With new inventory arriving daily, there is always something to discover at Marian’s Antiques. Here you’ll find everything a country-chic heart desires from furniture and china to estate art and jewellery (and many out-of-towners say the prices are antiquated, too).
Foodies from around the county (and beyond) were thrilled when Northumberland Fine Food opened its doors last year after much anticipation. You will see a lot of the expected gourmet items like artisan pasta, specialty oils and vinegars, and exceptional chocolates, but the real standout is the “tasting lounge.” Most turophiles are impressed with the vast array of cheese offerings from all over the world, and everyone enjoys
the charcuterie-style tasting menu, updated weekly. (Did we mention Northumberland Fine Food is fully licensed, too?) If you happen to be spending an evening in town, be sure to check to see if the tasting lounge is staying open after-hours to host live performances of local musicians, comedians and artists (and some
talented folks just passing through town) along with beverages and more of the aforementioned culinary delights – but these events sell out quickly so be sure to buy tickets in advance.
Another delightful surprise is Lola’s Café. A staple in the neighborhood for almost 20 years, Lola’s is known for its fair trade, organic coffee sourced from The County Roasters in nearby Picton, ON, and their farm-to-table organic and locally-based menu but those in-the-know save room for dinner on Fridays at the café, when their chef presents just one, singularly spectacular three-course meal that epitomizes their fundamental principle of local, healthy and organic.
If you’re looking to have some good ol’ fashioned fun with your travelling companions, get over to Presqu’ile Lanes bowling alley. It’s one of the oldest places to bowl in the province. Their five-pin bowling is a blast for all ages. (They also run glow bowl, aka glow-in-the-dark bowling.)
For our ornithologists – or just those who simply love birdwatching – The Birdhouse Nature Store is a must-stop. Current owner Bobbi Wright is a wealth of information and can point you in the right direction, whether you’re in the market for a birdhouse of your own or a gift for a fellow birder.
When dinner rolls around, try The Gables, a restaurant that’s all about fine dining. The locals say chef Dieter’s Wiener Schnitzel is tops, as is the Apple Strudel. (In case you’re wondering about these German dishes, chef Dieter trained in Hamburg.) You’ll want to make a reservation—the kitchen is only open two
hours a night from Thursday to Saturday. Hopefully your time here will coincide with a live performance
at the Brighton Barn Theatre. They generally do two major theatrical productions every year, plus a special production for Christmas, and this spring’s comedy, Hotbed Hotel, will surely be a barrel of laughs.
And honestly, there is nothing like springtime at Presqu’ile Provincial Park. Established in 1922, this park has two-anda-half kilometres of sandy beach, 16 kilometres of paths and trails, visitor centres, the second oldest operating lighthouse in Ontario and one of the biggest bird migration areas. In fact, Presqu’ile is a well-known destination for birdwatchers thanks to the large presence of waterfowl, warblers and shorebirds
that migrate through the park each spring and fall. Check out their website for a full list of events, including their 46th Annual Waterfowl weekend March 16th to 17th. (Note: Overnight camping begins April 26th.)
From top: The Birdhouse Nature Store, 240 Presqu’ile Pkwy, 613-475-9510, www.thebirdhouse.ca | Presqu’ile Provincial Park, 328 Presqu’ile Parkway, 613-475-4324, www.ontarioparks.com/park/presquile. | Lola’s Cafe, 74 Main Street, 613-475-0711, www.lolascafe.ca | Northumberland Fine Food, 39 Richardson Street, 613-475-1434, www.northumberlandfinefood.ca | Presqu’ile Lanes Bowling Alley, 39 Main Street, 613-425-0644, www.presquilelanes.ca | Not shown: Brighton Barn Theatre, 96 Young Street, 613-425-2144, www.brightonbarntheatre.ca | The Gables Restaurant, 14 Division Street North, 613-475-5565, www.thegablesrestaurant.net | Marian’s Antiques, 360 Main Street, 613-475-0068
