We are so lucky to be living in Ottawa! There is simply no end to amazing things to do and see; plenty of museums, galleries, festivals, farmers markets, the Rideau Canal – the list goes on. That said, there are so many quaint little villages and towns to explore surrounding our Nations Capital.
One of my absolute favourites is Almonte, Ontario, just 20 minutes west of us. I recommend that you visit in May and while you drive towards the main street, which runs along the Mississippi River, be sure to roll down your windows so you can enjoy the sweet aromas of the lilacs in bloom. Almonte is the birthplace of basketball, and Hollywood has discovered this picturesque little town, filming no fewer than six Hallmark movies in recent years.
The main street is flush with one-of-a-kind shops that take you back to a time before big box and chain stores ruled commercial markets. Since we are all about food and entertainment, I’d like to share our top 5 favourite foodie stops in this cute riverside town.
- Baker Bob’s
They offer an impressive selection of locally sourced honey and maple syrup, from all over the region. Their breads and baked goods are top notch, and their prices can’t be beat! They boast both bakery and candy store – selling old school candy from our youth. I recommend that you sit in the store window of Baker Bob’s with a coffee and a butter tart and watch the world go by.
- Tin Barn Market
This is the place to visit for table inspiration! Although not a “kitchen” store, the owners style speaks to my heart. Every time I visit Tin Barn Market, I leave inspired and on a mission to create and design.
- Cashmere & Rose – A Beautiful Gift & Floral Boutique
Located at the top end of the main street, this is my go to place for unique décor finds and host gifts. Like many of the shops, Cashmere & Rose has two business streams – a gift boutique in the front and the cutest little flower shop in the back. They offer the best cut flowers to make your own custom bouquets to wow your guests at your next dinner party.
- LG Lee & Sons
Perhaps not known globally, but LG Lee & Sons was founded by Leonard G. Lee the founding father of Lee Valley Tools. This place is more well known for their catalogues offering crafty inventions for the home, garden and workshop. Mr. Lee, is a legend round these parts and lived on a farm just outside of town. This haberdashery of sorts was re-opened in 2015 and the décor is pure vintage – stepping inside is like journeying back in time. You can lose all sense of time browsing the eclectic offerings for hours. This shop has an impressive array of kitchen gadgets and books on everything from gardening to pickling.
- Pêche et Poivre
The most favourite foodie “go to” shop in Almonte is the remarkable Pêche et Poivre – an old fashioned grocerteria. They have an impressive selection of locally made sauces, chutneys, marinades, spices. Essentially, everything you could want or need to elevate your next dinner party. It’s our current go-to spot for buying Joe Beef spices, and we enjoy returning regularly to see what new things we will discover. They have recently expanded their artisan cheese counter at the back of store where they feature locally made cheeses, pâtés, fois gras, and other delectable food items.
Almonte serves up vintage inspired uniqueness in spades. It’s also a mecca for foodie entrepreneurs, with Hummingbird Chocolate, Healthy Food Technologies (a donut shop), and Dairy Distillery (producers of Vodkow) to name a few. It also boasts some great eateries, which we will be sure to feature in the near future.
Check back often for more tips on local foray’s in and around our beautiful city.
