteed up close and personal encounter with a Whale? Head indoors to the New Brunswick Museum, located inside Market Square in Uptown Saint John, for this Whale watching experience.  You will put on a lab and examine real whale bones, for an experience you can't get on the water. People of all ages will leave  as Experts. You can find out more information here. 

10. Shop til you Drop on Saint John's East Side ($)
The "East Side" of Saint John, what locals call the area between Loch Lomond Road to Rothesay Avenue and MCallister Drive to Bay Side Drive. This part of the city is a mecca for retailers and shopping. Hosting everything from the big bog retail giant Costco, our local mall's MCallister Place and East Point Shopping, Food Trucks and so much more. 

Duration: 5-14 days. 

Highlights:  The Statue of Liberty, ocean spray, some of the highest tides in the world, and so much more!

Pairing: Local food and drink at each stop, smiles, and laughter. 

​A New England and Canada cruise. So much to see, so much to do, from the bright lights of New York City to the scenic bays in the Maritimes. However, we know that with the time you get at each stop it can be hard to know exactly what to do. That's why Uncorked Tours broke down the absolute must do food & drink tour in each of the main stops in a New England & Canada cruise. 

Stop #1 New York City, Craft Beer Harbor Sail. 
​Board the Clipper City, a replica clipper ship, and soak up the views of New York City, including the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan, while you sample 5 of the best craft brews NYC has to offer from local microbreweries Kelso, Bronx Brewery, Greenport Harbour, and more. All your beer, food, and fun are included. Be sure to book online in advance as this event tends to sell out!

Stop # 2 Boston, Mass Brew Bus
Board the Mass Brew Bus for a unique experience highlighting Boston’s booming craft beer and artisan alcohol scene. You will hop onto a bright green school bus and visit craft breweries like Trillium Brewing Co, Castle Island, and Dorchester Brewing Company. Of course, at each stop, you will get to sample some of the great craft beer, some food, and get behind the scenes access to the breweries including getting to meet the brewmasters and staff that make these great craft brews possible. This tour will last about 3 hours and is totally a must do!

Stop #3 Portland, Maine, Maine Foodie Tour
Portland is steeped in a rich Maritime history while also being home to organic produce, dairy producers, and fresh fish from its harbors creating a taste and culture that is uniquely Portland. With Maine Foodie Tours you can choose from one of several tours including the Old Port Culinary Tour, Old Port Happy Hour Tour, or it’s Old Port Lunchtime Lobster Crawl, among many others.
We recommend the Old Port Culinary Tour. ​This is its classic tour that features seafood, lobster, and award-winning craft beer making it a well-rounded showcase of everything Portland has to offer. Regardless of the tour you choose, you will discover all the tastes, sites, and stories that make Portland a must-see destination on your cruise itinerary.

​Stop #4 Bar Harbour, Maine, Maine Foodie Tours
Experience the same great quality Maine Foodie Tours in Bar Harbour. Bar Harbor and the Mid Coast areas are steeped in rich local and maritime history. Uncover the storied past of these vibrant towns with guides as you enjoy samplings of local fare and craft beer. 

​Stop # 5 Saint John, N.B., Canada, Uncorked Tours
How could we have a list of the top food & drink tours without including ourselves?! We have several tours to choose, from the Seafood City Tour where you will have some of the best seafood and fish in the Maritimes, to the Saint John Brewery Tour where you will sample some of the best craft beer in New Brunswick.

Uncork Saint John Tour is the tour that started it all featuring the oldest continually operating six days a week market in Canada, craft beer, artisan cocktails and history of Canada’s oldest incorporated city. If you have an early departure time we offer an Uncork Saint John early edition that starts at 10:00 am and wraps up around noon. Daily tours are $69+tax(CDN) and last 2-2.5 hours. Regardless of what tour you choose you will surely discover the Spirit of New Brunswick. 

Stop #6 Halifax, NS, Canada, Grape Escapes
Halifax is the largest city in the Maritime Provinces of Canada.  Nestled between historic properties and modern skyscrapers you'll discover Halifax's  foodie, local wine, and craft beer scenes. Try Tidal Bay, the first wine appellation from Nova Scotia. Displaying the unique characteristics of the East Coast's cool climate it pairs perfectly with the local seafood we’re known for. Can you try all 12 Tidal Bay wines on your next Grape Escape!

Stop #7  Halifax, NS, Canada, Halifax Beer Bus  
​Halifax is too big to enjoy all in one tour. The Halifax Brew Bus will take you around Halifax to taste and learn all about Halifax's exploding craft beer scene. You will stop at breweries, cideries, brew pubs and beer bars/pubs. Including places like Unfiltered Brewing, Stillwell, Nine Locks Brewing Co, Garrison Brewery, Propeller Brewing Co., Sprindrift Brewing Co., and many others.

Stop #8 Charlottetown, PEI, Canada, Taste the Town
If you are a foodie and/or a history buff (which you must be if you’re reading this blog) then Taste the Town offers you the chance to get up close and personal with Charlottetown's best seafood and fish, craft beers, and all kinds of other Island products. Including hot spangled chips made from the islands red russet potatoes from the infamous Queen of Fries, Malpeque oysters, and Island blue mussels.  While learning about what makes Charlottetown a must see Maritime destination, as you take a leisurely three-hour tour around historic Charlottetown. 

