Long weekends are meant as an opportunity for a quick getaway (in my humble opinion. Seeing as I didn’t visit Niagara on- the-Lake last year, I decided that it would be an ideal destination.

We broke up the trip by stopping to pick our own cherries at Vanderburgh Farms (5511 Greenland, Beamsville, ON).It was on my bucket list and now I can cross it off! I have to say, the cherries were plentiful and delicious too. NOTE: the season is something like 3 weeks so don’t go in August!!

We headed into Niagara-on- the- Lake and got there just in time for the Canada Day parade…which is small. I mean really small. It consists of a marching band, a big cake and politicians. That’t it. But we got our flags and we were a happy bunch.

Then we visiting friends who made the most incredible strawberry ice-cream with a balsamic glaze. The best part of this ice cream was that it was made with a sugar alternative (that I must get my hands on).

On Saturday morning, we headed right to Balzac’s and then roamed around the park to soak in the beautiful scenery.

Of course, I stumbled upon the Exchange Brewery which is a new brewery and tasting room. I couldn’t resist and plunked myself down at the bar for a quick tasting.

On our way out of Niagara -on -the 0Lake, we stopped at Stratus Vineyards. Sadly I never have time for a tasting but snapped a few photos of their gorgeous space. One day I will make it a point to do more wine tastings in Niagara on the Lake. One day!!

Also stopped at The Pie Plate. Snapped up a savoury tart to take home but wish we would have had time to eat lunch on the premise. Again – One Day!!

There’s no shortage of things to do in Niagara- on -the -Lake. Usually I have time to drop into the Pillar and Post for a spa treatment and to enjoy their outdoor pool (the only hotel that has an outdoor pool in Niagara-on the -Lake #justsayin’) – but there was just not enough time!!

I guess this means that I should visit again and stay for two nights!! One day it will sink in, that going there for one night is nice but one more night would do the trick.

Hope you had a wonderful long weekend too!!

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Summer is officially over. It’s sad. As much as I like the Spring and the Fall…there is nothing like sunny skies and warm temperatures. Not to mention there is just so much to do in the summer.

When I look back, I made the most of my summer and travelled to the following places:

-Niagara on the Lake, Pillar and Post

–Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountain

One of My Favorite Places to go for a Weekend.

–Arowhon Pines

Magnificent

-Canada Day in Ottawa

– Visiting Sandbacks Provincial Park

-Camping at Island Spirits

One of those perfect days.

-Montreal

-Buffalo

-Cobourg Beach (twice)

-Glen Kelso Conservation; (sadly I only went once this summer)

I also took advantage of “summer in the city” and went to use the pool at the Sheraton Centre three times!! I seriously can’t complain about Summer 2012.

But now I can start to look forward to all the wonderful things Fall represents:, the leaves changing, visiting Chudleighs, fall clothes, baking apple crisps, and making fall soups.

Here’s to an amazing FALL.

p.s I was suppose to post this on the last day of summer (which was on Friday Sept 21st but silly me…got distracted, for a change)

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This is going to be a fun blog post as the theme will be a He Said/She Said perspective of our pedicures that we had at the Pillar and Post. I copied this idea from a wonderful food blog that I have been following that also has a he said/she said perspective called: Tips Are Included.

I think now would be a good time to ask you to please welcome my first guest blogger, Matt, as he shares with you his experience having his first spa pedicure at the Pillar and Post.

HE SAID:

My First Spa Experience (But Second Pedicure)

With little frame of reference, I have to say it was a great experience! Having my hot tired feet declawed, smoothed massaged and painted (clear – though I was offered a colour) was a great way to spend an hour on a lazy Sunday. Following a morning splash in  the Pillar and Post’s outside pool  – in the rain – and a half hour lying on a lounger when the sun returned, set me up for the guilty pleasure (for blokes anyway!) of a pedicure.

Never Been in One of These Robes Before!!

The seat had a built in massage ‘thing’, that I had never experienced before!  After a while, I turned it off and let the expert do her thing on my feet….. it was amazing. I’ll go back for sure!

SHE SAID:

I was delighted to enjoy a quick get away to Niagara on the Lake to  visit some relatives. Every year that I visit, I end up booking an appointment at the Pillar and Post as I’m in love with their outdoor pool. Just so you know, its the ONLY hotel property with an outdoor pool in Niagara on the Lake. This year, I was going to share the experience of the Pillar and Post with Matt, who had never been to a spa before. This was really going to be a special few hours!!

Sadly, the weather  was kinda crappy that day but that’s ok…we still enjoyed the pool WHILE IT WAS RAINING. I mean it……it was peaceful to be out there while it rained. We didn’t mind at ALL.

Look carefully and you can see the rain drops in the pool!!

After a dip in the pool, it was mandatory  to visit  the outdoor hot springs. I totally love this oasis that they have created. Not your average hot tub – that’s for sure.

Then we chilled in the “quiet room” as we waited for our matching pedicure session. It was interesting to note that there were lots of other couples relaxing in white robes as well. It was clear we weren’t the only couple enjoying a spa day!!

Finally it was our turn for our matching pedicure appointments. I was introduced to a new line of vegan friendly polish called “sparitual” and was given an extremely professional and thorough pedicure. No complaints at all.

FINAL RESULT: VERY HAPPY FEET.

As for the service at the Pillar and Post: I have to say that everyone we encountered was friendly and courteous. Special mention to their front desk manager, Shane Howard and Ludmila at the 100 Fountain Spa, who went out of their way for me. Plus the guy at the pool who brought us towels and even hid them under a lounge chair so they would be dry!

We will certainly be returning to the Pillar and Post again!! It was great to hang out with my boyfriend in a spa and enjoy a few hours of pure relaxation and pampering.

Pillar and Post, 48 John St. West, Niagara on the Lake, 1 888 669 5566

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