A Magical Weekend in Perth

By guest blogger Ro Nwosu (@wildroga)  

There is something to be said about small towns. They invite a sense of comfort and charm that can open a world of possibilities. Perth has both in a nutshell that I can’t even begin to describe. When looking to enjoy a staycation or even exploring your own backyard, Perth is the spot. I felt safe, connected.

I have always had trouble figuring out where to start my exploration whenever I travel. There is always so much to do and not enough time. I appreciated that The Great Taste of Ontario helped me to fall in love with Perth through their online Passport. Fifteen local shops, spaces and services that had a beautiful story and history behind it that I would never have been able to enjoy without this guide. Let me break down my favourites of the weekend for you.

EAT

If you are looking for a delicious breakfast and smooth coffee fix. The Picnic Café & Catering Co. has it all. The space is warm and inviting, menu filled with healthy yet hearty options and then the desserts were fantastic to snack on. While indoor seating isn’t an option, their Winter patio seating was delightful and there is now a fireplace to keep you warm.

The winner for Best Mac n Cheese in the world by a respected and lovely expert! O’Reilly’s Ale House has some of the richest food and gorgeous lighting for intimidate dinners. The service was nothing like I’ve experienced before with polite questions about how my first few bites were to methodical way of cleaning that was swift and friendly. Booking a reservation is extremely important here.

Looking to for Schnitzel? Maximilian Restaurant has a menu that will fill you up! Warm sauerkraut, plenty of space between seating, quick service, and an interesting take on the classic dumpling.

YOU MUST make sure you visit The Perth Pie Co. and North Folk Café to get a taste of Artizen Kombucha. I’m slightly biased as my love for pie surpasses a lot of things. I’ve been trying to get to the PPC for 2-3 years now and I’m so glad I was able to sink my teeth into the best Pie Tarts ever. North Folk Café invokes community and innovation with their Bubbles and Bites boxes where you get to choose your favourite local/handmade products to gift to friends and family, you can also pickup, refill and taste Artizen Kombucha and their impeccable education is really shown in every sip you take.

PLAY
No one knows Moonshine quite like Top Shelf Distillers! Being able to taste an array of flavours and gain some knowledge on how they support the community was insightful. While Butter tart Moonshine was the winner, I highly recommend picking up some of their Apple Pie, Cherry and Maple!

Beer more your thing? Weatherhead Brew Co. brought the atmosphere with industrial/rustic décor, popcorn perfection and comfortable indoor seating. While your able to pick up a flight of all Weatherhead has to offer. I strongly suggest the refreshing taste of the Waterwitch’s amber hues. Make this one of your stops not only to warm up but to chill out.

LEARN

Taking a trip to the 1840’s is hard to do without some fantastic visuals and facts. The Perth Museum also known as the Matheson House contributes to the heart of Perth with stories about one of its oldest buildings, exhibits that inspire and truly made me want to redecorate my own home. Authentic artifacts and staples such as original dinnerware, seating, intricate paintings, and rugs. Then to know that the restoration to certain facets such as wallpaper, structural protection and more brings out the beauty in this space. It’s also where Perth Tourism operates and you can learn and gain some inside knowledge on all the sweet spots in town. They also create some amazing community events like fireside music and photos with my good friend the GRINCH!

Speaking of sweet spots though, The Rideau Candy Shoppe, The Perth Cheese Shop and Perth Chocolate Works. I don’t want to tell you how much I spent there but the learning opportunity is endless and the flavours a story of incredible proportions. Each place creates a story around their product but letting you know where they come from, how it’s made, the taste you’ll be able to hit and why they chose to put it within their space.

The Rideau Candy Shoppe, has candy from all over the world and also create a special concoction of HoreHound Hard Candy that will light up your senses. Make sure you try it and while you’re there ask about the history of the Ginger beer they bring in.

The Perth Cheese Shop has Charcut-a-Cones that you can customize and walk around with. This modern-day surprise that is portable and obviously delicious. I was very intrigued by their fun take on cheese quotes, olive oils that YOU need to start using in your daily meals and the awesome customer service. Next time I’m asking for a Charcut-a-Bowl (because I need more than one cone).

Then Perth Chocolate Works when you’re ready to dive into a tasty desert after dinner (who am I kidding, anytime you want) has a great selection of chocolate packages, hot chocolates and vegan friendly items you can sink your teeth into.

STAY

When looking for a place to rest your head even for the night, the Best Western Plus Perth Parkside Inn & Spa is officially now my go to place. Service was impeccable, the room was cozy and safety measures and precautions were on point! From check-in to check-out, being able to book pool or hot tub time and knowing that there was constant cleaning, communication on available services made things easier. I will also have to admit that the jetted tub was a heavy bonus.

This is experience was like no other. I was able to find some amazing new places that weren’t on the Great Taste of Ontario Passport list and to walk through Stewart Park and around the Crystal Palace was a sight that I will never forget, with all the beautiful Christmas trees and lights the entire place reminded me of Stars Hollow (bonus if you know the reference!!). Perth reminded me of Stars Hollow in the best way. Warm and inviting, creative and thoughtful.

What really surprised me was the way the entire community worked together, recommended each other, and spoke so highly of other places in the area. Not only to me but to others when something couldn’t be found in their location. Each location was focused on making sure others felt safe, that procedures were easy to follow and while we are in a time where precautions need to be taken, Perth does a fantastic job in making sure it thrives like no other. It felt like a second home.

If you are a part of Lanark County or Renfrew County, I suggest taking the opportunity to book a weekend in Perth and to be safe about it for this town works really hard and has a ton of heart. Use the Great Taste of Ontario Passport and check into some of these places. I was able to hit all 15 and when you have completed the list there are some amazing PRIZES at the end!!

Perth, I’m definitely coming back!!!
I need more pies, candy, relaxation, more laughter and my partner has said he needs that Mac n’ Cheese!

Be safe and have fun!

xo Ro

Take a look on my Instagram for all the highlights of Perth, more photos, videos and fun I got into. You can also continue to follow and see how I try to handle life in the Ottawa Valley and run a business, as a single mom and adventure/experience junkie!

Photos taken by Ro and Jason Nowlan

For more information about The Great Taste of Ontario and to download your free Perth passport, click here.