One of my favourite spots

via GB@H

One of my most favourite spots to visit is thankfully only and hour and a half away from where we live. Niagara-on-the-Lake is a pretty town that brims at the seams with tourists who want to drink in all of it's prettiness. And she is a beauty.

Of course the other thing to drink in are the outstanding wines that the Niagara Region offers. The Niagara Region is characterized by it's unique micro-climate, topography and rich soils which provides a unique growing opportunity for tender fruit. The wines of this region are infused with complex flavours and characters, and draw wine lovers in to experience the distinctive world class wines. It's not just because I live here that I will say these wines remain among some of my favourites. If you haven't experienced Ontario wines yet, put it on your list of wines to try.

Shaw Cafe & Wine Bar                                      via GB@H

Richard and I drove down to NOTL last weekend for an afternoon of exploring....... and well truthfully, the summer wouldn't complete if I didn't wander there at least a few times.
While we didn't visit any of the wineries on this trip, we did enjoy some of the local VQA choices at lunch. The culinary choices span well beyond the quick lunches at local main street restaurants, and we have enjoyed the talents of the chefs at Oban Inn {here}, Zee's {here}, Truis Winery at Hillebrand {fabulous summer jazz program} - {HERE}, Peller Estate Winery which features the culinary talents of Jason Parsons {here}, Prince of Wales {a wonderful spot for afternoon tea and brunch} - {here}, ........... to name a few.
There is a lot of indulging going on when we visit - great food, outstanding wines.

via GB@H

via GB@H

The unique climate of the Niagara Region also offers the opportunity for nurseries to grow some of the most beautiful flowers and trees. The town of Niagara-on-the-lake is itself a showstopping bouquet, and as many times as I have visited over the years it still manages to thrill me every time. I am certain that the plants and flowers are on steroids, they are flowing over the planters and sidewalks and there isn't a spot that isn't in bloom. Even during this recording breaking summer heat the gardens are lush.

via GB@H

via GB@H

via GB@H

I love to explore NOTL and manage to take pictures every time we visit. The quaint little town is overflowing with restored historical properties that boast of architectural detailing. One of the most visited properties is the Trish Romance Gallery, a Victorian house that really does make you feel like you've stepped back in time.

Trish Romance Gallery House                                       via GB@H

via GB@H

Trish Romance paintings and details about her work can be seen here.

Visitors are often found sitting here enjoying the view.   via GB@H

Look at the detail on the veranda, especially the domed roof. via GB@H

via GB@H

Niagara-on-the-Lake is famous for the variety of Bed and Breakfast accommodations. I've stayed at a few of them in the past and really enjoyed the quaint feel that staying at a B & B offers. There are so many to choose from but one my favourites is Cecile's House {they bring a little touch of France to the Inn and have a great shop as well} - HERE.

The main street is lined with shops that are carefully styled to the historical town's requirements. I love the old time bakery style of Niagara Home Bakery - it reminds me of the bakery my Aunt used to own. And Yum!

Niagara Home Bakery                                       via GB@H

I was so busy taking pictures at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory window that I didn't stop to buy anything....... maybe a good thing that I didn't. But I can say from prior purchases, everything is delicious there. The phrase 'like a kid in a candy store' is so accurate...... you will want to try everything.
They have of course a huge variety of chocolates, gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt, fudge, no sugar added chocolate and even dog bones that are dipped in chocolate 'flavour' coating {safe for fido}.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory               via GB@H

via GB@H

No calories here !!                                                         via GB@H

Apples covered in more sweetness.             via GB@H

One our very first date Richard and I discovered during our long conversation that we both love Niagara-on-the-Lake - the architecture, the beautiful tree's and the quaint style that the town has to offer. So it is always extra special sharing time there together now.

The highlight of the day was taking time together - just the two of us. The fun of a summer day..... in the sunshine...... in a romantic town.......... with my guy.



Read more about Niagara-on-the-Lake during our winter trip HERE................ and HERE.

More great Niagara Region gardens can be seen via fellow blogger Nella at Acorn Lane Vintage Living. Warning: her garden will hook you in, it's stunning.

The Gift

Richard and I had a day filled with running errands on Saturday and spent a good part of the day driving. On our final drive home around the dinner hour, the sun was settling down around the volume of clouds creating an ominous sight. Infused in the cloud portrait was the pretty hue of the pink setting sun and shapes that seemed to tell a story.
It was during this part of our journey home that I was thankful that Richard was driving so I could enjoy the beauty that was being played out because of a stormy weather day. The colours and the cloud formation reminded me of a beautiful photograph called 'The Gift'.
I carry a small laminated card of the picture in my wallet, it's been there for about 16 years. The inscription on the back reads:  

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle.