Stop #9 Quebec City, QC, Canada, Tours Voir Quebec
Quebec City is a rather unique city. One moment you are in Old Quebec City walking down cobblestone streets. The next you can be at the Videotron centre seeing a sold-out rock show.  With Tours Voir Quebec you will get to experience Quebec City like a local. Through its 2.5 hour tour you will see the highlights of Old Quebec City and the picturesque Saint-Jean-Baptiste district. You will discover authentic Quebec culture at stops such as Le Moine Échanson for some organic wine, Le Snack Bar for the Quebec delicacy of Poutine, and "Crêperie le Billig" for a traditional crepe. 

​Stop #10 Montreal, QC, Canada, Mile End Food Tour
The Mile End is Montreal's top cultural & culinary destination. Discover its thriving foodie scene and artist community on Mile End Food Tour's three-hour food tour. You’ll get the chance to experience life as a native Montrealer, as you have over 6 different tasting of local Quebec wine, craft beer and Quebec staples of St-Viateur Bagel and Kem Coba. 

Duration: 3-4 hours

Highlights: Fly through the trees on ziplines and test your courage on the "Flying Squirrel" jump & 14 1/2's big new patio overlooking the Reversing Falls

Pairing: Now that you're on the West side, stop by Moosehead's new Small Batch Brewery for a mix-up flight of their craft brews

​Reconnect with nature and yourself as you feel your heart thumping in your chest and your adrenaline surging.  You're not worried about checking your phone, some email your boss sent you, or what is trending on Twitter. All your energy is focused on two things. Climbing and conquering.  

At Timber Top Adventures you will be meters above the forest floor as you make your way through six different courses and attempt to survive 61 unique challenges. From balancing on a bridge made up of school chairs to weaving between punching bags on a tightrope 7 meters in the air. Or how about swinging between platforms on a standing skateboard swing all before racing towards the ground on a zipline. ​

Don't worry, no matter what it may feel like, you are never in any danger. Timber Top uses a state of the art safety system, where you are always connected to a secure platform or wire making it perfectly safe for children aged 8 and up as long they are accompanied by an adult. ​

​New Brunswick Day long weekend 2018 is finally here. All of us here at Uncorked Tours couldn't be more excited for this long weekend, because an extra day off means an extra day to #ExploreNB and enjoy all the amazing things going on in #SaintAwesome. To help you make the most of your long weekend, Uncorked Tours is counting down our 5 favorite things to do on Sunday's!

1. Queen Square Farmers Market 
Located in the historic and beautiful Queens Square, the Queens Square Farmers Market is an open-air market. Featuring everything from local farmers and their produce, to artwork, to authentic ethnic food. The Queens Square Farmers Market is a great way to start your Sunday adventure. 

2. Mispec Beach 
 Just 15 minutes from Saint John, historic Mispec Park – which used to be a recreation area for WWII servicemen and women – is home to Mispec Beach, one of the finest unsupervised sandy beaches on the Bay of Fundy. The beach offers visitors free parking, picnic sites, a playground, a paved games court and a sports field.
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3. New River Beach 
New River Beach Provincial Park is the perfect spot to camp, admire way East of Ordinary coastal islands and kayak the Bay of Fundy. Wade in the tidal pools, search for crabs, periwinkles, whelks, and starfish. Cool down and go for a swim in the unsupervised saltwater beach. Be sure to bring all the beach necessities including a good book, a picnic lunch, and some beverages! If you're feeling a little lazy, maybe go to the Queen Square Farmers Market first and pick up a lunch, before heading to New River. 

4. Rockwood Park Mountain Biking 
Larger than Central Park in New York City, Rockwood park offers everything from swimming, kayaking, free movies, and golfing. But we are suggesting you take advantage of its biking trails. Rockwood Park has biking trails for both the experienced and novice biker. Ranging from wide gravel trails to some of the most challenging trails of root and rock. ​

5. Beer-unch with Uncorked Tours ($)
Ease that transition into Monday by Uncorking brunch. Meet us at Saint John's oldest craft brewery, Big Tide Brewing Co. Meet with a Big Tide brewer and learn all about their brewing process, the creativity in their recipes, and what a day in the life of a brewer really looks like. At our first stop, you will have a choice of brunch menu items including Eggs Benedict and Breakfast Poutine with three 5oz samples of beer. 

The fun doesn't stop here. Make your way through the historic streets of Saint Awesome to one of the newest locations of the first craft brewery in New Brunswick, Picaroons, where you will receive a flight of beer. Finally, we will make our way to the Saint John Boardwalk, the entertainment hub of the city and the historic site of market slip. OUr final stop is the Saint John Ale House, owned by celebrity chef Jesse Vergen and famous for having 30 different beer on tap and being featured on the FOOD network television show "You Gotta Eat Here".

All this while learning about the history of Saint John, including why we DO NOT have a downtown only Uptown, The Great Fire, the stories about the Macy's of the Maritimes and lots more.