Niagara On The Lake, Canada

3 minute read:

Niagara On The Lake (NOTL) is a delightful quaint town located only minutes from Niagara Falls in the Province of Ontario. From the moment you enter idyllic NOTL you will feel as though you stepped back in time. Enjoy scenic drives passing by vineyards, historic homes, old fashioned country farm stands, and flowers everywhere! If you go during the summer months stock up on fresh cherries, the best pies & turnovers; they are delicious!

Watch the sailboats pass you as you dine outdoors at Queens Landing. Then grab an Aperol Spritz in Pillar and Post’s gorgeous garden. A gentle breeze from Lake Ontario provides a lovely respite from the summer heat. Autumn is another favorite time of ours to visit. Walk along paths by the banks of the river and enjoy a picnic lunch by the gazebo. In Queens Royal Park, streets are filled with lush trees, horse drawn carriage tours, and vibrant flowers. There is something beautiful at every glance and around every corner.

There is a British feel to the charming shops lining Queen and King Street, surrounded by 19th century architecture, pubs, and delightful bakeries. Our favorite is the Niagara Home Bakery. Don’t miss their delicious cinnamon buns, coffee, linzer tarts, and other savory items. Stroll through the Heritage District and enjoy shopping, dining, and browse unique shops to find that special gift for a loved one, or perhaps treat yourself! There are bed-and-breakfasts, cozy inns: many with fireplaces, thermal spas, outdoor and indoor pools and fine dining.

For the active traveler, you will delight in the bike paths, swimming pools, yoga classes, and golf courses. Play a round on the oldest operating golf course in North America, Niagara-On-The-Lake Golf Club, then grab a colorful Adirondack chair, and sit by the water enjoying a cocktail, dinner, and watching unforgettable gorgeous sunsets.

In this article we explore a drive through the Finger Lakes up to Niagara On The Lakes, Canada. A quaint small town with fabulous vineyards, picturesque Lake Ontario, a gorgeous golf course, and well appointed hotels. More on the finger lakes here: https://theparishouse.com/blog-1/canada-wine

Depending on your route you will drive by the Canadian Falls, the famous Flower Clock and the Botanical Gardens. Niagara Parks does an incredible job of maintaining everything impeccably. There are trolleys and transportation to get you everywhere effortlessly. We recommend three nights and four days to see the highlights.

What To See and Do

Queens Royal Park features trails and a gazebo that are meticulously cared for and a great pride of the community. Enjoy dinner and theatrics at Shaws Theater on Queen Street. Some of our favorite vineyards include Ice Wine, Ravine, Two Sisters, and Pellars. Sights and adventures await at Niagara Falls, The Flower Clock, Botanical Gardens, Gorge, & Butterfly Conservatory.

Nearby Niagara Falls there is something for everyone, from the adventurous to the foodie to the photographer! There are zip lines over the falls, tours, and more. There are easy & affordable modes of transportation to get you everywhere.

Where to Stay? We recommend Pillar and Post, a well appointed hotel with many amenities. Queens Landing offers elegant decor, waterside dining, trolley pickups, and complimentary shuttles for guests. For a chic contemporary vibe with courtyard dining try 124 Hotel and Spa. There are also inns by the golf course, overlooking the lake and wine trail like Oban Inn. 

Inspired by Claude Monet’s garden in Giverny, France. Take note of the underplanting of nasturtium flowers. Enjoy a stroll through acres of immaculately landscaped gardens. Walk over the bridge to admire the water Lillies and enjoy an aperol spritz from the nearby garden cafe.

Interested in creating your own rose garden at home!! Check out our lovely rose garden article here: https://theparishouse.com/blog-1/2023/6/25/a92mrvwy2hcr3v29c3fp5puzyver13

Hotel Spotlight: Pillar and Post & Queens Landing

We have stayed many times at both Queens Landing & Pillar and Post. The service is wonderful. Pillar and Post has both indoor and outdoor pools, thermal spa, poolside cafe and fine dining. Enjoy complimentary shuttle service into town and their sister properties. The hotel will be more than happy to arrange your dinner at their hotel or perhaps outside on the patio overlooking the water at Queens Landing just moments up the road. They also have door to door service on the trolley, which is a great way to explore and do the wine trail! The hotel is about 10-15 minutes into town and a quick shuttle ride to the lake. We would be happy to help you plan your getaway to Niagara On The Lake.

