Blog & Reviews

The Doll's House and Ste. Anne's

There's a quaint, stone cottage that has a tiny turret on the outside. Located in Grafton at Ste. Anne's Spa, it's what I still like to call the Doll's House, even though it was recently renovated and renamed.

Four close girlfriends and I called it our tiny dream escape for many years in a row. The Doll's House, with its cozy, rustic rooms that housed most of us upstairs and down, helped get us through the drab mid-point of winter – at least 48 hours of it.

Once inside the Doll's House, we'd wrap...

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The Hills are Alive with Wellness

Driving through the Northumberland Hills is a bit like being in a musical. There's an amazing chorus of trees and valleys at each turn, although they can be enjoyed at your own pace.

On this brisk, clear February day, I found myself driving into some amazing topography, "the Hills" (as many locals say). I was getting close to my destination, Northumberland Heights Wellness Retreat & Spa, in the western part of Northumberland County, two hours from Toronto, and just over three hours from Ottawa.

I...

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Magical Places for Great Take-Away

The south shore of Rice Lake in Northumberland County is all about the drive for me. I love stumbling upon historical hamlets, world class resorts, and seeing stunning views. I urge you to take detours at every chance. It’s magical to stumble upon new and remarkable places in your own backyard. 

In season, you can find farm gates filled with produce. The signs for fresh beef, lamb and chicken are all around as well. It’s also home to a lot of grain farming, including organic producer, Loon Song...

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Take-Out Comfort Food with Charm on the Side

On our drive through Trent Hills, we discovered that Warkworth is home to about 600 of the world’s luckiest people. In the small stretch of downtown in this charming arts community, you can get some of the best pizza, world-class chocolate and beautiful, locally-roasted coffee beans.  

Just up County Rd. 30 in Campbellford, there are a few more folks, but a similar abundance of food and drink choices. You’ll find unforgettable hardwood-fired pizza, “Canada’s Best Bakery”, and award-winning...

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Gourmet Food Trucks & Farm Fresh To-Go

I spent a lot of my youth playing baseball and hockey in the Grafton, Colborne & Brighton areas. I was always intimidated. The kids seemed stronger. My guess is because they   were helping out on the farm while me and my friends were working on mastering Mario Kart™. I get nostalgic when I drive through these areas now. But I’ve learned so much about the region in my adult years – and about strong farm families. 

This is farm country. Apple orchards line the country roads and open-air...

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