Category: Ontario East

Welcome to the Weekend Route your guide to one-of-a-kind eats, locations, and featured routes.  This curated route for our weekend route adventurers is the Historic Trent Severn Gem Towns Route starting in Lakefield. This route explores the Trent Severn Waterway Locks while discovering off-the-beaten-track experiences and stops in these historic gem towns. Brace yourself for lunches in rustic cafes, biking trails sure to make you weak in the knees, outdoor theatres, and breweries based on the lore of the town you are visiting. Follow the Historic Trent Severn Gem Towns Route from Lakefield all the way to Trenton this summer!

The Trent Severn is a historic pathway leading from Georgian Bay to Lake Ontario and it features locks which help boaters navigate the 386km trail. Each one of the towns featured on the Historic Trent Severn Gem Towns is home to one of the waterway’s locks or just past one. Learn more about the geography of Ontario through this route and visit historic monuments, rustic restaurants, and off-the-beaten-track experiences. Visit the Parks Canada Trent Severn waterway page for an in-depth trail guide to each lock. 

Lakefield

Exploring the great outdoors should be on the top of your to-do list this summer, what better way to do that and kick off the Trent Severn Waterway route than visiting two locks via bike. To begin this 100km bike trail rent a bike at the Lakefield Marina, where they have started renting bikes to residents and visitors 16 years of age and older. This bike route is named a county favourite by the Lakefield community tours Lakefield and Peterborough. This route is the “Cottage Country Route” and highlights the beautiful nature of the Kawarthas while rolling along the Otonabee River. There are numerous places to eat along this route and scenic photo ops in the Haroldtown Conservation area. 

If biking is not your forte, don’t worry we can hit up all the hidden gems that would have been made aware to you per the bike route. Our first stop via car is “The Nutty Bean Cafe”.This smalltown cafe staple is family owned and operated. This cafe has been in business since 2003, and they feature organic and locally sourced products on their menu. Their coffee is shade-grown and can be purchased by the bag or coffee cup. Enjoy a refreshing coffee and meal on their shaded patio or in their indoor dining area which feels as comfortable as your family cottage.

Leahy’s Farm and Market is a family tradition. This location has been running for 45 years and has all the makings of a perfect produce shopping experience. Every member of the family does their part to keep the farm in shape, even the youngest of the bunch. The market is open every day and offers baked goods, preserves, cheese, beef, maple syrup, vegetables, and fruit. You do not want to miss out on these home-grown delicacies.

Lakefield’s Lock is lock 26, located 10 minutes walking distance from downtown Lakefield. Address: 1-47 Katherine St S, Peterborough.

Peterborough

Lang Pioneer Village is a Peterborough staple, if you grew up in the Kawartha Lakes area I’m sure you visited this interactive historical location on a class field trip. If you are from out of town and never got the chance to experience this authentic experience be sure to stop by. The village is made of over 30 homes and business made to bring Peterborough’s lush history back to life, including the old mill. Explore First Nations traditions and the story of their heritage and trading posts within the towns and watch their facebook updates page as well as their website for classic demonstration dates and their special events. The Old School House is my favourite building amongst the village.

St Veronus has become a Peterborough taproom staple in the twenty years they have been serving Belgium classics. Each dish is paired to a Belgium beer and recommended to you; with Belgium having 180 breweries the wide variety of flavors that St Veronus provides is unimaginable. St Veronus provides traditional Belgium food, seafood all the way to fruit, beer, and beef. Plenty patrons have claimed this is the best tap house in Peterborough with the most extensive list of beers. Recently this Belgium restaurant opened up a backyard patio they call the “Beer Garden”, a lush seating area meant to compliment the beer. Peterborough is brimming with local options for beer; satisfy your beer buds with St Veronus or venture to Publican House Brewery & Pub, or Ashburnham Ale House.

Nostalgic Journey Antiques is home to all things we at the Weekend Route love, collectibles, memorabilia, and knick-knacks you cannot find anywhere else. Featuring over 50 vendors this antique stop has something for everyone, even Jar Jar Binks fans, a dwindling number at that. This store offers vinyl, vintage clothing, books, maps, arts, and a life size statue of the most hated character in the Star Wars Universe. This stop is open 7 days a week and is a location you do not want to pass by. 

Marie Cluthe Antiques Collectibles is an antique store curated with only the most elegant period pieces, lights, and mirrors. This antique store is located in the heart of Peterborough on Water Street. Each piece looks as if it could have been featured in an episode of Bridgerton and with your visit we ensure you will feel as though you have stepped into another era. If you are looking for more vintage pieces and collectibles we also recommend checking out the multitude of antique and thrift stores littered through downtown Peterborough; This and That Redux, Things From Mom’s Blanket, and Curated.

Muddy’s Pit BBQ is an authentic ranch style BBQ restaurant. Imagine it is the age of the Wild West and you are looking at the town tavern and their are two swinging doors leading to the restaurant, your cowboy boots clack on the ground, and you look to your right and see a rustic sign stating the name of the tavern. While Muddy’s is not quite a Wild West tavern the rustic and authentic outdoor seating area decorated with license plates and vintage signs, as well as their live music, embodies that historic picture.  They barbeque using only log hardwood, and they offer plenty of sides to accompany their Pork Back Ribs, Pulled Pork, and Beef Brisket. They are seasonal open from April to December so stop in this summer and stuff your face with Muddy’s Pit BBQ.

