A Short Drive on the Long Weekend

If you're looking for a nice day trip for the upcoming long weekend, you might want to head to the "waterfall capital of the world".  Hamilton, amongst its' other attractions, is home to more than 100 waterfalls and cascades, most of which are located on or near the Bruce Trail.  The Bruce Trail is a lush hiking trail which cuts through Hamilton and follows the edge of the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, for nearly 900 km.

Bruce Trail Waterfalls

If you would like to do something outdoors, but not feeling like a hike, the Royal Botanical Gardens is a beautiful way to spend an afternoon.  They just completed their new Rock Garden and guided tours are available.  

RBG    https://www.rbg.ca/

If you're into architecture, Hamilton has some great eye candy.  Even within the grittier pockets of the city, there are architectural beauties.  

Bank of Montreal Building

Canadian National Railways Building

Art Deco Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo Railway Station

Art Moderne Port Authority Building

Architectural details everywhere!

Medical Arts Building

Lister Block (before and after recent restoration)

If you find residential architecture more to your liking, or are looking to do some house hunting, there is a wealth of interesting homes a few blocks from the shop.  A variety of different residential architectural styles and interesting gardens makes a walking tour a worthwhile way to spend an hour or two.  

Gems of Hamilton Residential Architecture

Dundurn Castle

If you're coming for the day, plan on lunch or an early supper in the neighborhood.  A couple of our favorite restaurants are The Aberdeen Tavern, Bread Bar and Brux House.  The Aberdeen Tavern is just around the corner, but all are walking distance from the shop.

Aberdeen Tavern    http://theaberdeen.ca/

 Bread Bar    http://hamilton.breadbar.ca/

Brux House    http://bruxhouse.com/

If you're staying overnight or not in a hurry to get back home, there are some excellent wineries/ restaurants within an hour's drive of Hamilton.  We haven't tried too many yet, but our favorite to date is Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery in St. David's.  The restaurant has an inviting casual atmosphere and the food is very good.  

Ravine    https://www.ravinevineyard.com/

We are always happy to give recommendations for places to stay, other types of things to do and other types of restaurants in the area....and beyond.  If you would like additional info., please feel free to give us a call or shoot us an email.   

We are doing lots of restocking this week, so there will be lots of beautiful things to see in the shop if you can make it out to Hamilton this Saturday.  If you can't please check out the blog for updates.