Tag: Craft Brewery Page 2 of 3

On 6th January 2023

In Campgrounds, Places We've Been, Texas 2023

The mountains are calling and I must go.
John Muir

We had planned on stopping in Gatlinburg to try out the recommended brewery. However, it was busy!!! Worse than Pigeon Forge and Jo couldn’t get out of there fast enough. So, off exploring the park we go.

Now you know how people always reference dogs being distracted by a squirrel. The drive was like that; every time you turned around you were captivated by another spectacular view, your head was on a swivel. There were a lot of OMG look at that…and That…OMG isn’t that beautiful. Even in the middle of winter there was a beauty to be found. The Kodak moments were abundant to say the least. Thank goodness for digital.

We walked the Kephart Prong Trail and found calmness in the sounds of the cascading river rapids flowing by. We dared to traverse over a very narrow foot bridge, okay a log to cross the river (over came the fear and did it anyway). Stopped at Newfound Gap elevation 5046 feet and grabbed the picture of the state lines sign. We climbed 165 stairs to view the Mingo Falls, highest in the park. We hiked the Three Falls Loop (3.5km) in Deep Creek. The falls were all full because of the recent rain they just had. Juney Whank Falls, Indian Creek Falls, and Tom Branch Falls.

The park exceeded all of Jo’s expectations. I believe Steve enjoyed driving the narrow windy roads…..maybe not, but he did enjoy the park.

This was a 2 day adventure with a quick overnight in Ela, North Carolina. After a quick stop in Bryson City North Carolina (very cute town) we headed back into Tennessee. The next stop was the Tansai Brewery in Chattanooga as a Harvest Host for the night.

Moonshine Lewis’s

On 4th January 2023

In Campgrounds, Places We've Been, Texas 2023

I don’t know where I am going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.
David Bowie

Tennessee Bound today. I am not sure of what it is but there is a lure that has always pointed me towards Tennessee. Is it the landscape? Maybe it’s the country music. Perhaps it is going to Dollywood (not). I know, must be the Moonshine. No, it is the chance to hike in the Great Smoky Mountains!

Today our target is Pigeon Forge, KOA; just out side the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Pretty well drove straight through for 479 km! The Tennessee Visitor center was the highlight of the drive. Always a photo op with the “Welcome To…” signs. Because we are an RV we always have to park with the trucks; man those things are massive. Winnie looks so small!

Okay we reached our destination for the night. Pigeon Forge – it was definitely not the quiet spot we had thought it was. Man, it is like Niagara Falls on Steroids! Yikes!!

We decided to explore the area. In true Jo and Steve fashion we found ourselves… Yep you guessed it… sampling the vintages at the Mill Bridge Winery. Kevin was our server/host and he tried hard to find a wine or cider that Jo might like; but to no avail. However, he did point us in the direction of a couple of great breweries for our future travels.

Now, the next stop was the Old Forge Distillery. We were here in 2016 and they couldn’t serve us because we did not have our IDs!!! Imagine getting carded at the age of 60! We made sure we had ID tonight. We tried 10 different types of moonshine some of it was really tasty or maybe I lost feeling in my taste buds. Maybe it’s in my blood after all the “Lewis” (Jo’s Mom’s side) have a history of making Moonshine….so the story goes.

All I know I slept well that night and my cold had improved greatly.

The Shenandoah Valley

On 3rd January 2023

In Campgrounds, Texas 2023

Adventure is worthwhile in itself
Amelia Earhart

Well, after that nerve-wracking drive yesterday a change of plans was definitely in order. We are taking a different route. Even though I said I would NEVER drive the I-95 again after yesterday, we had to take it to get to the I-66. We are heading to the Shenandoah with plans to take the Skyline drive.

Okay a question to all of you. Would you Pay $30 to drive the 105-mile Skyline Trail? I would guess YES! Next question; would you pay $30 to drive 5 miles of the Skyline Trail….. I would guess NO! Apparently, the Trail is blocked from recent storm damage so now you know why there is no pictures from the drive.