Liftlock Paddle Co, is a kayak, canoe, and SUP rental location that also provides assistance to you and your family when attempting to flow through the liftlocks. You must reserve a time slot and then you will be met at the launch point in Beavermead Park. There they will assign kayaks, etc, to the group and then you will be free to float through the liftlock, the lazy river, or in the fountain. Liftlock Paddle Co is fun for the whole family and provides easy access and preparation for a kayak adventure.

Peterboroughs’ lock is lock 21, is located on the Trent canal, and is the largest hydraulic lock in the world. Address: 354 Hunter Street East, Peterborough.

Hastings

Lured Away Cottages is a dream tucked away within this small town. These cottages are against the water and provide a home away from home in this scenic location. Each cottage has a three or four-piece bathroom, the rooms each have double beds or bunk beds, and there is a bbq along with other necessities provided. In the evening venture through downtown Hastings or take a stroll through their neighbourhoods where rustic architecture defines each home. Finish the evening with hotdogs and marshmallows at Lured Away Cottages community fire pit and a swim off your personal dock. Each cottage is only a five-minute walk away from Hastings’ downtown yet still manages to make you feel isolated from city life. 

While Hasting’s is typically recognized for its charm and fishing opportunities, they have a hidden atypical location. Dodd’s Bowling Lanes is a Hasting’s classic, with only 6 lanes be prepared to cozy up with other Hastings visitors and locals. It is decorated to resemble a time capsule of the late 90s and early 2000s, making bowling, a dwindling sporting outing, even more special. 

As Hasting’s is a fishing town it would not be fisherman friendly of me if I did not recommend a fish and chips restaurant to stop at. The Captain’s Table is one of the few restaurants in Hastings but its reputation makes it a sought-out restaurant in the Quinte/ Kawartha area. The outside of this shop is made to resemble a classic fish and chips shack on the seaside. If you plan to venture to this restaurant during the winter months you will be delighted with their Christmas decorations which cover every flat surface in the eatery. As a kid, I remember having a toy train that made its way around the trunk of my family’s Christmas Tree, we had to get rid of it. But this eatery’s Christmas decorations are reminiscent of this set and make you feel like a child on Christmas yet again. 

Fitkitty Farms is the next stop on our Hastings to-do list! Escape city life with this experience buried deep in the countryside; tap into your inner Snow-White and bond with alpacas, llamas, goats, pigs, mini horses, and more at this interactive farm. Feed the animals, veg out with the goats, or take a walk through their sprawling farms on your trip to Fitkitty. This interactive farm is by appointment only; call in advance to secure your own private viewing of farm life or wait until the holidays when they have set visiting hours and activities. These set times can be found through their Facebook!

Hasting’s Lock is lock 18 and it is located in the heart of Hastings. Address:  4 Bridge St N, Hastings.

Campbellford

D’s Island Shack is a family-run Caribbean restaurant located in downtown Campbellford. Take a break from your comfort food; branch out and try authentic Trinidadian cuisine. This business used to be run out of a chip truck but recently they made the move to a storefront. Enjoy traditional jerk pork or their pepper shrimp! Wash your meal down with a thick mango smoothie and if you are lucky try some vanilla Caribbean fudge when it is available! 

Enjoy the Trent Severn Waterway while indulging in a casual yet gourmet dining experience at The Dockside Bistro in Campbellford. This family run restaurant broke into the food industry in the GTA but becoming tired of city living they began their research surrounding the quaint towns and villages in the surrounding area. Falling in love with the uniqueness of the Trent Severn Waterway they settled down on the water in Campbellford. Their meals are crafted from scratch with using the freshest ingredients. While they have been in the food industry for 25 years this bistro has only been open to the area in the past few years. During your visit try the fan favourite Herb Crusted Salmon Fillet or the Dockside Bistro Burger!

Take a hike to Ranney Falls Lookout, Cambpellfords very own Niagara Falls. Walk through Ferris provincial park until you stumble across these falls. They are the entire width of the Trent waterway; 50-60 metres and at least 4m high. The lookout is a ten-minute walk from the famed suspension bridge and is easy to locate by the multiple signs pointing the way. While this lookout is special at any time of the year, this lookout is even more spectacular during the fall. The fall bush comes in the corner of your vision and the falls make up the rest. The Ranney Falls is better than visiting the commercialized Niagara Falls as chances are you will be the only one visiting and the scenic view is enough to make you move to the countryside.

Church Key Brewery is a legendary location on this featured route. Have you ever heard of a brewery located in a church?  This brewery was the first Microbrewery ever in Northumberland County. They support other local businesses by using only products from the area when possible when crafting their authentic brew. Enjoy a beer in the church or in their surrounding outdoor seating area. They also work with the Empire Cheese Factory’s local business to provide a wide variety of cheese and other delights to snack on while sipping your beer. 

