Winter comes alive!
With the grey overcast and bone-chilling temperatures, it’s not easy to keep your spirits high. Here’s a list of things to do in Lennox & Addington to turn you into a fan of the winter!
1. Lennox & Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area
Experience stargazing at the Lennox-Addington County Dark Sky Viewing Area. An awe-inspiring place where blankets of stars seem at your fingertips. The area is well known as the most southerly dark sky viewing area in Ontario, for providing an unobstructed view of the sky. There’s no charge for admission, interpretive signage, and includes a large concrete pad for your camera or telescope setup.
2. Cross Country Ski And Snowshoe In The L&A Forest Trail
Over 200 kilometres of snowy tundra is waiting for you to explore! With a ton of conservation areas and parks too, throw on a pair of snowshoes or cross-country skis and trek across the wintery landscape. Choose from one of the many beautiful established trails including Owl Woods on Amherst Island and Springside Park Trail and Falls in Napanee.
3. Karen Brown’s Antiques & Collectibles
Spend the day browsing through this antique store located in the town of Deseronto. Inside this converted warehouse space is a literal treasure trove of items and rare collectibles.
4. Try A Wine Cider And Beer Tour
Discover some of the best beverages Lennox & Addington has to offer by taking your own tour wineries and breweries.
Bergeron Estate Winery & Cider Company
Feel classy as you enter this family-owned winery and cider company located in Adolphustown. You won’t be disappointed by their tart Riesling or dry, cold ciders. Pair your meal with one of their freshly made pizzas made by Nonnas Pizzeria!
MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Co
Instantly feel an overwhelming sense of rural comfort! Find your way over to this farm-based brewery in Bath, where you will step into a 100-year-old, family-owned barn-turned-brewery. Have a sample of a craft brew and don’t be afraid to ask where they get their ingredients, because you guessed it – they grow them right on the farm!
The Napanee Beer Company
This quaint brewery in Napanee has grown from a kitchen in Toronto to an award-winning brewery due to the love and dedication put into every beer it produces. This brewery provides nothing but five-star brews from their “Devilish Spicy” to their “Blacklist Black German Lager” – so give it a try and let us know your favourite!
Thirty Three Vines
Now is a great time to beat the crowds and partake in a wine, cider and beer tour in L&A County. Raise a glass and discover something delightfully different at Thirty Three vines in Bath.
5. Explore Bird Watching in L&A
Whether or not you have tried birdwatching in the past, you will want to grab the ferry over to Amherst Island. Scour the snowy fields and dense trees for the snow owls as they are known to perch and hunt in these areas throughout the colder months. We’ve listed in our Google Map below, the best spots to view glimpses of the Red-Tailed Hawk, Snowy Owl and Northern Harrier.
While you’re visiting Amherst Island, stopover at Topsy Farms for their groomed trail and to hang out with the highland cows!
6. Visit the L&A County Museum
This historic museum and archive carries a collection of roughly 10,000 items within its walls. Learn through sight as you see the story of how the county came to be by viewing artifacts from the early 1900s including tools, furniture and art. If you are from the Lennox and Addington area, stop into the archives to fill your family tree branches with ancestors who will make you beam with pride.
Delve into Lennox and Addington’s colourful past or start researching your genealogy in the archives. Book a visit to the museum to learn from permanent and guest exhibits that weave together the story of the settlement and historical developments of the County, as highlighted in intriguing exhibits displayed within the old County Gaol.
7. Local Cafe’s
Want that authentic cozy cafe experience? Ellena’s Cafe is a lovely little cafe and kitchen shop situated in the heart of beautiful downtown Napanee. You can visit them for daily lunch specials which include hearty soups, fresh sandwiches, and delicious desserts. Look to Ellena’s for other tempting treats like carrot cake, French Canadian sugar Cream Fudge, pecan tarts – and so many more!
Bakeries and coffee shops abound in L&A and the area is richer because of it. Indulge your taste buds and get your caffeine fix at The Dundas Street Bakery; The Keto Bakery; The Blue Door Bakery & Café, and Coffee Cravings all in Napanee. Down the road, the Abrams Bakery in Newburgh is worth a stop, while the Devon Café and the River Bakery Café & Patio keep Tamworth running, and The Lodge Coffee House in Bath is known for its new cinnamon buns and from-scratch goodies. These spots put coffee, culture and community into practice.
8. Where To Stay
Stay at Bon Eco Suites, located in a historic building in the quaint town of Tamworth. The suites are furnished with reclaimed materials; such as tires, old trim, and hubcaps.
Check-in with your significant other at the Daisy Hill Bed and Breakfast out in Odessa. Upgrade your stay and get the romance package, which includes chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of sparkling wine.
9. Black Barn Co.
Jewellery, linens and candles – oh my! Black Barn Co. is a lifestyle brand and home décor boutique with intentionally curated products, based in Lennox & Addington. It currently has the most sparkly and welcoming living room showcase set up at their store with Christmas product waiting to be discovered. Rumour has it Black Barn Co. is also hosting workshops and a market in the courtyard. Stay tuned for more!
10. Trailing Off Into Winter
Explore the Cataraqui Trail from Strathcona to Yarker! The trail runs along a historical abandoned railway line and is one of the most popular trails in the region. Let nature reinvigorate you and set the tone for the new year with snowmobiling, hiking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and more.
11. Total Relaxation
Napanee has the prescription for some self love and rejuvenation. If you’re into making 2022 a year to focus on your own health and wellness, then Napanee is a great start toward your goal. A Touch of Wellness Napanee is your total relaxation destination. It’s truly a spa like no other. Located in the historical Dominion Bank circa 1860, it’s in the heart of downtown Napanee, where sophistication, charm and warmth collide. Similarly, at Blush Beauty the number one goals is their client’s wellbeing. Put your skincare goals into action here! In addition, Kandi’s Esthetics makes your beauty a top priority, while you can reset your skin to glowing perfection at Lili’s Esthetic Studio which provides advanced skincare treatments.
Edited & Updated By Rosanne Lake and Lindsay Medeiros
