Marissa and I enjoying coffee and dessert on the Patio at Cafe Buffon in Stratford, Ontario PC: @lilalavereau.ca
Green, amber and red maple leaves danced in the wind like pompoms, welcoming us as we made our way to Stratford. Autumn had just begun in Ontario and, although a bit grey, the fall foliage had already begun to reveal itself, lining the highway with vibrant colours that made you remember why road trips in the fall can be so wonderful.
It had been over a decade since I had been to Stratford, Ontario and although I had no plans this time around to see a play at their world renowned Stratford Festival, I was excited to experience the city with fresh eyes. Not only had a lot changed about the city, but a lot had changed about me in the last 10 years. New interests and appreciations for things like good food, art and culture, heritage homes and boutique business you can’t find anywhere else, occupied my agenda and I was ready and eager to make the most of my time in Stratford.
Marissa standing outside The River Merchant Inn in Stratford, Ontario
ACCOMMODATIONS IN STRATFORD, ONTARIO
During our time in Stratford we stayed at a lovely boutique accommodation located on the quiet, historical, York Street just steps from the Avon River. Known for being a great part of town to enjoy a morning stroll or afternoon picnic, The River Merchant Inn & Spa features two spacious 2 bedroom suites decorated in musical memorabilia that celebrate Stratford’s rich musical history. The building itself was once home to the Heintzman Pipe & Piano Company before transitioning into a music store and school where famed local musicians including Justin Bieber and Richard Manuel of The Band would frequent.
The Heintzman Music Suite we stayed in featured soaring 10-foot loft style ceilings, a full kitchen, a large dining area, and a living space that offered an additional sofa bed. An abundance of natural light filled the suite and for those arriving by car with plans to stay awhile, free WiFi and parking are also included! I quickly came to realize that the River Merchant Inn & Spa is the perfect place to stay for small groups of visitors coming to Stratford that wish to be right in the heart of downtown, conveniently located and within walking distance to almost everything.
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THINGS TO DO IN STRATFORD, ONTARIO
Once settled, my friend Marissa and I gathered ourselves for a full day of exploring and headed out to one of Ontario’s longest operating public art galleries, Gallery Stratford.
Gallery Stratford
Located a short 10 minute drive from downtown Stratford, Gallery Stratford was founded in 1967 and occupies a beautiful heritage Victorian building surrounded by gardens and greenery. The gallery itself is one of the region’s leading art galleries and features mostly contemporary exhibits from local, national, and international visual artists. With exhibits changing every three months and free admission (donations welcomed in lieu of admission fees) there is always something new and interesting to see at Gallery Stratford. Conveniently open 7 days a week with onsite free parking, Gallery Stratford is a ‘must see’ for visiting art lovers.
During our visit, Marissa and I were really taken aback by the diverse art work on display at the gallery, especially Jay Soule's ‘Honest Injun’ exhibition which shared unsettling facts about our shared Indigenous and Canadian history. Although some of the artwork felt provocative and even triggering, it showed the gallery’s commitment to amplifying truth, and support for reconciliation and justice for Canada’s First Nations community. It made our visit more memorable and engaging than we ever could have imagined.
Before dropping off our car to spend the rest of the day taking in the city by foot, my friend Marissa was kind enough to entertain my desire to drive around and admire the many Victorian homes scattered around downtown Stratford. Having recently bought a Victorian home in Toronto, I have become a big fan of heritage homes in recently years and knew prior to visiting that Stratford would be a great place to admire some beautiful and well conserved properties. And let me tell you, I was not disappointed! If you are interested in historical homes as much as I am, some of the best streets to take in Stratford’s beautiful Victorian properties include Church Street, Douglas Street, John Street and Norman Street. Only later did I realize that many of these streets are conveniently located within walking distance from our accommodations and centered around Stratford's Shakespearean Gardens, one of five prizewinning gardens located along the Avon River that I also recommend taking a stroll through during your visit.
