Autumn, the season you pretty much love or hate. I swear our Canadian summers are scorching hot just like our winters are insanely cold. To me, autumn or fall seems to be pretty chilly but the key to enjoying the weather is to dress using layers. In this post I share a list of things to do and places to see in and around Clarington.
1. Take a trip to downtown Port Perry
Port Perry is a gorgeous little town located just North of Oshawa with a beautiful waterfront on Lake Scugog. An ideal day would start with having lunch downtown, I suggest eating at Jester’s Court to see if you can sense any ghosts! After lunch, walk down Queen Street towards the lake and visit the variety of shops and boutiques. My favourite shops are Tribal Voices and Romancing The Home.
2. Visit Pingle’s Farm Market
At Pingle’s you can pick your own apples and get a look at their apple press as they make fresh cider. They’ve got an eight-acre corn maze to get lost in, wagon rides and a pumpkin patch to wander around in while searching for your own pumpkin to take home. They have a few areas perfect for photo ops using antique tractors and fall decorations including hay bales and corn stalks. If you have a sweet tooth like me then you’ll have to stop into the market area for their baked goods. There is also an area set up to purchase food and warm drinks on the weekends, a play area for the kids and a petting zoo!
3. Drive up to Tyrone Mills
If you’re from the area, you likely have been to Tyrone Mills before. They are known for their amazing donuts and for being a historical attraction. This traditional water-powered mill was built in 1846 and has created a warm atmosphere that sells local products including jams, cheese, flour, condiments and some of the best baked goods around. This is the kind of place you have to stop at while out and about enjoying a Sunday drive.
4. Paint your own pottery at Crock A Doodle Bowmanville
Crock A Doodle Bowmanville isn’t just a place for the kids. Their drop-in studio is a place for anyone to come into paint, play and socialize without planning ahead or having to make a reservation. The first step is to pick a piece of pottery, all of the prices are on the bottom of each piece. You then plan the design you are looking to achieve – this includes the paint colours you’ll be using! Then you get creative, have fun and start experimenting. Once you’re done you leave the masterpiece there to be glazed and kiln-fired by the professionals, soon enough you can stop by and pick up your decorated piece of pottery. Crock A Doodle is perfect for your next birthday party, family outing or social gathering.
5. Go antiquing in Orono
Whether you’re looking for a specific older item or for something different to do, Orono has a few places to check out. Depending on where you are coming from, you’re more than likely going to pass an antique shop coming into town. One thing to keep in mind is that you can totally negotiate with sellers. I have been shocked by some of the prices marked on certain items in the past, but this shouldn’t discourage you for offering a lower price. You have to check out the Orono Antique Market. There are two other antique shops in Orono, Main thru Church and Patriot Antiques. Orono is tiny, so each of these are within walking distance from one another.
PS. the Village Bake Shop is a MUST see if you’re in the area. Cheap and delicious baked goods, hearty soup and sandwiches and a variety of Dutch inspired items.
6. Hike the Stephen’s Gulch Conservation Area
Last time I was here I saw a red fox! The wooded area is located just North of Bowmanville. I try to go for a hike once a week, but this doesn’t always happen. The sights, sounds, and even smells are a nice change of pace. You can bring your dog, mine loves it there. Did you know? Stephen’s Gulch helps to protect an area of forest and swamp that maintains both water quantity and water temperature along Soper Creek.
Hopefully, you now have an idea of something to do in and around Clarington this Autumn.