However we did decide to take Hwy 340 south which took us down the Shenandoah Valley. The drive was spectacular and the scenery was breathtaking. The drive was also a much slower more relaxing pace for Steve. Only one state and one map required for today; Virginia!

Now in true Jo and Steve fashion we found a local brewery in Lexington VA, Devil’s Backbone. We tried their “Crabcakes & Football” a Session IPA, and a “Spill the Tea” Golden Ale. And a take out pack of their “Naughty or Nice” IPA to try later.

After another long day our home for tonight was Douthat State Park. A lovely quiet spot in the Allegheny Mountains of Virginia.

, 33, 34 the Beer Quest is on

On 4th September 2019

We decided to continue along the Acadian Coastal Drive to the end of the scenic drive. With a stop in Bathurst to refuel, stock up and of course check out a craft brewery.

Now, a few months ago we mentioned that we had a goal of trying 100 different craft beer. It’s now September and we are well over that goal and are at about 154. So, we decided to increase the goal to a Beer Quest of 50 different Craft Breweries and 200 different types of beer.

You do realize that BEER is an acronym for Brew…Enjoy…Empty…Repeat…. After doing a little bit of tourist stuff in Bathurst, we found a brewery on Google and stumbled on one by ourselves. 13 Barrels is a newer brewery (our 33^rd for the year) but I have to say it is one of my favorites so far. The ambiance was great, the service was amazing, the server was knowledgeable on the brews and the history of the brewery. The outdoor patio overlooking the river, on a warm summer’s day was perfect. They were extremely well organized for us beer quest fanatics. The Miss Clara’s Kolsch has been one of my more favourite brews so far. The Tipsy Barrel Radler, was nice but I prefer a light and crisp flavor of the Kolsch. Steve enjoyed Rendez-Vous Rouge and the Wild Goose Stout. (Remember 4 x 4oz = a pint).

Next stop we headed to Googles suggestion of Four Rivers Brewery. Tried a few; Blues d’la Baie, Belgian Amber, Timbersnip Milk Stout, and Rock Bolter- Black IPA. I have to say I much preferred the 13 barrels. Every brewery is different and caters to their clientele but if you only have time for one quick stop, I would definitely make the time for 13 Barrels.

Fredericton, New Brunswick

On 6th August 2019

If we were meant to stay in one place, we’d have roots instead of feet.
Anonymous

It’s been a while since we were on the go but it’s time to head back to Nova Scotia and this time in our SUV with a trailer load of household items. Our first stop was in Fredericton, NB.

Well these feet were made for walking! So off we go, there is a paved path that leads from our hotel into the city of Fredericton. It is a multi-use use path, and it runs along the St John River Bank. Along the path there were various touristy thing to stop at and admire. One of them was the water level posts that showed you how high the water flooded in various years. In the picture I am standing between the posts that represents the water heights of 7.5 meters and 8 meters. Imagine that this water which you see behind me rose to a level of 8.9 meters in 1936. That’s a lot of water!!

The chess table park was cool to see, would have been fun to play – maybe next time we will carry an extra set of chess pieces in our back pack. Checked out city hall, and the light house that was a Mac and Cheese shack. And you all know what comes next, we ended the morning at the craft brewery we found. Greystone Brewing. We enjoyed a flight of beer and had some amazing food from the food truck Monks & Jonesie that was in their parking lot. Spicy Cauliflower wings and Pulled Duck Poutine!

Yep, you guessed it “How does it get better than this!?”

New York Central Fitness Trail & Red Umbrellas

On 26th July 2019

Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.
ALBERT EINSTEIN

Sounds exciting doesn’t it? New York, Central Fitness Trail – perhaps not as exciting as the name implies but it was a lot of fun!

From 1898 – 1957 this trail was the main railway track that commuted between Ottawa and New York. In 1979 the communities of Embrun and Russel changed it into a multi-use recreation trail that connects the two communities.

Today we met our good friends (Angela & Murray) in this little town called Embrun, ON at the trail head which conveniently is the old train station building that has been converted into a coffee/smoothie shop. The 12 km trail is paved, which makes for an easy drive and a great one for having conversations while catching up with good friends.

