It has become a welcomed tradition in my family to treat my mother to a Girl's getaway in January. We call it a Christmas present for her but honestly, it's a good excuse for all of us to come together and enjoy our time together. The four of us who do the trip love to go to Spa's. With Spa time comes wine, food, and great conversations. That's how we like to relax!
Once our group picked Niagara-on-the-Lake as our destination I knew good food and great wine would make this a fantastic trip. If you haven't been to the area you are missing out. This is a small town rich with history and some of the best grapes in Ontario, maybe even in Canada.
When planning this trip I wanted to make sure we sampled everything Niagara-on-the-Lake has to offer. I have stayed in town several times but never got a chance to stay at Pillar and Post https://www.vintage-hotels.com/pillar-and-post/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Google%20My%20Businesspart part of the Vintage Hotel group. I have been fortunate to stay at Prince of Wales also in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Mill Croft Inn in Alton Ontario. I have never been disappointed in staying at a hotel in the Vintage Hotel group. Pillar and Post is an old charm with pure relaxation bliss. The spa is the perfect winter getaway.
The selection of services was decadent. I had a body wrap that left my dry winter skin feeling hydrated. The spa has a great manicure/pedicure room, ideal for a large group to enjoy time together.
What makes this spa different from others I have enjoyed is there hot spring pool. This was our group's favorite way to relax. The pool starts inside the spa, and as you walk through the barrier to outside you are transported to an enchanted garden escape. The water is the perfect hot to take away the winter chill.
This region is full of tasty restaurants from high-end dining to many cafes. We started with lunch at Caroline Cellar https://www.carolinecellars.com/ It has a great tasting bar for all the varieties they carry but it also has a small restaurant with tasty comfort foods. This Winery seems to be a local favorite and came highly recommended.
I had their 2019 Sweet Riesling with a nacho poutine. I was very happy with my selection. The specials the day we were there all sounded delicious.
When in Wine Country you must sample! I had a great experience in the past doing a Junk food pairing and wanted to share this unique sampling experience.
Konzelmann Estate Winery https://konzelmann.ca/is an enchanted castle-like building with a unique tasting experience. If you get a chance to go, ask for a sample of their Peachwine. I also always buy a bottle of their Sparkling Riesling both are delightfully refreshing and light. You can't go to a Winery in the area without trying their selection of Ice Wine. If you haven't had Ice Wine it's a must.
I would recommend making reservations when planning a getaway like this. You will be guaranteed a spot for tasting experiences and it will be easier to plan a late dinner. Which you will want when your day is full of snacking and drinking! Make sure you have a safe ride to get around. Everything is pretty close but not within walking distance. There are several organized wine tours or do as we did and use our Uber app to get around.
This area has so many recommended restaurants, I don't think there is a way to get through them all. This trip I picked 11th Post on Queen. This restaurant was delicious, all four of us had different dinner options and loved them. I have to recommend the warm apple crumble. Even bursting from the day I knew I couldn't leave without trying it, and I was not disappointed!
This trip replenished us mind, body, and soul. I don't think I have ever come to Niagara-on-the-Lake and been disappointed. It's a town out of a Hallmark Christmas movie. If you are looking for romance, a girl's getaway, history tour it's all here.
My Top Ten Spots in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Pillar and Post Spa
High Tea at Prince of Wales
3. Shopping through Main St. small shops
Found this beauty for a wonderful gift!
4. Ghost Walk https://ghostwalks.com/niagara-on-the-lake/
5. Junk Food tasting https://konzelmann.ca/is
6. Dinner at 11th Post on Queen
7. Spa at Prince of Wales
8. Tiara Restaurant at Queen's Landing https://www.vintage-hotels.com/queens-landing/tiara-restaurant/
9. Two Sisters Vineyards https://www.twosistersvineyards.com/
10. Pellar Estates https://www.peller.com/
If you are interested in other Vintage Hotel locations read my blog on Millcroft Inn and Spa and the Halton Hills Region
Comments