The Empire Cheese Cooperative is a 135-year-old tradition and is the only standing cheese company and manufacturer in Northumberland County. The majority of the cheese made and sold by this company is located at their home location in Campbellford but if you search for it you can find this cheese sold in Peterborough, Linsey, Oshawa, and more.

It would not be an authentic Campbellford visit if our final stop was not Dooher’s Bakery. This Campbellford classic has been thriving since 1949 when Harry and Muriel Dooher opened the shop with the intent to provide baked goods to their community. In 1977 the bakery was passed down to their son Peter Dooher who ran it with his wife. The bakery has since been passed to his daughter Corey Dooher who has run the bakery since and has provided her three children with jobs at the establishment throughout the year. Dooher’s donuts are world famous and it would be a disgrace if you did not pick up a dozen donuts, each a different flavor. They also offer an array of bread, tarts, pies, rolls, muffins, cookies, and more. If you visit during the holidays you can have your pick from an assortment of Christmas cakes or pumpkin-flavoured treats surrounding thanksgiving. 

Westben Theatre, or more commonly known as Westben; is a theatre meant to bring communities together through music. It has been open for 22 years and holds more than 400 people. Westben have three locations built to provide authenticated music experiences for local and out of town visitors. The music performed at this Theatre ranges from Indigenous, to country, to broadway, to symphony, to folk. Enjoy one-of-a-kind sounds and performers at Westben an established theatre dedicated to providing authentic music to listeners.

The Ranney Gorge Suspension is open year round within Ferris Provincial Park, it provides an easy hiking trail for all ages and can even provide a small scare. Stand on this suspension bridge and look down 30ft to the waterway underneath. It is within walking distance to the Locks, to downtown Campbellford, and to Doohers Bakery.

Campbellord is Lock 13 and it is located on Ranney falls, visit the lookout and the lock all in one trip! Address: 6199 County Rd 50, Campbellford.

Stirling

Hopefully, this far in our road trip, your stomachs have room for Ice Cream. The Scoop is a longstanding ice cream shop. This store is no bigger than your family washroom and has a little window where you are able to order any flavor under the sun. This ice cream location is owned by a grade nine student Taya Visser! The Scoop is open from May to early September 7 days a week 2-8 pm. If ice cream is not enough to convince you of visiting, supporting a 15-year-old in her business endeavour is. 

Longtooth Beverage Co. is a small-town brewery that is focused on creating unique Western European-style beers! Their brew is made in small batches to ensure that each brew is crafted with care and so that the flavours have time to ferment and shine through. Their menu in terms of food is limited to their in-house-made pizza as well as shareable nachos, and other snack-attizers. The brewery and dine-in location are out of a garage and the patio portion is located on the driveway. The brewery is open six days a week and is typically open till around 9 pm. 

Glen Ross

Brambleberry Farms is a U-Pick farm with many other unique experiences to offer. Visit this farm anytime from June to September and pick the freshest strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Bring your favourite fishing rod and catch your dinner in Brambleberry’s pond or take a wagon ride around the farm to learn about its lush history. Brambleberry encourages its guests to stay the night on one of their five campsites! This farm is run by a small family dedicated to providing the community with the freshest berries! Stop by Brambleberry in the coming months before it closes for the season. 

What’s Your Scoop is a Kawartha dairy ice cream location that sells 32 yummy flavours of ice cream and over 12 flavours of slushies. This ice cream store is open from May to October which is longer than most seasonal shops. In the fall months, pies created by local farmers with their local produce are included as an ice cream side. My personal favourite is their apple pie with a side of vanilla ice cream. The ice cream shop is located in a picturesque barn surrounded by lush greenery. 

The Glen Ross lock is lock 7 and is located in a rural area and has many picnic tables and walking trails for you to explore. Address: 3, 29 McGuire Ln, Frankford.

Quinte West

The Quinte Museum of Natural History is a museum dedicated to providing education for people eager to learn. their exhibits projects integrity of knowledge, collegiality, honesty, objectivity, and openness. With exhibits surrounding the carniverous dinosaurs, the long knecked dinosaurs, the horned dinosaurs, and the armoured dinosaurs. This summer season they have developed an exploration exhibit that provides a series of dinosaur specimen open for research and interaction. Plan your trip to the Quinte Museum of Natural History and fuel your inner childhood love for dinosaurs.

Saige’s Sweets is as sweet as it sounds, when seven-year-old Saige expressed an interest in cany more than just eating it at Halloween and Easter her parents made sure her dream could become a reality. At just seven years old Saige is a small business owner, and no it’s not just a lemonade stand that we all tried to grow at age 7 by using minute maid lemonade. This candy shop while small is much grander than our seven-year-old hearts could imagine. Saige has all the candy you can imagine in her shop and in recent years she has become a chocolatier by making and selling her own chocolate. Now, this stand is only open on special occasions so make sure you keep up with Saige’s Facebook profile for her shoppe so you can guarantee you show up when the business owner is in. 