Speaking of Stratford heritage, Marissa and I also made sure to check out the ‘Steps to Stardom: Justin Bieber’ exhibit on display at the Stratford Perth Museum, located a 10 minute drive out of town. Although small, the not-for-profit museum does shed light on Stratford’s rich cultural heritage and history, as well as highlights Justin humble beginnings busking on the streets of Stratford all the way to stardom. It was eye opening to learn more about where he started and gave me a new level of appreciation for his monstrous career, work ethic, and determination at such a young age, not to mention his philanthropic pursuits along the way. I love Justin Bieber’s music and found the exhibit to humanize him as a boy from Stratford who loved performing which was incredibly heartwarming. I obviously couldn’t leave without getting a picture of me with a life size JB cutout! In addition to the Justin Bieber exhibit, the museum also features a couple other exhibits which change regularly. Admission is $7 and parking is free!
Finally got a photo with Justin Bieber at the Stratford Perth Museum! My life is complete!
BARS & RESTAURANTS IN STRATFORD, ONTARIO
Lunch and cocktails at Cafe Bouffon in Stratford, Ontario
Feeling famished, Marissa and I dropped off our car and headed straight to Café B0uffon, a classic neighbourhood French Café a stones throw from our accommodations that offers a casual day time menu, full dinner service, and weekend brunch. The interior of this restaurant is stunning with large banquet seating, ornate mirrors, beautiful large bouquets scattered everywhere, and classic damask wallpaper. Outside they have a small patio with round tables, French bistro chairs and views of the small parquet next-door. The food is equally as delicious as the restaurant’s interior and I highly recommend getting their Marseille Mussels steamed in warm broth of Pernod, fennel, candied garlic, leek and chervil! It was light, filling and great for warming you up on a fall day. Additionally, Café Bouffon also makes great cocktails and coffees too so no matter your desired pleasure, stopping by to grab a drink and snap a pic is definitely a good idea.
If you aren’t in the mood for French cuisine, another great restaurant to check out while in Stratford is Mercer Kitchen & Beer Hall. Located downstairs from the Mercer Hotel, their renown Izakaya inspired menu offers delicious large plates for everyone’s unique palette and taste. In addition to having a great selection of casual fare, the restaurant also features Stratford's largest craft beer menu. Marissa and I grabbed dinner here later that evening and both agreed that the Korean BBQ glazed crispy chicken rice bowl with sesame, broccoli, pickled ginger, kimchee, aioli and herbs, was the best dish we ate in Stratford. This dish paired with one of their craft beers was *chef’s kiss*! Mercer Kitchen & Beer Hall also has a great front patio that was quite packed by the time we left so if you are interested in sitting outside, go early.
My Korean BBQ glazed crispy chicken from Mercer’s Kitchen & Beer Hall
Hot on the scene, Pretty Good Pizza is a casual restaurant in downtown Stratford, about a 5 minute walk from our accommodation, that offers delicious 16-inch hand tossed pies. Available both by the slice and whole, Pretty Good Pizza would be my ideal place to go if I wanted to grab a quick bite or was looking for some delicious takeout. Located on Wellington Street, a hop, skip and a jump from Stratford’s Avon Theatre, you can easily run there between shows for a quick bite. Marissa and I did enjoy a couple pies from here before leaving Stratford and loved their Cheezer pizza with red sauce, dry mozzarella, fior di latte, basil, and Parmesan!
After lunch at Cafe Bouffon Marissa told me about Stratford’s Chocolate Trail. Little did I know that Stratford is actually home to some of the world most famous confectioners and bakers. To celebrate this amazing honour, the city offers a self-guided tour that introduces visitors to local chocolatiers and invites them to sample decadent treats at each. Available year round, vouchers and trail maps can be purchased from the Destination Stratford office on 47 Downie Street; Bradshaws on 129 Ontario Street; Small-Mart on 119 Ontario Street; and Werk Shop on 111 Ontario Street. Six vouchers will cost you $33.90 (including HST) and can be used at participating businesses located on the accompanying map. Each voucher entitles you to a unique and chocolatey treat at each stop, and by the time Marissa and I finished doing the trail, we were high on delicious chocolatey goodness with lots to spare. I ended up bringing the remaining chocolates home to my fiancé who was very happy to receive such delectable gifts from Stratford and had no problem helping me polish them off.
