MUST DO IN THE BoQ: 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 with events and activities to check out this season.
VISIT AN APPLE ORCHARD
The Bay of Quinte region is chock full of apple orchards, 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:
Cheer Farms
Crews Country Market
Dunnett Orchards
Grills Orchards
McCaw Farms
Spring Meadow Orchards
Wynn Farms
PUMPKINS GALORE
Speaking of pick-your-own fall festivities, BoQ also has some great pumpkin patches (catch the Charlie Brown reference?). The classic 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 Greater Napanee. Happy Carving!
GET LOST IN A CORN MAZE
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!
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.
Mount Pelion
Zwick’s Waterfront Trail
Sager Conservation Area
Presqu’ile Provincial Park
Menzel Centennial Provincial Park
LOCAL WALKING TOURS
Walking tours are a great way to immerse yourself in local history while enjoying a new perspective of streets and buildings you may already be familiar with. Scalliwag Toys’ recently launched Whiskey & Wingtips, a theatrical-style walking tour telling tales of one of the region’s most notorious rumrunners, Claude “King” Cole, guided by a team of professional actors.
FARMERS' 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 all year | 8 am – 5 pm
- Brighton: Sundays | 10 am – 1 pm until the end of October
- Quinte West: Wednesdays and Saturdays until the end of October| 8 am – 1 pm
RIDE ON HORSEBACK THROUGH THE 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.
A DAY AT THE MUSEUM
The return of fall inevitably leads to some cooler, rainier days that aren’t as enjoyable outdoors. When the weather is dreary and we’re looking for something to do, we turn to one of our local museums for a day spent warm and dry learning new things:
Glanmore National Historic Site
Quinte Museum of Natural History
National Airforce Museum of Canada
Museum of Lennox and Addington
SEE WHAT'S BREWIN'
Take flight and experience the craft brews of the region. Whether a classic pilsner is your go-to or you’re all about the IPAs, these breweries will hook you up with just the right bevvy to suit your fancy.
Wild Card Brewing Company
Napanee Beer Company
Meyers Creek Brewing Company
Flyby Brewing Company
QUINTELICIOUS
From October 18 to November 5 Quintelicious is celebrating the incredible bounty of the City of Belleville, from fresh produce grown on local farms to locally produced ingredients, breweries, wineries, and restaurants. Participating restaurants will showcase the diverse cuisine of the city with specially curated menus and invite diners to come in for a delectable culinary experience.
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, Napanee is home to the Napanee Raiders PJHL team and Belleville is home to the Senators AHL team. Sports fans can always be part of the action around here!
COZY CAFES
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!
The Brake Room
Gourmet Diem
Quinte Corner
Lola’s Cafe
Coffee Cravings
Old Bank Cafe
Rollin’ Oats
The Grind and Vine
Wavy
