Afternoon Tea at Eldon House

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Tea tables, Eldon House, London, OntarioThis past Sunday, the boy and I spent a sunny, relaxing afternoon drinking tea on the grounds of Eldon House in London, Ontario. Nestled under the shade of a magnolia tree, we were treated to the sounds of a ballgame floating over the river, a game played in the oldest continually operating baseball grounds in the world. It was the perfect summer afternoon.

Having lived in London for quite a few years now, I don’t know why it has taken me this long to experience the tea program offered by Eldon House. I’m glad I didn’t wait much longer to rectify this mistake or I would have had to wait another year. Afternoon Tea is only offered from the end of June to the end of August, with a handful of special tea events sprinkled throughout the year.Porch, Eldon House, London, OntarioGrounds, Eldon House, London, OntarioUrns, Eldon House, London, OntarioAfter choosing our spot, a little table set for two, we were attended by a staff member dressed in a service uniform. She explained our tea choices; I opted for the Boston tea and the boy ordered the Eldon House blend. She soon returned with a tray filled with warm scones, jam, butter, whipped cream, fruit, and warm tea pots. We filled our charmingly mismatched cups with the deep amber liquid and left a trail of crumbs for the ants. The tables around us were soon occupied by visitors of all ages, laughing and drinking the genial beverage.

Staff, Eldon House, London, Ontario   Tea Service, Eldon House, London, OntarioCarriage House, Eldon House, London, OntarioFront Garden, Eldon House, London, OntarioServing tea, Eldon House, London, OntarioTea tables, Eldon House, London, Ontario       Cobblestones and Cappuccinos, Eldon House, London, OntarioMagnolia tree, Eldon House, London, OntarioPost tea, the boy and I took a tour around Eldon House, which is included in the price of the tea service. Although we had an option to poke around on our own, we opted for a guided tour.

It was worth every penny to learn that the original estate, built in 1834, stretched to the Thames River and covered 11 acres which included a golf course and pool. The house and most of the contents are original and were donated to the city by the great-grandchildren of John Harris, for whom the nearby park is named. The museum is an exciting and rather rare glimpse into the lives of London’s most prosperous residents. I urge you to check out the contents of the curio cabinet in the smoking nook!

Grounds and pond, Eldon House, London, OntarioWith only three weeks left until the Eldon House Tea Program is over for the season, I highly recommend a visit…and don’t forget to make a reservation! You can find all the information you’ll need right here.

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A Brunch In Bayfield

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Black Dog Pub, Bayfield OntarioStaycation was a hugely popular term a few years ago due to the slumping markets and economy. But, to be honest, I don’t think it has gone away. Not because of money issues but because we realized that experiencing something new, relaxing, breathtaking, or thrilling didn’t have to happen far from home.

Bayfield, located about an hour from London, is a quick escape for the boy and I. Sitting on Ontario’s west coast, the charming little town has the water, the beach, friendly residents, fun shopping, and some of the most delicious casual and fancy pants food around. During the summer, we often drive up to Bayfield for brunch at The Black Dog Pub and an after meal ice cream on Main Street.Black Dog Pub patio, Bayfield Ontario     Black Dog Pub, Bayfield Ontario     Black Dog Pub, Bar, Bayfield OntarioBlack Dog Pub menu Bayfield Ontario     Black Dog Pub interior seating, Bayfield OntarioMushroom brie bruschetta, Black Dog Pub, Bayfield OntarioLunch, Black Dog Pub, Bayfield Ontario     Fruli beer, Black Dog Pub, Bayfield OntarioLittle Inn, Bayfield OntarioPatrons on cafe patio, Bayfield OntarioShop alley, Bayfield OntarioRed benchRed bench, detailRed Pump Inn, exterior, Bayfield OntarioRed Pump Inn lodging, Bayfield OntarioRetail sign, Bayfield OntarioGallery garden, Bayfield OntarioMain street, Bayfield Ontario Where the Heck Is Easy StreetJuice Bar, Bayfield OntarioArchie's shop, exterior, Bayfield Ontario"I Lake It" signRosie's Ice Cream shop, Bayfield OntarioPink Flamingo Bakery and Shop, Bayfield OntarioAlbion Hotel patio, Bayfield OntarioBed and Breakfast, Bayfield OntarioBicycle on porch, Bayfield OntarioWith the sun still high in the sky and an opportunity to explore another little town well known for its charm but never visited by us, we headed twenty minutes north to Goderich.

It was our lucky day. The square in the centre of old downtown, although devoid of the mature trees destroyed by the 2011 tornado, was now dotted with new greenery and a multitude of vintage cars. I felt transported back in time.

We wove through the colourful display of power and engineering, and popped into some of the local businesses which fill the historic buildings around the square. Music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s filled the air. I hadn’t expected to have such a unique first impression of Goderich, but it definitely guaranteed my return.Vintage car show, Goderich OntarioBlue and white vintage car, detailVintage car show, Goderich Ontario20160723_134924        20160723_134444Vintage car show, Goderich OntarioPink vintage car with orange lucite hood ornamentI highly recommend a weekend visit to both of these delightful destinations, summer or winter, rain or shine!

