Salmon, Shopfronts, and a Blooming Onion

A Day Trip to Port Hope: Salmon, Shopfronts, and a Blooming Onion

Author: @boywhoblogs
www.boywhoblogs.com

Aaron and I spent our Saturday in Port Hope, Ontario chasing salmon and eating a blooming onion the size of my head! It was exactly the kind of day trip we were after. Small town charm, river views, good food and even better company.

Morning: Coffee, Rivers and Pierogi

We began the day at The Main where we grabbed coffee to go. With our coffees in hand, we walked along the Ganaraska River, following the sound of rushing water until we saw salmon swimming upstream. It is amazing how nature can feel so close.

We made our way toward the farmers market. The vendors were full of fresh produce, baked goods, and lovely crafts. Sipping coffee while we smiled and met a few vendors reminded of us why we love visiting small towns.

Breakfast was at Café Lviv. There are many tempting choices but I could not resist ordering some pierogies first thing in the morning. It was the perfect warm and comforting meal to start the day. We also ordered borscht, a signature Ukrainian dish made with a variety of beets and vegetables and deruny, a Ukrainian potato pancake dish made with finely grated potato.

Midday: Curiosities and Goats

Next stop was Primitive Designs. It is more than a store. It is an artistic playground full of unusual art and craft items from faraway places. Sculptures, handwoven textiles, odd relics and beautiful pieces. Every shelf has something to make you stop, stare and smile.

We then drove out to Haute Goat. We were there to catch a bit of the disc golf tournament, but meeting the animals was the real draw. I love it here! We met tons of goats, alpacas, pigs and even some Icelandic horses. There is something about visiting animals that instantly makes you happy. It was playful, peaceful, and full of surprises. Don’t miss out on Screaming Goat Cafe either if you're there. We were delighted to try a slice of their rustic handcrafted pizza while we were there but last time we were here, we really enjoyed their sourdough grilled cheese.

Afternoon: Fair Foods and Games

In the afternoon we visited the Port Hope Fair. Our first mission? Find the blooming onion. It did not take me long. Crunchy, greasy, delicious and absolutely worth it – with that yummy dip. We then explored the agricultural area of the fair, we looked at some of the livestock, wandered through the different tents, and played some games. Balloon darts, a spinning wheel and guess what - I won a ticket to a show at The Capitol Theatre for later this Fall.

Evening: Dinner and Dessert by the River

We went to The Social Bar + Table for dinner. I ordered steak frites and a mocktail. Aaron had the vegan rigatoni. The food was tasty and the service was good. The atmosphere outside on their patio was relaxed and laid back.

After dinner we took one last walk by the river. I had to check for salmon again! We shared a scoop of chocolate ice cream from Dreamer’s Café as we walked through Walton Street and back to the Bronco. A sweet way to end the day.

Port Hope has everything you want in a day trip: beautiful scenery, friendly shops, good food, and small surprises around every corner. Whether you are chasing salmon or just want to explore a small town, Port Hope delivers.

Port Hope Tourism is thrilled to have collaborated with @boywhoblogs on this paid itinerary.