With the start of a new year and let's just say a few stresses of life, my friend Lindsay and I took a much-needed girls getaway to the nearby town of Kemptville to recharge. A bit random? Nope, not at all! If you're a longtime reader and by the title of this blog, of course, I'm all about staycations and discovering small towns along with their charm! Being in Kingston, we're blessed to be so centrally located to so many amazing destinations.
From a spa visit, overnight stay, foodie adventures (obviously!) and trail walk, Kemptville is a great day trip or in our case, an overnight stay!
The Start of the Adventure
The picturesque drive up highway 15 from Kingston to Kemptville in the winter scenery was just spectacular especially after the snowfall we had the night before (sadly no photos as I was too busy admiring lol). If you've been to Ottawa up highway 416, then you definitely have driven past Kemptville located in the Municipality of North Grenville in South Eastern Ontario.From a spa visit, overnight stay, foodie adventures (obviously!) and trail walk, Kemptville is a great day trip or in our case, an overnight stay!
Here are a few of my favourite spots that I discovered during my visit:
APHRODITI ESCAPE SPA & SALON
A girl's weekend wouldn't be complete without a mani and pedi of course! After our drive to Kemptville, Aphroditi Escape Spa & Salon was our first spot to get pampered. As soon as you walked in, it had big city vibes with a gorgeous luxurious feel, exposed brick and chic elegant decor. You honestly forgot you were in a small town.
Along with the impeccable service and an immediate connection with my esthetician Em (who had studied in Kingston so our conversations were just all over the place), hands down my favourite part was the pedicure as they did a neat sugar scrub followed by a eucalyptus spearmint foot mask. It was truly relaxing.
Aphroditi Escape Spa & Salon is the perfect destination for a day at the spa and an out-of-town getaway if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. Whether you're a bridal party, on a mother-daughter trip, as a couple, with friends, or even on your own, the options are endless for relaxation and wellness. From couple massages, deep cleansing facial, blowouts and more, you'll have no problem de-stressing.
Along with the impeccable service and an immediate connection with my esthetician Em (who had studied in Kingston so our conversations were just all over the place), hands down my favourite part was the pedicure as they did a neat sugar scrub followed by a eucalyptus spearmint foot mask. It was truly relaxing.
Aphroditi Escape Spa & Salon is the perfect destination for a day at the spa and an out-of-town getaway if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. Whether you're a bridal party, on a mother-daughter trip, as a couple, with friends, or even on your own, the options are endless for relaxation and wellness. From couple massages, deep cleansing facial, blowouts and more, you'll have no problem de-stressing.
Where: 103 Clothier St E, Kemptville, ON
It was a 7 oz burger topped with cheddar cheese, swiss cheese, brie cheese, (hello cheese overload!) roasted garlic aioli and onion ring served on a sourdough bun from a local Grahame's Bakery. It was so intense I had to cut the burger in two to avoid making a mess.
SALAMANDERS
After getting our nails done, we were obviously a tad famished and were recommended to try Salamanders just across the road and were not disappointed.
We started off with deep-fried ravioli aka breaded and deep-fried pasta. If fried pasta sounds strange to you, seriously keep an open mind - crispy pasta shell, soft cheese filling and marinara sauce for dipping. What's not to like? and who doesn't love fried food? 😂🙋♀️ Let's face it, if you're on a foodie adventure, calories don't count.
We started off with deep-fried ravioli aka breaded and deep-fried pasta. If fried pasta sounds strange to you, seriously keep an open mind - crispy pasta shell, soft cheese filling and marinara sauce for dipping. What's not to like? and who doesn't love fried food? 😂🙋♀️ Let's face it, if you're on a foodie adventure, calories don't count.
Next on the list was the burger special - three cheese onion garlic burger. Can you tell I was hungry?!
It was a 7 oz burger topped with cheddar cheese, swiss cheese, brie cheese, (hello cheese overload!) roasted garlic aioli and onion ring served on a sourdough bun from a local Grahame's Bakery. It was so intense I had to cut the burger in two to avoid making a mess.
Say hello to the most scrumptious homemade peanut butter fudge pie.
Oh, my word was this a delight that we shared. Of course, we made room for dessert.
Oh, my word was this a delight that we shared. Of course, we made room for dessert.
Where: 28 Clothier St E, Kemptville, Ontario
OVERNIGHT STAY AT KEMPTVILLE SUITES BY ROB THOMPSON HOTEL
Located in the heart of Old Town Kemptville and right above the spa, Rob Thompson Hotels offers luxury suites that are simply stunning with its heritage charm and modern aesthetic. Uniquely designed, this boutique hotel was warm and cozy as we arrived with the fireplace going and welcome note on the counter! Our suite was just beautiful with huge windows, the cutest kitchenette, a great selection of complimentary snacks, Nespresso machine, teas, free wifi and more.After our combined lunch/dinner at Salamanders, we were so stuffed that we decided to lounge around having a girls night in, chatting until the wee hours, amusing ourselves with TikTok videos and watching reality tv aka The Hills: New Beginnings (it's back with Audrina Patridge, Brody Jenner, Heidi Pratt and the crew PLUS kids!).
The next morning, getting out of bed was quite hard as it felt like you were on a cloud enveloped by the comforter. Once we managed to roll ourselves out, it was so nice to know that our suite was within walking distance to scenic views, coffee shops and local bakeries.
