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!

Sign-off

A Stroll Through Stratford Ontario

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Ivy covered patioSummer is slowly sliding out of sight. The weather is cooling with every new day and prompts me to make good use of every scrap of sunshine that makes an appearance. So when the weekend arrived, the boy and I made plans for a little escape to a town named after the birthplace of the bard, Stratford. The town itself bares little resemblance to its counterpart in the England (although I have to say that at times the amount of tourists can be proportionate), you can still discover a European flare in its nooks and crannies.

Although the weather for our morning jaunt to Stratford, Ontario wasn’t promising, we made the forty minute drive outside of London. As we strolled the streets bundled in fall layers, the sun finally made an appearance and the afternoon was a truly relaxing escape.

Callan Books and GalleryAnitques in Time store    Queen Jubilee FountainStone bench by stone wallBalconies in the sunQueen Jubilee fountain lion headI made sure to make a beeline for the river to get a peak at the swans before they are officially lead to their quarters for the winter. Though fowl seemed to abound along the banks of the Avon river, I wasn’t able to catch a good sighting of the swans. Oh well, I guess I’ll have to make a date for next year’s Swan Parade.

Ducks by the river