Similarly to the Chocolate Trail, Stratford also has a vibrant history of being pork and ale producers! Thanks to the Bacon & Ale Trail, visitors can indulge in local microbreweries and craft beer forward businesses in a similar fashion to the self guided Chocolate Trail. Available year round, 5 vouchers for The Bacon & Ale Trail costs $33.90 (including HST) and can be purchased from the same locations listed above for The Chocolate Trail.
Grabbed a flight of craft beers from Black Swan Brewing Company while in Stratford, Ontario
After a few hours of sampling local chocolatiers and wandering in and out of shops, Marissa and I decided to hit up a local microbrewery (and one of the stops on the Bacon & Ale Trail) in downtown Stratford called Black Swan Brewing Company. Located close to the Avon Theatre, Black Swan Brewing Company offers flavour forward, high quality craft beers that can be enjoyed inside in their front of house tasting room or outside on their dog friendly front patio. Marissa and I enjoyed a flight of their craft beers on the patio which was packed with people. Clearly it isn’t just a popular spot for visitors but a favourite among locals as well.
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Later that evening, after our dinner at Mercer’s Kitchen & Beer Hall, Marissa and I walked down the street to The Relic Lobby Bar to grab a nightcap before heading back to our accommodations for the night. This friendly neighbourhood cocktail bar showcases its Cuban influences through both its cocktail menu and interior design, and features a large patio out front with a few additional tables inside. Open until midnight Tuesday through Thursday and 1am on Friday and Saturday, the cocktails were delectable. We even made a friend at the bar and got the inside scoop on local hot spots as well as where the best vintage store is (learn more about this below)!
In the morning and in desperate need for coffee, Marissa took me to her favourite cafe in Stratford, Edison’s Cafe. Located just downstairs and on the other side of the building from our accommodation, Edison’s Café is a whole food cafe that features light brunch bites, gluten free treats and delicious coffee. As you probably guessed, the cafe is named Edison after inventor Thomas Edison who used to live in Stratford in 1863, and although small, does have a relaxing ambiance and cool atmosphere.
A recommendation from the new local friend we made at The Relic Lobby Bar, Bru Garden is apparently a fun food truck experience that combines the outdoors with cocktails, comfort food and picnic tables - think beer garden, but for cocktails! On our second day in town, Marissa and I did walk over to Bru Garden’s to check it out but unfortunately it was closed for the season. The place did look like it would be fun and intimate though so I thought I’d mention it as it does come highly recommended by a local and is 100% on my to-do list for the next time I do a road trip to Stratford. Fingers crossed for next summer! Apparently their smash burgers are incredible!
SHOPPING IN STRATFORD, ONTARIO
Stratford has so many great boutiques you wont find anywhere else!
Before leaving Stratford, Marissa and I made sure to visit La Osa, the vintage store that came highly recommended by our new local friend. Located on Ontario Street between The Relic Lobby Bar and Edison Cafe, La Osa did not disappoint! I found this amazing vintage trench coat while browsing the racks which I instantly fell in love with as soon as I put it on and stepped in front of the mirror! It had amazing shoulder pads, was so on trend and just what I had been looking for. Of course, I couldn’t leave Stratford without it and have since received numerous queries from friends as to where I got it. Needless to say, if you’re in Stratford you have to hit up this vintage goldmine!
Another boutique that I fell in love with while exploring was a new home good store called Dale & Company. Located at 17 Market Place, the owner shared her story with us and walked us through her curated collection of home goods. Many of the items she showed us were selected from a number of local and international artisans, and made from natural materials. There were so many little things in this store that I wanted for my new house but alas, I must wait until after my renovations before purchasing more home goods! However, I do recommend you go and see what’s new when you visit as I’m sure you’ll have a hard time leaving Stratford empty handed!