The Old Church Theatre is the next stop along our route in Quinte West. This is an intimate setting which features local Canadian artists, playwrights, and local short films. Throughout the summer they have performances most Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. They also have a pub located inside the pub open on performance nights from 5pm-10pm. This pub serves delicious meals as well as drinks and if you sit on the patio outside the old theatre you can try one of their fantastic wood pizzas with your own choice of toppings. This summer check out Canadian performances by Melissa Payne, and many more; or try your hand at their open-mic nights. 

The National Air Force Museum of Canada located in Trenton is a must stop in the Bay of Quinte area. The NAFMC was created to preserve and retell the history behind Canada’s aviation. It tells the story of Canada’s first flight, it’s major role in the world wars, and to know its role in peacekeeping missions across the globe. Marvel at the glorious first Canadian Aircraft and other interesting exhibits but dedicate your time learning about the brave people who flew these planes and the lush history behind each craft during your visit; that is what makes this location truly special.

The Old Bank Cafe while new on the block has roots embedded in the history of Quinte West and has managed to maintain its rustic charm. The Old Bank Cafe was once a Bank of Montreal, only recently was it reformed to suit a coffee shop. The shop takes inspiration from the historical location by decorating its interior with large bills and checks. The truly unique aspect that this location boasts, is the refurbished bank vault now used to seat visitors and their coffees. Take a page out of Danny Ocean’s playbook and take a coffee in a newly emptied bank vault. 

There are four locks located in Quinte West, the lock 5- Trent lock, the lock 4- Batawa lock, the lock 3- Glen Miller lock, and the lock 1- Trenton lock where our route ends!

Address Lock 5: 27 Hannah Ln, Frankford

Address Lock 4:  997 Glen Miller Rd, Frankford

Address Lock 3: 551 Glen Miller Rd, Quinte West

Address Lock 1: 29-45, Regional Rd 33, Trenton

For lots more off-the-beaten-track experiences, one-of-a-kind eats, and hidden gems only locals know about check out the Historic Trent Severn Gem Towns Route.

Is discovering hidden gems and one-of-a-kind eats only locals know about right down your alley? Why not help us spread the word by becoming an Adventurer Club Member.

Welcome to the Weekend Route your guide to one-of-a-kind eats, locations, and featured routes.  This curated route for our weekend route adventurers features Margaritas, Markets, and Antiques in the Bay of Quinte Region. This route takes you from Colborne Ontario all the way to Milford PEC. 

Our first stop along this loaded route is Colborne, Ontario, located along the outskirts of the Bay of Quinte Region. Growing up in the small town of Colborne was special, and as it is deep in the country a dinner out with family was relished. When my family did leave the countryside and venture into the heart of Colborne we consistently visited Vitos, so much so that Vitos has become a household name within our family. Vitos is a classic pizzeria with a menu full of homemade Italian meals. Although, we would not be able to call it the Margaritas, Markets, and Antiques route if I did not talk about their fantastic margaritas. Take your margarita and pizza on their gorgeous patio or enjoy it in the homey indoor eating area. 

The next stop is Rutherford’s Farm & Roadside Market, a sprawling farm with more produce than imaginable. This family-owned farm started off as a humble homegrown apple stand at the end of their driveway. It has since expanded to hold a market building, a bakery, and a greenhouse where Dave, one of the owners, can be found. This market is an example of a perfect family market, not only do they have a wide assortment of products but they also have maintained their humble beginnings by keeping their roadside market open. 

Marion’s Antiques is a quaint antique shop which is best known for its vintage home decor. The store is in a red barn and holds a variety of collectibles and antiques. Closed on Tuesdays but open every other day from 11-4, you are sure to find something old to upgrade your home and make new again.

The Margaritas, Markets, and Antiques route visits Brighton a quaint town filled with unique locations to visit. Our first stop is The Whistling Duck, the summery, lakeside restaurant, with a patio fit for a king. The Whistling Duck got his unique name from a murder case in the 1800s. HMS Speedy was the boat that sunk carrying a prisoner waiting to be prosecuted for murder, when the boat sunk the prisoner never got served with justice. “Whistling Duck” the man who died at the hands of the murderer never had his case closed, The Whistling duck restaurant honours the death of the victim and the fact that if the trial had happened and the ship had not sunk, Brighton would have been named the Capital of Upper Canada. The restaurant is a seafood restaurant and serves dishes such as their Lobster Club Sandwich, their Dusty Bender Burger, or their Pulled Pork Poutine. They are open 7 days a week and are located at 75 Harbour Street, Brighton, ON. 

The next stop in picturesque Brighton is Codrington Farmer’s Market recently created market meant to fill the empty market niche in Brighton. The market has now established itself as the farmer’s market in Brighton. Their Public Library Branch is often brimming with customers, and the children love to paint pictures and work on crafts. With 6 vendors filling their market wholly run by volunteers. The market not only provides locally sourced products, but also provides food sampling, and live music. The market is located at 2992 County Rd 30, Codrington and is open 10am-1pm Sundays.

