My Top 5 Perfect, Day-Date Towns to Discover

One of my new favourite discoveries in Niagara on the Lake

“Ultimately the bond of all companionship, whether in marriage or in friendship, is conversation.”-Oscar Wilde

As I was conducting some research for my blog post today, I stumbled upon the above quote and it rang true to me on so many different levels. My partner and I have been together for over 4 years now, and I have never in my life experienced such a deep and understanding connection with someone. Without getting too mushy and lovey dovey, I feel that the key to our relationship has been the lost art of face-to-face conversation. We never go to bed angry with one another, I tell him I love him before I fall asleep every night, and whenever he gets home from work, I always ask him how his day was. These are 3 simple little conversation staples I have imprinted into my every day that I feel bring us closer and keeps the art of conversation alive in our relationship.

The above quote actually fits perfectly into my topic of discussion for today, My Top 5 Perfect Day-Date Towns to Discover. One of our favourite things to do during the summer months is to drive to a never before experienced (by us) town or village. We stroll hand in hand through the unique shops and boutiques, have lunch or dinner in a quaint little unknown bistro or cafe, and we generally finish off the day with a pint or a cocktail on the patio of a pub where we re-cap everything we had taken in that day. Days like this are complete bliss to me- I wish everyday could be adventure day.

So without further delay, I have for you my top 5 list of my most favourite towns to explore. I must warn you, some of them are a little far depending on where you live, but just think of all the memorable adventure and crazy conversation that you could experience 🙂

5. Port Perry- Located about half an hour north of Oshawa/ Whitby. You will fall in love with this water-front town. There are so many sweet little antique shops and clothing boutiques that line the main street. This is the perfect day-date destination if time is limited and you only have a few hours or if you are on your way through town on your way to the Kawarthas. Be sure to stop at The Nutty Chocolatier on your way back for some of the most amazing ice cream ever!!

4. Port Elgin- Located on Lake Huron in Bruce County, about half an hour south of Sauble Beach. This town is such a great tourist spot. The main drag is lined with clothing boutiques, book stores, pubs/ restaurants/ cafes, antique shops and more. For years, Port Elgin was rumoured to have the most beautiful sunsets in all of Ontario. After frequenting this town numerous times during my summer visits to my family’s cottage, I tend to drive to Port Elgin just for food. I have fallen in love with the Wismer House and The Queens Bar and Grill. I have never had a bad meal, a bad experience or a bad pint for that matter in either location. For clothes, I radiate towards Casual Corners. They have a super cute selection of dresses, shoes and accessories perfect to sport at the beach and no, it is not a vintage store (anyone who knows me knows that 9 times out of 10, I’m wearing something from a vintage shop), they actually carry brand name clothing! For a fun-filled day, go to the beach, grab a bite to eat and wander through some of the shops- they are filled with buried treasures.

3. Stratford- Located about an hour and a half from Hamilton, North of Woodstock. Home of the Stratford festival, Stratford is one of the most picturesque towns I have ever seen. It is such a beautiful, well-maintained little town. The Parks in the downtown core are filled with beauty- flowers, a little river, beautifully manicured gardens and some of the most breathtaking views of city-scape. There are beautiful little shops and restaurants that cater to everyone’s desires.

2. Niagara on the Lake- Located just before Niagara Falls, about 45 minutes from Hamilton. How could you not love this town? With the newly built outlet mall, the Shaw Festival, the abundance of amazing wineries and the treasures behind the doors in the perfect little shops- Niagara on the Lake has something for everyone. Just yesterday, my partner and I ventured here for a few hours and I am never disappointed. We walked around the main street going in and out of shops and then for a drive around the most beautiful of neighbourhoods. There are so many incredible shops to discover here. If I had to just pick a few I would recommend Just Christmas which is an open year round Christmas store, Greaves Jams and Marmalades (yummmmm!!!), The Native Canadian Art Gallery, and I just discovered The Owl and the Pussycat which has some of the cutest children’s clothing and toys. Seriously, this town could break me financially because I want to buy everything and eat all of the gelato the town has to offer.

1. Hamilton- Yes, I went there- HAMILTON! As I mentioned in my first blog, I absolutely love this city. There are so many ‘pockets’ and neighbourhoods to discover in Hamilton. Whether it be a few hours or an entire day, this city has so much just waiting to be discovered. Ok, I know you still may be sceptical at this point but let me explain.

Locke street alone has some of the coolest stores and restaurants including Textures Craftworks, Epic Books, Solee Shoes, Earth to Table: Bread Bar and Chuck’s Burger Bar. Every year during the Locke Street Festival, I spend hours filtering in and out of stores and admiring how beautiful this little nook in Hamilton is.

Not convinced? Ok, how about Ottawa Street- home to the first Tim Hortons 🙂 If you are an antique lover the mass amounts of antique shops will amaze you. If you dabble from time to time with a sewing machine like me, the fabric shops will inspire you.

Still not convinced? Ok, not the most convincing of locations and I agree downtown Hamilton houses some very unique people but it is also home to some of the most amazing shops and restaurants. The One Duke is a personal favourite of mine. This restaurant has unbelievable food and an amazing variety of wines and cocktails. I’m a huge record junkie and I have fallen in love with Cheapies. They carry a variety of records and make sure to check out their discount bins- I have found some pretty amazing albums by accident just leafing through. Lastly, my fav spot for pretty dresses is Out of the Past. I can not get enough of the super cute and quirky clothing. Every time I go in, I find a new treasure and have a blast digging through their inventory.

If I still haven’t sold you on ‘The Hammer’ yet, make sure you check out other spots which, due to amalgamation are in fact considered ‘Hamilton’. Places such as Ancaster, Dundas or Waterdown have a beautiful Victorian vibe to them and are filled with cute little shops and cafes.

Keep in mind also that Hamilton has some of the most beautiful hiking trails and waterfalls so if exploring shops and eating/drinking aren’t your idea of fun (I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love a great buy and a good pint but hey- no judgement), there are a million other things that just may make you love Hamilton, or at least appreciate it, as much as I do.