Bucket List: Fall Edition
Fun in the Bay of Quinte doesn’t end when summer does. Put on a cozy sweater, embrace the pumpkin spiced-everything and explore the region’s autumnal festivities! Are you one with nature, a history fanatic or just looking for a good cup o’ joe to get you going? This list is sure to spark some fall-tastic ideas.
APPLE ORCHARDS
The Bay of Quinte region is chock full of apple orchards—there are over 10! —so you won’t have to travel far to get that crunchy, sweet fall fix. Many orchards also offer pick-your-own apples, so you can make sure you grab the perfect bushel for all your baking, snacking and bobbing needs.
Here are some spots offering all things apple:
PUMPKIN PATCHES
Speaking of pick-your-own fall festivities, BoQ also has some great pumpkin
patches (catch the Charlie Brown reference?)
The quintessential fall décor awaits you at Cricklewood Farm in Brighton, Crews Country Market in Quinte West (Best of the Bay’s Best Pumpkin Patch winner) or Wynn Farms in Napanee.
Happy Carving!
COFFEE SHOPS
Whether drip coffee, Pumpkin Spice lattes or herbal teas suit your fancy, each of these shops will surely serve up a variety of hot beverages to accompany the crisp chill in the air. Sweater weather, here we come!
SPOOKY SPOTS IN THE BoQ
While we’re on the topic of chills in the air—why not explore some goosebump-inducing sites? Apparently, this region is all the rage with the paranormal, which makes sense given its vast history.
If you’re looking for a bit of a fright, here are some supposedly spooky spots:
Belleville Cemetery—check out the tombstone of Susanna Moodie, a famous 19th century writer, who took particular interest in the occult while living in Belleville and reportedly even held seances. (Please be respectful when visiting cemeteries).
Haunted streets in Belleville—Take a walk down John Street in Belleville, where seances were said to be held in some of the homes or check out Bridge St W, where the Moodie Cottage stands.
Proctor House Museum—this museum has been proven to have plenty of spirits hanging around by Paranormal Seekers, if you believe in their accounts, of course. (http://www.proctorhousemuseum.ca)
History and Hauntings Ghost Tour in Napanee—this haunted tour will take you on a leisurely stroll in and around downtown Napanee, making stops at historic sites. Learn the history of the town and some of the haunted stories that goes with it.
FALL FLOWERS
Did you know that there are plenty of flower varieties that only bloom in the fall? Brighten up your space with some fall flower arrangements.
Dahlia May in Quinte West offers seasonal arrangements year-round and Philburn Farm, also in QW, offers cut-your-own flowers through to October.
Can’t make it to Quinte West? No prob – The Brake Room and Small Scale Bread in Belleville carry Dahlia May arrangements every Friday, for all of your convenient flower needs!
HOCKEY EH!
Grab your favourite team jersey and get ready for a good ol’ hockey game. Quinte West is home to the Trenton Golden Hawks Junior A team and Belleville is home to the Senators AHL team.
FARMER’S MARKETS
If you’re looking for some fresh fall produce or baked goods, you’re in the right region. Stock up on squash, sweet potato, and pumpkin to make some delish seasonal dishes or get busy making soup to last you through the winter!
- Belleville: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays | 8 am – 5 pm | Market Square
- Brighton: Sundays | 10 am – 1 pm | 2992 County Road 30 (Codrington)
- Quinte West: Wednesdays and Saturdays | 8 am – 1 pm | 67 Front Street
CHECK OUT THE FALL FOLIAGE
Hop in the car, turn up a good playlist and take in the fall colours around the region. Check out our ‘Take a Drive’ guides to get started and explore BoQ while the leaves are changing.
HIKE THE BoQ
Breathe in the Bay of Quinte’s scenic side on a hike or wander down one of the region’s many trails. Be sure to pack binoculars to help you spot some furry friends.
A-MAZE-ING CORN
Cricklewood Farm is home to the Best Corn Maze, as voted in Best of the Bay.
With a one-acre mini maze and a six-acre maze, you’re sure to get lost for a little while—though hopefully not for too long!
RIDE ON HORSEBACK THROUGH OAK HILLS
There’s no better way to experience Oak Hills than on the back of a Paso Fino horse at Fina Vista Farm.
Take a guided trail ride through the winding forested pathways and open rolling fields on a guided tour. And don’t worry if you aren’t a pro, these smooth-gaited horses are the perfect introduction to riding.
DRINK SOME BREWS
Take flight and experience the craft brews of the region. Whether a classic pilsner is your go-to or you’re all about the IPA’s, these breweries will hook you up with just the right bevvy to suit your fancy.
GET HISTORICAL
Pick up some historical fun-facts or brush up on your knowledge of the region at one of BoQ’s museums or historical sites.
We’ve curated a Road Trip guide that covers the must-visit spots—from an Air Force museum to one of two Royal Chapels in Canada.
ALPACA FARMIN’
Looking to make some new furry friends? You’ll become BFFs with the alpacas at Hickory Lane Alpacas and Silver Birch Alpacas, both in Greater Napanee. Fall in love with these wonderful creatures on a tour at Hickory Lane, and then head over to Silver Birch where you can adopt one of your own—forget the pony, ‘alpaca’ will be at the top of your wish list.
