Downtown Spotlight: Talking The Tipsy Muse and Unplugged: A Board Games Cafe with Travis Grant
In the heart of Fredericton, two unique spaces — Unplugged: A Board Games Cafe and The Tipsy Muse — invite locals and visitors alike to unwind and connect.
Unplugged is a beloved board game café that boasts an impressive collection of over 700 games, encouraging patrons to explore new favorites in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Just a stone’s throw away, The Tipsy Muse serves as a lively café and roasting company, known for its vibrant music scene and community events.
In a recent conversation, owner Travis Grant shared his journey and insights into fostering creativity, connection, and fun in these thriving downtown spots.
Embracing Change and Community
Unplugged recently celebrated its 10 year anniversary in downtown Fredericton. Travis opened the board games cafe in 2015, motivated by his love of board games and a desire to build a welcoming gathering place. “I wanted to create a space where people could unplug and enjoy each other’s company,” he explained. Featuring over 700 board games, Unplugged encourages guests to discover new favorites rather than sticking with the classics.
This focus on novelty also extends to Unplugged Presents: No Escape, escape rooms which allow Travis and his staff to flex their creative muscles when designing new puzzles and scenarios. “I have a background in filmmaking so the way I approach escape rooms is like a scene from a movie, I write a script and create a distinct three-act structure and then our manager creates the puzzles, and we tweak everything – it’s a very collaborative process.”
Innovating at The Muse
As a recent co-owner of The Muse, Travis discussed the unique challenges and opportunities of running this vibrant café and roasting company. “We had to set everything up from scratch at an all-new location with new staff, and that made the first few months pretty rocky,” he admitted. However, the team has embraced the legacy of The Muse while introducing fresh ideas and events to engage the community.
“We’re always looking to update our menu,” Travis mentioned, emphasizing the importance of creating a well-rounded menu. The café will also feature a lineup of musical events, providing a platform for local artists. “It’s important to keep the spirit of music alive here,” he added, as The Muse becomes a lively spot for relaxation and entertainment.
Supporting Local Businesses
Travis is a passionate advocate for the downtown business community, frequently highlighting his favorite local spots. He loves Clay Café for its family-friendly atmosphere, saying, “It’s a perfect place for a date or to spend time with kids.” He also enjoys the delicious meals at 540 Kitchen and the welcoming vibe at his neighbor’s restaurant.
“My favorite place of all time is Strange Adventures,” Travis shared, recalling fond memories of visiting the comic shop as a child. “It’s been a part of my life for so long; it’s where my love for comics began.”
Looking Ahead
Through his dedication, Travis embodies the spirit of community and the joy of connecting with local businesses. Whether you’re in the mood for a board game night or a cozy café experience, his venues promise a warm and inviting atmosphere to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of downtown Fredericton. As he puts it, “Come in, put your phone down, and just enjoy the moment.”
Visit Unplugged: A Board Games Cafe at 418 Queen Street, or check them out at:
Website: https://www.unpluggedgamescafe.com/
Visit The Tipsy Muse Cafe at 65 Regent St., Suite 100 (corner of Regent and Queen), or check them out at:
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