Examiner.com

Niagara-on-the-Lake downtown: in April and May, it is tulip season. 

You can either take one of the paths through the Commons from The Robson-Grieve Bed & Breakfast, or drive the short distance and park downtown in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Parking downtown will cost $1 an hour; you can pay by coins or credit card.

There are no fast food places in the area. The town was a hub in the war of 1812; it was burned to the ground, when the American soldiers fled, with the exception of a few buildings. Gloria Robson-Grieve can provide more information, and the guest library in the Bed & Breakfast has several books with historical information on the city.

St. Mark's

One place you do not want to miss is a walk through St. Mark’s Church, the oldest religious building in continuous use in Canada since 1792. Church Historian Donald Combe, who has co-authored a book, “St. Mark’s: Persons of Hopeful Piety” (2000) explains how one church window, a 3D stained glass created with Tiffany glass, is rare as it shows a viewpoint from the inside looking out and is done in somber tones (most stained glass is done from the viewpoint of looking at a scene, and in bright, cheerful colors). “It is almost a national treasure,” he explains. Another stained glass window, located over the pulpit, has hung here since 1840. Cemetery headstones tell interesting stories, such as a man whose headstone features a snake; he is buried with his mother-in-law. The oldest headstone (1794) is in remarkable shape. George Washington’s gardener is buried here after our first president allowed him safety to Canada to escape the pending revolution.

As you leave the sanctity of St. Mark’s and cross the street into downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake, you notice how clean and bright everything is. The town has a surreal beauty, partially because of the flowers that are in constant bloom. “Even the post office has hanging baskets,” Gloria Robson-Grieve had pointed out; flowers are as much a part of the town as the clock tower in the center of the street.

Look a those goodies

Make your way up Queen Street to the Niagara Home Bakery, in business since 1937 when the original owners came from Denmark, bringing home recipes. Deanna McDonald and John Albrechtsen took over the business from their parents, utilizing the same recipes and cooking in a brick oven, and still begin the day at 2:30 A.M.  baking and working nonstop. Just look in the window and you'll see: pies, cakes, cookies, eclairs, candies, pastries, croissants, breads, and even jams and jellies. The shop is the recipient of numerous awards that hang on the wall, but the best wall décor is the photo of the original delivery vehicle, Deanna’s father’s horse and buggy. Deanna has one customer who recalls this buggy delivering to this customer’s home, saving raisin bread just for her. Another customer will order a bulk of Empire cookies, a specialty, and ship them to a daughter in Hong Kong who freezes them and then thaws the treats for special parties. Deanna, with her sweet smile and friendly demeanor, is proud of what her family has accomplished and proud of the quality of their work.

If your sweet tooth desires more, the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory has more ways to dip an apple or a banana than you have ever dreamed of. Apples the size of Hulk Hogan’s fist gets dunked into vats of caramel, chocolate, and candy and smothered in fruits, nuts, candy, and marshmallows. There are also chocolate flowers, edible Maple leaves, golf balls, peanut clusters, chocolate hedgehogs, and employee Katherine Fast’s favorite, truffles. The store has treats with no sugar and boxed gifts. “There are great flavors, a variety of tastes, and good treats,” Katherine says. She likes meeting the customers from all over the world. “We just had a whole group of students from Australia in here.”

Home Sweet Mansion

On the way back from Queen Street to Robson-Grieve Bed & Breakfast, be sure to see Randwood, a majestic 13-acre estate right across the street. The wall surrounding the 18 bedroom estate was built in the early 1900’s and the home has been completely restored inside. Visitors are not allowed on the property, but you can look through the gates at this beautiful, elegant home. It is amazing this place is secluded in the center of town, for it feels as if you are far away from civilization. Next to Randwood sits another gorgeous estate. It belongs to an artist whose work is available in town and whose home you can view via the gates.

And so much more...

There is an abundance of hiking trails in and around the area. You can hike along the Mighty Niagara River; rest on the benches or tables posted strategically along the way, and purchase fresh fruit at several stands. The fruit here has a fresh, wonderful taste, and they grow peaches, plums, and, of course, grapes. The fruit is ripe and good here, the kind where the rich juice will run down your chin when you take a bite but it will be worth it. Signposts direct you to the estates and vineyards. This is wine country, for at least 200 vineries grow, produce, and bottle in this area alone. Visitors are welcome to tours and wine tastings, some of which are free, and The Robson-Grieve Bed & Breakfast will provide you with maps and coupons to attend such events. If you want to spend more money, you can attend a play at one of the three theatres. Niagara-on-the-Lake is also well known for its quality theatre. Musical events abound in the summer, to include international artists appearing in various locations. Nearby there is an attractive 9-hole golf course along the river.

There is much to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada. It is an attractive, pristine town. It is difficult to leave here due to the beauty of the area and friendliness of the people. When you are seeking a safe haven, a healthy place to enjoy yourself immersed in history, good food, good people, and excellent conversation and accommodations, The Robson-Grieve Bed & Breakfast is the place to stay and Niagara-on-the-Lake is the place to go. To quote Gloria: "you meet so many nice people." Another added bonus: this is an inexpensive vacation if you plan it carefully.

Cost of this vacation:
From: Nashville, TN 3 days, 2 nights
Gasoline, toll costs, food: $272.03

- Do not purchase food on the road. Pack your own food and drinks to save money. For example:
  1 bag of chips in a gas station: $1.25. 3 bags of chips in a discount store: .99.
  1 soft drink in a gas station: $1.52. A six-pack of drinks in a grocery store: $2.99 (.49 ea)

- Do a thorough check of your vehicle prior to departure to save on gasoline, such as having correct tire pressure. 

- Check all vehicle engine fluids. Carry extra so you do not have to purchase it in the roadside stores en route. A quart of oil are     priced high in such stores.

 -Keep battery cable connectors clean. Supergluing a penny on your battery keeps corrosion off your connectors. Do not spend     money on battery cable cleaning fluid. Use coca-cola and a wire brush.

- Gasoline prices in the north are higher than in the south, so be prepared.

- There are many free events to be enjoyed in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Check online when planning your vacation.

- Know the route you are traveling. Check this route against others. Is it the shortest distance? Online maps may not give you the   shortest distances.

THANK YOU to Gloria, who I believe is the most gracious hostess one could have (& thankfully understands quirky artists), for her wit, assistance, hospitality, & company in the creation of this project. You're fabulous. 

For more info:  The Robson-Grieve Bed & Breakfast   also contact for events in area