Now here is where the red umbrellas come in. After we finished the bike ride, we wanted to catch a bite to eat and a beer. Well on the way to the bike path Jo noticed the beautiful red umbrellas… So, we checked it out and you guessed it, it was a microbrewery. Man, I must have a nose for craft breweries!

Brasserie Étienne Brûlé Brewery, claims to have Organic Craft Beer and locally sourced food, and we know they have bright red umbrellas. The flight of beer today had the Vagabond Blonde Ale, Notre-Dame Pilsner, Strawberry Milkshake and Black Creek – Black Pale Ale. The beer was good, the Strawberry Milkshake was interesting to say the least. The food and company were fabulous.

Biking, Beer and Red Umbrellas – How does it get better than this!!

The Cobequid Trail

On 21st July 2019

Every person you meet knows something you don’t; learn from them.
H. Jackson Brown

We woke up today to the most beautiful sunrise; Oh, how very beautiful! This is giving us the inspiration to get out and enjoy this beautiful day. Before we left for the day, we met a fisherman who stopped to buy some bait and he said that he had to get out fishing before the bad weather comes in. We never thought anything of his comment, the sky was blue and not a cloud to be seen for miles. So, we packed up the bikes and headed to the town of Truro; to bike another part of the “Great Trail”, The Cobequid Trail.

This trail offers some of the most amazing views of the Cobequid Bay. We picked up the trail at the Fundy Bay Tidal Bore viewing area (one of the areas that you can watch the Tidal Bore come in). Which to some people it is a way to marvel at the magnitude of nature and Tidal changes and to others it is just a bore. For the most part the trail hugs the bay, but it does pass by a few farmers fields. And a lot of Cow’s Parsnip!

We headed back down the trail and decided to take into town. Not as peaceful as the first half of the ride but there was a microbrewery at the end of the trail! And it was a hot day and we deserved a cool drink! The Salty Dog Brewery, this was the first time Steve had a chance to enjoy some of their beer. They had four fruit inspired beer on tap today; Blueberry, Strawberry, Rhubarb and Gose. Surprisingly enough the Rhubarb one, with its sugared rim, was very enjoyable! Now we did notice that there was a lot of dark clouds coming in – so time to head back. After we packed up the bikes, we sat on the bench and watched the storm that was a brewing come up the Cobequid Bay. As we were marveling and taking pictures of the storm from afar, we realized that the storm was probably directly over Debert where Winnie our RV was parked. Panic sunk in as we remembered that we left ALL the windows and the sun light vent open!!!! OH Boy! Now Jo’s dad managed to close the windows from the outside so not too much water came in that way. But we had over 4 inches of rain in a short period of time and yep it did, it all came through the open roof vent. What a mess! What a frenzy.

So, when you meet someone new, they might know something that you don’t; learn from them. If we had listened to that fisherman, we might have closed the windows and doors in the RV.

Save Water, Drink Beer!

On 18th July 2019

Well, we are all about conservation. So, when the sign says “save water drink beer” who are we to argue. Today’s mini adventure took us to Meander River Farm and Brewery. Located in a small area called Ashdale, Hants County, Nova Scotia sits this family operated farm that grows lavender, perennials and fresh cut flowers and they also have pastured livestock. The farm provides an opportunity for its visitors to connect with rural Nova Scotia and experience its natural beauty. The area is beautiful, and tranquil. We caught it on a quiet day and enjoyed the peaceful ambiance. Well, of course while enjoying a few of their beer and ciders.

Today we tried their Little Big Lager, Lunch Box Pale Ale, Surf & Turf Scotch Ale, First Frost Cider, Small-lot Brut Cider, Shack Wacky Cider, Ashdale Honey Brown, Seeing Double DIPA. Now I know you all think; OMG how much do they drink? But what you might not know is we usually buy a flight of beer which is a great way to sample a variety of flavors. Usually each glass that you see is 4 ounces. So, a flight of beer is equivalent to 16 ounces or one pint of beer each. Not too bad hey?

We are on a mission to sample or 100 different types of craft beer this year. Everyone needs a goal!!