Marion’s Antiques is a large antique furniture store. The store resembles a large red barn and encapsulates an antique nostalgia that cannot be replicated anywhere else. This antique store is so unique and off-the-beaten-track that it does not have any social media, websites, or truly any information surrounding the store on the web. The store is typically open 11am-4pm excluding Tuesdays. The antique store regularly makes old new again by introducing new antique pieces around the clock. Visit Marion’s Antiques to discover rare furniture pieces designed to take your home and lifestyle to the next level.

Tomasso’s Italian Grille located in Quinte West, is the next stop along our Margaritas, Markets, and Antiques route. In the early 70s, the famed Jim’s pizzeria opened up its first location in Quinte West. Unfortunately, a couple of years later front street including the pizzeria suffered a fire destroying multiple businesses. While the original Jim’s pizzeria was lost the family’s love for food jumpstarted a larger menu and open seating concept in a new location, leading to the founding of Tomasso’s Italian Grille. Tomasso’s offers a wide variety of classic Italian dishes as well as an impressive drinks menu. Satisfy your taste buds with this family-run and owned grille with your favourite pasta dish and a classic margarita in their lovely restaurant.

Front Street Farmer’s Market is a spectacular market filled with local vendors catering to wants and needs you may not have even realized you had. When I think of a farmers market I typically envision pop-up shops only open on Sundays. The truth is, some people cannot make it to the market on a Sunday. Front Street Farmer’s Market is open both Saturdays and Wednesdays, making your trip to the market much more convenient with not only one day to visit a week! Choose from a variety of homegrown vegetables, custom crystals for all the witchy ones, or dog treats from the multiple vendors available at the market.

Quinte West has a wide variety of Antique stores but none quite as undiscoverable as “Antiques Mickey Herrington”. Mickey Herrington and his Antiques can provide you with rustic art, vintage furniture that seems as though it was pulled out of an old estate, and relics and artifacts surely previously owned by someone world-changing. The only catch; is you have to guess when they are open! Typically they are open on weekends but you will never know until you get there, as the hours are not definitely listed and are subject to change. This antique store is buried deep but that makes it all the more special and intriguing, why would you go to an antique store that has already been picked over? 

While these next two locations may not be directly on our designated route if you are in the mood to venture off the path, they are definitely worth mentioning! 

Fawn Over Market located in Carrying Place is the ideal marketplace. This market offers fresh produce, provisions, prepared meals, and take-out; from Thursday through to Sunday. Alexandra Feswick the owner of Fawn Over Market moved to Carrying Place and noticed there was a lack of health-based local grocery stores, she opted to take matters into her own hands and fill this niche. With the help of her carpenter husband and her talent for painting, they refurbished an old butcher’s shop and convenience store into the lavish market it is today. They offer daily featured dinners, each one as tasty as the last. Personal favourites include; their Whole Roasted Chicken or their Moussaka with Greek salad. 

This next stop is somewhat of a jack of all trades, I truly do not believe it can fall under any one category. For this reason, I have decided to label this business as market/ antiques/ collectibles. The County Emporium is a women-owned rustic business. Customers have described this small business as one of the most welcoming places they have entered. The emporium offers local preserves and collectibles while also delving into antique or retro collectibles. The emporium is located inside a glamorous refurbished church, though it still carries its rustic charm. The County Emporium is a welcoming business that I recommend you visit if you are looking for local collectibles. 

Located in Carrying Place as well is Hoss’s Diner! While it may not sell Margaritas it has something lacking in other restaurants; antiques. Hoss’s Diner is a retro diner that is known for their classic burgers and draft beer. The diner is decorated with 70s memorabilia, including a life size cutout of Elvis Presley. Their checkered floors and vintage posters tie this diner together and truly provide and authentic experience. Order their Famous HOSS Burger or their Foot-Long Hoss Dog with a side of draft beer!

Our next stop along this BOQ route is Belleville. My first recommendation in terms of margaritas is The Lark: Food + Drink. Their majestic cocktail menu may have you reaching for one of their unique drinks but as per the route you have chosen, it would only be right if you asked for a margarita! Their Barrel-Aged Margarita is made with Altos Tequila, Grand Mariner, and Lime Lillet. Their slogan encompasses the nature of their drinks; “Inspired by classic. Crafted with Love. No Sugar Syrups. Made Right.” If you are drinking, we must remind you to drink on a full stomach. Luckily for you, The Lark has the perfect dishes to match your drink of choice. My personal favourite is; The Brown Butter Gnocchi, give it a try and then reach out to me at hello@theweekendroute.com, do we match in flavour pallets? 

If you are looking for an authentic margarita, Chilangos Belleville is sure to be your new favourite restaurant. Chilangos is owned by Marlem Power and Abraham Ramos, who immigrated to Canada from Mexico City, naming Chilangos after a person born in Mexico City. Chilangos offers the best food of Mexico City without having to leave the comfort of Belleville. Try their Jarrito Margarita, or their Hibiscus Margarita, or yet their Tamarindo Margarita; the possibilities are endless. Would you like it on ice or frozen? Try one of their “From the Abuela’s Kitchen” entrees, and we promise you won’t regret it. Currently Chilangos is closed indefinitely after suffering damages to their property after a large storm, continue to check back in with Chilangos so you can support this lovely local business. 

