A Romantic Escape to Perth County
Welcome to the picturesque wonderland of Perth County, Ontario – a hidden gem 1.5 hours from Toronto that promises an unforgettable romantic escape. We previously visited county when we went to the famous city of Stratford, hometown of Justin Bieber and the Stratford Festival. However, this time we wanted to explore the surrounding area, and see everything that the local county of Perth has to offer. Kaan and I were lucky to have a romantic weekend full of fun activities in the countryside a few weeks ago, and we can’t wait to tell you about all the things to do in Perth County! As always, all of our adventures are documented on our stories, saved here.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN PERTH COUNTY
Embrace Nostalgia at Dave's Diner:
Dave's Diner is a delightful roadside eatery that exudes the charm of a cozy restaurant that has the comforting aroma of hearty home-cooked meals. When we were warmly greeted by the friendly staff, we automatically felt like family. I tried the water buffalo burger (I’ve never had one before and it was so tasty and super lean) while Kaan opted for the classic turkey club sandwich. The homefries are made fresh, and everything was super delicious!
Sip and Play at Shakespeare Brewing Co.:
Shakespeare Brewing Co., is a haven for craft beer enthusiasts and retro gaming aficionados alike. We had the chance to try another flight of beer, with the blueberry wheat being our favouite. The intimate space feels like a friend's cozy living room, complete with board games, foosball, and a selection of old-school gaming systems- including an Ninetendo 64- Mario Kart anyone?! As we tried the beers, Kaan challenged me to Mario Kart, which I haven’t played in years so obviously came in 8th place, haha. It was definitely a fun date spot, and on sunny days, there is a lovely patio to sit on.
Raise a Glass at Black Donnelly's Brewing Co.:
Black Donnelly's Brewing Co., is a vibrant craft brewery nestled in the heart of Perth County. They have a wide selection of craft beer, and we opted for a flight each to be able to enjoy their beers. It was the perfect stop to cool off on a hot sunny day.
Indulge in Lunch & High Tea at Harry Ten Shilling:
Located just down the road from Stratford in Shakespeare, Ontario, is the charming Harry Ten Shilling. We dropped in for a delicious lunch of pesto-paninis. They have a wide variety of tea (Kaan got iced-tea of course), and we had these incredible cones with clotted cream and jam. We hand’t had a chance to try, but their macaroons looked amazing!
THINGS TO DO IN PERTH COUNTY (AKA ALL THE CUTE STORES AND FUN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES)
Create Floral Memories at Black Creek Flower Farm:
The Black Creek Flower Farm allows you to pick-your-own bouquets- such a fun date idea! We selected our vases, got our scissors, and went into the fields to create our bouquets. Kaan went for more sunflowers, while I did a more lavender-esque assortment. Which do you like more?!
Unearth Treasures at Wild Hog Country Market:
The Wild Hog Country Market is soo aesthetic. Located just outside Stratford, this market is a treasure trove of artisanal delights, showcasing the creativity and passion of local vendors. We loved how everything was set up, and definitely took advantage for an impromptu photoshoot. We picked up some locally roasted coffee, creamy blue cheese and homemade jams- all so tasty!
Pick Up Tasty British Snacks at The British Touch
For those who appreciate British elegance and refined treasures, The British Touch is a must-visit. This quaint shop in Perth County brings a touch of the UK to Ontario, offering an assortment of delightful tea sets, classic china, and charming souvenirs. Kaan’s dad is British, and as Kaan grew up as an expat in Dubai, all the snacks here reminded him of his childhood. His go-to favourites are Cadbury Flakes and Hula-Hoops chips.
Discover Charming Treasures at Indoor, Outdoor Living Loft:
Indoor, Outdoor Living Loft, is a charming boutique store with cabin-chic and farm-style designed spaces. Every corner is adorned with carefully curated décor, from cozy blankets and handmade ceramics to quaint mason jar lights and vintage signs. The boutique captures the essence of country living, and we picked up a few pieces of Perth County's charm to bring back home with us.
Treat Yourself to Fudge and More at The Dublin Mercantile
The Dublin Mercantile store features a curated collection of farmhouse decor, including cozy blankets, tableware, and vintage signs. They also have a big fudge counter, which of course we couldn’t get enough of!
Wander Hand in Hand at Shakespeare Conservation Area:
After eating all that fudge, we decided to walk it off by visiting the scenic Shakespeare Conservation Area. The walkway goes around a pond, and is super quiet and peaceful. Kaan also saw his first ever beaver- I always forget he wasn’t raised in Canada!
WHERE TO STAY IN PERTH COUNTY
Discover Serenity at Wild Rose Sanctuary Hawthorne Cabin:
Located on the edge of a beautiful forest and surrounded by cornfields, the Wild Rose Sanctuary Hawthorne Cabin is a quaint off-grid Airbnb. When we arrived, we were greeted by Julia, the host, who had prepared an incredible three-course dinner for us- halloumi-strawberry skewers as an appatizers, fresh trout for our mains, and a delicious homemade strawberry cobbler. We ate our dinner on the patio while watching the pretty sunset over the golden fields. Unfortunately, it rained us out so we weren’t able to enjoy the campfire that is available for guests.
Perth County exceeded our expectations and was truly a romantic escape that allowed us to disconnect from city life. We loved the quaint eateries and aesthetic marketplaces, and had so much fun enjoying the best of country living. If you’re looking for a local romantic escape, forgo the day visit and spend g a night or two to indulge in all of the activities in the area. So, pack your bags, immerse yourself in the charm of Perth County, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Happy travels!