Peace by Chocolate

On 17th July 2019

A success story; doesn’t everyone love to hear them? What about a Syrian Refugee family who immigrated to Canada and is now giving back to the country that welcomed them in. The Hadhad Family, had a successful chocolate factory in the middle east until a bombing destroyed everything they owned and they were forced to flee their country. They immigrated to a small town in Nova Scotia called Antigonish, which is less than 90 minutes from Jo’s Moms place……DAY TRIP!!

We all piled into the van (Nanny and Gramps in tow) and headed out. Now when we first arrived at the Google address, we were very surprised at how very small the building was, it looked like a quaint shed. But inside this tiny little building was a small room packed with CHOCOLATE!!!! Everything inside here promoted Peace, – the décor, the apparel, and most of all the chocolate, named for Peace.

Forgive and Forget, Turn the Other Cheek, Bury the Hatchet, One PEACE Won’t Hurt, the Harmony bar, the Resilience bar and sow the peace chocolate bunnies with a packages of flower seeds to plant.

Mr. Hadhad, the master chocolatier, was here today and with the help of his granddaughter shared some samples of his chocolate. Unfortunately, he did not speak any English, so he couldn’t share his story with us; which for my dad and I is the best part of any adventure. However, today we let the chocolate do the talking. You can check out Peace by Chocolate to learn their story. Where they lost everything, came to Canada and started over, and from this little building now have built and opened a chocolate factory that employs 25 people. Now really, how does it get better than that!

Not quite ready to let the adventure end for today, we tracked down on a brewery in the town of Stellerton, “Backstage Brewing company” (You know us it has been a few days since we found a microbrewery and no trip is complete with out it.) This little brewery was started by a musician who wanted to re-create the backstage feeling. We tried 4 of their own brews. “Hangover Helper”, “Little Sister”, “Stiff Hopper Lip” and the “Coffee Black Dog Stout”. I have always enjoyed the names!! Even got Nan and Gramps into the action. We really enjoyed this stop. Definitely a place to try again.

Chocolate, beer, and lastly we topped it all off with wings at The Thistle restaurant in New Glasgow. Notice the Chocolate was first! Always have dessert first!

The things we learn along the way

On 22nd June 2019

Well, todays adventure took us to Laval Quebec. The “us” today was Momma Duck and her daughter Rebecca. (The and Steve is still in Newfoundland).

We headed towards Montreal – but landed in Laval (Lesson #1– Laval and Montreal are not the same). Laval is a lovely spot and we found this nice park that we wanted to walk through.

So, the quest was to find a parking spot. Eureka, we found one! The sign says “No Parking from 9-2 hours” but lots of other cars parked here. Ok – Great, let’s park and we pulled in at 14:10. Now the park was an interesting walk, there were some sights that never should be repeated or re-seen! But it was still a nice day. People watching at its best. When we returned to the car, we noticed a few things. #1 – we were the only Ontario plated car, and #2 – we were the only car with a ticket! $75. The ticket was issued at 14:12. Apparently the sign said “No Parking 9-21 hours” – we did not see that little 1 after the 2. Oh boy, what a costly mistake. (Lesson #2 Learn to read the sign!)

OK, how to cheer oneself up? First off, let’s find a lovely spot on the river to eat. Now you know Jo – let’s find a microbrewery…. There is one in Deux Montagnes – umm- say’s it closes at 12pm – that doesn’t make sense. It is Saturday, after all!

So, off we go. Noire et Blanche Microbrasserie – Located in St-Eustache, Quebec. We found the town; another beautiful little spot. We found a clearly marked “Free” parking spot too! We walked up to the Microbrewery and it did look closed from the outside. It also did not look like the nicest place from the front. We thought, maybe a good thing if it was closed. Tried the door and indeed it was opened! (Lesson #3 – don’t believe all that you read on the internet!).