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Weekend Edition

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Stacked books and a cup of coffeeYay, another long weekend is here! I feel a little spoiled for plans. I’m starting off with a luxurious 6 hour spa day (a gift to myself!), followed by a quick jaunt outside the city to a blueberry pickin’ heaven, then a trip or two to the local Ribfest for a down and dirty finger-lickin’ dinner, and finally diving into a new summer novel. I will also be working on a new post from a recent local funventure with the boy.

But first I thought I’d start off the weekend with a few fun links you guys might enjoy.

  • Waking up early is no one’s idea of fun, especially on a long weekend. But check out this list of hilarious and brutally honest coffee mugs that might make that bright morning sunshine a little easier to swallow.
  • If your summer trip to Italy is still just a day dream, allow me to add to your fantasy album. Follow a day in the life of the beautiful and incredibly perky Giada de Laurentiis as she films her show in Florence.
  • And if your summer leanings are more Gallic, this interview with the French Chantecaille sisters will have you finding your inner French girl!

Wishing you all a fabulous long weekend!

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Paris…Encore!

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Eiffel Tower, Paris, FranceI hardly need an excuse to hop on a plane headed to Paris. When the opportunity arose to visit one of the most beautiful cities in Europe for a second time in less then a year, well…the photos tell the story. And boy were there ever many photos. It has taken me a while to sift through all the images (and to deal with my feelings of coming back to earth after the best vacation EVER!).

Having already done three other posts on Paris, which you can find here, here, and here, I have decided to share images that best represent my favourite aspects of this trip. And you will surely notice all the food shots liberally sprinkled throughout. The boy and I truly indulged in a range of gastronomic delights. Enjoy!

Rooftops, Paris, France      Place des Voges, Paris, FrancePlace des Voges, Paris, FranceChantilly cream and strawberries      Coffee, Merci, Paris, FrancePamela Popo Exterior, Paris, FranceGraffiti, Paris, France      Falafel, L'As de Falafel, Paris, FranceLe Sevigne restaurant, Paris, FranceTango dancing along the Seine, Paris, FranceCafe Louis Phillipe, Paris, FranceSky, Paris, France      Cafe Louis Phillipe, Paris, FranceStreet crowds, Paris, France   Sunbathing along the Seine, Paris, France      Street, Paris, FranceShelves at Maison Plisson, Paris, FranceDeli counter at Maison Plisson, Paris, FranceBuildings in St Paul, Paris, FranceStreet art, Paris, France      Installation, Place des Voges, Paris, FranceArt Installation, Place des Voges, Paris, FranceMacarons, Paris, FranceFrench pastries, Paris, France   Eiffel Tower, Paris, France      Boule players, Jardin de Luxembourg, Paris, FrancePony rides, Jardin de Luxembourg, Paris, FranceAu Beurre Sale creperie, Paris, FranceRestaurant patio, Paris, FranceCafe tables, Paris, France      Crepes for lunch, Paris, FranceCrowds at Jardin de Luxembourg, Paris, FranceEiffel Tower, Paris, France      Spectators, Jardin de Luxembour, Paris, FranceBoule players, Jardin de Luxembourg, Paris, FranceBee hives, Jardin de Luxembourg, Paris, FranceTuileries, Paris, France Conran Shop, Bon Marche, Paris, FranceThe Tuileries, Paris, FranceGarden, Petit Palais, Paris, France      Statue of a girl with a monkey, Petit Palais, Paris, FrancePalais Royal, Paris, FranceThe Tuileries, Paris, France      Duck confit with crisp potatoes, Cafe Hugo, Paris, FranceMaison Angelina, Paris, FranceCafe gourmand, Cafe Hugo, Paris, FrancePatio, Cafe Hugo, Paris, France      Cheeseburger and fries, Cafe Hugo, Paris, France  Cobblestones and Cappuccinos, Paris, FranceUntil next time Paris! À bientôt!

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Weekend Edition

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Espresso coffee cupAlthough this persistent cold doesn’t look like it’s giving up any time soon, I don’t care…it’s the weekend!!! As long as the sun is shining and I’m fortified with a strong, hot cup of java, it’s time to fight the winter doldrums and enjoy myself (until Monday at least).

In this Weekend Edition, I’m including a few links that are helping me get through this season.

  • The white stuff and sub zero temperature show little sign of stopping. Head over to PureWow for 7 Smart Ways to Break Your Winter Rut.
  • If braving the outside has you shivering already, travel to a warm destination without leaving your couch. Christine has the most beautifully serene blog post from her trip to Chefchaouen in Morocco.
  • And if my London readers want a bit of travel closer to home, St Thomas is having their annual Railway City Arts Crawl starting tonight, February 26th. Well worth the visit…and snagging some affordable, original art!

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend!

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