If that touch of frost in the air this week hasn’t put you off the idea of road tripping, you’re in luck, as I have lots of ideas to recommend. For instance, you could head to a community market in Ottawa, get your tarot cards read in Brockville, hit a provincial park near Kemptville or catch an art show opening in Gatineau. Enjoy!
Enjoy a concert in a vineyard
StoneCropAcres Winery and Vineyard in Morrisburg is presenting Ottawa singer-songwriter Cee Lawrence in concert on Sunday, September 20. Expect a country-tinged show of heartwarming and funny songs based on Lawrence’s life.
Stroll a historic railway tunnel—and more—in Brockville
Looking for something unique and free? Try the Brockville Railway Tunnel, Canada’s oldest such structure, which is now home to a great sound-and-light show. At one point, you’ll feel like a train is rushing right past you! It’s hard to describe until you see it, but it’s very cool. There’s no charge, but donations are gratefully accepted.
If you’re in Brockville on Saturday, September 19, you could also check out two shopping events: Space to Shop Saturday, when a stretch of downtown King Street will be closed to vehicles to better permit socially distanced strolling; and a Backyard Fall Bazaar on Perth Street where you can shop for plants and art, get a psychic reading and have your tarot cards read, and enjoy live music.
Do Zumba outdoors at TD Place
I’ve been really missing my usual Zumba classes, but this alternative sounds like a blast: For the next two weekends (September 19, 20, 26 and 27), there will be outdoor Zumba classes each Saturday and Sunday at 11am on the field at the Stadium at TD Place at Lansdowne Park. Tickets are $15 per class and must be purchased in advance. The classes will run rain or shine.
Shop for Vankleek Hill products online
Like many other events this year, Vankleek Hill’s popular Festival of Flavours has gone virtual in 2020! This year, instead of checking out vendors’ booths along Main Street, you can go to the festival’s Facebook page and peruse all the links to local producers to buy honey, lavender bath products, tourtière, dog treats and more. Some vendors are offering festival-only discounts, and VKH restaurants are getting into the spirit with special takeout menus. The event runs until September 27.
Go an art exhibition opening in Gatineau
Aux 4 Jeudis café/bar in the Hull sector of Gatineau is hosting a vernissage for its latest art exhibition, by painter Mélanie Paquette, on Saturday, September 19, from 5pm to 7pm. The show itself runs until November 9.
Take a day trip to Kemptville
Explore North Grenville has a list of good ideas for a September day trip to Kemptville, including hiking trails and a provincial park. Not on the list (but one of my Kemptville favourites): stop by Grahame’s Bakery for cookies and other goodies to fuel your adventures.
Shop in Carp or at the Mill Street Brew Pub
Ninth Wave Arts and the Carp Ridge Ecowellness Centre are holding a big outdoor yard sale on Saturday, September 19. As well as browsing for crafts and gently used items, you can enjoy a guided nature walk or a mini healing session. That same day, the Mill Street Brew Pub on the Ottawa River, just west of the downtown core, is hosting a Community Market from noon to 5pm. Social distancing measures will be in place for both events.
Visit a farmers’ market or an orchard
It’s not too late to browse for yummy local produce. Check out my list of local farmers’ markets to find out who’s open this weekend. Possibilities include markets in Renfrew, Wakefield and Manotick. And there’s still time to visit an apple orchard, where you can pick your own or buy ready-picked apples and baked goods; check out my huge list of local spots for apple lovers.
Sail into the sunset in Kingston
Private groups of up to five people can charter a 24-foot sailing sloop from Ahoy Rentals and take a personalized sunset tour of Kingston Harbour. The two-hour trips are $60 per person ($40 for children under 12) and are available daily until October 6.
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