Reintroduce yourself to where you live
Over seventy people from different corners of South Eastern Ontario have shared with us their favourite places and things to do. Some are well-known, some are a little off the beaten track, but ALL are local favourites! Here’s a look at the county of Lennox & Addington.
With on-going developments regarding the global pandemic, please visit each location’s website, or connect with their staff via email and telephone, for updates on COVID-19 procedures such as guest capacity, sanitization methods and mask requirements.
History
1. Museums Of L&A County
Lennox & Addington has a long and storied history in Ontario and its unique museums provide a link for discovering the heritage that swirls around the county. The museums offer insight into some of the oldest settlements in the province, and noteworthy people and places that helped create the fabric of the communities as they are today. The County Museum and Archives is closed until further notice, the Bath Museum is also currently closed, Allan Macpherson House is closed, but people can still tour by the Historic Babcock Mill, and walk about the park at this Odessa historical site. Known for its “Babcock Baskets”, you can see where John Babcock designed and patented basket-making machinery in the early 1900s. Find your roots in L&A County!
Food And Drink
2. MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company
This brewery in L&A County crafts 100% farm-grown beer. Located on a bicentennial family farm, the hops, wheat and barley used in the brew are grown right there on the farm to give the beer unique character. Although MacKinnon’s big Back to the Farm festival was postponed this year, the brewery is open with socially distanced pints, live music and more.
3. The Loaf n’ Ale
This British-style pub in Napanee is known for its spirit and hearty welcome! Dine-in now open as well as take out, online ordering and delivery. Look to The Loaf n’ Ale for live music and great private rooms.
“GREAT burgers!” Ashley Arnold, Tourism Champion
4. The Back Kitchen
This is Amherst Island’s home of the Stella Bay Burger, Fish Fridays and Saturday Donuts! Currently offering online pre-ordering, cashless payment and pick up at the window, this not-for-profit, volunteer-run kitchen is close to the heart (and stomachs!) of the folks on Amherst Island.
5. Coffee Cravings
Start your day in a beautiful way! Whether you like specialty coffees or just enjoy the caffeine of a simple cup of joe, then Coffee Cravings in Napanee is where it’s at. Sit on the patio and sip a coconut chai chiller or pop inside to check out the mugs, accessories and coffee culture.
Shopping
6. Devon Cafe & Five Corners Craft
Small country prices with big city choice! The food at the Devon Café & Five Corners Craft in Tamworth, is fresh and flavourful – made in the kitchen on-site and never frozen. Breakfast and lunch food available – check out the take-home menu! Be sure to try one of the Chelsea buns. The delicious food coupled with a one-of-a-kind shop, that features a large variety of clothing and giftware including Birkenstock, extensive collection of pashminas, seasonal giftware and decorations.
“Delicious food and one-of-a-kind finds in the shop.”Rob Plumley, Tourism Champion
7. Shopping Downtown Napanee
Rediscover the joy of a small town! Downtown Napanee in L&A County is a thriving core of more than 150 top-notch local shops, dining options, and services. Lots of free parking downtown! Many of the stores have re-opened and are ready to serve customers and make their day special. Bring your mask and experience the unique boutique-style shopping with friendly personal service. Spend the day pampering yourself, eating amazing food, walking by the Napanee River, and indulging in some retail therapy.
“There’s a variety of shops and something for everyone.”Ashley Arnold, Tourism Champion
Outdoor Activities
8. Parrot’s Bay Conservation Area
Don’t have a bird – hike in Parrott’s Bay Conservation Area! This is the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority’s newest conservation area, located in Lennox & Addington featuring woods and wetlands with beautiful waterfront views along 6 km of trails. The conservation area has limited facilities; there are no washrooms on this property.
9. Sheffield Conservation Area
Make sure you look up and down at Sheffield Conservation Area! With a 5 km trail loop and rugged terrain to challenge avid hikers, the Sheffield Conservation Area in Lennox & Addington harbours special wildflowers, reptiles and animals on the ground, but is also a feast for the eyes for stargazers at night! Not only does it play host to Ontario’s only lizard, the five-lined skink, but it also offers the southernmost darks sky in the whole Province of Ontario. Stargazers take note!
“Amazing hiking spot and a great place to kayak,” Rob Plumley, Tourism Champion
10. Springside Park Falls
Walk alongside the Springside Park Falls and the Napanee River. Picnic and watch wildlife alongside a fully accessible path that’ll take you all the way to Conservation Park. Watch trains pass along the trestle bridge and take in the waterfall. Did you know that the Napanee River is one of only two places in the world that experiences “seiche”, tidal changes of anywhere from 6-16 inches due to winds that blow southwest along Lake Ontario?
11.Tee Up!
No mulligans in Lennox & Addington, just four great reasons to choose L & A County for your next amazing golf adventure. With four fantastic courses, you’ll love your time out on the links! Loyalist Golf and Country Club, Napanee Golf and Country Club, Camden Braes Golf & Country Club, and Amherstview Golf Club all offer participants a challenging layout, meticulously maintained greens and fairways, stunning scenic views and course designs that cater to all skill levels. Be sure to check out individual courses for current info on booking tee times and play. L&A County is definitely worthy of a hole in one!
“Visiting the local golf courses is always a great way to spend the day,” Ashley Arnold, Tourism Champion
Sightseeing And Tours
12. Topsy Farms
This Canadian family farm specializes in connecting with the land. Topsy Farms on Amherst Island makes and sells 100% pure wool blankets, bedding, sheepskin products, as well as unique farm experiences in abundance. While their yurt stays and workshops are on hold for the season, the Wool Shed is open Wednesday to Sunday. Masks are required, numbers limited, and there is no cash option, but curbside pickup is available seven days a week.
“Great place to learn about life on the farm, and a great place to buy wool, lamb and other local products.” Rob Plumley, Tourism Champion
What are your favourite places and things to do in South Eastern Ontario? Share the love with #SouthEasternOntario and #ShopLocalSEO
