Sip, Savour & Shop Local – 72 hours in Peterborough & the Kawarthas
Come on a treasure hunt for local goodness with us. Stroll through downtown Peterborough’s historic streets – alive with one-of-a-kind stores, independent merchants and the latest eateries. Smaller towns, such as Lakefield and Millbrook, offer a taste of shopping in a traditional village setting. And out of town, the road leads to dozens of possibilities: artists’ studios, antique barns, and much more. Blend that with the area’s long, storied history of brewing connected to Canada’s Treasured Waterway with today’s growing number craft beverage makers and you have the perfect pairing for a mouthwatering experience. Take a piece of Peterborough & the Kawarthas home with you.
Day 1: Vintage, Vodka and St. V’s
Nostalgic Journey
Peterborough, Ontario
K9J 6X8
Nostalgic Journey offers antiques, vintages and collectables with over 40 vendors.
Otonabee River Spirits Persian Empire Distillery
Peterborough, Ontario
K9J 7V6
Persian Empire Distillery in Peterborough, is known for producing spirits that are exported around the world. Stop into their storefront to try Otonabee River Spirits Triple Distilled Vodka – named for the Otonabee River that flows through the city.
Peterborough Northern Originals at Flavour Fashion
Peterborough, Ontario
K9H 3R2
A unique clothing line available exclusively at Flavour Fashion in downtown Peterborough, gifts don’t get more original than this.
St. Veronus Cafe and Tap Room
Peterborough, Ontario
K9H 2K7
Old world–style tavern with dark wood walls serving Belgian comfort food & wheat beers on tap. A local favourite? Their signature moules-frites.
Cork & Bean
Savour your sweet tooth at Cork & Bean! In addition to a scrumptious selection of is licensed, they have a great selection of craft beer, wine, whisky and more if your version of dessert is a little bit different.
Day 2: Bennies, Bevvies and Buying Local
Blackhoney Desserts & Coffee House
As a FeastON Certified restaurant, Blackhoney’s long-standing commitment to locally-sourced ingredients shines through from their locally-roasted coffee to the bennies on their brunch menu to their aptly-named Localicious bars. A staple of the Hunter Street Cafe district, you can also find local inspiration on the art adorning their walls – a nod to the region’s vibrant arts scene.
Kawartha Country Wines
Buckhorn, Ontario
K0L 1J0
A picturesque, family-owned winery specializes in innovative fruit wines, cider, vinegars, and gourmet preserves. Their delicious creations (including wood-fired pizzas!) are all made using locally grown, farm-fresh fruits that are processed with the highest standards to produce premium award-winning wines. Nestled in the heart of the Kawarthas, they are an ideal cottage country destination to visit during your next day trip, vacation or family outing.
Whetung Ojibwa Centre
Curve Lake, Ontario
K0L 1R0
Whetung Ojibwa Centre offers a spectacular collection of Native crafts as well as Fine Art, Jewelry, Moccasins, Leather Work, Sculptures and much more from Curve Lake First Nation and across Canada.
Canoe & Paddle
Lakefield, Ontario
K0L 2H0
The Canoe & Paddle is a proper English Pub beside the river in downtown Lakefield. Combining our three favourite things – craft Ontario beer, fresh pub grub and live music, The Canoe & Paddle hopes to be a focal point for the community by celebrating the rich canoeing heritage of the Kawarthas and offering a warm and friendly social atmosphere. Whether you want to relax with a pint after a long day, celebrate with your friends or grab some of the best fresh food around, The Canoe & Paddle is the local hole by the water that you’ve always wanted!
Watson & Lou
Peterborough, Ontario
K9H 3L7
Watson & Lou have cheerfully wacky gifts and one-of-a-kind goods for everyone. Their collection includes jewellery, textiles, embroidery, ceramics, personal care products, paper goods, home decor, and a kickass kids section too. In addition to the boutique, Watson & Lou offers a shared studio space and hosts regular workshops, so visitors can kick-start their creativity or learn a specialized skill in a fun, collaborative environment with informative, hands-on instruction.
Publican House Brewery & Pub
Peterborough, Ontario
K9J 2V5
Publican House Brewery is a craft brewery creating some of the finest and most interesting brews in Ontario. Attached to the Brewery is the FeastON Certified Publican House Brew Pub nestled in the 150-year old building that inspired our brands. With a focus on local ingredients. Don’t forget get to check out their retail store next door for lots of gift ideas.
Day 3: Boutique Buys and Homemade Pies
Modern Makers Market
The Modern Makers market is a storefront market that brings local small businesses from around Canada into a storefront for an easier shopping experience that takes away the hassle of shipping.
Millbrook Mercantile
Millbrook, Ontario
L0A1G0
Nestled among a number of charming storefronts along Millbrook’s King Street, Millbrook Mercantile is a unique retail store that features a farmers’ market feel.
The Valley Shoppe
An artisan-style market that is entirely Canadian and handmade everything from jewelry, children’s clothing, skin care and so much more. The Valley Shoppe is proud to provide products that are produced and packaged with the planet being number one, and provide you to make the same choices when choosing the products carried in-store.
The Pastry Peddler
Millbrook, Ontario
L0A 1G0
It’s in the name, The Pasty Peddler is a shared enthusiasm for baking and cycling with a family history of amazing bakers they share their favourite treats and family recipes with all. Don’t forget to take sweet treats to go!
Rolling Grape Vineyard
Bailieboro, Ontario
K0L 1B0
On the family farm in the middle of their vineyard is where you will find their winery. There you can enjoy their estate wines and learn about the vineyard.
Accommodations with a View
Holiday Inn Peterborough Waterfront
Peterborough, Ontario
K9J 3G5
Rest up for your exciting tour ahead at the newly renovated, Holiday Inn Peterborough Waterfront which is ideally situated along the Trent Severn Waterway in the downtown business and shopping district.
The Holiday Inn Peterborough Waterfront is Stay Safe Certified.
Beachwood Resort
Lakefield, Ontario
K0L 2H0
Beachwood Resort has been welcoming guests for over 90 years. Situated on 1400’ of prime Lower Buckhorn Lake shoreline, their location offers the best of both worlds, experience a ‘Kawartha cottage getaway’ with the amenities of home.
Elmhirst’s Resort
Keene, Ontario
K0L 2G0
Elmhirst’s Resort is an all-season, cottage resort and conference facility. It offers a spa and a host of activities for the whole family. There is a large working farm with animals raised and produce grown on site. These foods, known as Elmhirst’s Own, are solely for consumption by their FeastON Certified restaurant. They also maintain partnerships with local suppliers to round out their menu offerings and reflect their commitment to sustainability. When visiting keep an eye out for, Angus Beef, turkeys and Pekin ducks, Fiddleheads, Greenhouse herbs and harvested vegetables featured seasonally.
Elmhirst’s Resort has been awarded the Safe Travel Stamp from the World Travel & Tourism Council.