Al & Laura’s
Guidebook
Sightseeing
The Cedar Creek basin is probably the most significant, most extensive, and most beautiful natural area in the Essex Region. Contributing to the beauty of this area are the Carolinian woodlands, rolling landscapes, creeks, tributaries and abundant wildlife. Be inspired by the sight of eagles soaring, herons and egrets wading, and turtles sun worshiping on logs, along with American Lotus, Swamp Rose Mallow and other superb flora and fauna. This Conservation Area includes a canoe/kayak launch and provides one of the most stunning routes in the region for paddling. We have two kayaks for rent which includes drop off and pick up at the Creek.
19 locals recommend
Cedar Creek Conservation Area
The Cedar Creek basin is probably the most significant, most extensive, and most beautiful natural area in the Essex Region. Contributing to the beauty of this area are the Carolinian woodlands, rolling landscapes, creeks, tributaries and abundant wildlife. Be inspired by the sight of eagles soaring, herons and egrets wading, and turtles sun worshiping on logs, along with American Lotus, Swamp Rose Mallow and other superb flora and fauna. This Conservation Area includes a canoe/kayak launch and provides one of the most stunning routes in the region for paddling. We have two kayaks for rent which includes drop off and pick up at the Creek.
Cedar Beach is a popular sandy spot for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing. It is on Lake Erie at the mouth of Cedar Creek, and is a enjoyed by many fishermen. A leisurely canoe trip from Cedar Creek Conservation Area all the way to Cedar Beach takes about one hour and affords many spectacular views of wetlands, forests and wildlife along the way. There are washrooms and picnic areas.
10 locals recommend
Cedar Beach Conservation Area
1031 Heritage RdCedar Beach is a popular sandy spot for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing. It is on Lake Erie at the mouth of Cedar Creek, and is a enjoyed by many fishermen. A leisurely canoe trip from Cedar Creek Conservation Area all the way to Cedar Beach takes about one hour and affords many spectacular views of wetlands, forests and wildlife along the way. There are washrooms and picnic areas.
A visit to the John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area will take you back in time to the 1850s. The house and farm buildings of John and Amelia Park are restored to bring the nineteenth century to life. Explore the Parks’ magnificent Classical Revival home, built in 1842, taste baking from the kitchen fireplace or play with a wooden toy in the children’s bedrooms. See the workings of an 1885 steam engine-powered sawmill and stop by the blacksmith shop to witness the making of small hardware and repairing of farm tools at the coal-fired forge. Don’t miss the working smoke house, ice house and barn. For a breath of fresh air, take a scenic walk on the lakeshore boardwalk. Be sure to check out the gift shop and exhibit area. You can also take in the theatre where an audio-visual presentation will transport you back in time to John Park’s day. And there’s more! Each spring we plant the garden with heirloom crops, flowers and vegetables. In the summer, livestock are a popular addition.
The John R. Park Homestead is open May to October Sunday through Thursday 11am – 4pm (closed Fri and Sat).
26 locals recommend
John R. Park Homestead & Conservation Area
915 Essex County Rd 50A visit to the John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area will take you back in time to the 1850s. The house and farm buildings of John and Amelia Park are restored to bring the nineteenth century to life. Explore the Parks’ magnificent Classical Revival home, built in 1842, taste baking from the kitchen fireplace or play with a wooden toy in the children’s bedrooms. See the workings of an 1885 steam engine-powered sawmill and stop by the blacksmith shop to witness the making of small hardware and repairing of farm tools at the coal-fired forge. Don’t miss the working smoke house, ice house and barn. For a breath of fresh air, take a scenic walk on the lakeshore boardwalk. Be sure to check out the gift shop and exhibit area. You can also take in the theatre where an audio-visual presentation will transport you back in time to John Park’s day. And there’s more! Each spring we plant the garden with heirloom crops, flowers and vegetables. In the summer, livestock are a popular addition.
The John R. Park Homestead is open May to October Sunday through Thursday 11am – 4pm (closed Fri and Sat).