Find a curated collection of home goods and Dale & Company
So there you have it, my list of recommendations for your next trip to Stratford! Marissa and I very much enjoyed our quick road trip this fall and can’t wait to return again soon. You can bet next time we will probably opt in to stay an additional night so we can explore more of the surrounding area and all that it has to offer! Until then, safe travels!
A big thank you to Visit Stratford for hosting us and sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions remain my own!
MAP OF STRATFORD, ONTARIO
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WINTER ESCAPES WITHIN DRIVING DISTANCE FROM TORONTO!
Photo Courtesy of Nachelle Nocom
* Please Note - Some links in this post may be affiliate links *
Come on, winter isn’t that bad! There is something to say about the beauty of freshly fallen snow and how it makes everything glisten. It’s so picturesque! Top it all off with the smell of a wood burning fire and you’ve got a recipe for the coziest little winter escape to cure all your COVID winter woah’s.
If you’re smart, and I know you are, you’re already thinking about trying to plan a little getaway for this winter. To help you out and save you A WHOLE LOT OF TIME (you’re welcome!), I have compiled a list of cute properties within driving distance of Toronto. Don’t let me catch you sleeping on this opportunity though, these properties wont have rooms available for long…
P.s. if you book one of these properties, please let me know below in the comments! I’d love to learn what properties resonated with you!
- CABINS, COTTAGES & BUNKIES -
The beautifully decorated Birchwood Cottage is located in the heart of Haliburton, Ontario, a scenic 2.5-hour drive from downtown Toronto. Newly renovated, the cottage sleeps 6 comfortably and features 3 bedrooms each fitted with King Size beds. The cottage does have wifi and does feature a hot tub on the deck with beautiful views of Redstone Lake!
If you are looking to surprise your honey with an intimate and romantic getaway, I’d suggest a stay at this little modern bunkie! Perfect for a couple retreat with its outdoor hot tub and indoor wood burning fireplace, AUX BOX Muskoka is a 2.5 hours drive from the city. NOTE* This property doesn’t have running water and has an indoor composting toilet.
Photo Courtesy of Andrew Ly
This open concept, lakefront A-Frame Cottage is located in Bancroft, Ontario, less than a 3-hour drive from downtown Toronto. Its spacious interior features bright white walls, a lovely kitchen, 3 bedrooms with 5 beds (guest must bring their own sheets and towels) and is suitable for 5 guests. Unfortunately, this cottage does not accept children under the age of 8 years old.
This modern industrial Container Cottage was newly built by the owner and features a mix of modern and soft cozy textures. Built using three containers, the cottage has 3 bedrooms (one with a bunk bed) and can host 6 guests comfortably. Although not on the lake (only a short walk away), the cottage does feature a beautiful deck with a hot tub, wifi, TV, Indoor fireplace, large windows and a beautiful kitchen.
Another impressive little bunkie, this little cabin is located in Komoka, Ontario, a little over a 2-hour drive from downtown Toronto. Perfect for a couple, the cabin is bright and welcoming with large windows to make you feel like your sleeping outdoors. Inside the cabin, you will find one double bed and an electric fireplace. A bathroom with a toilet and shower is available to guests however they are located about a 2-minute drive up the lane.
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- CONVERTED CHURCHES -
A property that has been on my bucketful for awhile, this converted church also located in PEC, offers tons of privacy and features 3 bedrooms and 2 seperate bathrooms. Suitable for up to 8 guests, the property features souring ceilings, a bright interior, a large living room, a beautiful kitchen with a breakfast nook, a large dining room table and a small laundry room. Additional features include Wifi, Netflix, PrimeTV, Sonos, fresh linens/towels, and coffee.
A new property on my radar, this bright, open concept converted church in the heart of PEC looks like a lovely place to stay for a weekend with a loved one. Although suitable for 4, the property doesn’t offer much privacy and is much more suitable for a single couple or a family of 4 looking to get away for a couple days. The property does have a few lovely elements to it though like a little kitchenette, a wood burning fireplace and a beautiful bathtub enclave .
