Stay Niagara-on-the-Lake: Medicine for the February Blahs

 

 

Feeling moody, as if your energy is sapped? Not to worry… planning a quick escape is the ideal medicine for overcoming such common wintertime symptoms. And historic Niagara-on-the-Lake is the perfect destination for your winter break — and for good reason.

 

We’re thrilled to announce that TripAdvisor ranked our Town No. 2 “Best Popular Destination Canada.” Not only that. TripAdvisor also listed four of our local wineries as top attractions in all of Ontario: Konzelmann Estate Winery, Reif Estate Winery, Château des Charmes Winery and Peller Estates Winery. And just in time for Valentine’s Day, three local restaurants were listed by OpenTable as Canada’s most romantic places to dine: The Drawing Room at Prince of Wales Hotel, Kitchen 76 at Two Sisters Vineyards and Treadwell Farm to Table.

We’re All About Choice

Whether you prefer a self-catering experience or long to be pampered by hosts, STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake has you covered. Browse through a list of member properties featured on their website where an array of accommodation choices ranges from country-style inns and bed and breakfasts to private vacation homes, apartments and luxury villas.

 

Your STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake hosts are experts in the area and are only too happy to offer insider tips on what’s happening in the region or where to dine, park, shop, tour… Consider them your personal concierges. An interactive digital map under the “Plan Your Stay” section makes it simple for you to choose where to stay at a price that suits your budget.

Scroll down the page a little further to find numerous activities for you to experience: tours and popular attractions, wineries, restaurants, spas, performing arts, specialty stores, galleries, bicycle and scooter rentals, outdoor recreation, museums and historical sites… the list goes on and on. Can’t decide where to dine? Check out the online Menu Book for a wide selection of culinary suggestions.

 

What’s Up and Coming

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, you may have your heart set on amping up the romance factor, and we offered many recommendations in an earlier blog. However, there’s much more beyond Cupid’s favourite day.

 

Here is just a sampling of upcoming events planned for mid- to late-February and beyond:

 

Calling Wine, Chocolate & Cheese Lovers: Hopefully, fun and self-care are among your New Year resolutions for 2023. And what better way to reward yourself than with these favourite delicacies at the Wine, Chocolate and Cheese Experiences offered by Twenty Wineries every weekend throughout February.

All That Jazz: Treat yourself to a smorgasbord of musical talent presented by the TD Niagara Jazz Festival at various Niagara venues from February through May 28. Scheduled performers include the Neil Brathwaite Group, Faith Amour Trio, Alex Bird & The Jazz Mavericks, Melissa Lauren Trio, Roberta Hunt and Her Quartet, Alexander Brown Quartet and Sundar Quartet.

Foodie Moments: Cozy up with some of your best friends at your personal fire pit at Trius Winery as you sip a glass of their Showcase wine or a hot beverage paired with offerings from their Fireside Menu. Or, perhaps a puff pastry-wrapped triple-cream baked brie with icewine jelly glaze and praline candied nuts complemented by two Sparkling Wine flights at the Lakeview Wine Co. is more your style.

 

For the Artist in You: Participate in a meditative and fun two-part painting workshop at the Riverbrink Art Museum, which introduces you to two types of ancient folk artforms practised in India: Mandala Dots and Madhubani painting. Not quirky enough for you? For out-of-the box experiences, check out the workshops hosted at the Gate Street Studio.

An Astronomer’s Delight: Did you ever wonder what the end of the Universe might look like? This six-part series at the Niagara-on-the-Lake  Public Library turns your gaze skyward to focus on the beginning of the Universe, the lifecycles of stars, the creation of the elements, the creation and life of black holes, and more.

 

All the World’s a Stage: It’s never too early to snap up tickets to the Shaw Festival’s 2023 lineup of live stage performances. You don’t want to miss the magic that’s about to unfold at the Festival Theatre, the Royal George Theatre, the Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre, BMO Stage and the newly added Spiegeltent — a beautifully styled outdoor cabaret venue.

 

Bloomin’ Gardens: Spring is coming! Between now and March 31, take advantage of early-bird savings to the ever-popular 17th annual Shaw Guild Garden Tour happening on June 24.

 

As you can see, there’s never a scarcity of things to do in historic Niagara-on-the-Lake. Let STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake and our charming hosts be your go-to guides.

Stay Niagara-on-the-Lake: Spice It Up on a Perfect February Getaway

Traditionally, February is a month of celebration around the world. For instance, New Orleans has Mardi Gras; Québec City has its Winter Carnival; and Brazil has Rio Carnaval. Likewise, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, we keep the New Year champagne glow alive. February is a time for love, intimacy and revelry.

