Are you planning a trip in Ontario for this summer? Are you thinking of a quick getaway for a few days? Or maybe you’re heading down east and looking for places to stop along the way. There are so many wonderful small cities you can check out this summer, but let’s talk about Kingston. There is history, natural beauty, a UNESCO Heritage Site, coffee shops, music, great food, and theatre.
Here are 10 great reasons to choose Kingston as your destination.
1. Fort Henry:
The fortifications at Fort Henry are a fascinating part of Canadian history and are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as part of the Rideau Canal.
Fort Henry gives you a chance to turn back time and catch a glimpse into 1800’s Canadian military life. It was strategically built on high ground in order to see far and wide and prevent a possible American invasion. There are special events throughout late spring, summer and early fall, including reenactments, military drills and musical entertainment. You can also get married at Fort Henry, which would most likely make your wedding unique.
You can buy a seasons pass here that includes many other parks and attractions in the St. Lawrence area.
2. Kingston Penitentiary Tour:
I went on a tour of the infamous Kingston Penitentiary a couple of years ago and loved it. The tour guide was so knowledgeable about the history and the day to day life in the Kingston Pen. Although they did not offer specifics about any of the notorious inmates who spent time in the jail, you could almost imagine what a day in their life would have been like.
At the top of this staircase, is where the inmates sewed uniforms and mattress covers and other items. It’s also been featured in the television show “A Handmaid’s Tale” – which is coming out with season 6 shortly.
3. Olivea Restaurant
If you’re in the mood for Italian food, I highly recommend this restaurant. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is nice. The restaurant looks out onto the square, close to the lakefront. They have a patio during the warmer months facing the square. As per their website here, they host different events throughout the year, including “Dinner and a Movie” and their “New Years Day Jazz Brunch”.
The penne alla carbonara is the best I’ve ever tried, so I can testify it’s going to be delicious. Their tagliatelle bolognese is also delicious. The sauce is made to perfection. They serve generous portions, so be hungry when you go to eat here. I’ve also tried the Sicilian Tuna sandwich. I ordered the half sandwich with the arugula insalata on the side. The combination of the tuna with the artichoke, capers, lemon confit, black olive mayo and arugula is a winner and good option if you’re looking for something not too filling. I would like to try to recreate this sandwich at home. If you want steak, I can say it was cooked to perfection, just as ordered. And finally, the antipasto board “mezzo e mezzo” was very nice. The cheese and cured meats combination was a big hit, as well as the olives and vegetables.
I don’t think you’ll go wrong with anything on the menu. The wine list has some excellent options from the Veneto and Friuli regions; this is my bias, that will not disappoint.
4. Farmer’s Market:
I always love a farmer’s market and the Kingston Public Market, located in the downtown core, is almost 225 years old. It has the distinction of being the oldest farmers market in the province of Ontario. It’s a place to support local farmers and artisans and to pick up fresh and tasty vegetables, herbs and flowers, honey and kimchi. If you’re stuck wondering what to get for that person in your life who has everything, go to the market and pick up a hand crafted pendant necklace, or a mosaic on stone. I don’t think you can go wrong with this kind of gift. The love that goes into these pieces if visible.
5. Wolfe Island:
You can get to Wolfe Island from the ferry docks at the bottom of Barrack Street in Kingston. You can drive your car onto the ferry or walk on. It’s only a 20 minute ferry ride from Kingston.
Wolfe Island is one of the thousand islands within the St. Lawrence River and is the largest island in the archipelago. The largest city is Marysville and it is filled with galleries, coffee shops and restaurants.
One of the best ways to get around the island is by bicycle. There are 4 basic routes to choose from, from 18 km to 58 km long. The island is only 29 km long and very narrow, so you’re always close to the water. You can find the routes here.
6. Novel Idea Bookstore:
I love this book store. The selection of books at Novel Idea is always so interesting. I always find something I want to read or know more about. I’ve found some good books about dying fabrics with organic material, something I’ve dabbed in in the past. My daughter recommends this store based on the staff being very knowledgeable about the books that they carry, a well curated selection of books that you don’t often find in your basic big box book stores, (however, they still have the classics and some popular titles if that’s what you’re looking for), the store is well laid out and clean and the staff are welcoming and pleasant, and lastly, what a clever name for a book store, right?
The motto for the book store is “Quid, me anxiari?”, which is translated in English to “What, me worry?”. They survived the big box store arrival and departure and hopefully will stay around for a very long time yet.
Be sure to drop in and grab a book or a magazine or their selection of locally made greeting cards.
7. Minotaur:
My daughter loves this store because of all the Dungeons and Dragons paraphernalia that is for sale. They have shelves of figurines and books and dice and set pieces. We’ve noticed that they items change from one visit to another.
I like the store because of the fabric and yarn selection at the rear of the store. And they have some interesting selections. The prices are pretty good compared to other shops.
If I lived in Kingston I would go to their craft night each Wednesday. They also have D and D events that my daughter would go to. Other items include an excellent assortment of jigsaw puzzles, craft supplies, books, and locally made gift items. A go-to must during your stay in Kingston.
8. Kingston Olive Oil Company:
I love olive oil and balsamic vinegar and I love this store. The products are wonderful and add such interesting flavours to your salads and dishes. There are balsamic in all variety of fruits and berries. My daughter loves the peach balsamic vinegar. I have the Milanese Gremolata olive oil and it works well with chicken or pork dishes. I also love the Sicilian Lemon in a salad. or with sauteed peppers.
What makes this shop even more attractive is that it’s a family owned store and they have a second location in Picton, Ontario. If you love cooking or know someone who loves to cook, this is the store for you. I don’t think you can go wrong with a gift from Kingston Olive Oil Company. So, if you love cooking or know someone who loves to cook, this is the store for you. I don’t think you can go wrong with a gift from Kingston Olive Oil Company.
9. BluMartini:
If you love live music this would be a great choice. I was at Blumartini a couple of years ago and enjoyed it. There was a good vibe, good music and good food and drinks.
There are a lot of good bars in Kingston with live music, including this one, but this is one of the best.
You can check out their upcoming live music calendar and their menu here.
10. Yoga Studio:
Mōrro Yoga is the premier yoga studio in Kingston. It’s located in the downtown area, just steps from the lakefront. If you’re feeling stressed or are looking for a way to unwind, you feel like your body needs to move and stretch, this is your destination.
They have classes geared for all levels of experience. My daughter has been to many classes here, loves the atmosphere, the instructors and the facilities. The bathroom and showers are clean and the studio is filled with greenery.
Click here to visit their website for a list of classes.
There are so many other locations in Kingston that you should visit. Pan Chancho is a delicious and tempting bakery and restaurant in the downtown. You can buy nice cheeses, baked goods, soups and good bread here. And of course, there are many coffee shops to visit in the city, including Crave, Coffee and Company and Balzac’s.
I hope you get the chance to go to Kingston this summer. It will not disappoint.
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