At the southernmost point of the Canadian mainland - Point Pelee National Park, experience nature like never before. Each spring, view flocks of migratory birds, joined in autumn by waves of vivid Monarch butterflies. In winter, wander the trails in solitude and catch the natural ice formations. In summer, bask on sandy beaches. Whether you cycle, paddle, or hike Canada’s second smallest and most ecologically diverse national park, you’ll be immersed in an unforgettable eco-adventure.
195 locals recommend
Point Pelee National Park Of Canada
1118 Point Pelee DrAt the southernmost point of the Canadian mainland - Point Pelee National Park, experience nature like never before. Each spring, view flocks of migratory birds, joined in autumn by waves of vivid Monarch butterflies. In winter, wander the trails in solitude and catch the natural ice formations. In summer, bask on sandy beaches. Whether you cycle, paddle, or hike Canada’s second smallest and most ecologically diverse national park, you’ll be immersed in an unforgettable eco-adventure.
Perfect for long bike rides and long walks. Scenic with very little traffic. There are many entry points. There is an entry point on the Arner Townline close to the cottage.
Chrysler Greenway
Chrysler GreenwayPerfect for long bike rides and long walks. Scenic with very little traffic. There are many entry points. There is an entry point on the Arner Townline close to the cottage.
Visit historic Jack Miner’s bird sanctuary. Enjoy feeding geese and ducks.
40 locals recommend
Jack Miner Migratory Bird
332 Road 3 WVisit historic Jack Miner’s bird sanctuary. Enjoy feeding geese and ducks.
Food scene
Oxley Estate Winery is nestled on 38 acres in the heart of the Lake Erie North Shore wine route, in Harrow, Ontario, Canada. Our vineyards are blessed with long, sunny days, light lake breezes, and rich sandy loam soil over a limestone ridge about 30 feet down. They grow Riesling, Chardonnay, Auxerrois, Bianca, Hibernal, Pinot Gris, Vidal, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Regent, the German wunderkind, – a fruity, light-bodied red.
Enjoy lunch and dinner in their outdoor space. Check their website for reservation or Covid Restrictions.
93 locals recommend
Oxley Estate Winery
533 Essex County Road 50Oxley Estate Winery is nestled on 38 acres in the heart of the Lake Erie North Shore wine route, in Harrow, Ontario, Canada. Our vineyards are blessed with long, sunny days, light lake breezes, and rich sandy loam soil over a limestone ridge about 30 feet down. They grow Riesling, Chardonnay, Auxerrois, Bianca, Hibernal, Pinot Gris, Vidal, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Regent, the German wunderkind, – a fruity, light-bodied red.
Enjoy lunch and dinner in their outdoor space. Check their website for reservation or Covid Restrictions.
Shop Serenity Lavender Farm’s gift shop filled with a large assortment of lavender themed home decor products, handmade small batch artisan soaps, lavender bath and body products, culinary treats made on site with lavender from our own fields.
Also on site is North 42 Degrees Winery and Bistro 42 Restaurant. Check their website for Covid restrictions.
11 locals recommend
Serenity Lavender Farm Inc
130 Essex County Rd 50Shop Serenity Lavender Farm’s gift shop filled with a large assortment of lavender themed home decor products, handmade small batch artisan soaps, lavender bath and body products, culinary treats made on site with lavender from our own fields.
Also on site is North 42 Degrees Winery and Bistro 42 Restaurant. Check their website for Covid restrictions.
Excellent winery with homemade thin crust pizza baked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. Open for pick up and delivery during lockdown.
60 locals recommend
Paglione Estate Winery
724 County Road 50 EExcellent winery with homemade thin crust pizza baked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. Open for pick up and delivery during lockdown.
Specializing in fruit wines. The owner is delightful! I highly recommend their blueberry wine called "Mama's Special Delight".
21 locals recommend
Black Bear Farms of Ontario Estate Winery
1137 Essex County Rd 20Specializing in fruit wines. The owner is delightful! I highly recommend their blueberry wine called "Mama's Special Delight".
Excellent, food, service and atmosphere. Serves Banded Goose beer.
60 locals recommend
The Bridge House
19 Main St EExcellent, food, service and atmosphere. Serves Banded Goose beer.
Cooper's Hawk Winery and The Vines Restaurant is a lovely place to taste wine or eat.