Photo Courtesy of Rafael Leao
- TREEHOUSES & HOMES -
An industrial chick private retreat, this modern home located in PEC boosts 4000 spacious feet of open concept, minimalist interior with floor to cieling windows. With 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, this property is suitable for hosting up to 8 guest and features a larger living room, kitchen and dining area for gathering. The only downside, no furry friends allowed.
Feel like escaping for a weekend to a luxury tree house in the woods this winter? I have just the place for you! This beautiful tree house in Minden Hills, Ontario, close to Haliburton, is a 2.5 hour drive from Toronto. This property has indoor plumping with a beautiful rainfall shower, a loft style bedroom, a indoor fireplace and a large deck. The floor to ceiling windows also provide gorgeous views of the surrounding wood and fill the tree house with tons of natural light. NOTE: Host does not allow pets or children under 12
This all white, renovated century home in PEC offers stack white Scandinavian inspired interiors. Although suitable for 3 guests, there is only 1 bedroom with a queen bed and 1 bathroom. The property does feature a full kitchen and indoor fireplace, and comes with amenities life WiFi, TV, bathroom essentials and bed-sheets, pillow and hangers.
Runaway to this little love shack near Blue Mountain, a short 1.5 hour drive from Toronto. This tiny home is perfect for a couple in need of a change of scenery and a moment to reconnect with nature. The tiny home features 1 loft bedroom with a queen size bed, a small kitchen and seating area. Although it does have a heater, there is no running water, bathroom (outhouse close by), electricity or running water however the host does provide two pairs of snowshoes, battery operated lanterns for light at night, a fridge (powered by propane) and there is a fire pit outside where you can enjoy a fire.
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A GUIDE TO NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, SPONSORED BY BUICK CANADA
Check out my sweet ride! The Buick Encore!
At the beginning of the summer, I made a pact with myself to explore and promote as much of my home province as I could. I distinctly remember as the days started to get longer and the warm weather returned, having an epiphany and kicking myself because of how little I have written and promoted this beautiful place I call home. Even though I travel all over the world for work, have explored many different countries, I still walk away from those experiences feeling like Canada doesn’t get enough credit - and it’s true! There is so much to see and do in this beautiful country and I will be the first to admit I take my proximity to so many amazing destinations in Ontario for granted. You don’t need to book two weeks off from work and spend three months of savings to have a great getaway, you can drive there on a weekend in an hour and a half - and that’s exactly what Krystle and I did!
We knew off the bat that planning a road trip to Beamsville and Niagara-On-The-Lake wouldn’t be complete without a couple key essentials: 1) a Winemakers Selections Tasting Pass; 2) a reservation at Kitchen 76; 3) a cute place to stay for the night; and 4) the perfect vehicle to get us there. Thankfully getting these items in order was a breeze and before you could say ‘Happy 30th VQA’ we were hitting the road in our Buick Encore.
A quick stop in the cute town of Jordan, ON on our way to Niagara-On-The-Lake
Now before I dive into the amazing adventure that ensued there are a couple things about this vehicle that I need to point out because frankly they completely elevated our entire weekend. Having never driven a Buick Encore before I was surprised right off-the-bat at how spacious the compact SUV was. Krystle and I are known to travel with way too much stuff (content creation props, outfit changes, computer and camera equipment, etc.) and the Buick Encore accommodated us perfectly. That said it was actually the keyless entry feature that was the lifesaver! If I had my hands full – say with luggage or purchases – I didn't have to put my stuff down and search through my purse to find the keys to unlock the vehicle door. As long as I had the keys on me the car would unlock at the press of a button on the door handle - it was that easy! Also, being unfamiliar with the area, the ‘real time traffic’ data available through the navigation system along with the 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot (which can connect up to 7 devices) made traveling in rural, unfamiliar territory so easy. We never had to worry about being stuck in traffic or getting lost, which made sticking to our fun filled weekend plans even easier! There were also a couple extra bonus features like the heated steering wheel, which definitely came in handy (pun intended) on the last day when the temperature dropped, and safety features like the back up camera, blind spot alert, and forward collision alert that gave us that extra cushion of comfort and made driving the Buick Encore a dream.