So now it was a decision time should we stay or should we go… Darn, the hostess is here. Ok, we will stay. Now she asks inside or out. We were nervous that there was no one out front but we followed her. Out back, … it opens up to the most beautiful patio on the river! Time to order!! White beer, Sangria, of course a flight of beer! (Litchi-Tchin(7), 93E-Resolution(8), St-Moustache(15), Pomme Porom Pom Pom(11)). Lobster rolls, Duck legs, Calamari, and a veggie bowl. Simply Amazing! We followed that with decadent desserts. Creme Brule, Pineapple Brule, and a Chocolate Brownie. Need I say more! (Lesson #4 Never judge a book by its cover). I would highly recommend this spot 6 stars out of 5!! I Just have to get the “and Steve” here to Check it out!!!

Ok, homeward bound – Rhonda (Daphne’s GPS) Take us Home! Oops, where are we? …OKA! There is no road here Rhonda… Ferry Time! It was so much fun being on the water. Stunning pictures…oops …darn, ran out of battery…. (Lesson #5 make sure your phone is charged). Thank goodness for friends with phones!!!

South Dundas – The way business should be…

On 21st June 2019

OK, I’ve been baking again! Time for another day trip. Today the “and Steve” is in Newfoundland, so our good friend Kim is my accomplice. Our mini road trip took us to Prescott, ON. I really wanted to check out the Newport Bakery and have their Pulled Pork. Now coincidentally it is located right beside the Windmill Brewery and the Kings Lock Distillery! Imagine that…

We arrived early so we took a walk down to see the windmill from the historic 1838 Battle of the Windmill. Today it was closed but for you history buffs there is a number to call to have someone open it. However, there are some plaques that explain what happened here.

The Newport Bakery & BBQ was almost another disappointment…… Now this was our second time attempting to eat here and we had just drove an hour to check this out! Last time they ran out of pulled pork and today they had no buns. Maybe I am not meant to eat here! We ended up trying the pulled pork on a taco shell. Very messy, but at least we can check that off our list.

Now next stop was the Windmill Brewery where we tried the 1838 Pilsner and the Barracks Black. Yep-only the two samples. Behind the next door is the Kings Lock Distillery. Their philosophy is “Live Life in small Batches”. Interesting place – took a private tour learned a lot about vodka vs. rum and moonshine. The owner Rob, was so nice and very informative. There were many types of distilled spirits to sample – even a garlic vodka; apparently good to cook with – no thanks – I will stick to beer! Rob then suggested that we visit a few other small businesses in the area, so off we went.

Next stop, Dentz Berry Farm for freshly picked Strawberries – these were awesome. Then recommendation number 2 the Upper Canada Creamy – Biemond fresh curds and cheese and organic natural yogurt. Really nice family-operated farm and dairy.

Now what goes well with cheese but wine! On the recommendation of Biemond we headed a little east to the Stone Crop Winery. By Now Kim is running out of steam, but being a great sport we tried a few wines here. The 2016 Frontenac Gris/Vidal (White), a 2018 Frigio Reisling (White), then a 2017-Frontenac Noir-Cabernet Franc (Red), and lastly the 2016 Fronenac Noir-Cabernet Sauvignon. I have to say this was the cheapest stop at a winery that I have ever done. Hmmm… Maybe because Steve wasn’t here and I don’t like wine.

The thing that impressed me the most was that these individual little business support and recommend each other – that is that way business should be done.

Father’s Day – It’s All about the “B” Factor

On 16th June 2019

In Events

Well, Steve didn’t have any special requests for Father’s Day, but the family had different ideas.

First “B” is Biking. Today we tried the Beryl Gaffney Bike Path; a 13 km path from Barrhaven to Manotick. It is a winding trail that hugs the river through the woods. A beautiful path and the only disappointment is that it was not long enough.

Second “B” Brunch – Lansdowne Farmers Market. Found in the heart of the Ottawa Glebe. Held on Sunday mornings. This Market is filled with Unique Artisans & Venders. Yummy Cookies, Maple Wine, Fresh Veggies, Local Strawberries, Dog treats, Gourmet Grilled Cheese, Indian food, Wild Meat Sausage, Plants, Kombucha, and for another “B” Bibimbap (Korean) and “B” Baked goods. And the List goes On. If you are ever in Ottawa on a Sunday Morning, we would highly recommend that you should really check this out.

Next “B” is Beer – The Craft Beer Market! Home to 100+ different beers. Conveniently located next to the Landsdowne Market! This was Rebekah’s treat and you know us we would never say no to beer! Our favorite here was the Belgium Strawberry Wheat Beer. (Ok, maybe not Steve’s fave). Definitely a fun spot.

“B” BBQ – What’s Father’s Day without a BBQ and this one was full of “B” BEEF!! Baked potatoes, Broccoli and followed by Chocolate Brownies.

All in all a “B” Brilliant Day! (well at least from the family’s point of view and Steve totally agreed!)

A fishway you say?

On 9th June 2019

Nothing lasts forever but at least we got these memories.
J cole

One wonders if the Lake Huron sunrise would be as spectacular as the sunset but we can’t tell you today, as we slept right through it. No, tractors, no 407-road noise nor any roosters to wake us this morning. The treat of the morning was a basket of local freshly picked Ontario Strawberries – Our first of the season. We purchased them from a small market farm on the side of the road; Joyce Farm Market. Man, o man they were tasty! I have always loved that first basket of local strawberries of the season! Remember we love to support local!

Today’s adventure takes us to our first stop at Sauble Falls – this very lovely area is a provincial park and a very popular tourist spot. So, patience is sometimes required to get the right picture. There is a small coin operated parking meter at the top of the parking lot. We didn’t have enough coins so we took turns going down to see the falls. Oh Well!

Next stop the town of Sauble Beach. This was a lovely spot; the beach seemed endless and oh, so soft sand. The waters were warm and it seemed to be a beautiful spot to spend the day. However, you know us, we aren’t really all day beach type people. So off we go with our end goal today to make it to Collingwood.

On our drive today we saw a huge billboard for Dairy Queen “BOOM”. Not sure what was actually on the sign other than the fact that the “O” letters were Blizzard treats. We never thought anything of it until our next stop, which was Meaford. Here we took a break and actually sat down and watched all the activity in the bay. While we were here, we noticed everyone with these awesome looking ice-cream treats so we asked where they came from and “BOOM” it was a Dairy Queen. Yep, we did – Ice Cream!!

Next, we stopped in Thornbury; on the foot of the Blue Mountains – you know where blue mountain pottery came from. We went for a walk on the walking/biking trail and checked out the Thornbury Dam and Fish Way. Yep, a fish way. What the heck is a fishway?, you ask. When they built the dam, they built a curved, cement river with rocks etc. to mimic the natural river so when the fish have to swim up river to spawn, they can – AKA a Fish WAY.

Final stop for the day; Collingwood and of course, Collingwood Brewery – on the advice of a stranger! Lovely stop as they had a great selection of beer, a fantastic patio where you can relax and enjoy various games such as Ginat Jenga that you can play and interact with others. While in Collignwoood, we reached out to a couple that we met on a cruise a couple years back, and they were home! We met up with Ron & Pat and on their recommendation we went out to their favorite restaurant; The Alphorn. The decor is quite eclectic and very “Swiss-alpish” (is that even a word?). The place was very busy but apparently for them it was a slower time. The schnitzel was excellent and it was great to catch up with our friends and reminisce about the cruise. Their driveway was too small for Winnie, so we came with plan B – we asked the owner if we could stay in his parking lot for the night. His response was “sure, just don’t pee on the grass”. Given we no longer had Max, that wasn’t going to be an issue!

The Letter B is Before V & W

On 7th June 2019

One’s destination is never a place but a new way of seeing things.
henry miller

Oh, what a beautiful sunrise as we awoke to the sounds of the local rooster. However, what a wonderful sleep listening to the waves off of Lake Erie. Today’s adventure will take us to Pelee Island with the first stop Leamington Ferry for the 10 am ferry. Now, to save us some money and the possible disappointment of not getting Winne on the ferry we took our bikes and walked on to the ferry!! $22.50 each way was great. The island is 28 km to circle the entire island and we only had three hours before the return sailing with a number of places we had to see! Jo strategically planed how to get the whole island explored in one day. So, we were off the ferry by 11:50, and off we go! Jo had Sam, the bike GPS, and had it down to a science as she was not missing the ferry back, lol.

