Don’t Miss Artisans on the Northumberland Shore

History & Culture

Looking for a special souvenir to remember your Nova Scotia trip? A road trip along the Northumberland Shore will give you ample opportunities to stop at a variety of shops selling a range of handmade pieces from knives to soap; hooked rugs to pewter, you better bring an extra suitcase!

Sara Bonnyman Pottery, Tatamagouche

Visit Sara’s studio just outside of Tatamagouche and choose from a selection of functional yet stylish stoneware pieces along with her decorative hooked rugs. Take a tour of her workshop, chat and get insight into her creative process as well as her inspiration and if you’re lucky you can even watch her throw pots on the wheel.

Deanne Fitzpatrick Rug Hooking Studio, Amherst

Enjoy a cup of tea and a homemade oatcake as you learn about the many hand-dyed fabrics and materials used in rug-hooking. Then, settle into the calm oasis of the knitting room in the rug hooking studio, where you’ll be guided by an experienced instructor to try your hand at this traditional, colourful Maritime craft.

Deanne Fitzpatrick Rug Hooking Studio in Amherst, Nova Scotia — Deanne Fitzpatrick Rug Hooking Studio

Seafoam Lavender Gardens & Farm Store, Seafoam

Visit the farm store to purchase a variety of locally made lavender-infused products from lavender grown onsite and bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds while breathing in the aroma of lavender.

Basic Spirit Pewter, Pugwash

Handcrafted in the seaside community of Pugwash, Basic Spirit creates both whimsical and functional home décor, serving ware, jewellery, collectibles and gifts. Pick up something special to remind you of your Nova Scotia visit or for a gift for a friend back home.

Person crouched down taking a photo with their smartphone of the blooming lavender at Seafoam Lavender Farm in Nova Scotia. — Seafoam Lavender Gardens & Farm Store

Lismore Sheep Farm, River John

This working sheep farm is home to 200 sheep whose wool is used to produce colourful hand-knit blankets, slippers and mittens, and other wool products and knitting supplies that you can purchase in the onsite shop. The farm’s shop is open to visitors from late spring and into the fall each year.

TABITHA + CO, Pictou

Visit this storefront to shop for one of a kind, timeless handmade leather bags and accessories for all occasions. Watch Tabitha as she creates her beautiful pieces directly in the shop as you browse her line of leather goods.

Grohmann Knives, Pictou

These handcrafted knives are recognized by outdoor enthusiasts and chefs around the world for their quality, balance, and beauty.

Textiles & Treasures Trail

Discover artisan studios, fibre artist shops, craft boutiques, potters, farm markets, and more on this self-guided road trip in the Northumberland Shore region. Stretching from Amherst to Westville near New Glasgow, this yarn & artisan trail offers fibre enthusiasts and lovers of locally handmade goods an opportunity to explore a number of incredible local makers and craftspeople along Nova Scotia’s scenic Sunrise Trail.

Be sure to grab a Trail Passport, collect stamps at each stop between July and August each summer, and enter to win a prize!