It was a beautiful day to walk around the town of Niagra-On-The-Lake!
Circling back to our Niagara and Beamsville road trip, Krystle and I were warriors when it came to ticking things off our ‘to see/do’ list. Although all the places we visited were amazing and a lot of fun there were a few special places that really rose to the top for me. So without further ado - here is a list of things to do in Niagara On The Lake!
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Niagara On The Lake Wineries
Krystle (@DineAndFash) and I living our best lives in the Buick Encore! A quick stop for a photo at Peninsula Ridge Winery!
With our Winemakers Selections Pass ($25 + Tax) Krystle and I were able to get a tasting at numerous wineries including a couple of the ones I am going to list below (I will indicate them with a ‘*’). The pass gets you one tasting at each winery and the head winemaker at each vineyard has selected the wine you get to taste. Krystle and I didn’t have time to hit even a fraction of the wineries that were on the list because we were on bikes while visiting the participating wineries and part of the fun for us is also creating content along the way (which as you can imagine also slows our pace down significantly). That said the pass is still a great option to consider.
*Although I am promoting getting the Wine Makers Selection Pass and visiting niagara on the lake wineries I do not condone drinking and driving. Krystle and I made sure to visit the majority of the niagara on the lake wineries while on bike and in the instances we were driving, one of us was appointed the designated driver for the day and abstained from consuming ANY alcohol what so ever.
Tasting room at Angels Gate Winery!
Angels Gate (Beamsville) - Of course my favourite Ontario winery made the list! Not going to lie, I usually buy three or four bottles of their Pinot Gris ($14.99 + Tax) from the LCBO at a time (it’s a staple in my house), and visiting the winery just made my love for their wine grow even stronger. Visiting Angels Gate also gave me a chance to try wines that aren’t available at the LCBO and walk away with some new bottles. The winery itself has only been around for about 20 years (the first grapes were planted in 1999, production started in 2000, and the winery only opened on 2002), but they have already carved out a name for themselves among VQA wineries having won numerous awards already.
Made it to Reif Estate Winery in Niagara-On-The-Lake!
*Reif Estate Winery (NOTL) - Reif Estate Winery is one of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s founding family wineries and has been in operation for almost 40 years. A very popular pick (there was literally a bus load of people that showed up while we were there) and still family owned, Reif is notable for their delicious full-bodied reds. It came as no surprise then when our ‘Winemakers Selection’ tasting was just that. Surrounding the tasting room is a beautiful fountain and garden with lots of chairs so you can bring a picnic and enjoy a bottle outside. There is also a large old Victorian mansion on the property that has been converted to a bed and breakfast, making this winery a NOTL heritage beauty you don’t want to miss.
Checking out the Grand Victorian Bed and Breakfast next door to Reif Estate Winery
*Stratus Vineyards (NOTL) - I had never been to Stratus Vineyard until this adventure, but had seen pictures of its big, gorgeous, modern tasting room with massive windows and a great patio. I had heard they throw some really great parties during harvest and take a more scientific approach to wine production by incorporating gravity flow methods. What I didn’t know was how amazing their wines were, how they are a LEED certified winery, and how they are committed to producing sustainable and outstanding wines. At Stratus it’s about quality over quantity and that really shines through in everything they do. This winery not only makes amazing wines that I would happily enjoy drinking, but also exceeded my expectations in innovation and sustainability in every way.
Stratus Vineyards tasting room! Time to get our tasting on!
Two Sisters Vineyards (NOTL) – Talk about being transported into another time and place. To me, Two Sisters Vinery is NOTL’s adult version of a Disney fairytale land. Once you pass through the gates of the property a long road lined with trees and rows of vines leads you to a large building resembling a mansion which houses their amazing restaurant Kitchen 76 and tasting room. Everything about this winery feels super opulent and magical. They have a grand terrace in the back with lots of outdoor seating where people can spend the afternoon drinking exquisite wine and feeling like the Lords and Ladies of the vine-lands below.
We made it to Two Sisters Vineyards - NOTL’s adult version of Disney Land!
