Eastern Ontario Business Journal, Top Stories
- Eastern Ontario Business Journal, Top Stories
Laura Byrne Paquet
- ET
Editor's Note
Regional Roadtrips is a column prepared by local travel writer Laura Byrne Paquet of Ottawa Road Trips to inspire day trips and weekend getaways a short drive from Ottawa.
When you don’t have the time and budget for a long road trip but still want to escape the city, Carleton Place could be just the ticket. In fact, if you live in the west end, it’s probably quicker to drive to Carleton Place than to downtown Ottawa!
Here are seven great reasons to take a road trip to this charming Lanark County community:
1. Discover local artists. Not only are there several new art galleries, including the Carleton Place Gallery (210 Bridge St.) and the Arts Carleton Place Art Hub (50 Bennett St., unit 1), but the town is currently hosting Art Expedition, with works by 50 local artists on banners throughout downtown.
OBJ360 (Sponsored)
Stonefields Estate will make your next corporate event unforgettable
Stonefields Estate feels like the kind of place where time stands still. It may be the idyllic countryside location or the historic farm buildings dotting the property that give it
Read More
Game on! How Ottawa REDBLACKS business experiences create meaningful connections
An Ottawa REDBLACKS game may be the only place a business leader should leave their game face at the door.
Read More
2. Relax on the Mississippi River. No, not that Mississippi River. However, Lanark County’s Mississippi River is also scenic and it flows right through downtown Carleton Place. Launch your boat or hit the beach at Riverside Park (175 John St.), or just settle onto the pretty deck at the Waterfront Gastropub (12 Bell St.) with a beer and a burger.
3. Pop into a coffee shop. Even though I don’t drink coffee, the existence of a good coffee shop is one of my criteria for a great road trip destination. As long as it serves tea and pastries, I’m good. Downtown Carleton Place has several nice coffee shops, including Foundry Collective and Coffee Bar (122 Bridge St.). With big windows and free wi-fi, it’s a pleasant place to linger with friends or even catch up on your email (if you must).
4. Stop by a memorable visitor centre. How many visitor centres are located in an 1850s log cabin that’s rumoured to be haunted? The one in Carleton Place (170 Bridge St.) is the only one I can think of. Bonus: it rents out bicycles by the hour and is also home to a museum focusing on the life of A. Roy Brown, arguably the town’s most famous son. Which brings me to …
5. Learn some local history. Brown was a First World War flying ace credited with shooting down none other than the Red Baron. After you’ve learned about him at the visitor centre, drop into the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum (267 Edmund St.) to delve into some other local stories. Admission is free. And nearby, you’ll discover one of the town’s most unusual attractions …
6. Walk a labyrinth. Right behind the museum is the pretty (and also free) Carleton Place Labyrinth. Quiet your busy mind with a slow stroll around its curving path, then relax on a bench under the welcome shade of the surrounding trees. Trust me, it really is calming.
7. Have a delicious dinner. Carleton Place has lots of nice restaurants, but my favourite is Black Tartan Kitchen (132 Bridge St.). Here’s why. I used to think I didn’t like venison or carpaccio, but chef Ian Carswell’s venison carpaccio changed my mind on both counts. Tender, flavourful and not at all gamey, it made me a believer. And I’ve never been disappointed by the other dishes I’ve tried on the regularly changing menu, either.
Award-winning Ottawa travel writer Laura Byrne Paquet shares her sightseeing tips for Eastern Ontario and beyond on her website, Ottawa Road Trips.
Get our email newsletters
Get up-to-date news about the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Ottawa and beyond.
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
The Latest
Regional Roadtrips: From labyrinths to haunted cabins, seven reasons to visit Carleton Place
Investors seeking ‘comfort’ in suburban malls as retail market picks up, broker says
Bright Side of (Downtown) Business: With strong roots in Ottawa, Hair Republic expands into Toronto
Ottawa leaders back Solange Tuyishime Keita as she goes for the crown
Markets bet on second Bank of Canada interest rate cut coming this week
More Stories
Video
OBJ360
Sponsored
Bringing France to Ottawa: Chef Yannick Anton recognized for contributions to the capital food scene
uOttawa’s Faculty of Engineering is filling skill gaps in the tech industry
Travel smart: Four ways FlightHub offers budget-friendly business travel solutions
Ottawa’s growth is at an inflection point
Sponsored
The Ottawa Hospital Foundation’s Campaign to Create Tomorrow
The $500-million fundraising campaign is the largest in our city’s history. It will reshape the future of healthcare in Ottawa and beyond.
Learn More
EXPERT BLOGS
We all have a role to play in the revitalization of downtown Ottawa
Mark Taylor
Watch the Clock: Limitation Period Issues and Commercial Insurance Policies
Kris Dixon
From Hero to Zero: Non-Financial Retirement Planning
Joelle Hall
Fostering a purpose-driven team and accelerating growth
Keira Torkko
View All | Submit an Expert Blog
EVENTS
24th Annual Mayor’s Charity Golf Classic presented by Enbridge
Ottawa’s Best Networking Golf Tournament 2024
View Calendar
View All | Submit an Event