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Port Hope historic Town Hall also doubled as the Derry Maine library

Did you guys know Stephen King’s IT film was actually filmed in downtown Port Hope? Bet you guys didn’t know that! If you visit Port Hope’s Visitor’s Centre, you can pick up a handy map of IT’s filming locations and go on a selfie tour. We did exactly that and made our way through 6 of the notable locations (during the day of course haha). The map shows you screenshots of the film so it can help you remember exactly which scenes you’re standing in.

Person holding up IT walking tour brochure in Port Hope

Woman on front steps of town hall

Queen Street looking south in Port Hope

The famous quality meats door and mural

Lunch at Queenies Bake Shop

Queenies Bake Shop is your local cafe that serves up hearty and classic lunches such as sandwiches and lasagnas. If you have room after, make sure to try their baked goods such as their apple crumble pie because it was delicious!

Exterior of Queenies

Queenies lasagna in Port Hope    Queenies chicken salad in Port Hope

Queenies tea and latteQueenies dessert

 

Wander Around Downtown

Depending on the time of the year that you visit, Port Hope has different festivals happening. During the time of our visit, we had the opportunity to check out the Farmer’s Market and Art Festival at Memorial Park (also one of the filming sites in the IT film). The event is to celebrate art, agriculture and community. In the fall, they also have the Cultivate festival which brings farmers, chefs, brewers, and other producers together for a weekend of celebration. If you want more details, check out my 12 things you must do in Port Hope guide.

Woman at Art Festival in Port Hope

Arts Festival vendor Woman on Rotary Bridge in Port Hope

Ganaraska River in Port Hope

Port Hope Arts Festival market

If you find yourself wandering through downtown, be sure to also check out the many boutique shops. They have everything from apparel & accessories to antiques, books, florists and home & specialty items.

Smith Creek Antiques exterior Port Hope

Holton Flowers in Port Hope

Holton Flowers outdoor display in Port HopeWoman shopping at Holton Flowers in Port Hope

The Nooks in Port Hope

Interior of Bibelot in Port Hope

Stay at Hotel Carlyle & Restaurant

Hotel Carlyle was originally built in 1857 as a bank. Interestingly enough, the bank vault has now been turned into a private dining space inside their gorgeous restaurant. Hotel Carlyle have ten rooms available that were designed to preserve the past while offering all of the comforts of a modern hotel. Their rooms were recently renovated and we were lucky enough to stay in one of them!

Exterior of Hotel Carlye

Interior suite at the Hotel Carlyle in Port HopeInterior dining room at the Hotel Carlyle in Port HopeMain dish at the Hotel Carlyle restaurant in Port Hope

Main dish at the Hotel Carlyle Restaurant in Port Hope

 

Written by Grace Yeung • Edited by Eden Yeung

This post was done in collaboration with The Municipality of Port Hope but gracelisamay.com remains unbiased in our content.