Author: keepupwithkingston

Bayview Farm Restaurant Feels Like Home With Five Star Service

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Turn off one of Kingston’s busiest roads and onto a dirt path framed beautifully by large trees, pass a well-manicured house and you’ll see a turquoise exterior topped with the words “Bayview Farm Restaurant.” At first, it feels as if you’re visiting a friend’s country home – expecting a golden retriever named Duke to race towards you. But the restaurant sign is a reminder that you’ve made a dinner reservation and you’re here to enjoy a five-star meal prepared by skilled chefs and served by them, too. Continue reading →

How Do You Like Dem Apples? My Trip to Waddell

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Crisp mornings, layered clothing and pumpkin-flavoured everything – Fall is in the air! Although it doesn’t officially begin until September 23, it only feels natural to start the new season with a trip to the apple orchard.

Friends and I head north on a cool – but sunny – Sunday morning towards Wadell Apples off Hwy 15. Their orchard has quite a few visitors when we arrive in the early afternoon but there’s enough space that it doesn’t feel crowded. After a quick rundown of the types of available apples – MacIntosh, Lobo and a few Redcourt – we are handed a bag that generally holds ten pounds of apples and we’re on our way. They only have bags, so if you prefer a basket – bring your own. Continue reading →

My Top Six Picks from the Collins Bay Flea Market

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Strolling through the Collins Bay Flea Market, I am surrounded by a mish mash of items. Old Cabbage Patch dolls to my left, baseball cards to my right, antique Coca Cola signs mounted on the wall ahead of me and back-to-back dressers creating a path. The 6000 square foot space resembles a grandma’s basement that needs a good purging. But that’s what I like about it. I love a good hunt for a unique item and with 25 diverse vendors, I am surrounded by many treasures. Continue reading →

Perfect Your Swing at Expert Tees

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“Keep your eye on the ball.”

“Arms straight.”

“Bend your knees.”

That’s the sound of my husband giving me tips on my golf swing. There’s a place where even I – the unseasoned golfer – can go and hit the ball without feel self-conscious of my bad form. It’s called Expert Tees and for those unfamiliar with the aquatic driving range, it is the largest aquatic golf accuracy range in Canada located on Collins Bay road in the west end. Continue reading →

Let’s all Go to the Drake Devonshire

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Dining Room
Back Patio
Back Patio
White Sangria, Beaus, Lobster nachos
Charcuterie
Dining Room
Great view, great details
Rhubarb, lime sundae
White Sangria
Eggplant Parmesan
Devonshire Burger
View from pebble beach

The Drake Devonshire: quaint yet modern, beautifully decorated but not too much, thoughtfully laid out and incredibly charming. I can’t say enough about this lakeside restaurant and boutique hotel in Prince Edward County owned by Toronto’s ultra-cool The Drake Hotel.

It is quite the trip from Kingston — located on the west side of Picton in Wellington — but  if you appreciate good taste in decor and food – you’ll appreciate this tucked away gem. Continue reading →

Paint the Night!

paint nite
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Paint Nite. This clever concept of mixing painting and cocktails has taken off in local bars all over the world. No experience required, only the willingness to express yourself creatively while potentially getting a buzz. While I would not consider myself an artist, I enjoy the idea painting! I had been thinking about doing a paint night for quite some time before a friend gifted me a Groupon and invited me to join her. Continue reading →

Climbing Rock Dunder

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Rock Dunder trail options
Beginning of the trail…
First Lookout
Second Lookout
Rock Dunder: Second Lookout
enjoying the view
Top of the rock: official lookout
Top of the rock!
Post-hike treat: Blackberry Thunder ice cream from Westport’s Vanilla Bean’s

Living in Toronto for so many years, I considered myself more of a city girl whose cardio included power-shopping trips down Queen street west. Now that I have moved back to Kingston I am making an effort take advantage of all the nature-filled activities it has to offer. So many active people live here, on any given morning I see runners, bikers, rollerbladers, etc and that’s inspiring me to get outside. Almost every morning around 7:30 AM on my drive in, I see an older couple (well into their 70s) power walking with their hands held tight – sporting fluorescent tees – enjoying the crisp morning air. It’s adorable. And motivating. Continue reading →