 

Plan Your Picture-Perfect Escape Online

Nothing is more memorable than a romantic stay in historic Niagara-on-the-Lake. STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake offers an assortment of accommodation choices, ranging from country-style inns and bed and breakfasts to private vacation homes, apartments and luxury villas.

 

Browse through the member properties listed on STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake’s website where an interactive map of the area helps you pick the perfect location that suits your budget. From popular tours and relaxing spas to performing arts and scenic golf courses, an endless array of experiences and attractions await you year-round in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

 

Need help? Your hosts know the area well and are happy to help you map out your perfect February getaway. If you need an excuse to visit us, here are a few suggestions.

Indulge in Chocolate, Cheese & Wine

It’s been said the best way to the heart is through the stomach. What better way to express your love than sampling decadent sweet chocolate and savory cheese artfully paired with wine.

 

On four weekends throughout February, 20 Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries invite you to indulge in these tempting pairings. Couples’ passes to the Chocolate & Cheese Festival are now on sale and provide access to all participating properties.

 

If you’re a frequent visitor to Niagara-on-the-Lake, may we suggest the Winemakers’ Selections Tasting Pass, which entitles you to one tasting of a Winemaker’s Selection wine at each winery any Monday through Friday throughout the year.

 

Pair Up to Create Magic on Valentine’s Day

This is when Venus and Cupid wing in like a love fairies to set the stage for seduction and ramp up the chemistry between you to create wonderful wintertime memories together as a Supercouple. Apply one or more of our ideas, and you can bet your amour will brag about this day for weeks to come.

 

Once you’ve booked your overnight accommodation, be sure to arrange delivery of your sweetie’s favourite flowers to your room from one of many florists in the area. Perhaps, a selection of chocolates and nuts is preferred. Either way, your hosts can help you with that.

 

Begin your day with a stroll down Queen Street lined with whimsical boutiques filled with tempting delights. Saunter down to the lake to take in the majestic view. Meander through the Commons or admire the natural beauty along the mighty Niagara River. Head over to the Monet-inspired gardens at John & King where a skating rink, an outdoor sandwich and beverage bar and warming stations help to keep winter’s chill at bay.

 

With nearly 40 wineries in the immediate area, Niagara-on-the-Lake features countless award-winning vintages. Book a late-morning or early afternoon tour of your favourite winery to set the tone for an evening of romance.

 

Or schedule a couple’s full-body massage at one of several spas around Old Town.

 

As dusk settles in, cuddle up close under a warm blanket as you tour the picturesque streets of Old Town and relive the romance of centuries past. This a good time to slip out that little gift you bought for a moment just like this.

 

When it comes to dining, you’ll not be disappointed. Niagara-on-the-Lake is renowned for its array of fine restaurants where seasoned chefs prepare thoughtfully curated cuisine using fresh local ingredients and regional flavours, paired with delicious Niagara wines. From here on, you’re on your own…

February is Black History Month

Is history more your style? Follow the Freedom Trail along the majestic Niagara River and learn about the legendary role Niagara played in the Underground Railroad that welcomed an estimated 40,000 African American slaves to freedom throughout the 19th century.

 

Stand in the spot where Harriet Tubman crossed into Canada in 1856. Rediscover landing points where freedom-seekers entered Canada. Visit the Mackenzie Printery in Queenston where Upper Canada’s 1793 Act Against Slavery was printed. These are just a few of more than 20 plaques and displays found along the scenic Parkway highlighting some of Canada’s most historic moments that happened right here in Niagara.

 

On the last Sunday of the month in January, February and March, Niagara Parks is hosting a three-part speaker series exploring perspectives on Black history and culture in Canada, delivered by prominent historians, community leaders and commentators.

 

Come Just for the Fun of It

Maybe you don’t have any agenda at all. You just want a mid-winter break. We have you covered there too. History buffs, artists, fitness enthusiasts and music lovers will find a host of activities happening.

 

Start with Fireside Fridays Speakers Series at Navy Hall where hour-long presentations include original artifacts from the War of 1812. Or maybe you’re interested in the various artistic programs and classes at The Pumphouse Arts Centre. Raise a glass of local brew with your Trivia colleagues or share a laugh or two at The Exchange Brewery. Relax in Muskoka chairs in the warmth of an enclosed winter patio at the Konzelmann Estate Winery as you sample a seasonal wine flight, perfectly paired with your very own Smores and Chilli Board.

 

We know that time spent with family is special too. A vacation rental is the ideal solution to any getaway with kids. And what better place to celebrate your upcoming Family Day Weekend (February 20) than right here in Niagara-on-the-Lake. In addition to the outdoor skating rinks at the Monet-inspired gardens mentioned earlier, the Niagara Falls Wonder Pass from Niagara Parks features a number of venues and exclusive benefits that are sure to capture young imaginations.

 

Isn’t it time you booked your February escape with STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake?