Toronto – Around Town – Beyond Toronto (part 3) – Country Stays, Shopping

by

Country Stays

  1. Prince of Wales Hotel

    Impeccable
    service, opulently decorated rooms, a spa, and a wine list to match the
    fabulous cuisine at this historic hotel in the heart of town.




    Prince of Wales Hotel

  2. Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa

    This country mansion welcomes guests with lovingly tended gardens, well-appointed rooms, a spa, and fine cuisine.

  3. The Little Inn at Bayfield

    This
    historic inn near Lake Huron, first opened in the 1930s as a coach
    house, justifiably prides itself on its fine restaurant. Country
    antiques decorate the rooms. Spa.

  4. Hockley Valley Resort

    Nestled
    in a valley, this is a perfect base for pursuing outdoor activities
    such as downhill or cross-country skiing, golfing, tennis, and hiking.
    Spa.

  5. The Inn at Manitou

    This
    resort, by a pristine Muskoka lake offers swimming, boating, tennis,
    golf, and more. A team of French chefs prepare fine cuisine.

  6. Inn on the Twenty

    A luxurious inn in the heart of Niagara wine country renowned for its excellent restaurant (see On the Twenty). Spa and winery.

  7. Deerhurst Resort

    This
    lakeside resort set on 800 acres (325 ha) of Muskoka countryside, is
    suitable for both family vacations and quiet getaways. Spa.

  8. Jakobstettel

    The
    lovely, relaxing grounds of this Victorian mansion include an outdoor
    swimming pool. Shopping in St. Jacobs is just a short walk away.




    Jakobstettel Inn

  9. The Oban Inn

    Overlooking
    Lake Ontario and surrounded by lush gardens, this inn has beautiful
    rooms and an excellent restaurant. Short walk to the town center.

  10. Benmiller Inn

    Close
    to the sandy beaches of Lake Huron, this inn combines country charm and
    sophisticated elegance. Many of the rooms are in an historic wool mill.
    Spa.


Shopping

  1. Farmers’ Markets

    From
    June to October, usually on Saturday mornings, local farmers sell fresh
    produce – fiddleheads, white asparagus, wild blueberries and mushrooms,
    and much more – at over 120 markets throughout Ontario.

  2. Quilts

    The
    best place to buy these durable and gorgeous covers is St. Jacobs,
    where local Mennonite women still practice the traditional craft of
    hand-quilting. Be sure to stop in at Grey Fort Quilts.

    Grey Fort Quilts

    • 1425 King St N, St. Jacobs

    • 1 800 505 2660

  3. Fruits and Preserves

    In
    summer and fall, roadside stands in the Niagara region sell luscious
    fruits. Local companies turn these fruits into delicious jams, which are
    available at select stores. Greaves preserves are especially popular.

    Greaves Jams and Marmalades

    • 55 Queen St, Niagara-on-the-Lake

    • 1 800 515 9939




    Jams made from Niagara Peninsula fruits

  4. Handmade Furniture

    In
    southern Ontario, especially around Kitchener-Waterloo, Mennonite men
    craft durable country-style furniture from local woods such as maple and
    pine. Watch for signs on the smaller roads pointing the way to local
    carpenters or head to St. Jacobs Furnishings, a large retail outlet.

    St. Jacobs Furnishings

    • 878 Weber St N, St. Jacobs

    • 519 747 1832




    Handmade straw brooms, St. Jacobs

  5. Factory Outlets

    Snap
    up bargains on brands such as Guess, Nine West, and Nike at Niagara
    Falls’ outlet stores, all under one roof, at Canada One.

    Canada One

    • 7500 Lundy’s Lane, Niagara Falls

    • 905 357 2307

  6. Maple Syrup

    The sap of Ontario’s sugar maples is made into delicious pancake syrup and candies, sold at farmers’ markets and shops.

  7. Arts and Crafts

    The
    work of Ontario’s vibrant arts and crafts community, such as pottery,
    hand-blown glass, and jewelry, can be found throughout the province at
    fairs, markets, boutiques, and galleries.

  8. Antiques

    Hunting
    for vintage Canadian furniture, toys, silver, and china in the towns of
    Ontario is great sport. For a large choice of shops, head to Jordan,
    St. Jacobs, Erin, Neustadt, and Elora.

  9. Craft-Brewed Beer

    Ontario’s
    microbreweries have enjoyed great popularity in recent years. Many,
    such as Neustadt Springs, offer tastings and tours.

    Neustadt Springs

    • 456 Jacob St, Neustadt

    • 519 799 5790

  10. Ontario Wines

    Sample award-winning wines at vineyards throughout the Niagara Peninsula before stocking up for the home cellar