“Country Elegance in Niagara-on-the-Lake

This five-star hotel in a 19th century building boasts a rich history and features all the modern comforts to make your stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake first-class.’ -  Pillar and Post

‘Indulge in the Niagara Resort Experience

Everything you need for a refreshing hotel stay is well within reach at Pillar and Post. With an on-site spa spanning 13,000 square feet, a fine dining restaurant serving the best steak in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and the contemporary comforts of crisp linen and plump pillows, and plenty of fine vintage wines, all you need to do is don a robe and relax.” - Pillar and Post

“Soothe Body, Mind & Soul

Escape into tranquility with a trip to our 13,000 square foot Niagara spa resort where you’ll find an extensive menu of spa services to soothe from head to toe and mind to soul. As a spa guest, your visit includes access to the fireplace lounge in our interior seating area as well as our heated indoor saltwater pool, hot tub, outdoor pool, hot spring pool, and fitness center. If you need assistance choosing a spa treatment, our spa concierge would be happy to guide you. “ - Pillar and Post

“An Elegant Ode to Wine Country

Enjoy farm-to-table flavours, fine wine and indulge in a unique Niagara dining experience.” - Pillar and Post

“Dreamy Garden Wedding Venues

Tie the knot surrounded by fragrant florals and historic elegance at Pillar and Post in Niagara-on-the-Lake.” - Pillar and Post

https://www.vintage-hotels.com/pillar-and-post/100-fountain-spa/

If you are looking for a travel planner, we are happy to plan your itinerary. Contact us at michele@theparishouse.com 

Thank you to Vintage Hotels for upgrading us and impeccable service during our stay.

Where To Dine? We love Ravine Vineyard! The farm to table is delicious. It has a smaller, more intimate vibe. Two Sisters has a gorgeous covered terrace overlooking the vineyards. For a lovely spot on the water, try the patio at Queens Landing. Sitting poolside at Pillar and Post is always fun and as their guests can enjoy cocktails and snacks. As mentioned, no visit to NOTL would be complete without our daily visits to Niagara Home Bakery, it is charming and delicious. The Spinach puff pastries are so yummy! Always call ahead for reservations and to make sure if they are open.

Vineyard Transportation? Take a shuttle from several hotels, a car service, or hop on the trolley, and visit as many vineyards as you like ! We have also rented a private limousine service which was so much fun and tailored to our itinerary. The vintage hotels such as Pillar and Post and Queens Landing provide an amazing shuttle service with knowledgeable drivers to let you in on the best spots in town.



Shopping? Check out Queens Street and Kings Street along with the vineyards for wine, wine glasses, artisan gifts, food and more.

What To Pack? Comfortable shoes, wedges, stylish flats, sneakers, heels for dining at night. Sun dresses, scarves, stylish blazers, dressy shorts, sweaters for evenings by the water, bathing suits, coverups. Polo style shirts and tailored pants take the men from wine tasting, golf course, dining and more. Please note: passports or a special New York state license is required when entering into Canada. Always check on all restrictions and proper travel documents in advance.



To read MUCH MORE on Niagara On The Lake, Vineyards, Finger Lakes and our Recipes please click here: https://theparishouse.com/blog-1/canada-wine

Recipe

Nutella Strawberry Crepes

• Make your favorite crepe batter. After they are prepared. Add nutella to taste. Top with thinly sliced strawberries. And a little whipped cream

SHOP THIS STORY for hotel bookings, fashion, poolside, home and more

https://www.shopltk.com/explore/The%20Paris%20House

Travel Canada Lake Ontario Tourism Fashion Lake Finger Lakes Niagara Falls Niagara On The lake

Sunday Guides, “Beginners Guide to Planting a Rose Garden”

Article by Michele Rosenthal

Garden photographed at Pillar and Post, Niagara On The Lake, Canada

Winter is a wonderful time to begin dreaming up and planning a new garden. It is also a wonderful time to plan any updates to an existing garden. We recommend keeping a garden journal to docoument all of your ideas, dreams, plans and sketches. In this article we will share our decades long experience creating beautiful rose gardens. We would also like to thank our sponsors for being a part of this Sunday Guides issue!

“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet” Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

We are often asked for tips on caring for, planting, and designing a rose garden. We have been growing roses for 30 years at our historic home in zone 6a Northeast New Jersey.

The Paris House Garden

There truly isn’t anything like a beautiful rose. Their sharp thorns are perhaps indicative of what’s to come. Like their thorns, they can torture you a bit with how much care goes into them. Don’t let that discourage you!  Gardeners are all too aware these beauties are high maintenance. Yet with all things we love & find fulfilling it is enjoyable & worth the effort. Once you successfully grow roses in your home garden you will be rewarded with their beauty & scent.

Some roses have the most enchanting scent, perfumed fragrance floating through the garden. Others bloom repeatedly if pruned regularly.

Then there are the ones that show up for a short time leaving us speechless with their beauty and then, just like that they are gone until next year. Gardeners can feel “both mortal and immortal in their garden” I can understand that sentiment, as the garden needs us as much as we need the garden.

The Paris House Garden

Some favorites Rose are:

Constance Spry by David Austin Roses, Eden, New Dawn, Gertrude Jekyll, Zephrine Drouhin

I could live a million Springs & that would still not be enough time in my Beloved Garden. We grow hundreds of roses in our New Jersey Garden. Follow our tips and you too can successfully have a rose garden.

I don’t take this responsibility lightly, I have a team helping me & we work hard keeping them healthy. We use our gardens for our companies photoshoots etc, so it needs to be “picture perfect” year round!

