There are a number of towns and villages in the Niagara area one of which is Jordan Village.
In my opinion, Jordan Village is a must visit. Most people will make a stop in the infamous Niagara-On-The-Lake, however missing Jordan Village, is missing a lovely experience.
Jordan Village is tiny but there are some wonderful boutiques packed in the short block. Jordan Village, is much a more authentic, less commercial village than it's big brother, Niagara-On-The-Lake. The boutiques owners can typically be found in the shops and they are more than happy to chat away and welcome you to the village.
The pace too is a little slower. After my relaxing stroll through Jordan Village I headed on to Niagara-On-The-Lake and found a marked difference in the number of tourists. The streets and shops were much more crowded and as a result less relaxing.
On a Jordan Village brochure, the village is described as "a touch of time gone by, situated amidst the wineries of the Niagara Escarpment in Niagara's Twenty Valley, just off the QEW. The village is brimming with things to do and see - visit our award-winning wineries, tempt your taste buds with an assortment of culinary delights, explore our inspiring galleries and take advantage of the fabulous shopping for fashion, home and garden." Actually as an outsider, I would describe the village a little differently. I would not necessarily characterise it as a "touch of time gone by" I did not have that sense at all. The shops are modern and one of the biggest things that struck me was the charm and beauty of the street scape. The boulevards are completely landscaped and are in full bloom. It's absolutely stunning.
Recommended shopping:
Beauty Safari
Self described as an exclusive range of fragrances, bath and body, skincare, and beauty products, along with the finest sleepwear, linens, home accessories, jewellery, handbags and more. Sourced from Canada, Europe and Beyond.
This was one of my favourite shops. The owners, Alex and Ruth are former UK expats and returned back to Canada and to their family roots in Niagara. Alex was behind the counter when I arrived and immediately struck up a conversation. Alex share stories about their travels to find interesting and unique items and the European inspiration behind the boutique.
The boutique was beautifully merchandised and a perfect place to find a special gift. My favourite item, the Ladurée scented candles. Can you imaging a candle with the scent of Brioche? Oh my! Stop by and discover the charming products and owners.
Chic
I loved this store. Chic reproduces traditional antique furniture and chandeliers. The pieces are beautifully reproduced and remarkably authentic looking (I thought they were originals) at very reasonable prices. Here you can get the look without the antique price tag.
Favourite item, authentic chandelier crystals which you can buy individually from $2 each. Add a little sparkle to your home.
A must visit and be sure to keep walking to the back of the store, it is much larger than it appears from the outside.
Santa-Fe Lifestyle
Clothing and accessories with an international flavour. Charming shop with inspired pieces. Owner Pam can help you find the perfect item, one might even be a Pangea Collection bone bangle from Uganda. Take a peak inside.
Tintern on Main
Another lovely shop for fashion and accessories. Friendly owner Jacquelene will help you pick the perfect piece.
Favourite item, flowing pattern tops, modern yet reminiscent of the 70s.
Pleasures of the Palate
A must is a visit to Cave Springs Winery for a wine tasting, right in the heart of the village.
For a casual lunch of salad, sandwich or pizza visit Zooma Zooma Cafe.
For a more upscale dining experience visit the Inn on the Twenty Restaurant.
Parking
Another advantage to Jordan Village is there is a public parking lot which is free.
Not actually in Jordan Village but on the road into the village off of the QEW is Upper Canada Cheese Company. Upon entering you'll be offered a sampling of two cheeses (comfort cream - think brie, and Niagara Gold - think salty Oka). The cheese is yummy and if you forgot to bring your own cooler bag you can purchase one or an ice pack right there so your yummy comfort cream won't be any creamier than intended.
Niagara-On-The-Lake
As mentioned, this is the town that most tourists visit and as a result can be very busy especially on weekends. I was there yesterday (Wed in July) and it was packed. It is a lovely town and a must visit. It is also home to the popular photo op, the Prince of Wales Hotel. Very charming and the horse carriages out front mean that there are a lot of tourists snapping photos. I actually had a guy stop in front of my car in the middle of the street to take a picture. Drive carefully, the tourists are either drunk on the wine tastings or the beauty of the town.
What I particularly liked about Niagara-On-The-Lake was the numerous bakeries, some more commercial than others. I'd reco a good long in hail inside of Niagara Home Bakery.
And maybe indulge on an Empire cookie yum, yum a toast to Queen Mum!
If you are a foodie, make a stop in the Kurtz Culinary Store and taste before you buy. Such a wide range the pantries are sagging in the middle with all the weight of the jars.
While there pick up a postcard on one of their culinary classes, free but do require reservations.
For a yummy sandwich (even if a touch pricey at $9.50) try a curried chicken and cashew on pumpernickel at the Epicurean, fresh and delish.
For a beautiful assortment of jewellery check out Presents and Optimus. At Optimus you can find Pangea Collection fair trade and artisan jewellery among many other beautiful designers.
For art lovers like myself allow plenty of time to discover the amazing photography of Kenneth Lane Smith in the self named gallery. The work is stunning and the write ups for each pieces are beautiful written. Make sure you read them when looking at the prints.
On the way into or out of Niagara-On-The-Lake be sure to stop at The Fruit Shack (on Niagara Stone Road) for some fresh fruit. I picked up a pint of cherries, sweet, sweet goodness.
Of course a visit to the region would not be complete without visiting the numerous wineries so make sure you have some time and pace yourself. If you want to stay the night there are a number of affordable B&Bs.
One great way to get around to the wineries is by bicycle. Many of the wineries offer free tastings so enjoy and save your dollars for an indulgence in something else.
Enjoy your visit.
Posts