Capers is a restaurant situated downtown Belleville which offers seasonal meat and fish entrees and main dishes. Their drink menu atop of their craft beer options is enough to make a trip to this high end restaurant. With outdoor sidewalk seating soak in the summer sun with a fresh catch meal, and feel as though you are on a sophisticated vacation. Capers uses only the freshest sustainable products when crafting their menu. On Fridays savour this classy setting while enjoying live music performances!

Belleville’s farmers market has dominated downtown Belleville since 1816, the Belleville Historic Market Square is renowned for it. The market is always full of life and local artisans, crafters, and farmers decorate the inside of the market consistently. The market is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 8am-5pm. Vendors such as Blank Slate Farm are known for their eco-friendly, chemical-free, fresh produce. Dare I say they are wiping the “slate” clean when it comes to the harmful farming trends we see often. Or check out Naylor Emu Farm if you are interested in exploring emu meat, emu oils, and emu soaps. Belleville’s farmers market is a great option for those looking to live like a local in Belleville. 

Our next stop along the antique portion of our route is Boretski Gallery. This stop is for the fashion moguls, this gallery holds vintage collections of clothing dating back to the 1920s. This store opened in 2003 wishing to put the art back into shopping and clothing. Lose yourself in the endless racks of period fashion and remember there is beauty in clothes not just in the person that wears them. The store encompasses daytime and nighttime fashion while sometimes mixing modern and vintage pieces. The store also offers to refurbish your own vintage pieces. This store is an immersive experience and I recommend it to those who love fashion and its history. 

Our next antique spot in Belleville is Funk & Gruven A to Z. This antique business has been open for the last 23 years and therefore have developed an established  clientele and a collection of the best vintage pieces. People come out of province for Funk & Gruven antiques, browse a collection of antique furniture, vintage decorations, and beautiful art pieces. Check out their online marketplace for a sneak peek of what is to come in store!

Even the name is refreshing; Bermuda PEC, our first stop in Bloomfield, PEC. This restaurant is tangy and exotic. Their menu puts a healthy twist on Taco Bell favourites; like the crunch wrap supreme.  Bermuda PEC’s cocktail menu transports you to the open bar at your favourite beach resort; except better! Choosing a dish on their menu is not easy when there are a million different toppings and combinations ready for you to try. Their fries can be topped with queso, hot peppers, and more upon request; pair it with a spicy margarita and their best-selling Buffalo Fried Chicken Sandwich! I can’t stress it enough, take your vacation to the next level with Bermuda PEC. 

You would think that as someone who writes blogs for a living and finds the best locations for our adventure club members to visit, I would be a professional in categorizing locations. That’s the problem with our next location it doubles as a local market and a delicious restaurant. Bloomfield Public House is not only a tasteful eatery but a wide market providing you with local goodies and produce. I recommend their Shrimp Roll paired with fries if you are feeling conservative, but if you truly want to delve into PEC life try their daily Farm Feature. This dish features a local farm-oriented dish, using only its’ ingredients. Bloomfield Public House carries fresh produce along its shelves along with artisanal treats. Visit this market…restaurant on your trip to Bloomfield PEC.

Don’t let the name scare you from entering this establishment, “Dead People’s Stuff Antiques”, is a phenomenal stop for fulfilling your antique dreams. This antique store provides garden treasures, country pine furniture, and loads of oddities and knick-knacks. This family business began small, their humble beginnings started at local flea markets and eventually branched to travelling antique shows. Now a flourishing company, Dead People’s Antiques have found its forever home within the quaint town of Bloomfield. Open Friday-Sunday, 11ish to 4ish, do not pass up on this eerie location. You never know what you are going to find; maybe a genie in a vintage bottle?

Welcome to Wellington, PEC where yet again your first stop will be accompanied by a margarita. When in Wellington visit La Condesa for authentic Mexican cuisine. La Condesa sources most of its products from local farmers and is focused on providing you with a clean, fresh, satisfying meal. The inside of the restaurant is accented with fuchsia, and little paintings and decals represent the lush culture of Mexico. Fan favourite menu dishes are the Ceviche Tostadas and the Pollo Asado Taco. As for margaritas, decide between a classic margarita or their mazunte margarita; or be responsible and get both! 

Wellington’s Farmer’s Market mission statement states “We’re planting the seed of a brighter tomorrow today!”. They urge you to join their PEC community and shop locally at their market. This farmers market is located at the Eddie hotel and farm. This location is out of a fairytale, the hotel or “manor” reminds me of a location that could be featured in a Jane Austen movie adaptation. The market is open 8am-1pm Saturdays rain or shine. 

County Rust is our next stop on this BOQ trip. This antique store is tucked away in Wellington and is known by locals for its gorgeous silverware and aged furniture. Each antique within this store has a lush history and you can tell by the unique craftsmanship of each piece. The store itself is nestled behind a house in a barn. The cluttered yet organized feel of the store makes you feel right at home among the trinkets and cottage decor. 

