As simplistic as it may sound, “Don’t worry, be happy” is one way to boil down Leo season. Leo beckons us to shout “YES!” to life, to claim the spotlight and stand out.
Are you the Fool, the King or Queen, the playful Child or the Performer? Leo encourages us to express what’s inside and leave tangible evidence of our essence upon the world. In other words, it commands us to be our most creative selves!
As we emerge from the protective shell of Cancer, Leo season primes us to express what we cultivated deep inside. There’s a collective invitation to share our exuberance and our creativity — to take up space in ways others can see, admire and appreciate.
It’s time to step up and step out with acts of self-expression that come straight from the heart. The true spirit and purpose of Leo is to ignite joy, laughter and invite others to shine as brightly as possible so this world is a better place for all.
NURTURE YOUR CREATIVE SPIRIT
Maybe an impromptu trip is in the cards. Or perhaps, freedom and adventure are calling your number.
Whether you’re into art, wine tasting, fine cuisine, nature, golf, music, humour, theatre or simply relaxation, Niagara-on-the-Lake’s fertile valley is the ideal place to practise nurturing that seed of creativity within you. Pretend no one is watching and encourage others to do the same!
Take a creative risk. Enrol in an art course at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre or a pottery workshop with Bélisle Pottery. Buy a hat that makes a statement at Beau Chapeau — the more outrageous, the better — and flaunt it with pride. Courageously tell someone how you really feel. Go ahead and tell your jokes.
Discipline your self-confidence. Practise those power poses in the company of baby goats at Goat Yoga. Claim your spot at one or more Confi-Dance sessions offered by the Shaw Festival. Visualize your performance and act “as if” you’re the greatest at what you do.
Have more fun. Book one of two Escape Rooms at Grape Escape. Organize a game night at Oast Brewers or enjoy an evening of trivia at The Exchange Brewery. Be the entertainment and perform karaoke on your family, friends’ or lovers’ getaway. Show off your dance moves at the upcoming Peach Festival in August.
Demonstrate your passion. Make mad passionate love (yes, we said that). Book a spa session. Give and receive compliments. Do and wear what makes you feel alive and sexy. Engage in a little hedonism on a wine, beer or cider-tasting tour. Follow up with dinner and your choice of guilty pleasures at the Confessional Lounge at SIN.
Nurture your inner child. Remind yourself that you’re safe, perfect, whole and complete just the way you are. Give yourself credit for all the scary things you’ve done. Give yourself a glowing review just for showing up every day. Come from the heart.
It’s all part of letting people see and enjoy the real you! Anything that gets your pulse racing with excitement and brings a smile to your face is good medicine.
The world teems with opportunities to remind us all that we are part of something bigger. Bask in the magic of being alive in Niagara-on-the-Lake, especially during Leo season.
MEET YOUR HOSTS
Finding just the right place to stay can be a bit of a challenge. STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake takes much of the guesswork out of the task. Simply type in your dates, the number of guests and a list of available properties will pop up for your consideration. There’s even an interactive map to help you see where each is located.
Prefer to be self-sufficient and on your own? Then an apartment, villa or cottage may be the answer for you. There are many options to choose from whether you prefer to stay in the midst of all the action in Old Town or out in the country where it’s just you with your loved ones enjoying a barbecue and sipping wine under the stars.
In a region where fresh produce is abundant, there’s something to be said about having someone else prepare a home-cooked breakfast every morning, in which case a hosted bed and breakfast or charming inn may be more your style. Your accommodation options range from historical manors dating back to the early 1800s to the very modern.
Still not sure? Go ahead and call a few hosts before you decide. STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake makes it easy for you to plan your stay. Have more questions? Your hosts are always happy to help out.
GEAR UP FOR LEO SEASON AND BEYOND
Here is a quick summary of what’s in the works in and around Niagara-on-the-Lake:
Every Thursday during the Season: Live Music Thursdays at Kitchen 76
Every Thursday during the Season: Vines & Vibes at Jackson-Triggs Estate Wines
Every Friday & Saturday in August & September: Pottery Workshops at Bélisle Pottery
Through August 16: Music Niagara Festival 2024
August 1 to September 12: Garden Photo Workshop at Riverbrink Museum
August 4: Journey of Flavours: A Taste of Tuscany at Two Sisters Vineyards
August 5: The Past is Present Heritage Festival
August 9: Niagara 5000 Powered by McLaren
August 9: Angela Seeger Summer Concert Series at Corks Wine Bar & Eatery
August 10: Peach Festival
August 11: Shades of Rose Dinner
August 3 & 4: Juried original art show and sale at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre
August 18 to 24: Newark Neighbours 1st Anniversary Celebration
August 18 to 25: 2024 World Rowing Championships in St. Catharines
August 21: Reality TV Trivia at The Exchange Brewery
August 25 & September 29: Sip and Paint Night at Peller Estates Winery
September 13: Heritage Garden Party
September 14: Niagara Polo at The Commons
October 4: Shaw Guild Autumn Soirée at Château des Charmes
October 5: Mom Market Niagara at Jackson-Triggs Estate Winery
October 5 & 6: NOTL Beer/Harvest Festival
December 6: Candlelight Stroll
December 6 & 7: Rotary Club House Tour
December 14: Christmas Parade
HELPFUL TIPS
Drive Safely: As part of Niagara Region’s Vision Zero program, automated speed enforcement cameras have been installed in school zones. Please pay attention to the speed limits posted throughout Niagara-on-the-Lake as more cameras are planned.
Metered Parking: General information on metered parking in Niagara-on-the-Lake is found here. Your STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake hosts feature complimentary on-site parking for guests and are happy to advise you on where to park for free in and around Old Town.
Accessible Parking: Several accessible parking spaces are located throughout the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, both on the street and in municipal parking lots. All vehicles parking in the accessible zone must display an original and current accessible permit. Any vehicle found parked in an accessible zone without the valid accessible permit will be ticketed. The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has approved the use of accessible parking permits in the following areas only:
- Designated accessible zones/spaces; and
- At any meter free of charge, including municipal lots governed by pay-and-display parking meters. In these locations, a pay-and-display permit is not required if the vehicle is displaying a valid accessible permit.