Amazing journeys begin with the simple decision to go.
ANONYMOUS
Our goal was to make it back to Ottawa in time for the 23rd birthday of our son, Matthew. Which we did for first time in the last 6 years! Also, I needed to get a good cooking fix out of my system. Eggs Bennie and Mimosas for breakfast and Carbonara and Ribs for supper. Then a night of dancing at a friend’s reception. Perfect! Happy Birthday Matthew!
OK, party over, and now we have actually been home for four days and I needed a road trip. Today my driver was Momma Duck; and our adventure took us to Merrickville and the Rideau Canal Lock system.
Now, the Rideau Canal, is one of Ontario’s most important waterways, and it creates a historical line between one of the oldest cities in Canada (Kingston) and our nation’s capital (Ottawa). Almost in the middle of these two cities is the town of Merrickville.
Merrickville is one of the oldest municipalities in Upper Canada. It was apparently first settled by Irish, Scottish and French over 225 years ago with the building of the canal. The architecture and stone buildings in town create a great ambiance and show you the history that is here. There are some historical ruins to explore in the area also.
There are shops in Merrickville that aren’t available anywhere else, like the Yellow Canoe Café, which by the way is closed on Tuesdays. Then Mrs. McGarrigle’s Fine Foods Shop, which is known for her unique mustard flavors and her hand made chocolates. Nana B’s Bakery, and The Wick Witch, a unique hand-crafted candle shop. These are just a few examples of the many quaint businesses in the area.
Now, any trip to Merrickville isn’t complete without taking in the Rideau Canal Lock System. It is a great learning experience, watching the canal lock system in operation, with a bridge and road that swings to allow boats through and how it can stop traffic in the middle of town; with some waiting patiently and others not (if you know what I mean). It is simply amazing to see how big some of the boats are, that do actually come though the lock system.
After our day of exploring we tried the Goose and Grid Iron Pub for lunch on the patio followed by a stop at the new, and awesome, Stella Luna Gelato shop. A stop for Gelato is simply a MUST!!