Picton is the second to last stop along the Margaritas, Markets, and Antiques BOQ route. You know the drill by now, our margarita stop in this town is Bocado Restaurant. This special restaurant, like all new modern homes, has an open concept kitchen. Watch the chefs prepare, plate, and mix your drinks near your table. This restaurant is Spanish inspired and its’ menu is fit for a king. Try something off their Tapas Del Bar to start and then a Grande, to share with your family. Their house margarita is a Margarita Verde, made with tequila, green chartreuse, shishito, lime, and herbs. This high-end martini and lavish meals are more than enough reason to visit Bocado Restaurant. 

As we near the end I have realized that it cannot truly be a waterfront route without including a fish market. The Blue Sail- Seafood Market & Restaurant, is a perfect stop to grab a fresh meal while shopping for all your fishy favourites. The market portion of this location is open Thursdays (12pm-6pm), Fridays & Saturdays (11am-6pm), and Sunday (12pm-3pm).  With close 50 different types of seafood available for purchase through the market, it is sure you won’t be leaving without a full fish net. While you’re there, their delicious dishes may just reel you in. Try their daily special, “Today’s catch”, or their Seafood Risotto. We guarantee this stop will be the biggest catch of the day with your family and friends!

Wooden Wishe is a hidden treasure, where you are sure to find a treasure of your own. This quaint antique store is known by loyal customers for its wide variety of old coins. This antique store stands out to me for its collection of vintage and rare books. They have a bountiful collection of vintage sand dollars. This stop is open from Monday to Sunday (10am-8pm). Stop wishing upon a star for the perfect antique find and simply stop at Wooden Wishe. 

Our last stop is Milford, and our last business is Honey Pie Hives and Herbals, a bee market, this small business takes inspiration from honey bees and the flowers they pollinate. These flowers can be used to create herbal essence products and natural healthful products. This year they are celebrating 22 years of business, join them for this special celebration. Purchase honey, soap, lotion, lip balm, herbal blends, teas, mead, and much more. Situated within a new Barnhouse this authentic, environment-conscious, business is one you do not want to miss. 

For lots more off-the-beaten-track experiences, one-of-a-kind eats, and hidden gems only locals know about check out the BOQ’s Margaritas, Markets and Antiques Route.

Is discovering hidden gem and one-of-a-kind eats only locals know about right down your alley? Why not help us spread the word by becoming an Adventurer Club Member.

This mesmerizingly beautiful drive will take you through some of the most picturesque islands in North America, The Thousand Islands. A tropical-like destination in summer and a brilliant excursion of fall colours after. This peaceful drive between Gananoque in Southeastern Ontario to Watertown in Northern New York State has endless shorelines, rich history and unique culture.

Gananoque

We start our drive in Gananoque, considered as the “Gateway to the Thousand Islands”. Gananoque has some of Eastern Ontario’s finest waterfront communities. Gananoque is an aboriginal name that means “Town of two Rivers”, River Gananoque and the St. Lawrence River. The town is conveniently located on Hwy 401 and has equal proximity to some of the big cities like Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and New York. Gananoque boasts a variety of healthy outdoor activities including sea kayaking, scuba diving, swimming, nature walks, and the 37 km Thousand Islands Bike Path. Take off from the area docks in search of muskie, pike, bass and other freshwater fish, as the St. Lawrence River has world-renowned fishing. Canada’s dockside theatre, Thousand Islands Playhouse, is a lovely theatre on the waterfront with a large walk-about deck and a great view of the St. Lawrence River produces theatre that entertains, engages and inspires the audience. The work truly resonates locally, throughout Eastern Ontario and across Canada.

Rockport

As we drive away from Gananoque on Hwy 401 and then head south on Route 137 we take a detour and head east on the riverside route, Thousand Islands Pkwy, to the historic village of Rockport. The Irish and the Scottish were the first settlers in the area around 200 years ago and the village of Rockport was an important steamboat centre. Rockport’s history of boat building is depicted by a mural on the boat building shed at Andress Boat Works. And if you have a little extra time in your hand be sure to do a walking tour of Rockport to get a glimpse of the village’s 200 years history. The walk could certainly make you hungry and in which case, the Boathouse Country Inn comes to your rescue. Grab a seat on their riverside patio and enjoy their favourite fish and chips while overlooking the waters.

Now we head back on Route 137 and go over the iconic Thousand Island Bridge. The bridge over the St. Lawrence River goes across Constance Island and Georgina Island to reach the state of New York. Just before we cross the borders make sure to stop by at the Thousand Islands Tower. The 130-meter tall tower has an elevator that takes you to the top to give a spectacular view of the Thousand Islands and the St. Lawrence river. Don’t forget to take your cameras up there, we bet you’ll want to take a few shots from up top!

While on the drive, check out our TWR blog on “Kingston & Wolfe Island: Checking Off The “Day-cation” Bucket List” for some unique eats and off-the-beaten experiences and natural wonders in the 1000 island region.

