I am a HUGE fan of the weekend getaway. Like, huge.
I’m on mat leave, but Mike still works full-time, so while he does get a few vacations days per year – it’s not always easy to book off an extended period of time. So weekend getaways are ideal.
So when my friends in Norfolk County invited Mike and I out for a fun-filled weekend getaway awhile back – we JUMPED at the opportunity!
Experience the small town atmosphere and rural charm, our unique architecture and heritage.
I have a special place in my heart for Norfolk County. I used to spend every summer out there when I was a kid. My grandmother grew up down there in Simcoe, and her parents (my great grandparents) had a house there until a few years ago. While the house may no longer be in the family – the memories I have are some of the fondest, and are ones I will always cherish.
While I may be a bit biased, I think that Norfolk County is THE perfect weekend getaway, and here are 5 reasons why.
1. Say Buh-Bye To The Traffic
Listen, if you live in Toronto, chances are when you think of getting away for a weekend on the water, you’re thinking of heading up north. But – if you’re from Toronto you will know how stupid ridiculous the 400 highway is…especially on a Friday night or Sunday evening. NO THANK YOU.
That’s just one of the great things about Norfolk County. You can get there and be on a beach or in your cabin in less than 2 hours. Instead of heading north, you simply head south west towards Lake Erie – also known as Ontario’s South Coast.
Norfolk County’s most popular tourist attractions are the beaches, ports, towns and villages along Lake Erie, known as Ontario’s South Coast. These towns include Port Dover, Turkey Point, Long Point, Simcoe, Delhi, Waterford and Port Rowan.
2. Fill Your Belly With Deliciousness
There’s just something about the food in a small town, you know? Those places where things are locally sourced and the chefs use everything local and fresh. It’s just bEtTeR.
I’ve visited a few delicious restaurants in Norfolk County, but one of my new faves is definitely The Combine. We went out for date-night dinner during our recent weekend getaway, and holy smokes was it ever delicious.
Menu built with local bounty.
3. Drink Exquisite Wine…And Cider…And Beer
Ok, if you’ve been following me on social media for even just a short period of time, you’ll know I love me a good cocktail…or glass of wine…or cider…ok, you get the picture. The locally grown deliciousness in Norfolk County doesn’t stop with what’s on your plate. There is a plethora of wineries and breweries in Norfolk County for one to explore. On our weekend getaway, we explored Blueberry Hill Estates and The Cider Keg.
Looking for a tasty alternative to the wobbly pops? Don’t worry – The Cider Keg has a wide selection of non-alcoholic ciders that are simply scrumptious. I’m not just saying that. We went out of our way to stop there and bring home 4 bottles (not sponsored).
4. Swim With The Fishies…Or, Just Admire Them From The Beach
Norfolk County is home to not one, not two, but three beaches; Port Dover, Turkey Point, and Long Point. And you know what? They don’t call it Ontario’s South Coast for nothing! The beach in Port Dover literally has palm trees. PALM TREES, guys! I mean, they’re flown in…but still. You can escape the city and spend your days sipping deliciousness on a palm tree lined beach WITHOUT HAVING TO CATCH A FLIGHT.
Do I really need to say any more?!
5. Do All Of The Activites…No, Seriously – All Of Them
When Mike and I visited Norfolk County, we stayed at Long Point Eco Adventures, and let me tell you – the “adventures” in the name is well-placed.
Here, you can arrange your getaway to include things like:
- Kayaking
- Axe Throwing
- Mountain Biking
- Zip Lining and Canopy Tours
- Fishing
- Mushroom Foray
- Zodiac Boat Tours
- Apiary Tours
- Observatory
- Leisure Bike Tours
…just to name a few.
Ok, I think I’ve said enough. It’s time for a few words from Mr. Mike himself.
Long Point Eco Adventures:
“Tent? What tent? It was more like a luxurious nylon home! Breakfast was awesome – all locally sourced. Meats were fantastic. Some of the best bacon and home fries I have ever tasted!”
Side Note: I’m not 100% sure what the tents themselves are made of, but – the amenities are top-notch.
Features:
- Eight king suites
- Seven double queen suites
- Private flush toilet and outdoor shower
- Hot and cold running water
- Mini-fridge
- Hardwood floors
- Sliding glass locking door
- Private deck
- Electrical outlets
- Free outdoor parking
- Activities concierge
- Full hot buffet complimentary breakfast
Nighttime Zipline:
“My saviour was the darkness, don’t think I’d have enough balls to do daytime. The instructors were great!”
Side note: I’ve now done both the daytime and nighttime ziplines at Long Point Eco Adventures and both are wild. It provided a bigger rush than I had ever expected.
Axe Throwing:
“This was extremely fun! I learned that I was an expert after 29 throws. Jenn Jenn was ok too.”
Side note: First off, thanks Mike. LOL Secondly – axe throwing was a lot more fun than I had expected! I wasn’t really sure WHAT to expect, to be honest – but this entire experience far exceeded whatever expectations I had set. It was A LOT of fun and – on top of all of that, I got bullseye…more than once. So, there’s that.
Overall Thoughts:
“Mikes Total Trip Score: 4.5 / 5
I’m only rating it a 4.5 because I was outdoors and I hate bugs. Long Point Eco Adventures is legit 6 / 5…but..bugs. I hate them.”
Side note: …remind me to tell you the story of how I accidentally let a grasshopper into our wilderness suite and Mike locked us both out until we could decipher a plan to get the grasshopper out…then, when we did get it out – I was locked out of the suite until I made sure it was far, far away.
You can learn more about, and start planning your next weekend getaway to Norfolk County here: www.norfolktourism.ca
Big shout out to Norfolk Tourism for bringing Mike and I out, and thanks to Long Point Eco Adventures for hosting us.
Side note: This post was originally posted on Jenn and the City and has been updated to be posted here.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, please check with each facility for operating hours.