SPRING DAY TRIPS IN THE BoQ
Spring is here and we couldn’t be more excited to trade our winter boots for sneakers and bulky coats for light jackets. No more Netflix binges and blanket cocoons, it’s time to come out of our hibernation and get back out into the real world. We’ve put together a few local day trip ideas to get you out of the house after being snuggled away all winter. Start by exploring something new and supporting local businesses.
This article originally appeared in the Spring 2024 edition of the Brighton Beacon.
Read time: 3 min
FOOD + DRINK
Special Effects Lifestyle Boutique Tea Room
Cozy up in the tea room at Special Effects Lifestyle Boutique, located in a century home on Brighton’s Main Street, and take your pick from their extensive list of teas. The curated seasonal menu goes beyond tea with other hot beverages, soups, salads, sandwiches and treats.
Old Bank Cafe
Head up to Frankford for this quaint cafe located in (you guessed it) an old bank where you can even sit in the old vault that’s still in place. If it’s a nice day, take it outside and soak up the sun on their creekside patio.
Northumberland Fine Food
Brighton has a new go-to spot for specialty foods like meats, cheeses, breads, pastries and preserves. Visit their warm and rustic tasting lounge for some charcuterie and a drink. Keep an eye on their upcoming events to grab some tickets to live music or a movie screening before they sell out.
ART + CULTURE
Crafted Creations
This new artisan shop just opened in November 2023 and carries handcrafted products from over 30 local makers. Take a look for your new favourite pair of earrings, decor for a housewarming gift or a beautiful charcuterie board to use at your next gathering.
John M. Parrott Gallery
Located in the Belleville Public Library, this gallery has been a cultural hub for the community for decades. It’s home to a permanent Manly MacDonald oil painting collection and has rotating exhibits showcasing a variety of artists and mediums.
These 4 Walls
An art gallery, bistro and event space all live inside These 4 Walls in downtown Trenton. The gallery walls are often filled from floor to ceiling with creations from local artists, and they always have events on the go ranging from concerts to workshops to gallery shows.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Bleasdell Boulder Conservation Area
Did you know that one of the largest known glacial erratics in North America, estimated to be 2.3 billion years old, can be found in Quinte West? A short hike through the woods and over the creek of Bleasdell Boulder Conservation Area will bring you to this giant rock.
Springside Park
Springside Park in Napanee has a fully accessible trail that runs along the waterfalls and river, leading all the way to Conservation Park. After you’ve gotten your nature fix, stroll around the nearby downtown to shop and grab a bite to eat.
Presqu'ile Provincial Park
This park offers so much more than a beach. Take a walk on the Jobes Woods Trail at Presqu’ile to hear the chorus of frog calls as they come out of hibernation. Birding enthusiasts should be sure to pack a pair of binoculars as spring is a special time of year at this migration hot spot.