Our first stop was the “The Bakery” Canada’s southernmost Bakery and eatery and voted number one on the island (it was the only one but was also very good!). We felt like food critics ordering 6 different things to try. You know it – Carb load to get the energy to do the whole island. It was a definite 5/5 stop!! 30 minutes off the clock … go go go ….

We stopped at a few beaches – Sunrise Beach was actually I thought the most beautiful. Ok, a little mishap with directions but we did get to Fish Point Reserve which is the location of Canada’s most southerly inhabited point. Jo didn’t plan for the fact that you had to walk 20 minutes to get there. Ummh, another 20 minutes walk/hike, 5 minutes for pictures and 20 minutes back – yep it will all work out!

Oh yeah, watch out for snakes. Seriously?! Yikes!! Now we headed out on the trail. The first part was amazing, well marked and somewhat groomed but the last part of it was not marked, not groomed, trees down everywhere and no direction signs. Steve’s GPS on the phone kept saying how far we were and he wanted to turn back but Jo had a timer set on the watch and we still had over 2 minutes to find this point and she (I) did not come all this way to turn back now. She was not giving up. We did have to climb over a bunch of trees and debris but she found it with 1 minute to spare!!! Well, we ran out to the point, got our shoes wet, took our Kodak moments, collected a small tigers eye rock off the most southerly point and headed back to the bikes. Yep, we did it!! Got the pictures to prove it.

Ok, time is running out and our next stop was to get the return tickets – now the process for ticket purchase is a story for another day. We passed by the Pelee Island Winery and said we’ll come back after we get the tickets, but oh the Stone House 1891 Brewery – imagine Canada’s most southerly brewery. So, we had a decision to make as we only had time for one stop. B “Beer/Brewery” is before “V’ Vineyard and “W” Wine – so “B” comes first and the brewery wins. Logical, right? But we did have time to go back and have a quick photo op by the Pelee Island vineyard. looked like a lovely place!

An extremely fun day! Definitely a place you should come and visit if you ever have the chance! Should we do it again, we’ll plan ahead and book a campsite!

Rental Car Upgrade

On 4th June 2019

Even though we stayed in this beautiful conservation area we woke up to the sound to the QEW … oh boy, the price of civilization. Today, we decided we would rent a car for the two days that Winnifred is in the shop. Fortunately for us they did not have the car that we reserved, so we got an upgrade!! A fully loaded Ford Expedition – this rig was SWEET!! and almost as big as Winnie!

Since Steve had to take Winnie to the shop, Jo got to Drive!! Look out Niagara! We decided for our day trip today we would head into Niagara- On-The-Lake. Our first stop was Queens Royal Park which had breathtaking views of Lake Ontario. From here we walked into downtown. We played the tourist and made sure we stopped at every store; Niagara Home Bakery, Nina Gelateria & Pastry Shop, Taylors Bakery, the Treadwell Bakery, Old Thyme Candy, Just Christmas, Cows Ice Cream shop and the list goes on. We did treat ourselves to Hot Jamaican patties, Brownies and a scone from the Taylors Bakery and a donair panini from the Old-Thyme candy shop. But no Beer!

We tried hard to avoid the busloads of tourists and tried even harder not to look like one but when it comes to Jo taking pictures – well, she sure blends in with the tourists. The tulips were in full bloom and she just had to get the perfect pictures!! We checked out some of the not so touristy areas that got flooded with all the spring rains. They still had the sand bags to protect the water level. Very unfortunate for those that got flooded out.

Our next stop was the Silversmith Brewing Company on Niagara Stone Road. Here we shared a flight of 6 different beers; Black Lager, Breakfast Wheat, Hill 145, Dam Buster, Minds IPA and the Bandit. Most of them were too heavy for Jo, so Steve got to drink most of them…… Nap Time if you know what I mean (Wink, wink).

Then off to Oast House Brewery and BBQ, as we needed some good food! Well no flights allowed on the Patio (which Is probably a good thing) and because it was Tuesday, the BBQ only had two items; a Korean Pulled Pork Taco and a Beef Brisket Taco so we had to try them both – we have to say that it would be great to come back when they had a full menu!