Local Distilleries
Tasting room at Dillion’s Small Batch Distillers
Dillion’s Small Batch Distillers (Beamsville) - This small batch Gin distillery was born out of necessity for Geoff Dillion (Distiller) and has the cutest love story. Geoff who was desperate to marry founder Gary Huggins’ daughter, was only going to be accepted into the family if he made a name for himself, thus Dillion’s Small Batch Distillery was born! With the help of Geoff’s father Peter, an engineer and spirit lover, they started producing some great gin using quality ingredients found only in Niagara and scaled the business quickly. If you aren’t really a gin person like myself, no need to worry. They are producing more than just gin these days and also offer tasting of their Limoncello, Rye Whisky, Peach Schnapps (which I grabbed), Vodka, and a variety of flavoured gins. They also started making pre-bottled Negroni’s and a variety of bitters, all of which are on display and available to try in their tasting room (which is also très mignon by the way).
Niagara On The Lake Restaurants
Loitering outside Tide and Vine Sandwich Shop in the town of Niagara-On-The-Lake.
When it comes to Niagara on the lake restaurants, many of them, especially those with patios, seem to be a bit of a tourist trap in the summer. Not only are the restaurants usually super packed making it hard to get a table, but the food itself is over priced. With that being said we did find two places, one sandwich place that was great for dining on a budget and a winery restaurant that offered phenomenal food, ambiance and wine!
Tide and Vine Sandwich Shop (NOTL) - Krystle and I just happened to walk by this cute sandwich shop in NOTL and literally stopped in our tracks. It was a small, cute, sea foam green, casual shop with a couple seats and a cute bench nook by the window that we quickly occupied. Feeling a little hungry I was keen on trying their food and since you could opt into having any of the sandwiches made into a salad, I did just that. In the end the food was really good, the place was super cute and compared to all the other overpriced ‘tourist trap’ restaurants on the NOTL town strip, this one’s cute east coast vibe really jived with me.
Kitchen 76 at Two Sisters Vineyards (NOTL) - When Krystle told me about the wood burning pizza oven at Kitchen 76 I was automatically sold. When we arrived I was taken back at how grand the entire estate and winery was, but once we sat done for our late lunch in the restaurant and actually got to experience the food, I knew this was going to have to be on my list. Our meal was hands down the best we had our entire time in Niagara and the restaurant felt so cozy with its massive fire place and large windows, which provided a view of the terrace and vineyard in the distance. The pizza here was of course amazing but I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t also recommend their burrata and orecchiette.
Things To Do in Niagara On The Lake
Krystle and I got our bikes from Grape Escape! They were so great!
Grape Escape Wine Tours – By now it should come as no surprise that this bicycle tour and rental company is another family run and owned establishment in Niagara-On-The-Lake. We got to meet Richard Mell, the owner’s son, when we came in to grab our bikes and he was very accommodating in helping us plan a route for our skill level and time requirements. He also adjusted the bike to our measurements and provided helmets so we didn’t have to worry about bringing our own. I actually really enjoyed experiencing the area via bike and since the shop was located very close to 3-4 wineries you really don’t need to bike far to start enjoying yourself. Richard also mentioned that wine tours were available and they do provide group tours however they are known to run out of bikes (they had around 200 bikes) on weekends so it is important to make a reservation ahead of time. If you are looking for things to do in Niagara on the lake, renting a bike or joining a tour is a great way to get in a lot of wine tasting in Niagara on the lake.
Had such a great time this weekend in the Buick Encore!
Unfortunately this time around I don’t have any recommended accommodations for you. I would never recommend a place to you that I have never stayed at and even though there were a lot of cute looking Niagara on the lake accommodation, the place Krystle and I stayed was going through renovations and updates and just didn’t hit the mark. That being said I wouldn’t recommend staying there until the updates and renovations are over. For now it felt a little too expensive for the value you were getting as well as a little far from things to do in niagara on the lake on the downtown strip for my liking. Next time I will look at something more closer/in town and come back to provide you with a solid recommendation.
