Let me preface this by saying, I am so grateful to live in this beautiful town and I absolutely love that I can walk to the beach, enjoy trails, eat in our fantastic restaurants and shop our cute shops! Summer here is heaven, and if I had to be “locked-down” somewhere, our home is a pretty great place to be BUT, sometimes you just need a change of scenery!
I don’t think I am alone in saying, I’m ready to travel again! So, so ready! However, being a cautious sort, I don’t think I’m ready to head to any crowded city just yet. So, I have come up with little getaway, not too far from home that can be a day trip or extended to a two day getaway! No cities, public transit or mega malls here, just some small town, low-key outdoorsy stuff. You don’t have to go far or for long to see something new, right? I haven’t been to most of these places but they look fun!
Here’s what’s on the agenda!
Head to Markdale area and check out Kickin’ Back Alpaca Ranch Tours here take 45-90 minutes and cost $75 (for up to 5 people). Next stop, Flesherton where you can check out the Flesherton Art Gallery, Artsonten (Arts on Ten) and Local Colour for art and hand-crafted items. Then stretch your legs at Hoggs Falls, where a 5 minute walk will get you a great view. FYI: apparently there are no fences. Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, grab some lunch at The Bicycle Cafe or The Bakery or… why not both? You’re on a one day vacation after all. If it is still too early for lunch, you can eat later at Justin’s Oven in Kimberley
Moving along… we head to Kimberley. You will pass through Eugenia, where you can try out The Flying Chestnut kitchen if you are hungry.
Next Stop, Kimberley! (12 minute drive). Old Baldy Conservation Area has some great hiking (so I hear, my kids, nieces and sisters have done it) With beautiful views at the top (15 minutes to climb), this receives 5 stars on Trip Advisor. Stop at the Kimberly General Store (beside Justin’s Oven) for a snack or just to check out some cool stuff (I have been here, it’s small but worth checking out) Following that, a short drive to FiddleHead Nursery for a 20 minute, $5 tour of edible plants.
Depending on your time and energy, you can 1) head back home (and why not try a local restaurant you haven’t been to?) 2) head back home via Owen Sound and finish up your day with diner at Casero Kitchen Table or 3) carry on to Thornbury. In Thornbury, kick back, park the car and enjoying some samplings from Thornbury Village Cider and Brewery and/or The Dam Pub Gastropub. Walk off your beer as you check out The Thornbury Antique Market.
If you can find accomodation, make it a two day trip and the following day, play a round of golf, book the Scandinave Spa (again, if you are able and not afraid of crowds) or wander the Blue Mountain Village.
Sound like fun? Let me know what you think! If you have been to any of these places, let us know what you thought in the comments. As I said, I haven’t been to many of these places, so I can’t vouch, but they do look interesting! Check ahead before you go, some places take reservations, some don’t and with Covid…you just never know!
xxxooo
Callie