This is part of a year-long ‘Love for Local’ series called NB365: portraits of New Brunswick entrepreneurs, businesses and organizations. Huddle is a media partner with Love for Local. Today, we hear from Pam Brennan of Shamrock Suites & Shamrock Train in Florenceville-Bristol.

WHEN THE PANDEMIC FIRST STARTED, WE WERE NERVOUS AND DESPERATELY TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO ENTICE GUESTS TO COME TO STAY AT OUR TRAIN & SUITES TO SPEND THEIR ONLY VACATION DURING THE PAST YEAR. IT WAS NOT LONG BEFORE WE REALIZED WE HAD EVERYTHING WE NEEDED IN OUR COMMUNITY TO SUPPLY AND ENTERTAIN GUESTS IN A UNIQUE LOCATION AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT.

Our community stepped up and followed the rules, so our businesses could stay open and provide the groceries and services we needed for our guests. We order freshly baked bread from a local bakery, source our groceries from the local Co-op, and send guests to all local food and beverage establishments depending on their desires. Sometimes we even drive or join them.

There is also a lot to offer in this beautiful countryside along the Saint John River and we have directed guests where to fish, hike, bike, swim, snowmobile, to visit the Andrew & Laura McCain Gallery, Hunter Brothers Farm, Potato World, to eat french fries, potato chips and even try a bit of Moonshine.

We realize supporting local is vital because we need our communities to prosper to be sustainable. By creating relationships with local businesses and suppliers, the economy stays in the region. This support has a direct impact on the area’s viability and on local businesses’ growth which helps improve all facets of our community.