When Vernon and Joyce Hudson purchased a farm in Hopewell Hill in May 1953 they never dreamed it would become the Tourist Destination that it has become today.
Broadleaf Ranch has grown as result of the passion and vision instilled into the seven children by their visionary and positive thinking parents. From it’s early beginnings with Eddy, Donna, Kathy and Bob all focused on Agriculture and Woods/Trucking business opportunities and a deep desire to be able to keep their personal horses, they were encouraged through Joyce’s gift of hospitality to begin to build the “tourism” aspect of Broadleaf.
As Wendy, Danny and Doug became engaged in the family business, the business grew “based on the interests of the 7 children”. From Agriculture, Lumbering, Trucking to the current major Tourism focus, this family business has developed into a significant tourist destination for visitors to New Brunswick.
But there is evidence of the family history everywhere throughout the business. From the accommodations, all named after key horses that the family have owned and have played a key role in the development of the equestrian side of the business, to the name “Broadleaf” coming from the grass type that was grown on the marshlands when the farm was purchased in 1953. Developments over the years also include the renovations of a Hog Barn into a 250 seat Restaurant and Catering Business, a Hay Barn into an Adventure Centre with an indoor rock wall and challenge course, an expanded Riding Stable and Outdoor Adventure activities and a newly developed Campground.
Talk to any of the first generation children who can be found daily around the business, they will entertain you with real life stories of building a family business that recognizes passion and opportunity and teaches work ethic, commitment, respect of person, animals and environment and at the end of the day PRIDE in all you have accomplished. Conversation with second generation family members, also found around the ranch on a regular basis, will confirm the legacy of Vernon and Joyce has transcended down through the generations.
Joyce’s Life Moto has always been …”If you want to be Happy – make someone else Happy”… and this lesson has been taught well to the Hudson children and the Broadleaf Staff. The Broadleaf Experience is built on this belief.
Come and see for yourself!