This area had some beautiful scenery, and the wineries always had the most beautiful spots; just too bad Jo doesn’t like wine!! But she does like taking pictures. Niagara on the Lake is a beautiful place and it is definitely worth the stop, if you are in the area.

The Smell of Spring!

On 2nd June 2019

Travel is like an endless university. You never stop learning.
Harvey Lloyd

Every morning is a new experience. What might we learn today? Today we head south on the St. Lawrence Seaway waterfront trail. Heading towards Prescott to meet up with the family – Jo needs her kid fix! As we were driving there, we spot a craft brewery! “Steve, turn around!” Lo and behold in the act of turning Winnie around we found a historic site we never even knew existed; The Battle of the Windmill. Apparently in 1838 there was a windmill (now a light house) and in a small rebellion the rebels took control of this windmill. But only a few days later the British came in and retook control – about 60 of the rebels were exiled to Australia. So, this explains the name of the Windmill Brewery which is just around the corner. Their flagship beer is the 1838 Pilsner – which was crisp and clean, very refreshing. We also tried the Barracks Black Lager, the Old Thyme Lemonade Shandy and the Scotch Style Maple Ale. Fun little spot to check out!!

O’ Heaphy’s Irish Pub – Now we asked two different locals where to eat in Prescott and they both said O’Heaphy’s – so how could one go wrong? Awesome time spent with family but don’t necessarily have to go back there. It was so good to spend time with the kids! 😊 Unfortunately for us, we left Max with the kids. They missed him and he just wasn’t traveling as well as he used to. Perhaps still getting used to Winnie.

On the road again and we continued to avoid the 401 by staying on the St Lawrence Parkway. On the way we found some really cheap diesel in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory along ON-49 .

Tonight, we stayed at Lacey Estates Winery and Vineyard, another Harvest Hosts stop. Kimble and Liz Lacey were our hosts and very gracious as we tried a few of their different wines; a couple of Whites, Reds and even Rosé. They were great storytellers and very interesting people. This was one of the more peaceful and beautiful spots we have been at and the views were amazing with the fragrances of the spring lilacs so sweet in the air. The best part of all was that the campsite cost us $51 and we got two free bottles of wine! – How does it get better than this?!

Amenities

On 29th May 2019

Like I said yesterday, one of the deciding factors is are we close to amenities? So today we are going to check this out. Along for the drive (and to give their final approval) are Momma Bear (Nan) and Grampy. We drove them to the last four lots that we considered to check out the location and the view. Then we headed around the area. Our first stop today was the Country Bread Basket Bakery and Coffee Shop “You need the bread, We knead the dough”. Beautiful, fresh-baked goods and bread! YUM! Our table had a view of the field that on first glance looked like canola but it was yellow dandelions. It is funny how these in our lawn in Ottawa would drive Steve crazy, but here they just added to a picturesque view. We tried the fish chowder and the lobster roll on a freshly baked bun with chips. Then for a treat to go we got the brownies! This is a quaint little spot that is only open for breakfast and lunch. The service was good and their food was great and they also have a gift shop that supports all the local artisans in the area. Jo showed great restraint on buying anything. Definitely a place to revisit!

Next, we headed back to Tatamoughe. We have blogged about this town a lot recently. So today (and many times before) we checked out the Appleton Chocolates Company. Jo met the original owners when the chocolate shop was a small cottage in the woods in Wentworth Valley. Actually got a few tutorials way back then on how to temper chocolate. The business is still family operated and all the chocolates are still hand made / dipped. They feature traditional flavors of the Maritimes (Nova Scotia in particular) wild blueberries, cherries, cranberries, lavender and maple syrup. Today we were lucky enough to try out their new creation coffee filled milk chocolate. Chocolatier Michael Foote asked us to try this and give our opinion! Who doesn’t want to give their opinion when free tasting is provided? LOL. Now, as for the shopping – Jo had no restraint. Yep, a bunch went home with us but did not make it back to Ottawa. Hey shop local – and support our community.

Last stop today was back at Tatmagouche Brewery where they now know our name!

A Night on the Beach

By Steve

On 26th May 2019