So whether you're a bridal party, looking for a staycation or simply need a cure for your wanderlust bug, Rob Thompson Hotels should be at the top of your list. Bonus, they are also located in Brockville!
Where: 103 Clothier St E, Kemptville, Ontario
THE CRUSTY BAKER
If you're familiar with the Kingston Memorial Farmers' Market than you would already know about the infamous Crusty Baker and their heavenly baked goods. From bacon butter tarts to garlic jalapeno focaccia bread, you're in for a treat! From the moment you walk into their Kemptville storefront, it's a smell of bakery haven. They also serve soup and sandwiches onsite - perfect for a winter day.
Are you drooling?
Are you drooling?
Where: 16 Prescott St. Kemptville, Ontario
GERONIMO COFFEE
So while we may have recharged with sleep at the hotel, recharging with caffeine is also something that is necessary. It was a real no brainer to check out Geronimo Coffee. From cute mismatched furniture, vintage feels and art all over the walls, it was an adorable coffee shop with unreal coffee and savoury breakfast sandwiches.
Lindsay and I honestly stayed here for quite a bit of time and simply enjoyed our beverages while chatting away losing track of time. I'll definitely be stopping by again when I'm headed to Ottawa next!
Probably the best chai latte I've had in a while.
The most perfect bacon and egg biscuit breakfast sandwich!
Lindsay and I honestly stayed here for quite a bit of time and simply enjoyed our beverages while chatting away losing track of time. I'll definitely be stopping by again when I'm headed to Ottawa next!
Probably the best chai latte I've had in a while.
The most perfect bacon and egg biscuit breakfast sandwich!
Where: 103 Clothier St E, Kemptville, Ontario
GRAHAME'S BAKERY
Sadly this bakery was closed when we visited but if you're in the area, you HAVE TO check it out. It was located right around the corner from our suite.
Why the appeal? It is home to a heritage wood-burning oven (if you've been to Upper Canada Village, it's very similar to the bakery!) and has been a staple of the Kemptville community since the early 1930s. Now that's passion and true dedication.
Why the appeal? It is home to a heritage wood-burning oven (if you've been to Upper Canada Village, it's very similar to the bakery!) and has been a staple of the Kemptville community since the early 1930s. Now that's passion and true dedication.
Where: 115 Clothier Street East, Kemptville, Ontario
MR. MOZZARELLA KEMPTVILLE
You can't have a gals get together without pizza! We enjoyed cheesy slices of the Mr. Mozzarella Special.
Where: 103 Prescott St, Kemptville, Ontario
MM BOOKS
If you're looking to get lost in books, this hidden gem in Kemptville should be added to your list. There is a huge selection of books ranging from all genres and prices are quite fair. The charismatic owner Merv is delightful and definitely has true knowledge for books as he provides suggestions (and jokes!). With high ceilings, every nook and cranny of the store is filled with books from military history to unique finds to commons books and children's books. (How many times can I say the words books in a paragraph lol)
Where: 4 Asa St, Kemptville, Ontario
NORTH GRENVILLE TRAILS
After indulging in so many savoury items, a trail walk to enjoy the sights of nature was in order. We did a short loop of the Beech Trail which was quite stunning with the snow.
Download this trail map if you're thinking of checking it out!
Download this trail map if you're thinking of checking it out!
BREWED AWAKENINGS
With our visit to Kemptville coming to an end, we needed a bit of fuel to wake us back up for the drive home to Kingston. Their brownies looked too good not to try and while it was topped with so much icing, it wasn't too overpowering or sweet to the point your teeth hurt. The perfect treat to enjoy in the car to get our energy levels back up as it was chilly out.
Where: 2868 County Rd 43, Kemptville, Ontario
OTHER SPOTS TO CHECK OUT:
BRIGADOON RESTAURANT
Looking for a reason to dress up and enjoy fine dining, look no further!
Where: 9 Bridge St, Oxford Mills, Ontario
Where: 9 Bridge St, Oxford Mills, Ontario
LONG REACH BAR & GRILL
Great for brunch as I've been told!Where: 116 44, Kemptville, Ontario
KEMPTVILLE FARMERS' MARKET
Open from May to October every Sunday, this farmers' market has so much to offer from baked goods, homemade jams to ethnic cuisines, there's something for everyone's taste buds with a focus on fresh and local.Where: 200 Sanders Street at the B & H parking lot
KEMPTVILLE DAIRY BARN
Looking for a cool treat, Kemptville Dairy Barn is a must-visit. This roadside stop serves everything from soft-serve to milkshakes and sundaes.Where: CR-43 Kemptville, Ontario
SETTLER'S TRAIL
On the west side of Highway 44 in Kemptville. Settler's Trail is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on a leash!Where: Parking is available at the east end of the trail or off of County Road 44.
BIG SKY RANCH ANIMAL SANCTUARY
A safe haven for rescued animals, you can visit from Tuesdays to Sundays all year round and get the chance to pet animals of different kinds and sizes from horses, goats, donkeys, llamas and more.Where: 810 Pelton Rd, Kemptville, Ontario
MOUNTAIN ORCHARDS
Did someone say apple picking? You’ll get to pick fresh apples right from the trees! The perfect fall activity while also being able to enjoy apple delights from cider, donuts and more!.
Where: 10175 Clark Rd, Mountain, Ontario
Thanks to South Eastern Ontario for sponsoring this post!
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