Celebrate Creativity

THE NOOKS

We’re big fans of the Nooks. This place is all about showcasing Canadian makers and their incredible wares. Dubbed an “artisan retail business incubator,” you’ll find some of the most unique handmade products — everything from beauty products and jewellery to art and candles. They boast a community-first approach and a cool retail (and online) experience that helps makers realize their dreams and build their businesses.  

15 Cavan Street
thenooks.ca

Relax

Highfields Day
& Destination Spa
Norma is your host when you visit Highfields Day & Destination Spa — it’s the perfect spot to take a load off. If you stay the night, breakfast is included in your rate, as well as use of the infrared sauna and total body vibration machine. (You can also ask for a guided tour of the downtown or a walk along the lakefront the nature trails.) Book one of their custom facials or a soothing massage for ultimate relaxation.
73 Rose Glen Road South
highfields.com

See a Show

Cameco Capitol
Arts Centre
Designated a National Historic Site in 2016, the centre (formerly known as Capitol Theatre) was built in 1930 and stands today with much of its original exterior and many interior details remaining. An “atmospheric theatre space,” the Capitol is known for its exciting shows and events. This summer, you can catch “Prairie Nurse” and “Little Shop of Horrors,” as well as “Mickey and Judy,” a musical celebrating the life of Judy Garland.
20 Queen Street
capitoltheatre.com

Go on a Journey

Primitive Designs
Billed as a tourist attraction and gift shop, everything about this 8,000-square-foot space is ultra-unique. (You’ll see that when you come face to face with the 26-foot-tall, two-tonne robot located at the front entrance.) The market is full of arts and crafts and home accessories hand- selected by the family who owns the shopping destination. (They search far and wide — Bali, Thailand, Nepal, Morocco, India and Vietnam — for distinctive pieces.) Prepare to stay and wander for a few hours.
2762 Northumberland County Road 28
primitivedesignscanada.com

Enjoy the Sun

East Beach & West Beach
In the summer, the beach beckons. There are two sandy beaches in Port Hope — the West Beach and the East Beach. The West Beach (located on Marsh Street) is a mix of sand and rocky shore — it’s said to be an ideal spot for those who love skipping rocks. The East Beach (at Mill Street South and Madison Street) has a sandy bottom, which is great for those who want to take a dip. Both beaches have playgrounds, public washrooms and they’re both near downtown’s dining and shopping hot-spots.

Grab a Burger

Olympus Burger
Once ranked the best burger in the country and featured on Food Network’s You Gotta Eat Here, Olympus Burger prides itself on ridiculously delicious fare. If the regular menu (filled with a slew of yummy burgers named after Greek gods) wasn’t enough (and it is), there’s a secret menu with exceptional flavours. Try Odysseus — it’s a fresh beef patty with saganaki cheese, crispy bacon, blackberry jam, lettuce and tomato. And order the Olympus poutine, made with hand-cut fries, bacon, caramelized onions, Ivanhoe cheese curds and beef gravy.
55 Mill Street South
olympusburger.ca

Get Dessert

queenies bake shop
The last time I was at Queenies, I had the best London Fog tea latte of my life and a lemon square that was perfectly sweet and perfectly tart at the same time. Not only is this wee shop ideal for dessert, it’s also a good pick for lunch (who doesn’t love tuna salad on a freshly baked croissant?).
16 Walton Street

Go for a Drink

The Social
Bar + Table
The food is amazing at this farm-to-table restaurant, but if you’re just out for a few bevvies, you’re in luck — this place has a phenomenal drinks menu. The PJ, for example, has smoked pear-infused Forty Creek Copper Pot Whisky, Cinzano Sweet Vermouth and ginger bitters. There are also more than 15 wines on offer, including local varieties that go beautifully with their fries, charcuterie, baked brie and brisket tacos.
26 Ontario Street
thesocialph.ca

Read Between the Lines

Furby House Books

William Furby (1799-1881) is known as Port Hope’s
“father of local journalism.” Today, Furby House Books is a popular spot for those looking for their next good read from an independent bookstore — they carry a ton of genres, from fiction and mystery to cookbooks and titles for tots. Browsing their shelves is super relaxing. Check their social media for author readings and other events.     

65 Walton Street
furbyhousebooks.com

Connect with Spark

Twitter: @spark_centre 
Instagram: @spark_centre
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/spark-centre
sparkcentre.org

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Lisa van de Geyn

Lisa is a longtime veteran of Canada’s magazine scene who has worked at or freelanced for several of the country’s venerable titles, including Chatelaine, Canadian Living, Today’s Parent, House & Home, Best Health and Reader’s Digest.

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