Fisher’s Landing

As we go across the river on the Thousand Island Bridge on route 81, we make another detour to the west on route 12 to get to Fisher’s Landing, our first stop across the border. This small community of only 100 people is situated on the banks of River St. Lawrence. The historic hamlet is known for its riverside views and marinas. The highlight though is the Rock Island Lighthouse situated on a small island called Rock Island. Clayton Boat tours offer boat rides to the island, so you can climb the spiral ladders on top of this well-restored lighthouse for breath-taking views. Truly an amazing experience you don’t want to miss out on.

LafargeVille

Our next stop is LafargeVille, we drive south from Fisher’s Landing on Route 180 to get here. LafargeVille is the principal village of the town of Orleans with a population of fewer than 1000 people. The hamlet was named after John Frederick La Farge, a French immigrant and businessman who arrived here in 1826 and was previously called “Log Mills” because of sawmill business here earlier. And if you are a car racing fan, you are going to love the next stop we are about to make in this hamlet: Can-Am Speedway. This 2-mile dirt oval raceway is home to some serious car racing history where competitors from Canada and America compete for the title. Be sure to attend this car race!

Watertown

We head east on Route 81 as we continue our drive to our final destination on the banks of Black River, Watertown. The city was named after many waterfalls on the Black River. Located in northern New York state, the city is home to the most millionaires per capita than any other city in the States. The city was established in the early 19th century as an industrial and manufacturing centre. Fun facts: Watertown claims to be the origin of the Five and Dime store (variety store) and Safety pins. Also, you might have a Little Trees car freshener hanging on your car’s dashboard. Guess where it was made? If you guessed “Watertown” you are correct, Watertown is the home of Little Trees air fresheners.

This unique trip is perfectly curated for those who enjoy driving through small towns, experiencing the unique lifestyles of small hamlets across the US-Canada border in the Thousand Island region. And if you aren’t already in love with the Thousand Islands, spare some space for this beautiful region, it will surely take your breath away. As Charles Dickens rightly noted during his trip here in the 1840s, the Thousand Islands “can hardly be imagined.” Where else in the world can you find almost two thousand islands, all unique and just waiting to be discovered?

For more off-the-beaten-track experiences, one-of-a-kind eats, and natural wonders on the St. Lawrence Riverside, pop over to the partner page on the weekend route as well as the other blogs and vlogs for the area.

By following this preplanned route it is guaranteed that your trip along the water will be seamless yet unpredictable due to the off-the-beaten-track experiences, one-of-a-kind eats, and natural wonders that these off-the-water towns have to offer.

Try this route and email us at hello@theweekendroute.com with your experience or if you have other stops along the St. Lawrence that you think we should include in our route.  If you would like to become a  Weekend Route Adventurer send us your favourite off-the-beaten-track experience, a local one-of-a-kind eat, or a backcountry outdoor tip.

Welcome to The Weekend Route’s newest Featured Route ‘ON2 the Lake Route’! 

We invite you to add some of Port Hope’s off-the-beaten-track experiences, one-of-a-kind eats, and natural wonders to your next adventure.

ON2 The Lake Route takes you the scenic way along the shoreline of Lake Ontario from Clarington – Kingston.

The route allows you to build your route based on unique and authentic categories of stops along the way – more than we can fit in one blog post!

Today we are going to take you through some of the unique and authentic things to see and do in Port Hope, ON – things only locals know about!. 

Having one of the best-preserved 19th-century streetscapes in Ontario, in recent years Port Hope has become a beautiful year-round destination and a popular backdrop for films, one famous film being the 2017 and 2019 adaptation of Stephen King’s ‘It’. 

Many scenes for the movie were filmed in the historic downtown and there is an interesting self-guided tour you can take that brings you through all the filming locations. We’ll start off our route by taking you through some of the creepier movie moments like Paul Bunyan in the park and the eerie delivery door where you can still see the sign to snap a picture. You can walk along the streets that the Losers Club were famously seen riding their 80’s style bikes down and really feel like you’re visiting Derry, Maine in person!  

Next on the route, we’re going to suggest you visit the Dancing Bees Farm and Observatory! Here you can watch bees as they make honey, learn about the importance bees play in our environment and food production. If you are brave enough you can take a beginner beekeeping lesson and purchase your own beekeeping kit, bees, and supplies so you can make your own honey and beeswax.

Have you ever thought about the history, and stories old barns hold? Our next stop will take us along a historic barn quilt trail – each historic barn displays a quilt tile on the outside of the building. Artists worked in collaboration with barn owners to create these magnificent 8×8 tiles that showcase the individual family history of each barn. 

Along the route, you’ll see a barn that was owned by one of Port Hope’s founders: Elias Smith, as well as a family farm still in operation (and still family-owned) from the 1870s! 

Another stop we would recommend brings us back into the historic downtown of Port Hope – Ontario’s Favourite Small Town. We suggest you add Ganaraska Brewing Company to your route for your choice of craft beers brewed on the premises, and overlooking the Ganaraska River (if you visit in spring you’ll see the river is full of fly fishing enthusiasts – and in the late summer and early fall they are replaced by those fishing for salmon – all of which you can watch from the rooftop patio). 

To begin your adventure visit The Weekend Route’s ON2 The Lake Route – newly curated with each coming season.

We’re really excited to be a partner of The Weekend Route – click to view all of our experiences.