Fort Henry – If you haven’t visited recently, it’s time to come back and see what’s new at the Fort (there’s lots). Guarding Kingston from the highest point of land where the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario and the Rideau Canal meet, Fort Henry has been standing proudly since the early 1800’s. The summer season features exhibit and museum tours, artillery demonstrations, a noon gun, mock battles and a daily parade. Join an 1867 Victorian schoolroom lesson then enlist your children in a military muster parade.
Simply turn left onto Highway #2 from the Victoria Rose Inn parking lot. Fort Henry will be on the left hand side about 20 minutes later. Downtown Kingston is just a little further on the same road. More information: www.forthenry.com
Lunch at Chez Piggy – From its humble beginnings as an abandoned limestone stable, “ the Pig ” offers a dining experience that blends outstanding taste and imagination with great atmosphere – enjoy lunch in the secluded courtyard, sipping sangria and feeding the birds. Quintessential summer.
Follow Highway #2 into Kingston , turn right onto Queen Street, and left onto King Street. Find a parking spot – Chez Piggy is located at 68 Princess Street, and all of the shops listed below are within a few blocks. More information: www.cityofkingston.ca
The Afternoon in Kingston – Framed in grey limestone period architecture, Kingston is often likened to a romantic, European city, with its narrow pathways and brick-arched entrances into shops and restaurants. All shops listed are within a few blocks. Don’t miss any of them – they’re all unique spots frequented by locals:
Your favorite summer dress (and a sneak peak at next season’s
hot trends) is waiting at Sir Gawain Fine Clothing 34 Princess Street
In addition to many fine Canadian crafts, the most perfect “Berry Bowls” (beautiful
hand-made pottery colanders perfect for washing, storing, and serving fresh
fruit and summer berries) are available at Cornerstone
Fine Canadian Crafts,
255 Ontario Street
Summer ritual: visit the Fireworks
Glassblowing Studio and pick up a freshly
blown marble as a memento of your vacation. 56 Queen Street
That all important summer read is waiting at the As the Plot Thickens Mystery
Bookshop – a world of Sherlock Holmes and deep leather chairs.
66 Brock Street
Visit Cooke’s just to hear the 1865 floor creaking, and to ingest
the aroma of freshly roasted coffee, exquisite chocolate, and fine cheddar
cheese.
Truly a gourmet food emporium. 61 Brock Street
The Kingston Farmer’s Market is held evey Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
in the Market Square behind City Hall. Live like a local and pick
up seasonal fruit and home-baked pastries.
Pre-Theatre Dining In Gananoque – Return to the Victoria Rose Inn along Highway #2, and experience a memorable pre-theatre dinner at one of several world-class restaurants found in Gananoque. Plan to be seated by 5:30 pm in order to arrive at the theatre in time for the 8:00 pm performance. Read through the sample menus kept on display at the Inn, and choose from The Casa Bella Restaurant, The Captain’s Table or The Athlone for a wonderful start to the evening.
1000 Islands Playhouse – Located on the banks of the beautiful St. Lawrence River in the renovated Gananoque Canoe Club building, the Playhouse has become the most popular summer theatre in eastern Ontario. This really is a summer activity not to miss – even the locals don’t let the season pass without seeing at play at the Theatre. Where else can a glass of wine be enjoyed at intermission, standing on the deck as moonlights reflects in the river and boats bob below. Too perfect – better pinch yourselves.
The Playhouse is located on South Street in Gananoque, close to all restaurants and shops. More information: www.1000islandsplayhouse.com