OT ... suggestions on where to take my mom for her 60th ...

[KerriMc]

Hello

I've been brainstorming trying to come up with somewhere to take my mom for a few days to celebrate her 60th birthday in July. We've talked about driving down to Frankenmuth for a few days, but we will be going down later that month to see Neil Diamond anyways, plus we do go there every year anyways. I'd like to take her somewhere we haven't been, just her and I ... so in my dh and father's world, this means somewhere they feel comfortable letting us go alone (gasp!) ... they are both police officers ... always think the worst!!

So any ideas? Somewhere we could shop a little in some neat shops, etc? Nice casual restaurants? Can be in Ontario, or over the border ... I'm not picky! Just need some ideas!!! I seem to be drawing a blank. Thought of New Hampshire, but feel bad not taking the kids, bit of a long drive, etc ...

Any help???

Kerri

 

[mousy_in_canada]

Not sure if this is up her alley or not but I love the Lancaster PA area.. you can tour the Amish area and take a tour on their farms. There are plenty of outlet malls on Rte 30 and it is generally a nice area. If she likes the theater the Sight and Sound theater is really well done, my parents go there and really love it http://www.sight-sound.com/WebSiteSS/getlanguages.do
It's about a 7 hour drive from Southern ontario but it is really not bad on the 15 through the mountains. We go in October and love seeing the fall colors on the trees!

 

[Teresa Pitman]

I'm not sure where you live, but have you been to St. Jacobs? It's a tiny little town and I have to admit it's gotten quite touristy lately, but it has tons of interesting little shops, some good restaurants and some lovely bed and breakfasts. I have great memories of eating breakfast in the sun room of Benjamin's Inn and watching the Mennonites in their horse and buggies drive down the street to the Farmer's Market on the far side of town.

I also spent a great long weekend with my daughter in Ann Arbor last year. It's a smallish town with a lot of interesting restaurants, good shopping, great bookstores (we love books), etc.

When my aunt came to visit from England two summers ago, we took her to Niagara-on-the-Lake, saw a musical (Gypsy), did lots of shopping and enjoyed some great restaurants. Stayed at the lovely Post and Pillar Inn.

On the other side of Ontario - the Village Teahouse Bed and Breakfast is an amazing spot. The rooms are beautifully decorated in Victorian style, the food is outstanding (they also serve lunches and dinners, though not every day of the week), and they have a little store with great stuff for your home. They are in the tiny village of Williamsburg, near Morrisburg and Cornwall (close to the Quebec border). They sell package deals with tickets to the Upper Canada Playhouse theatre (which is excellent) and I think other local events. I've stayed there several times when I was working in the area and LOVED it.

Teresa

 

[KerriMc]

Thanks for the ideas so far

We have been to Lancaster County, PA ... it used to be a yearly trip when we were growing up. It used to be quieter then and more peaceful. We went down a few years ago and it was nice, but just more built up and more touristy. I have a bit of an issue with the number of Amish in that area that are running puppy-mills ... they are one of the biggest suppliers now. Sad really (I had heard this before and it saddened me, but Oprah's expose really confirmed it). Anyways, the rest of Lancaster is lovely ... love all the fabric/quilt shops and the good food ... but the above bothers me (I'm an animal sap!)

We have also been to St. Jacobs ... which again we love for the quilt "stuff" ... that is an idea that would be easier to orchestrate with the kids activities, etc. So I am going to look into that.

I also like the idea of Niagara On The Lake ... I have never done that and I know my mom would like that too. Another good option

My mom's sister lives in Cornwall So if we go down that way we like to stay in her beautiful log home on the St. Lawrence River ... can't beat free accomodations

Thank you again ... any more ideas??

Kerri

 

[Teresa Pitman]

If you do go stay with your sister in Cornwall, it would be worth it to have a meal at the Village Tea House. The food is just excellent and very reasonably priced.

Teresa

 

[KerriMc]

I will remember that Teresa because my aunt lives in Summerstown, just outside of Cornwall. I believe Williamsburg is very close to that spot. I believe we drove through it when we went to visit at my cousin's house. Thanks for the idea

Kerri

 

[katiesmom2]

Another vote for Niagara-on-the-Lake. It is such a lovely, quaint spot - just perfect for a ladies getaway.

Have you ever been to the butterfly conservatory? I bet your Mom would enjoy that. There are some beautiful gardens right around the conservatory too. We always like to go for a walk around after seeing the butterflies.

Then, there is always the casino in Niagara Falls. Cha-ching!