12 WAYS TO ENJOY SPRING
IN THE BoQ
Spring is one of my favourite times of year around here, there are so many exciting ways I like to refresh for the new season. I love to get back outside into all the nature the region offers, visit my favourite downtown shops and treat myself to all the delicious spring bounty. These are my must-do’s in the BoQ to put a spring in your step.
Written by Courtney Evans
Read time: 5 minutes
BRIGHTON
Take a forest bath
at Goodrich-Loomis Conservation Area
There is nothing more refreshing than a good forest bath and Goodrich-Loomis Conservation Area is one of my favourite places to do this. Get back out into nature this spring on one of the 6 easy to moderate trails spread out over 12 kilometres. I love the sounds of the bubbling creek, the tranquillity of the pine loop and the beauty of the oak trees.
Go bird watching
at Presqu'ile Provincial Park
A spring trip to Presqu’ile offers world-class bird migration with a count of up to 150 species a day. With these numbers, even the most casual birdwatcher is bound to have some sightings – keep an eye out for the beautiful warblers and tanagers. One of my favourite spots to explore and birdwatch is the lighthouse, where you can also see a wide variety of waterfowl and shorebirds.
backyard birding?
start at the Birdhouse Nature Store
Spring is the time to get your backyard ready for the birds and there is no better place for all your needs than the Birdhouse Nature Store. From houses to seeds to accessories, this store has everything you need to make your space a bird paradise. With their knowledgeable staff and wide variety of products, I always learn something new and leave excited for my backyard birding adventures.
QUINTE WEST
TREAT YOURSELF TO A SPRING DRINK
from the Grind & vine
The Grind & Vine coffee house always has the best seasonal drinks, and spring is no exception. A sip of their lavender haze gives me all the springtime feels! Enjoy your beverage outside on the patio or take it with you for a browse through the neighbouring Front Street Farmers’ Market and walk along the river trail.
explore
At Bleasdell Boulder Conservation Area
The giant boulder at Bleasdell Boulder Conservation Area is one of the largest glacial erratics in North America and is estimated to be 2.3 billion years old. The trail is an easy 1.5km loop, so it’s perfect to get the whole family outside this spring. Bonus, your kids will get a good geology lesson and you’ll get some epic family photos in front of the two-story tall boulder.
Get Gardening
with Farmgate Gardens
A stroll through the beautiful Farmgate Gardens will provide you with all the garden inspiration you need this season. The locally owned garden centre is set on 7 acres of land and offers a huge selection of trees and plants, including lots of unique and exclusive products. The friendly staff will share their knowledge and help make all your garden dreams come true!
BELLEVILLE
Indulge in a skincare refresh
at the beauty collective
This season, make sure to also treat yourself to a spring refresh! The Beauty Collective is my favourite place to indulge in beauty treatments and shop premium skincare products. They offer a wide variety of modern treatments and medical aesthetics that will have you feeling your best for the spring season.
Update your spring wardrobe
in downtown belleville
Downtown Belleville has top-quality shops to update your spring wardrobe. Visit Pure Honey for the newest trend pieces, explore the vintage gems at Boretski Gallery, and find all your accessory needs at Miss Priss Boutique. And don’t forget your feet; put a spring in your step at Becker Shoes, one of the newest additions to the lineup of retail stores downtown.
adventure cycling
with bayofquinte.bike
Get moving outside this spring with a fun bike adventure! The BoQ Adventure Cycling Club has created a collection of the best-kept secrets off the beaten paths of the region and beyond. There’s an adventure for everyone from the family bike trippers to the seasoned cyclists looking for a challenge.
GREATER NAPANEE
Pick up fresh flowers
from napanee blooms
Nothing says spring like a fresh bouquet of flowers. Napanee Blooms is a beautiful flower shop, whose designers create the prettiest floral arrangements. The shop also offers fresh flowers, plants and gifts. Located in downtown Napanee, make sure to continue shopping around all the lovely stores nearby.
Get ready to gather
By stocking up at Ellena's
Ellena’s Cafe and Pantry is a great little café to gather with friends for a coffee and sandwich after a day of spring shopping in downtown Napanee. If you prefer to gather with friends at home, you can pick up all your hosting needs like fresh baked bread, cheese and charcuterie, and wine and beer. While you’re there, do not miss out on their delicious pastries!
stroll and daydream
along the Napanee River Boardwalk
The Napanee River Boardwalk is the perfect spot to enjoy a sunny spring day. Stroll along the accessible .75km boardwalk from Springside Park to Conservation Park. At Conservation Park, enjoy the pretty gardens, seating areas and view of the waterfalls. Located close to the downtown, I find a walk along the boardwalk the best way to round out a spring trip to Napanee.
