7 Quirky Things You Have to Do in Lennox & Addington County
Lennox and Addington County is a long and skinny county region, nestled between the cities of Kingston and Belleville, reaching all the way up past Bon Echo Provincial Park. While the north end of the county is known for camping, paddling and its natural landscape, the southern end features quaint small towns with shops, restaurants, activities and their own beautiful views.
Have a Drink in a Barber Shop
Stop by Deadleaf Distinguished Gentlemen to browse, enjoy a pint and… get a trim?! This local barber shop and store for men is also a fully licensed bar with a new patio out back. They have a house lager that is crisp and easy drinking, along with a variety of spirits to choose from at the bar. The atmosphere feels both hipster and old school, featuring the barber stations, a pool table, and rustic wood finishing. Book The Gentlemen’s Service online; a haircut, shave, scalp massage, hot towel service and a drink! No haircut required, just show up for the drink! Cuts offered for women and children also.
Address: 42 Dundas St E, Napanee, ON K7R 1H7
Hours: 11:00am-5:00pm Tuesday, 11:00am-8:00pm Wednesday Thursday, 11:00am-7:00pm Friday, 11:00am-4:00pm Saturday, closed Sunday Monday
Join Alpaca Yoga
The family-owned farm, Hickory Lane Alpacas offers free farm tours to visit some furry friends, as well as yoga! You’ve heard of goat yoga I’m sure, but how about alpaca yoga! Alpacas are relatively timid animals, they won’t be climbing on you like a goat might, but they graze and wander as you enjoy a yoga class outdoors. This is a new event at the farm, with classes being held regularly, weather permitting. You can also book a time to visit the farm on a Saturday and feed the alpacas, along with seeing some pigs, ducks, goats and other animals.
The current class times are; Family yoga at 10:00am Wednesday, and 11:00am and 12:00pm Saturday. Adult yoga Saturday at 7:00pm, and Sunday at 6:00pm and 7:00pm. Donations are appreciated and drop-ins are welcome! Call ahead to ensure space and class time.
Address: 7326 County Rd 9, Napanee, K7R 3K8
Hours: 10:00am-4:00pm Saturday, check online for alpaca & goat yoga details
Learn Legends of Folklore in an Old Jail
One of the exhibits at the County of Lennox and Addington Museum, is ‘Tales of Fantasy’; full of Canadian legends and folklore. Escape reality and enter a world of strange creatures and unexplainable phenomenon. It is an interactive exhibit that is fun for kids and adults alike. You will also learn history of the county, admire scenic artwork, appreciate vintage artifacts and swoon at local love stories at the museum. The museum itself is a limestone building from the 1860’s which acted as the county jail until 1971. The newest expansion of the museum highlights an old jail cell and door, in what used to be the jailor’s living space.
Book a time to visit online, during Covid restrictions.
Address: 97 Thomas St E, Napanee, ON K7R 4B9
Hours: 10:00am-5:00pm Monday to Friday, closed Saturday Sunday
Feed Goats on a Roof
At first glance, Loyalist Trading Co is a small-town gift shop in a historic building, selling homemade treats, locally sourced gifts and preserves. That in itself is worth the visit as they carry many Ontario makers and brands that are not in other shops. What makes this county store very different from the rest, is the furry friends they have wandering on the roof! Two goats and some giant bunnies live just outside the shop. There is a bike wheel and pulley contraption outside the front of the shop, with a little black cup for goat feed. Grab some feed from the coin-operated dispenser, put it in the cup and yank the pulley all the way to the top. The goats will be eagerly waiting on the roof for you.
Address: 8682 Loyalist Pkwy, Bath, ON K0H 1G0
Hours: 11:00am-6:00pm Monday – Friday, 10:00am – 6:00pm Saturday Sunday
Drink Farm Grown Beer
Drink a crisp craft beer on a beautiful farm, next to the very hops that were used to make the beer. Mackinnon Brothers Brewing Co is a family farm with over 200 years of farming heritage behind them. The century old barns have been renovated, and hops and barley planted in the surrounding fields. The Harvest Ale is made with ingredients 100% grown on their own farm. They are also an event venue, featuring live music performances on their outdoor stage. Enjoy your beer next to a lovely pond surrounded by fields, eating some Texas style BBQ while listening to live music, on the weekends. It doesn’t get much more local than this.
Address: 1915 County 22 Rd, Bath, ON K0H 1G0
Hours: 11:00am-5:00pm daily
To discover more breweries and wineries in the region, CLICK HERE.
Wander Through a Garden of Antiques
Have you ever browsed antiques in rustic sheds scattered around a spacious property, surrounded by flower gardens? No! Then you have to visit Hawk Vale Antiques and Old Stuff. It is a beautiful home antique shop full of vintage pieces, flowers and artwork. You’ll likely find the owner gardening out back as you explore the property, and feel as if you’ve been transported back in time. They have a building out back set up like an old garage, featuring a vintage car, with signs and accessories to match. Keep your eyes peeled for the giant turkey that lives next to the garage!
Address: 1408 County Rd 1, Napanee, ON K7R 3L2
Hours: 10:00am – 5:00pm Thursday-Monday, closed Tuesday Wednesday
Open Up a Bee Hive
If you’ve ever been interested in bees and honey production, you can book a tour to experience the process. Wear a beekeeper suit, open up a hive and try to spot the queen bee! At The Bee Spot you will learn where honey comes from and get a glimpse into a day in the life of a beekeeper. They have 25 acres of wildflowers with an easy walking trail for you to enjoy the bees’ environment. If you stop by without a tour, they are very open to questions and allowing a closer look at the hives. Plus, there is tasty local honey and beeswax candles for sale.
Address: 695 County Rd 4, Tamworth, ON K0K 3G0
Hours: 12:00pm-5:00pm Sunday, 10:00am-6:00pm Monday Thursday Friday, 10:00am-5:00pm Saturday, closed Tuesday Wednesday
This blog post is brought to you in partnership with Naturally Lennox & Addington. As always, all words and opinions are entirely my own.