In this article we will focus on the “Beginners Guide To Planting A Rose Garden”

Our garden is situated on 5 acres and requires several people to maintain. So let’s start small here as to not overwhelm.

Before you get started chose a sunny spot and prepare your soil. Clear out grass, debris and weeds.

-Planting - dig hole twice as big as pot, plant at same level - usually those instructions are on every label.

-Dirt - 3 parts good garden soil, 1 part peat, maybe some rose tone,  fill hole to top of plant, water in and add more soil after first water cause original soil will settle. *** before planting gently loosen up the root ball so roots can thrive and add a layer of mulch to keep moisture in and weeds away.

-Some plants will be shipped bare root. Typically these are soaked in water before planting. Follow the directions in the box carefully or on the label very carefully

-make sure to water.

Ten Tips

1. Choose a sunny location & read the care instructions on your roses

2. Amend your soil with a rich compost - your garden center can help you with this.

3. Plant according to the instructions. Give your roses plenty of space.

4. Feed and water regularly

5. Spray to prevent black spots, do this in early spring before spots appear!!!

6. Remove Japanese beetles

7. Prune all dead canes each spring to prevent disease

8. Deadhead regularly to encourage healthy roses and encourage more flowers

9. Visit gardens for inspiration

10. Educate yourself on the different varieties of roses and their care

Rose Sources we love

The Paris House Garden, Constance Spry

David Austin Roses

Antique Rose Emporium

Heirloom Roses

Jackson & Perkins

Home Depot

Lowe’s

Local specialty gardens in our area Supplies

Country Mile Gardens, Morristown NJ, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart for pruners, shovels, organic sprays, miracle grow, garden gloves (get gloves that come up to your elbows to prevent thorns from cutting you)

The Paris House Garden, Zephrine Drouhin

Various types of roses (there are many we highly recommend reading garden & rose books to learn more)

Floribunda

Hybrid Tea

Climbers

Ramblers

Knockouts

Noisettes

The Paris House, Rose Allee

Garden Books & Magazines We love

The English Roses David Austin

Flower Magazine

Martha Stewart Gardening

Carolyne Roem

The Surprising Life Of Constance Spry

Niagara Park Botanical Gardens Niagara On The Lake Canada

Pillar and Post garden Niagara On The Lake Canada

Pillar and Post garden Niagara On The Lake Canada

Niagara On The Lake Botanical Gardens Canada

All products can be shopped at this link :

https://ltk.app.link/5py7ODhdUAb

Pillar and Post garden Niagara On The Lake Canada

Travel & Visit Gardens

Niagara On The Lakes Botanical Gardens

Gardens in The Cotswolds and throughout England

Giverny

New York Botanical Gardens

The Mount Lenox MA

And many more

Garnish a mocktail or cocktail with rose petals from your garden. Be sure to only use pesticide free!  We make a fresh raspberry/ strawberry purée from our gardens as the starting point!

Thank you for visiting Paris House

xo

Michele

Paris House yellow rose arbor and Rose allee

Home Depot Garden Rose Garden Garden Class Roses Lowe’s Gardens Dress Stylist

Èze, France

By Teddy Rosenthal & Michele Rosenthal
At every turn in the wondrous world of France, you are guaranteed a unique experience. In the stunning village of Èze in the south of France, you’ll find just how vast and historic even the smaller locations in this country can be. From jaw-dropping views to mouth-watering seafood, Èze is the destination of your dreams.

It’s not every day that you get to experience such a well-rounded landscape. At the edge of the village, dip your toes into the clearest salty sea, blue and deep enough to wash away the rest of the world. As you travel throughout the town, check out the local shops and architecture. built into the historic stone cliffs, Château de la Chèvre d’Or and Château Eza are two five-star hotels where you can stay during your visit. Moving to the top, you’ll want to grab a pair of comfortable shoes as you hike up Nietzsche’s Path, and once you get there, make sure to take in the sight — the view of where the Côte d’Azur (French Riviera) meets the Mediterranean sea is one you will never forget. Also at the top, a must-see stop awaits you. Le Jardin Exotique d’Èze is a vast world of succulents and stunning flowers that can only thrive in such a welcoming climate.

When you’re ready to explore a bit more, there’s still plenty of ground to cover. If you’re hungry, dine at the local restaurants for the freshest of seafood. We recommend trying the bouillabaisse, a delectable fish stew that comes right from the ports. After making your way through everything Èze has to offer, you can still take a quick ride to the nearby cities of Nice, Monaco, and Cannes (the latter of which is home to the famous Cannes Film Festival which takes place in May). Each of these cities provides unforgettable shopping trips for fashion, home decor, and just about anything else you can think of.

With a population of less than 2,500 people, Èze is a hidden gem. You can explore this glorious nook year-round and choose the south of France as your newest inspiration.

https://ltk.app.link/faVOIDaNTpb
shop our looks on our LTK page Theparishouse