Thanks for following along on Krystle and I’s adventure to NOTL! If you have any questions or recommendations for hings to do in Niagara on the lake, Niagara on the lake wineries or Niagara on the lake restaurants, please feel free to leave them in the comments below and share about your experience
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LANGDON HALL HOTEL AND SPA - CAMBRIDGE, ONTARIO
Have you ever had something great and completely unexpected happened to you? Did it make you pause for a moment in disbelief before cloaking you in happiness and gratitude? In June it happened to me. I won! I woke up one morning still dazed, nursing my morning coffee as I perused through my new emails when I saw the subject line, Congratulations! You're the Winner… Winner!? What did I win? What a great way to start of my day. A gift certificate to Langdon Hall from Branding and Buzzing's July giveaway! One of the most prestigious spas in Canada! Are you kidding me! Is this a joke? Is someone playing a huge trick on me? Is Ashton Kutcher going to jump out of my closet and punk me?
I literally had to read the email three times. I have never won anything. ANYTHING. My next immediate thought was – who am I going to invite? Friends? NAW! Think Soheila, think! Family? Getting warmer. My mom!? Ding Ding Ding!!!! I mean I owe the women my life. Not to mention she has probably invested a bazillion dollars in educating me, feeding me and making sure I have clothes on my body and a roof over my head. I think it’s safe to say she deserves a little getaway to Langdon Hall, especially with her favorite person in the world. Or at least I will be after this!
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So off we went last week! We jumped in the car and within an hour and a half we arrived at Langdon Hall! The Cambridge property is gorgeous and although it was my first time to the hotel and my mom is practically a regular, we still were blown away by the beautiful property and landscaped grounds. Once checked-in we were also very happy to hear that the spa had recently been moved into a newly renovated space and our spa services would give us access to all their new amenities including a comfortable indoor sitting room, a sundeck with lounge chairs, an indoor exercise room and a whirlpool and sauna. Wow!
After my mom and I indulged in much needed massages we continued onto our mani, pedi spa services. Now one thing that I am going to point out about Langdon Hall Spa that I absolutely loved was their product line. They have a variety of products and scents that make services easy to customize to your preferences! Weather you prefer citrus or frankincense or only like vegan/organic products, they‘ve got it! I was especially impressed with their SpaRitual line of products and nail lacquers that are completely vegan and free from 5 of the most harmful chemicals found in nail polish. Not only do they use such great products, but if you get a mani/pedi they send you home with two SpaRitual nail lacquer bottles! What!? Talk about the gift that keeps on giving!
Once our spa services were complete and there was time for a small pause before dinner I took the opportunity to wander around the property. Curiously enough, as I poked my nose around the property I came across this gorgeous little secret garden door, a green house to die for, tennis courts, a pool and an expansive vegetable and flower garden I could of spent hours exploring.
However, I wasn’t about to keep my hungry mom from dinner. Back to the main house I went – very excited because Langdon Hall’s Executive Chef Jason Bangerter is known for combining ingredients that are grown and foraged on the property to create dishes and experiences so grand and captivating that they are impossible to forget. From the black trumpet mushroom amuse bouch to the summer fruit and foie gras appetizers (yes, I had two appetizers) my meal could not of started off on a better foot. To conclude the meal I chose the beef tenderloin – so moist and flavorful it could make a vegetarian crave meat! To finish off my mom and I each ordered a desserts – the Chocolate Ganache and the Peanut Butter Sable with some Langdon Hall Honey Mousse. A symphony of flavors! Great dishes on their own but even better combined together!
It’s definitely safe to say that after the experience I had at Landon Hall, winning a Langdon Hall gift card is one of the best things that happened to me this year and the absolute best way to celebrate my one year blogiverssary! I definitely recommend anyone looking to celebrate an upcoming milestone or interested in a relaxing weekend getaway to look into Langdon Hall. Although I did not stay overnight they do offer many packages that include a mix of accommodations, spa services and dining options you should definitely consider checking out before booking your reservation.
If you are interested in visiting Langdon Hall or making a reservation visit their website -> HERE