61 locals recommend
Cooper's Hawk Vineyards and The Vines Restaurant
1425 Iler RdCooper's Hawk Winery and The Vines Restaurant is a lovely place to taste wine or eat.
Great selection of wines. Good wine tours. It's in town. No food here.
82 locals recommend
Pelee Island Winery
455 Seacliff DrGreat selection of wines. Good wine tours. It's in town. No food here.
They are a 100% Local Seasonal Farmer’s Market offering fruits & vegetables. Try their Homemade Traditional Lebanese Food, Homemade Sweets, Made from Scratch Pies & Tarts, Locally Grown Picard’s Nuts & more! My favourites are the dill pickle hummus, tabouli and pita chips. They are open May through October, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m, Tuesday to Sunday, closing Mondays.
10 locals recommend
Willow Tree Market
1827 Division RdThey are a 100% Local Seasonal Farmer’s Market offering fruits & vegetables. Try their Homemade Traditional Lebanese Food, Homemade Sweets, Made from Scratch Pies & Tarts, Locally Grown Picard’s Nuts & more! My favourites are the dill pickle hummus, tabouli and pita chips. They are open May through October, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m, Tuesday to Sunday, closing Mondays.
You can buy fire wood here. They have really good apple cider, pies, jam and so much more. Short drive from our cottage.
Meleg's Lakeview Orchard & Cider Mill
166 Arner TownlineYou can buy fire wood here. They have really good apple cider, pies, jam and so much more. Short drive from our cottage.
The Main Grill and Ale House
24 Main St WGood food and atmosphere.
Wolfhead Distillery is a bit a drive but well worth the visit. Try their flight of spirits and enjoy lunch or dinner on the patio.
49 locals recommend
Wolfhead Distillery and Restaurant
7781 Howard AvenueWolfhead Distillery is a bit a drive but well worth the visit. Try their flight of spirits and enjoy lunch or dinner on the patio.
O' Sarracino Trattoria and Wine Bar
31 Main St WItalian fine dining.
Beach House Grill
70 Park StYou won’t be disappointed!
Golf
It is a scenic public 18 Hole Par 3, designed by Byron Hatfield in 1963. It's an excellent track to practice the short game. Very shady. You often can just walk on the course without a reservation. Prices are very good at this golf course.
20 locals recommend
Oxley Beach Golf Course
597 Essex County Rd 50It is a scenic public 18 Hole Par 3, designed by Byron Hatfield in 1963. It's an excellent track to practice the short game. Very shady. You often can just walk on the course without a reservation. Prices are very good at this golf course.
Kingsville Golf & Country Club is a scenic course of championship quality, offering 27 holes inundated with trees, traps, hills, water, and wildlife. The course is made up of three nines named Red, White & Gold, each with its own unique character. Errant shots on at least a dozen holes can find water. Over 100 sand traps enhance competitive golf for all levels of players. Come prepared! For those balls that avoid the rough, the well-groomed fairways will be a delight.
30 locals recommend
Kingsville Golf & Country Club
640 Essex County Rd 20Kingsville Golf & Country Club is a scenic course of championship quality, offering 27 holes inundated with trees, traps, hills, water, and wildlife. The course is made up of three nines named Red, White & Gold, each with its own unique character. Errant shots on at least a dozen holes can find water. Over 100 sand traps enhance competitive golf for all levels of players. Come prepared! For those balls that avoid the rough, the well-groomed fairways will be a delight.
Belleview Golf Club
436 Belle River RdThis Golf Course is about 30 minutes away but is nice and reasonably priced.
Brewery and Food
Kingsville Brewery Taphouse is a place built for those who want to gather with friends and enjoy great tasting handcrafted beers and delicious eats, made in-house with fresh locally sourced ingredients.
18 locals recommend
Kingsville Brewing Co.
15 Main St WKingsville Brewery Taphouse is a place built for those who want to gather with friends and enjoy great tasting handcrafted beers and delicious eats, made in-house with fresh locally sourced ingredients.
Specialty beers and food bar. Can order beers on their website.
52 locals recommend
The Grove Brew House
86 Main St ESpecialty beers and food bar. Can order beers on their website.
Banded Goose Brewery
15 Main St ESpecialty beer, good food and night life.