PICNIC PAIRINGS
Local Eats and Where to Enjoy Them in the Outdoors Around the BoQ
Having grown up living all across North America, I’ve always had a penchant for exploration. Whether I was basking in the heat of Pueblo, Colorado, marveling over the Atlantic waves of Manahawkin, New Jersey, or navigating the concrete jungles of downtown Toronto, my lifelong journey has taken me to some amazing U.S. states and Canadian provinces. Along this adventure, I happened upon the Bay of Quinte region in 2020 and knew I could see myself settling in this vibrant place.
Since moving here, some of my favourite locales have been the never-ending array of eateries and hiking/walking trails. With summer season in full swing and picnic tables galore at the many parks and conservation sites across the region, what better opportunity than to feature some of my personal favourites the BoQ has to offer? Not only are these pairings conveniently located, but they provide a variety of cuisines and outdoor spaces that are inviting to explore both solo or with friends and family.
Written by Erika Szabo
Read time: 4 min
BELLEVILLE
Flossie’s Sandwich Parlor is well-known for its variety of freshly-made and locally-sourced sandwiches and sides, partnering with local farms for high-quality meats and produce. To top it off, Flossie’s offers a fun, friendly atmosphere with its Ghostbusters pinball table, vinyl collection and listening station, as well as a deli and market to stock your kitchen. Flossie’s offers a range of classic sandwich options and unique creations. My partner and I ordered two fan favourites, “Poppa Jones’ All Day Beef” and “The Greasy Caprese” with a side of their hand-cut fries, and were we ever impressed! They offer generous portions, mouth-watering flavours and local freshness that will keep you coming back for more.
The Bayshore Trail and the Belleville Turtle Pond are popular staples in the area for their wildlife viewing, especially in the summer when you can spot countless turtles basking on logs. Unfortunately, there were none when I visited, but there were still plenty of picture-worthy moments worth capturing. The pond is also a vibrant spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike as it attracts various birds like herons, swans, and ducks.
The trail is part of Belleville’s efforts to preserve and enhance its natural spaces, providing a serene environment for walking and viewing wildlife. Bayshore Trail and the Belleville Turtle Pond are well-integrated into the city, offering a peaceful retreat while being easily accessible.
QUINTE WEST
Located in downtown Frankford, part of Quinte West, Old Bank Café is a charming local establishment known for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious offerings. Most captivating is the historic preservation of the space. Housed in a historic building that once served as a bank, the café retains a unique and nostalgic charm—including the old vault. Rich with memorabilia and a passion for the past, The Old Bank Café is truly a gem.
This spot is popular for its freshly brewed coffee, homemade baked goods, and a variety of lunch options, including sandwiches, soups, and salads. The café offers a cozy setting with comfortable seating inside and on the patio overlooking the Trent River, making it a favourite for both locals and visitors to relax and enjoy a meal or a coffee.
Just across the road from the café, Frankford Tourist Park is a popular outdoor destination located on the Trent River. The park has several picnic areas, a small sandy beach and playground, a skate park, as well as a boat launch for fishing and kayaking. Visitors can enjoy walking trails that offer scenic views, including the banks of Lock 6 where you can watch the boats going up and down the historic Trent Severn Waterway while Parks Canada staff operate the lock system. Also make sure to grab a seat on one of the many hand-painted Muskoka chairs sprinkled throughout the park, overlooking the river.
GREATER NAPANEE
Situated along Napanee’s downtown strip, Sushi Nori is a popular family-owned Japanese and Korean restaurant known for its fresh and flavourful sushi, sashimi, and other authentic dishes like tempura, gyoza and bulgogi. The restaurant is praised for its high-quality ingredients, detailed preparation, and cozy, inviting atmosphere. The owners of this restaurant are friendly and attentive, offering convenient takeout options and a diverse array of imported snacks, sauces and cooking accessories.
Springside Park offers a scenic and relaxing outdoor experience along the Napanee River. Start out by taking in the views and enjoying the sounds of the rushing Springside Falls, then, follow the trail along the river down to Conservation Park. The trail is a well-maintained 1.9 km loop that provides beautiful river views and wildlife sightings worth seeing for yourself. It all makes for a peaceful escape by the water with lots of spots to pause and enjoy along the way.
BRIGHTON
Jer & Mel’s Gringos Railside is a popular food truck in Brighton, known for its mouth-watering tacos and fries. This must-try spot also features lots of other delicious options including burgers, nachos, poutine, and churros to name a few. Considering their friendly, speedy service and convenient outdoor seating, it’s no surprise Jer & Mel’s is considered a fan favourite for both locals and visitors! This is well worth a try if you’re driving by and looking for a bite.
Brighton’s Proctor Conservation Park is easily one of my favourite hiking trails in the region. This 2.5 km loop features well-marked trails suitable for hiking, walking, and birdwatching through diverse habitats like forests, wetlands, and meadows. It offers a relatively easy hike and is haven for wildlife enthusiasts, providing opportunities to see a wide range of bird species and other wildlife. Operated by Lower Trent Conservation which is dedicated to preserving the natural environment, Proctor is perfect for connecting with nature and enjoying the lush beauty of the outdoors.