The other is as thought everything is a miracle." {Albert Einstein}

The Gift by Darlene Lamb

The story of the Angel cloud photo is inspiring. Darlene Lamb, who took the picture, was spending time at a friends cottage to help her reflect and grieve for her infant Grandson Adam, who had died of SIDS at the age of 6 months.
One evening Darlene planned to sit and watch the sunset over the lake. As she sat down on a rock she turned to see the cloud formed into the shape of an Angel carrying a gift.
Darlene grabbed her camera and took a picture of the Angel in the sky. As quickly as she captured the beautiful image, the wind changed dispersing the clouds out of the formation. Weeks later Darlene developed the film and discovered the inspiring image. When she showed the picture of the cloud Angel to her Daughter,  Adams Mother, she said that it looked like the Angel was holding an infant.
Darlene decided then that the picture should be named 'The Gift'. She has shared this stunning image hoping to help other people as it has helped her. Darlene explains that 'through Adam, and The Gift, I am sharing the spiritual wonderment with anyone who may be searching for answers, and for peace'.

In addition to the wallet card, I have purchased a framed print and several boxes of blank greeting cards over the years. I keep the cards tucked away to use to send special messages for friends who are searching or struggling.

If you are visiting the Niagara-on-the-Lake area, Angel Treasures {38 Market Street} sells The Gift products. Visit Cloud Angel {here} for all of The Gift products and the complete story about Darlene Lamb.
The picture was taken at a lake in Southern Ontario and I believe that Darlene Lamb is from the Niagara area.

Those quiet moments in the car on the way home this weekend gave me the chance to enjoy the beauty in the sky, and to remind myself that life is a precious gift.

Cecile's, with a French Twist

One of my very favourite places to visit while in Niagara On The Lake is Cecile's House.

It all started with their beautiful French influenced Bed and Breakfast. The rumour is that the guests constantly asked the owners of the B & B where they bought all of the beautiful decor items that enhance their rooms. France of course.

Chris, the owner of Cecile's, was born and raised in western France and later moved to Canada. His experience as a sous-chef in New York and Montreal, combined with the influence of an upbringing in France provided Chris with the je ne sais quoi that is evident in everything within the house of Cecile's.

Cecile's House :: Niagara on the Lake

And so the pretty little Parisian shop of the same name was born so that all visitors can enjoy the French influence. I have shopped at Cecile's Home and Gift since it was first open and visit every time I am in town, the ambiance is an experience in itself. The shop is charming and you truly feel like you are in France when shopping there. On our recent weekend in Niagara I paid a visit and found several wonderful treasures to take home.

One of these petite bud vases now adorns my nightstand.

Lavender sache and soap

The dome and cake plates would encourage me to bake some cupcakes.

Dishware and glassware are imported from France.

Niagara-on-the-Lake Chocolate and Wine

Let's start first with the highlight of the Niagara Region of Ontario; Niagara Falls is the main attraction. The Falls are one of the seven natural wonders of North America :: 168,000 cubic meters of water falls over the 173 foot drop at the crest every minute. It makes for both a spectacular and eerie site.

 Prince of Wales Hotel, Niagara-on-the-Lake (summer)

The Niagara region boasts with some of the prettiest towns that all flourish with unique growing opportunities. Ontario fruit growers provide the best apples, pears, peaches, strawberries and grapes. The area wineries are producers of wonderful wines that are proven International Award Winners.
On our weekend away for the Niagara on the Lake, Days of Wine and Chocolate Festival we visited local wineries to indulge in the pairings of an assortment of chocolates with some truly spectacular wines. The Prince of Wales hotel on the main street has an incredible view of the boulevard and park; be sure to Indulge in 'high tea' at the hotel if you visit.

Love this Aerator at Hillebrand Winery

Niagara Falls Ontario (summer)

Richard and I on the 'Days of Wine and Chocolate' tour.





  

Richard and I were introduced to some new wines at Hillebrand, Jackson Triggs, Peller, Pelliteri, Inniskillin, to name a few. There are so many fabulous wineries in NOTL that have great events all year round.
Ever the romantic, Richard arranged for pretty white roses and a bottle of Pinot Grigio chilling for our arrival at the hotel. It was a wonderful weekend in one of our favourite places to visit; add chocolate, wine, great dinners and wandering throughout the town with my Honey ........ very romantic.